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Warning to fake news peddlers
Dear Editor The DA is pursuing legal action against a Richards Bay businessman, Sheldon Cramer, who shamelessly propagated fake and manipulated content across social media platforms. Operating under the TikTok handle @bobbygreenhash, Cramer disseminated a fabricated audio clip claiming to feature DA MP Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach confirming that Federal leader John Steenhuisen had leveraged the …
Exciting ODI Cricket Match: South Africa vs. India
The upcoming One Day International (ODI) cricket match between South Africa and India is set to be a thrilling encounter that promises exceptional athleticism, intense competition, and memorable moments for fans of the sport. As two cricketing powerhouses, both teams boast a rich history of riveting matches, making this event a must-see for cricket enthusiasts. …
Birrell Talks Life And Cricket At CSA Khaya Majola Week
MAKHANDA: One would wonder about the wisdom of getting an ex-player or current coach as a guest speaker to address a...
Reconciliation is a commitment to creating a united society, says President
Reconciliation is a commitment to creating a united society, says President
President Cyril Ramaphosa says reconciliation is a commitment to creating a society where everyone is valued, where diversity is celebrated and where the scars of the past are transformed into stepping stones towards a brighter and more compassionate future.
“As we mark Reconciliation Day, we are reminded of just how extraordinary our experience was,” President Ramaphosa said.
Speaking at the National Day of Reconciliation at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday, President Ramaphosa said reconciliation is not an act of forgetting or ignoring the wounds of the past.
“Instead, it is a courageous and intentional effort to confront our history, to learn from it and to build bridges of understanding across the chasms of misunderstanding and mistrust,” the President said.
This year the Reconciliation Month is being commemorated under the theme: “Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation”.
President Ramaphosa said many believed it was not possible for the former oppressor and the oppressed to make peace and reconcile and they did so.
“Our national days, our flag, the national anthem and our national symbols stand as testament to a new, unique nation that emerged from a difficult and bitter past. These are no mere symbols or gestures. They serve as important reminders of what we have been able to build within a relatively short period of time.
“Our democracy will soon be 30 years old. Some of the world’s oldest democracies are still grappling with racial and ethnic tensions among their people,” the President said.
He said South Africa, despite its many challenges, has not slid into the morass of bigotry, racism and tribalism that is prevalent many other societies.
“This year we bore witness to the power of reconciliation when our national rugby team the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in France.
“To have seen so many South Africans of all races and all ages rallying behind the team, showing their support so passionately and joining in the victory celebrations reminded us that, despite our many challenges, we are a united nation, proud of who we are and proud of how far we have come.
“The proud and resilient South African spirit has carried us through the many difficulties of the past and it will continue to do so well into the future.
“We came together and rallied behind the national effort to contain COVID-19. We all played our part to keep ourselves and others safe,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africans must confront the uncomfortable truths, learn from them and work together to create a society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or identity.
“Inequality is the greatest challenge to meaningful and lasting reconciliation in our country. Central to the advancement of reconciliation must therefore be a concerted effort to end poverty and unemployment and meaningfully reduce inequality.
“We have undertaken a massive redistribution of resources towards mainly black South Africans through the provision of basic services, subsidised housing, improved education and health care, and social grants,” the President said.
The National Day of Reconciliation aims to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality by highlighting and advancing the constitutional values and principles that bind together all South Africans.
The day also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors of various forms of abuse or infringements of rights. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:25
163 views
Government welcomes “notable” increase in employment
Government welcomes "notable" increase in employment
Government has welcomed the increase in employment for the period June to September 2023 as per the 3rd Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) report of Statistics South Africa.
“The continuous increase in employment is a demonstration that measures put in place by government, the partnership with business and labour to reduce unemployment and create opportunities for more jobs are steadily and firmly gaining traction despite prevailing domestic and global challenges facing the economy,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said in a statement.
“Government remains resolute in resolving the domestic constrains to the economy as indicated by the recently Cabinet approved Freight and Logistics Roadmap and the Integrated Resource Plan 2023.
“These interventions will also help facilitate economic growth opportunities to reverse the contraction in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was 0.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2023,” the Minister said.
Government, Ntshavheni said, is also pleased with the year-on-year increase or 2.6% increase in employment.
According to StatsSA, the total employment increased by 256 000 between September 2022 and September 2023.
Notable in the increase is also an increase in gross earnings paid to employees which increased by R16.7 billion (2.0%) from R833.6 billion in June 2023 to R850.2 billion in September 2023.
This means to some levels there are measures being put in place to ensure earnings are kept up with the increasing cost of living.
“Government has also noted that both increases in employment and gross earnings have been driven by sectors that are critical to South Africa’s economic growth, namely by trade, mining, transport, electricity industries and community services.
“In addition, the contribution of business services, manufacturing, and construction in the increase in gross earnings is a positive development.
“As the country ends the year on this good news of a resilient economy which is steadily creating employment, government undertakes to double its efforts in the new year to bolster an employment-creating economy,” Minister Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 12/16/2023 - 13:35
1 view
#Pitchupinpink Pink Day To Continue Raising Awareness In The Battle Against Breast Cancer
JOHANNESBURG: The hugely popular Pink Day One Day International (ODI) is set to take place at DP World Wanderers Stadium on...
SA marks Day of Reconciliation
SA marks Day of Reconciliation
President Cyril Ramaphosa will today deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation celebrations at the Thohoyandou Stadium in the Vhembe District in Limpopo.
This year, Reconciliation Month is commemorated under the theme: “Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation”.
The National Day of Reconciliation aims to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality by highlighting and advancing the constitutional values and principles that bind together all South Africans.
The day also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
South Africa has made significant progress in transforming from an apartheid state into a democratic one.
In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors of various forms of abuse or infringements of rights.
The National Day of Reconciliation focuses attention on national unity that is enriched by the diversity of histories and experiences, languages and cultures that make South Africa unique.
At the event, President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.
President Ramaphosa will visit the Fulufhelo Special School, which is a legacy project in Thohoyandou. The school was established in 1987 by Phalalani Association for people with intellectual disabilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 12/16/2023 - 10:15
30 views
Suryakumar And Kuldeep Aid India Earn Share Of Series
JOHANNESBURG: The Proteas had to settle for a share of the KFC T20 International (T20I) Series after India levelled three-match sequence...
Government Welcomes Notable Increase in Employment
Government welcomes the increase in employment for the period June to September 2023 as per the 3rd Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) report of Statistics South Africa. Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that “The continuous increase in employment is a demonstration that measures put in place by government, the partnership with business and labour to reduce unemployment and create opportunities for more jobs are steadily and firmly gaining traction despite prevailing domestic and global challenges facing the economy. Government remains resolute in resolving the domestic constrains to the economy as indicated by the recently Cabinet approved Freight and Logistics Roadmap and the Integrated Resource Plan 2023. These interventions will also help facilitate economic growth opportunities to reverse the contraction in real gross domestic product (GDP), which was 0.2% in the 3rd quarter of 2023”.
Government is also pleased with the year-on-year increase or 2.6% increase in employment. According to StatsSA, the total employment increased by 256 000 between September 2022 and September 2023.
Notable in the increase is also an increase in Gross Earnings paid to employees which increased by R16,7 billion (2,0%) from R833,6 billion in June 2023 to R850,2 billion in September 2023. This means to some levels there are measures 2 being put in place to ensure earnings are kept up with the increasing cost of living.
Government has also noted that both increases in employment and gross earnings have been driven by sectors that are critical to South Africa's economic growth, namely by trade, mining, transport, electricity industries and community services. In addition, the contribution of business services, manufacturing, and construction in the increase in gross earnings is a positive development.
As the country ends the year on this good news of a resilient economy which is steadily creating employment, government undertakes to double its efforts in the new year to bolster an employment-creating economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
South Africa: Deputy Minister Botes concludes Working Visit to Eastern Europe
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his Working Visit to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
In Russia, the Deputy Minister met with his counterpart, Mr Mikhail Bogdanov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to hold Political Consultations on a range of issues including the importance of strengthening the trade and investment relationship between the two countries.
In Belarus, the Deputy Minister met with Mr Evgeny Shastakov, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Deputy Ministers held the Fourth Round of Political Consultations to explore strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In addition, the Deputy Minister met with various Belarusian stakeholders in the economic sphere, including the Chamber of Commerce, aimed at promoting a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
South Africa: President to Address the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation Celebration
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 16 December 2023, deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Day of Reconciliation celebrations.
The national event will be held at Thohoyandou Stadium, Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo.
This year, Reconciliation Month is commemorated under the theme “Strengthening unity and social cohesion in a healing nation”.
The National Day of Reconciliation aims to promote national unity, social cohesion, constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality by highlighting and advancing the constitutional values and principles that bind together all South Africans.
The day also serves as a call to action to individuals to take responsibility to fight racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
South Africa has made significant progress in transforming from an apartheid state into a democratic one.
In 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors of various forms of abuse or infringements of rights.
National Day of Reconciliation focuses attention on national unity that is enriched by the diversity of histories and experiences, languages and cultures that make South Africa unique.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa.
As part of the celebrations, President Ramaphosa will visit Fulufhelo Special School, which is a legacy project in Thohoyandou.
Fulufhelo Special School was established in 1987 by Phalalani Association for people with intellectual disabilities.
Media accreditation has concluded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and no new applications will be accepted.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Department to intensify efforts to pay service providers on time
Department to intensify efforts to pay service providers on time
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has vowed to put an end to the failure to pay service providers in the construction industry within 30 days.
Minister Zikalala was speaking at the National Stakeholder Forum convened by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
The National Stakeholder Forum is comprised of contractors in the built industry, government departments and municipalities involved in infrastructure development, built industry organisations and councils, institutions of higher learning and other key players in the built environment industry.
The forum was convened in order for the Minister to gain insight from players in the industry and go through emerging trends and developments, respond to threats and new opportunities emerging within the sector.
“We will commence engagements with all contractors not paid on time. It is time that we fight bribery and corruption where payments are delayed in order to force them to pay. We are alarmed at the allegations that outstanding invoices amount to billions. We will intensify the Re a Patala campaign in all provinces,” said the Minister.
Re Ya Patala (We Pay) was launched by the DPWI October 2009 as means to address payment backlogs to service providers.
Responding to challenges faced by small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and emerging contractors around access to finance, Zikalala noted the historic partnership between the CIDB and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) for construction industry financing mechanisms to focus on financing small and medium contractors and cooperatives involved in the construction sector.
The partnership under consideration will see the CIDB contribute up to R150 million and SEFA matching that with R150 million over the medium term.
“The struggle faced by SMME’s in the construction sector requires innovation. Many collapse because they do not have access to finance and loans for building materials and other resources. We need to develop a finance institution led by the industry to support contractors,” said the Minister.
Stakeholders have implored the Minister to investigate and report on the escalating rate of the cancellation of tenders, especially big tenders by parastatals and institutions which is costing the construction industry billions of rands.
The forum noted that big state entities cancel tenders after contractors have spent money and time putting together infrastructure.
Career paths
Meanwhile, the Minister raised concern over the slow pace in which the built environment industry is advancing the career path of professionals.
“The DPWI is worried that there are suspicions of gatekeeping. At least over 30 000 professionals have been kept at the candidacy level for a longer period of time. There seems to be no appetite to graduate them and empower them with skills relevant to their qualifications,” said the DPWI.
The department, through one of its entities, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), will establish a national logbook to track progress in this area.
The entity has also been tasked with standardising the process of how one obtains professional recognition within the industry.
The CBE will strengthen its relationship with tertiary institutions and councils to accelerate the preparation, mentoring and registration of students at lower academic levels. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:21
536 views
Chikunga leads festive season road safety awareness campaign on N3
Chikunga leads festive season road safety awareness campaign on N3
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga will lead the festive season road safety awareness campaign at the Sanral Mariannhill Toll Plaza on the N3 in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
“The festive season road safety awareness campaign is a government programme that aims to prioritise and promote safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads,” the department said in a statement.
The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic but also to prevent negligent and reckless driving that results in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The road safety campaign was launched in the last week of November and is a collaboration between different levels of government, transport entities led by CEOs, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and key stakeholders and role players.
“Festive season activities in South Africa are associated with year-end celebrations, economic industry slowdowns and year-end closures, increased traffic volumes and increased road crash incidents,” the statement read.
The department said a large proportion of road crash victims are pedestrians and passengers as a result of lack or even non-use of safety belts and jaywalking. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:21
470 views
President, Black Business Council discuss transformation of the economy
President, Black Business Council discuss transformation of the economy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a meeting with the Black Business Council (BBC) to discuss challenges facing the economy and the transformation of the economy.
Also at the meeting were Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi; Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana; Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and Minister in the Presidency for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo.
Topics under discussion included issues hindering black business participation in contributing to development and economic growth, energy security, transport, agriculture, the capacity of the state, employment equity and transformation.
“Since the advent of democracy nearly 30 years ago, we have worked to advance the economic position of black and women South Africans. That is why we introduced broad-based black economic empowerment, affirmative action, preferential procurement and other transformation policies to address the imbalances created by years of apartheid rule.
“Our fiscal policies enabled a massive redistribution of resources towards mainly black South Africans through the provision of basic services, subsidised housing, improved education and health care, and social grants,” President Ramaphosa said.
BBC President Elias Monage said: “The BBC notes progress being made in processing the Public Procurement Bill. We view this bill as a very important instrument and the BBC is happy that the bill, in its current form, after many fights, contains the set-asides in the primary legislation”.
According to the Presidency, the meeting agreed to establish five focused work streams which will be coordinated from the Presidency with the first quarterly report back expected to take place in March 2024.
The work streams are:
- Inclusive economic transformation
- Funding of black small businesses
- Energy (to be considered as part of NECOM work streams)
- Transport and logistics (to be considered as part of NLCC work streams)
- Capacity of the State
“President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment in addressing the energy crisis, logistics backlogs and crime and corruption by highlighting key interventions through the Energy Action Plan, National Logistics Crisis Committee and the recently adopted Freight Logistics Road map, and positive steps taken to appoint a new board of Transnet and the Eskom Group Chief Executive Officer,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:29
508 views
Celebrating South Africa’s sports stars
Celebrating South Africa's sports stars
South Africans will celebrate South Africa’s sports achievements and the Springboks World Cup victory on Friday, after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 15 December a public holiday.
The Boks clinched a hard fought and historic victory during a tough encounter against New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final held in Paris in October.
The Boks are the only national team who have won the Rugby World Cup four times.
In an address to nation shortly after the win and following public calls for a public holiday to celebrate the victory and sports achievements in true South African style, President Ramaphosa said the holiday would only be held after the matric final exams.
“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.
The year 2023 has been a glittering year for South African sports and its stars. Notable achievements include:
- The Springbok’s Rugby World Cup victory in October.
- Banyana Banyana’s progression into the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (the first South African senior football side to do so) following their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022.
- KG Montjane became the first South African woman in 40 years to win a French Open title after she and her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, clinched the doubles wheelchair final in June.
- South African swimming sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker won her first ever world title at the World Aquatics Championships held in Japan in July.
- The South African Special Olympics team returned from the Special Olympics World Games held in June with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
- South Africa’s successful hosting of the Netball World Cup which was held on African soil for the first time in its history. The tournament was held during July and August.
- The Momentum Proteas – South Africa’s women’s national team – reached the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup final held in Cape Town in February.
- The Proteas reached the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup held in India in November.
Earlier this week in his newsletter to the nation, the President urged South Africans to come together to “remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa”.
The President called on South Africans to mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup.
“Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.
“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 11:50
306 views
Get rid of leaf blowers: they pollute and their purpose is dubious
Many use two-stroke engines which are an environmental hazard
The Essential Role of Food Product Manufacturers
Introduction The modern food industry hinges significantly on the contributions of food product manufacturers. These entities are pivotal in shaping our daily diets and culinary experiences, offering a wide array of consumables to cater to diverse tastes and needs. The Range of Products These manufacturers pride themselves on a varied product portfolio, encompassing items …
Sport for change
Sport for change
With the holiday period almost in full swing, many of us can’t wait to see the back of the office in exchange for time to unwind with family and friends, after all it has indeed been an exhausting year for most.
I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that the years after the horrible chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult. Oddly, at times it felt as if two years had been crammed into a single calendar year.
Despite the doom and gloom of all our varying individual circumstances, South Africa’s sporting men and women this year gave us the ray of sunshine we all needed.
They not only brought smiles to our faces, but they gave much-needed hope and pride to the nation.
Think of the wonderful performance of Banyana Banyana who made history becoming the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. While not reaching the finals, the SPAR Proteas team made the country proud in their performance at the Netball World Cup that South Africa hosted in July and early August.
To add to the magic made on the sporting field, the men’s national cricket team, the Proteas, made the country proud at the 2023 Cricket World Cup reaching the semi-finals of the tournament in November.
This as the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis trophy for a record fourth time since South Africa became a democracy in 1994. Their win at the Rugby World Cup in France and the performance of the other sporting codes did much for the mood of a country bedevilled by various challenges such as unemployment, gender-based violence and corruption.
We even glossed over the stress associated with being a sports fan. I mean what is a little bit of yelling at the television in frustration because the team wouldn’t listen to our armchair advice or walking away from it without watching the match to the end because it’s just too stressful?
South Africans also withstood the dreaded bouts of load shedding that led to the missing of matches if one did not make alternative arrangements to catch the game somewhere else.
We have since put all that behind us. After all, we all know that being a fan of any sporting code is not always easy!
Sport supporters and part-time supporters who got caught up in the fever pitch of it all supported our teams. We are not called a sporting nation for nothing.
South Africans rallied behind their national teams so much so that President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement.
And yes, I completely understand that for some, social cohesion is an airy-fairy concept or government initiative that bears no weight in everyday-life situations where racism and inequality are very much part of life in Mzansi.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”.
In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words the Boks’ win has “united South African people.” I mean who can forget the viral clip of Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi being cheered on by customers and store staff whilst out grocery shopping, and Eben ‘Elizabedi’ Etzebeth and RG Snyman dancing with South African fans near the Eiffel Tower in Paris?
The win showed that while challenges remain, the country has come a long way in its journey of democracy that involved the transformation of a country that only worked for a minority to a country that embraces all of her people.
The victories on the sporting field have a far greater meaning for South Africans. These victories result in disadvantaged little ones and teenagers seeing themselves reaching and even exceeding the heights reached by the sporting heroes.
Sport is more than just sport; it unites us; it inspires us; gives us hope - and is often a ticket to a better life.
And while we all scoffed at the President for making the holiday only in December because we all needed one sooner rather than later, the time has finally arrived.
As a loyal sports fan, you have earned it, now enjoy it! -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 12:11
319 views
YES Alumni Profiling – Bryan Mposula: From Rags to IT
The Youth Employment Service’s approach of identifying and leapfrogging talented individuals into promising careers highlights the success of its model. It creates a conduit between talented youth and potential employers who may not have had the chance to connect otherwise. Just ask Bryan Mposula. His initial 12-month YES work experience was sponsored by Liquid Telecoms, …
The Festive Season Just Got Fabulous at Clico and 400 Degrees
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New recruits “part of a modern front in the battle against crime”
New recruits "part of a new front in the fight against crime"
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the latest intake of police recruits will contribute to government’s visible policing efforts and strengthen the capacity of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
He was speaking at a passing out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers were certified as ready for the fight against crime at the South African National Defence Force’s 3 South African Infantry Battalion in Kimberley on Thursday.
The parade was one of a number of ceremonies taking place across various provinces this week where a total of 10 000 officers marked the end of their basic training.
“Our new Constables will be deployed to various police stations and also to specialised units such as Public Order Policing, Visible Policing, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units.
“Among their first tasks will be to strengthen the country-wide effort to ensure that South Africans are safe and secure during this festive season. A strong, capacitated and well-resourced South African Police Service is critical in the fight against crime,” President Ramaphosa said.
He told the new police recruits that being a policeman or policewoman involved gruelling training, many hours spent away from friends and family and hard work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions.
“This profession puts you at the frontline of service to our citizens, who come to you for help and in the frontline in the fight against crime. And yet it is a path you have chosen. The path of the bravest of the brave, the path of service and dedication. For this, we thank you and we salute you,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said the country was under siege from criminals and that crime is wreaking havoc in communities, destroying lives and tearing families apart.
The President said crime was undermining the economy, affecting small and large businesses and holding back a sustainable economic recovery.
“We are tired of crime. We are tired of criminals operating with impunity. We are tired of the abuse and violence directed at women, children and other vulnerable groups. We are tired of the rule of law being undermined.
“We have recruited and trained you as part of a new front in the fight against crime,” the President said.
In February this year, during the State of the Nation Address, it was announced that the SAPS would train 10 000 new recruits this year to bolster the 10 000 recruits that were trained in 2022.
Touching on Operation Shanela, President Ramaphosa said high-density operations have been undertaken across the country that resulted in over 250 000 arrests, the seizure of over 3 200 firearms and the recovery of more than 1 700 stolen vehicles.
“The police have made progress in tackling crimes like cash in transit heists, drug smuggling, illegal mining and damage to critical infrastructure.
“Working together with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), the police have secured 247 life sentences for 187 perpetrators of gender-based violence since the beginning of this financial year.
“Police members are the first responders. Police members are [the] first point of contact with victims of crime. Police stations are the places people go first when a crime has been committed. Suspects who have been apprehended or arrested are taken away in police vans or detained at police stations,” the President said.
On Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season, to ensure a safe holiday period in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 12:36
257 views
The gift of legacy: Charitable giving in your estate position
The festive season is upon us, our hearts are filled with joy, gratitude, and a spirit of giving. The profound concept of incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan, turning the season of celebration into an opportunity, to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy means more to your loved ones than you can ever imagine. …
Embrace the Extraordinary this Christmas with Southern Sun
Step into the enchantment of the festive season with Southern Sun’s spectacular array of special offers, designed to elevate your celebrations to new heights. As we embrace the spirit of togetherness, Southern Sun invites you to savour the magic of Christmas with expertly crafted dining experiences. Explore the various dining offers on our website and …