Three people die in shack fire in Joe Slovo Park
73 people left homeless by the blaze on Saturday night
Illegal miners to appear before Sabie Magistrate’s Court
Illegal miners to appear before Sabie Magistrate's Court
More than 60 suspects arrested over the weekend are expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate's Court today on charges of illegal mining, among other things.
In total, 68 male suspects, aged between 19 and 54, were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga.
Amongst them, two were nabbed for human trafficking, meanwhile two others were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, while eight were nabbed for alleged kidnapping.
The successes are part of Operation Shanela in the province, which was carried out at Sabie on Saturday. All arrested suspects are facing charges relating to the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
According to the police report, the operation was conducted by a team consisting of members of the police from Provincial Organised Crime, members from Sabie Vispol, members from the Local Criminal Record Centre in Lydenburg, Lydenburg K-9 Unit, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Minerals and Resources, personnel from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and guards from Phoenix Security and Amandla Security.
An operation was carried out after a victim from Lesotho came to the Sabie police station last month to report a case of kidnapping.
An investigation was thoroughly conducted and information was gathered. The investigating team coordinated and executed a sting operation in the early hours on Saturday.
When members arrived at the site, they managed to arrest the alleged illegal miners, well known as 'zama zamas', where two firearms with ammunition were found amongst the suspects.
The members also nabbed eight individuals, who are suspected to have been behind the kidnapping of the Lesotho national.
A preliminary investigation by the police revealed that two of the suspects are allegedly involved in the human trafficking of people from Lesotho, who were used for illegal mining in Sabie.
Two suspects face charges of human trafficking and more charges could possibly be added against them as the investigation continues.
The investigators are adamant that there could be more criminal activities that these men might be involved in. A probe is underway, where other stakeholders are assisting to ensure that the law take its course.
The confiscated firearms will be taken for ballistic testing to determine whether they were used previously in the commission of crime.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended the outstanding work that has been done by the collaborative team.
"We are very glad that not only was a huge number of suspects arrested, but two firearms were discovered.
“The issue of illegal mining is a concern in our country and we are happy that the public can see that the state, in conjunction with the private sector, is working hard to address the challenge, hence this success," she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:24
780 views
Call for Johannesburg to turn “dark buildings” into decent housing for poor people
Housing collective plans march in city next month to demand housing for the poor
Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum
Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has called for sport to be incorporated into the school curriculum.
“School sport is the bedrock of sport development in the country. School sport and physical education are contained in the National Development Plan and are integral to development in the country,” the Minister said.
He made these remarks on Sunday as he reflected on the recently held National School Sport Indaba, which gathered sport leaders and administrators, representatives in education, international experts, government officials, former players, and activists in the sport sector under the theme: 'Towards an integrated and united school sport system'.
The Minister said the National School Sport Indaba gave impetus to the establishment of a blueprint for school sport in South Africa.
“The indaba has set the path forward for government, the sport and education sectors, and commercial, community and civil society partners to work together towards building a sustainable national school sport programme,” he said.
The indaba focused on a new theory of change, realising the need to resolve all obstacles that are in the way of an inclusive, accessible and quality school sport system in the country.
The National School Sport Indaba came to the following resolutions:
- Policy: To give effect to the collaboration agreement between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education through robust implementation, formal plans and monitoring of the agreement through formal practices.
- Resources: To advocate for the building of school-based sports facilities that are aligned to the broader community spatial design, to optimise the use of currently available school facilities, and encourage private public partnerships through a suitable model, which is to be investigated.
- Development pathway: Focus on getting children playing regularly. School sport must be educator-driven and build capacity across all role-players in the ecosystem through formal training programmes. Physical education should be introduced as a stand-alone subject.
- Stakeholder relationships and structures: A national macro body for school sport, supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), should be established.
- Governance and transformation: Regulate the integration of the country’s fragmented school sport system.
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:29
425 views
Spotlight on Thusong Centres
Spotlight on Thusong Centres
Government will this week raise awareness on the important services that Thusong Centres offer to communities across the country.
This year’s Annual Thusong Service Centre Week will place from 18 - 22 September under the theme: 'Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery'.
Thusong Service Centres ensure that communities can access information and government services in line with the Batho Pele principles, and is part of government's commitment of taking services to the people.
“During this period, Thusong Service Centres will also be used to encourage South Africans to get involved in clean-up campaigns and start community gardens to alleviate food insecurity.
“The week overlaps with Public Service Month, which recognises the work of public servants, their contribution in the development of the country and encourage the brightest in the country to pursue careers in the public sector,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:37
543 views
Navigating the World of Kosher Certification with Expertise
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Revised framework on municipal administration of housing programmes approved
Revised framework on municipal administration of housing programmes approved
The human settlements sector will soon have a revised framework to guide the municipalities' administration of national housing programmes.
This follows the approval of the 2023 Revised Accreditation Framework for municipalities to administer the National Housing Programmes, and ensure municipalities' progressive capacitation to perform the delegated functions without compromising delivery capacity in the short-term.
The framework was approved on Friday, 15 September following a presentation tabled at a meeting between Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete and provincial MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC), where it received resounding support.
Kubayi said the approval of the framework is a big step towards the creation of objective criteria for accrediting municipalities with a clear accreditation process timetable.
“Allowing municipalities to progressively build implementation capacity bolsters our long-term objective of creating a fully enabling environment for our municipalities to be self-sufficient in human settlements delivery. This way, we are capacitating them while ensuring that we reach our targets,” Kubayi said.
The Minister noted that the implementation of the 2012 Accreditation Framework faced several implementation challenges in some provinces.
She said the 2023 Revised Accreditation Framework introduces, among others, a programme-based incremental approach, wherein municipalities are to be accredited for implementing a programme or mixture of programmes that are relevant to their capacity and priority needs.
“Another major intervention in the revised framework is the role of intermediate city municipalities or secondary cities, which are considered crucial catalysts for more balanced and dispersed growth across the country,” the Minister said.
Title Deeds Programme remains priority
The MINMEC also agreed that the Title Deeds Programme must be prioritised through several interventions, including embarking on weekly roadshows to issue the 234 757 available title deeds nationally.
The discussions focused on the turnaround time by municipalities to declare townships, with an agreement to collaborate on cross-border demarcation, particularly as it impacts on the title deeds roll out programme.
The issuing of title deeds across provinces is an apex priority for the department, and as part of efforts to clear the backlog, the municipalities were urged to refrain from storing them in their offices and make concerted efforts to ensure that people become the rightful owners of their homes.
“The department has been incorporating the issuing of title deeds with housing handovers, given the urgency by government to significantly unlock economic benefits,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:55
624 views
Streamlining Business Operations with Comprehensive Document Solutions
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Copper boom sparks conflict between mine and residents of Northern Cape town
We visited Concordia, where 29 people were arrested for protesting against a mine
Police appeal for cooperation in apprehending suspects
Police appeal for cooperation in apprehending suspects
Police in Mpumalanga are appealing to members of the public to assist by providing information that can lead to the arrest of suspects involved in the shooting of patrons at a tavern in Kanyamazane on Sunday.
Two people died and scores others were injured as a result of the shooting.
One patron died at the scene, while another died in hospital later in the day. Two other people are said to be in a serious condition in hospital.
All the deceased have not yet been identified.
According to police, two armed men wearing balaclavas stormed into the tavern just after midnight and opened fire indiscriminately. After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene.
A team of investigators has been assembled under the leadership of the provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela.
Manamela has strongly condemned the incident.
“We are very concerned about crimes that are being committed at liquor outlets, including crimes that are carried out near these liquor outlets.
“We trust that our communities will come on board and share information that will assist in this investigation,” she said.
A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.
The investigation continues, and police have urged members of the public to come forward with information that may assist in the arrest of the perpetrators. The public is urged to use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 11:59
300 views
One Remote to Rule Them All: The Power of the Universal Remote
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SA stories are cultural endowments for future generations
SA stories are cultural endowments for future generations
South African stories are cultural endowments for the benefit of future generations and are integral to the ongoing task of forging national unity, inculcating national pride and promoting respect for diversity.
“There are so many stories to be told, both of the past and the present,” President Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter today.
President Ramaphosa said one part of the country’s story that has not been fully told is that of peaceful transition to democracy.
“It is a complex story with many different perspectives and competing narratives,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said one of the most remarkable aspects of the South African society today is the “commitment to maintain peace among ourselves and our neighbours, and preventing tribalism and ethnic chauvinism from sowing discord between us”.
“Even when acts of racism occur, these provocations are rejected by South Africans, who won’t let them be used to exacerbate tensions in communities.
“This eternal vigilance is born of bitter experience that has its roots in the political violence of the 1980s and early 1990s, and how South Africans worked together to overcome differences, pull our country back from the brink and achieve peace.
“As we revel in our cultural pride and celebrate our roots with art, dance, cuisine and music, we must remember that the struggle for peace and reconciliation is a vital part of our heritage. We remember that the children born into democracy are able to take pride in their heritage today because of the peaceful democratic transition, which produced a Constitution that guarantees rights and freedoms for all, including the right to express one’s language and culture,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said today artists and cultural workers are able to exercise their right to freedom of expression in how they chronicle both the past and the present without fear of censure, banning or imprisonment.
“These are the fruits of freedom, but also the fruits of peace. With so many countries and societies around the world today beset by conflict, we are fortunate that the project of national reconciliation is ongoing and has not been abandoned,” the President said.
He called on all creative practitioners to play a more prominent role in nation-building through work that highlights the uplifting, inspiring and enduring aspects of society and its history.
“Contributing to maintaining peace and to advancing reconciliation is our collective responsibility as South Africans. It is the greatest gift we can bestow on the generations to come,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the success of the 'Shaka iLembe' production and many other local productions should encourage creative professionals to apply their talents to the production of more such work. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:36
91 views
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DPWI minister to meet stakeholders in built environment sector
DPWI minister to meet stakeholders in built environment sector
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Tuesday meet with various stakeholders in the construction and built environment sector in Rustenburg, North West.
According to the department, the engagement is aimed at resolving challenges faced by stakeholders within the sector, as well as women and youth owned enterprises with the potential to enter the sector.
“This engagement comes after Minister Zikalala was briefed by the delegation of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) in the North West on challenges that confront built environment practictioners in the province, particularly women and youth owned enterprises,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 12:09
141 views
Inspired Education partners with The Royal College of Music and Forte to provide students with world-leading music programme
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SAWS issues weather alert for damaging waves
SAWS issues weather alert for damaging waves
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather alert for damaging waves between Plettenberg Bay and Richards Bay on Monday.
“The damaging waves are expected to result in localised disruptions to beachfront activities, localised disruption of small harbours and/or ports, difficulty in navigation of vessels at sea, and small vessels being at risk of taking on water and capsizing,” SAWS said.
On Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) warned residents along the Western Cape's coastal areas to exercise caution, as a high spring tide was expected. It caused waves to wash over railings, washing into homes and sweeping cars away along the coast.
According to the NSRI, an elderly woman, 93, died after being swept off her feet in the Wilderness area of the Southern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 10:05
419 views
CPUT agrees to increase payment to private residence after students locked out
This is despite the owner of 210 Long Street not meeting all NSFAS requirements of a fully accredited accommodation.
High water usage puts strain on scheme
High water usage puts strain on system
Rand Water and Johannesburg Water have urged consumers and citizens to use water sparingly as demand is exceeding supply.
In a joint stamen issued on Sunday, the utilities said they are noticing an increase in water consumption from customer meters that are in the system.
The utilities warned the increase is putting strain on the system.
"Consumers and citizens can assist by reducing their water consumption.
“Rand Water’s primary and secondary stations are operating at their maximum capacity. However, the entity is unable to maintain its reservoirs at high water levels because of high consumption by consumers and citizens in the metro and surrounding areas.
“As a result, reservoir levels remain at their lowest due to high consumption by consumers. Due to the system being integrated, even customers that are using water sparingly are being affected.
"High potable water consumption may result in the collapse of the system, which will result in intermittent water supply,” Rand Water spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo, said.
Maroo reiterated that South Africa is a water-scarce country.
“Consumer behaviour is important in ensuring sustainable and equitable water supply," she said.
Water saving tips
Customers, including consumers and all citizens, are urged to conserve water by implementing the following water saving tips:
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens with clean drinking water.
• Refrain from filling-up swimming pools until consumption has reduced.
• Do not clean paved areas and driveways with clean drinking water.
• Wash your cars only on weekends using buckets.
• Take a two-minute shower instead of using bathtubs.
• Do not leave your tap running when brushing teeth.
• Fix all leaking plumbing features in your houses.
• Flush toilets only for the brown and not the yellow.
• Report leaking water pipes to the respective local municipalities within the City of Johannesburg.
“Rand Water and Johannesburg Water commit to constant provision of high quality drinking water to all its customers and citizens, thus ensuring the sustainable security of water supply. Citizens and all other consumers are requested to assist in this endeavour and use water sparingly and wisely,” the utilities said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 11:18
196 views
The Thrilling World Of Immersive Escape Room Experiences
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a world of mystery, adventure, and mind-bending puzzles? Look no further than the immersive live escape room craze that has been sweeping across the globe, and which is taking South Africa by storm! Escape rooms are not just games; they’re full-blown adventures that challenge your intellect, communication skills, …
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