Government responds to report on solitary confinement
Prisoners are held according to the law, writes the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson
Master Offices services to recede digital
Master Offices services to go digital
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) is expected to officially launch the Masters’ Deceased Estates Online Registration System in October.
In a webinar to inform the public about the new online service, Advocate Kanyane Mathibe, Chief Director for Strategy and Policy in the Office of the Chief Master said the system seeks to enable the Masters’ offices to serve clients in a quicker manner and reduce queues.
“We then embarked on a journey to develop an online deceased estates registration system that cuts the time in half that you can now register or report estates in the comfort of your home or in your office without having to interact with the Masters’ Office except in the lodgement of an original will where you would still need to lodge the original will after which the letter of authority would be granted.
“Further to that, we then allowed other features to be developed including an online appointment booking system where you would be able to book an appointment with the master in your jurisdiction at a specific time and you will be attended to either by an estate controller, a legally trained professional or an assistant master…depending on the complexity of the matter,” Mathibe said.
She explained that the office had received a number of complaints about services at the Master’s Office and this, coupled with other factors, prompted the move towards an online service.
“We have had challenges. Some…would have submitted complaints about the challenges that you’re experiencing with the Masters’ Office. We’ve got long queues. We’ve got more clients than we have the capacity to handle in our offices. We’ve seen increased customer complaints over the year, two years or so with the slow response of our systems, the high likelihood of fraud where letters of authority are being manipulated through fraudulent activities.
“Repeat walk ins where you come into the Master’s Office, you do not have the right documents, we send you back and you still have to come back. In some instances, misplacing or losing client documents where then duplicate files would have to be created. And we’ve been plagued by load shedding…that interrupts our services in offices where back up power has not been installed,” she said.
Mathibe added that a new letter of authority will be put in place in order to cut out incidents where letters of authority or executorship were fraudulently obtained through falsifying signatures.
“We now have a QR Code…that is embedded in a letter of authority. So the new letter of authority…it’s got an embedded QR code where you can then verify the authenticity of the letter of authority or the letter of executorship by a master,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 09:34
534 views
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Hosts High Commissioners and Ambassadors Reception in Pretoria
As global demand continues to grow and African countries seek to unlock new investment in untapped energy resources, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – serving as the voice of the African energy sector – is committed to facilitating engagement between governments, industry players, and capital and technology providers. On Thursday, the AEC hosted a High Commissioners and Ambassadors Reception in Pretoria, aimed at fostering new connections between countries.
The reception served as a prelude to the continent's largest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 – taking place from October 16-20 at the Cape Town Convention Center. More than 50 High Commissioners and Ambassadors took part in the reception, with remarks delivered by André Nzapayeke, Ambassador of Central African Republic & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa; Tebogo Seokolo, Acting Deputy Director General: Africa; and NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Verner Ayukegba, the Senior Vice President at the AEC, served as the Master of Ceremonies at the Reception.
“Energy security represents one of the greatest threats in the 21st century. It is one of the vexing challenges facing the African continent. We have to put all hands-on deck to address these challenges. It is about time that we see the positive results, see the investments,” Ambassador Seokolo stated. “This event is a precursor to AEW. It brings together global leaders and executives from both the public and private sector to discuss the future of African energy. On our part as Ambassadors of international relations, we commit to providing the support for visa facilitation.”
“We are dealing with a subject that is very important: energy. Without energy, we will not go far. Our continent has huge potential in energy. We will encourage out countries to attend AEW, because it is an opportunity for the actors in the sector to know each other and explore real business opportunities,” stated Ambassador Nzapayeke. “I would like to give the promise that we, the international diplomatic group, are willing to work hand in hand with you to promote the energy sector on the continent. The pan-African parliament can play an important role. Together we can make a difference.”
With energy security representing a significant challenge in Africa, the AEC Reception served as a strong foundation for country representatives to engage, share ideas and understand different approaches to resource maximization.
“Six million Africans don't have access to electricity, 900 million don't have access to clean cooking solutions. We have to deal with that fundamental issue,” stated Ayuk, adding that, “We need diplomacy to make energy poverty history. We need an environment that we can do projects in Africa and where we can do business. This is where governance will play a big part.”
AEW builds on a series of successful editions and has become the premier platform for investment to flow into African energy projects. This year's AEW takes place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets,' and convenes African governments and policymakers, regional energy companies and thought leaders, and global investors and technology providers for four days of dialogue and deals.
“AEW, the largest oil and gas conference on the continent, is a platform that we use to push our agenda: increase investment in the oil and gas space. We want to see your companies from your countries help build for a future African. Come to AEW and create the right type of partnerships,” stated Ayukegba.
With the event merely weeks away, time is running out to secure your participation at the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent. Visit www.AECWeek.com and secure your place among Africa's energy leaders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Roam free, crash free with Simbini Lifestyle Estate
Simbini Lifestyle Estate is not only a unique Investment opportunity bordering Kruger National Park, it also offers an innovative way of ensuring the financial sustainability of the project. Do you dream of owning a place where the irresistible allure of African landscapes merges seamlessly with luxurious modern living? Could there be a place that offers …
NSFAS must report back to Parliament in 2 weeks
Dear Editor The DA firmly supports Parliament’s decision for NSFAS to report back in two weeks regarding the ongoing problems affecting students, including issues with direct payment service providers, defunding, appeals, and accommodation accreditation. During the committee meeting yesterday, MPs expressed outrage over these problems, highlighting the adverse effects on students and their futures. NSFAS …
Prioritising Good Governance For Residents Despite Looming Fiscal Emergency
Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of his Cabinet, on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. At the meeting, the Provincial Economic Review and Outlook (PERO) report was tabled. PERO is an annual research publication prepared by the provincial treasury that sets out the economic, governance, and social context for the Western Cape Government (WCG) and …
Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman passes away
Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman passes away
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of The Baobab.
President Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to Wendy Ackerman, children, Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, Jonathan and the extended family.
Ackerman, who passed away at the age of 92, was awarded the Order of The Baobab in 2014 for his commitment to uplifting the lives of South Africans by providing scholarships to young people and conducting socially responsible retail business.
Ackerman was one of the first retailers to fight on behalf of the South African consumers against the apartheid state’s monopoly on basic goods.
He drastically reduced the cost of essentials such as bread, milk and chicken. He also spoke against the inclusion of value-added tax (VAT) on basic food lines, a course that they fought and won on behalf of the poor.
He was one of the first executives to promote black South Africans to senior positions and to acknowledge black trade unions. This was at the period when such unions were banned from operating in the country.
He also abolished race classification on the company’s human resources payroll.
Since the 1970s, the Ackerman Family Trust has supported hundreds of young people to become graduates across a broad range of professions.
“We mourn with the Ackerman family as they bid farewell to a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose name resounded as comfortably in millions of households around the country,” President Ramaphosa said.
“Raymond Ackerman was an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur who placed people first and stood up to the injustices and discrimination which the apartheid regime sought to outsource to the business sector,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 11:49
551 views
Dlamini Zuma launches women assembly in KZN
Dlamini Zuma launches women assembly in KZN
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongi Sithole-Moloi have launched the provincial Women Economic Assembly (WECONA).
WECONA is a catalyst platform for women owned/managed/led businesses/enterprises, anchored on collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society.
It is an ongoing initiative aimed at encouraging women to be economically active with the objective of bringing together the private sector, government and civil society to drive change in the economic landscape.
“Throughout the continent, women entrepreneurs are not just business leaders; they are role models. Through mentorship programs, training workshops, and community initiatives, they are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring that the legacy of women in business continues to thrive,” Dlamini Zuma said on Thursday in Durban.
The provincial assembly is aligned with the Pillar 5 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide that calls for “the need to create more economic opportunities for women who are vulnerable to abuse due to poverty, unemployment and social inequality.”
“Through WECONA, there have been transformational conversations with the industry associations and representatives to establish procurement targets to ensure [that] women-owned businesses have increased levels of participation within business value chains by advocating for the implementation of 40% preferential public procurement for women - owned businesses.
“These dialogues have led to the implementation of game-changing initiatives in several sectors, including the financial industry and automotive sectors,” the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 14:27
378 views
Half a cabbage is a meal for seven people as hunger grips the Eastern Cape
Gift of the Givers says it’s inundated with calls for help
President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit
President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to embark on a working visit to India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend.
“President Ramaphosa will during the summit participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed One Earth, One Family and One Future. The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.
“South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world. South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The theme for this year’s summit, held under the Presidency of India, is “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
“The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely; Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth; Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure; Building Digital Public Infrastructure; Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony; Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and; Creating a More Inclusive World.
“The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
“The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption,” the Presidency said.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor will support the President on the working visit. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 15:03
340 views
Mireille Wenger on critical skills shortages to boost business and job formation
The Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Labour Market Intelligence unit has recently released a survey to identify occupations in high demand, occupational shortages, and skills gaps in South Africa, and at a provincial level.
Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said: “in almost every interaction I have with business, big and small, the topic of the broken visa regime in the country comes up as a factor holding back their growth. The fact is that the current visa regime is a significant deterrent to investment and the expansion of existing businesses, costing jobs and economic growth right at a time when we can ill-afford to lose either.” said Minister Wenger.
To facilitate foreign investment, companies need to be able to easily access South Africa. Individuals who apply for critical skills visas typically help develop new sectors or to expand existing ones, contribute to increasing the complexity of the economy by bringing in skills that are not currently available, and help new industries through skills development in South Africa. This is why the investment and critical skills visas are key enablers of economic growth and job creation.
Responding to the release of this survey, provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger said: “I very much welcome the release of this vital survey. I strongly encourage businesses across the province, in all sectors, to participate so that we can gain a much better understanding of where the gaps are and therefore, what we can do it address them. Importantly, this will help us attract individuals with the right critical skills, so that they can contribute to our economic growth project.”
The DHET's survey on occupations in high demand, hard-to-fill vacancies and skills gaps can be found here(link is external).
To go even further, and in conjunction with the DHET survey, the Western Cape Government's Tech and Innovation team within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism has compiled a companion survey for businesses to gather information on their experience with, awareness of, and intention to use the Scarce Skills Work Visa.
“The insights gathered from this survey will be instrumental in crafting a provincial list of high-demand occupations which will play a significant role in shaping the post-school education and training sector, and subsequently the critical skills list. This will go a long way to assist the Western Cape Government to ramp up our lobbying efforts to address this key constraint on the growth of the private sector. Again, I encourage our Western Cape businesses to participate in our survey, which can be accessed here - https://forms.office.com/r/vN4JVMJy3e(link is external)” continued Minister Wenger
The fact is that we must urgently address the significant inefficiencies in the visa regime because they are holding back economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape and South Africa. We stand ready to assist in any way possible to keep and expand the businesses we have and attract the investment we need to create more jobs for the residents of the province. By participating in both the surveys, you can make a positive contribution to helping us unblock this significant constraint on the growth of both our economy and job creation” concluded Minister Wenger.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities, South Africa.
Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point presented by The Cape St Francis Resort – Save The Dates
The coastal town of Cape St Francis is set to host the grand finale of the highly anticipated Rip Curl GromSearch, drawing the best junior surfers from across South Africa. The tournament will take place from 29 September – 1 October. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the Premier U16 division, where the winners …
Coalition govts should prioritise people, service delivery – Mashatile
Coalition govts should prioritise people, service delivery - Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says coalition governments should prioritise the people, service delivery and good governance.
He was speaking in Parliament on Thursday where he was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues related to government’s efforts to implement rapid response interventions in municipalities and plans to tackle crime.
The Deputy President said the state has faced a number of challenges at the local government level where there are coalitions.
“By defining the rules, procedures, and potential sanctions that would apply to political parties and independent councillors who govern together, we will ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in our political system,” said the Deputy President.
He said they were incorporating a framework which prioritises the people, service delivery, and good governance.
The Presidency convened a national dialogue in August, led by Deputy President Mashatile, to discuss creating a framework to prevent the instability caused by coalition governments.
“The political parties at the summit … agreed that they want to go back to their constituencies to consult once more, and they are going to come back and give us feedback. And then we will be able to finalise the document.”
He announced that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is the only political party that has already responded so far.
“We are awaiting other parties to do the same and then we'll finalise the document. So it’s a very comprehensive approach, because we're not doing it ad hoc. We're doing it for the future and to be able to ensure stable government throughout the country,” he explained, adding that legislation will follow.
Currently, South Africa has about 81 hung municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 15:30
137 views
Amplifin Launches Heavyweight Solution For Small To Medium Businesses – Innovative web-based scheme empowers businesses for growth and success
7 September, 2023 – In the dynamic business landscape, growing enterprises encounter an escalating array of challenges that demand innovative solutions. Amplifin recognises that as businesses expand, their concerns multiply – from financial intricacies to operational complexities. The organisation understands that these enterprises require access to cutting-edge technologies, akin to those embraced by larger corporations, …
Parliament Appoints Chief of Security
Parliament is delighted to announce the appointment of General Samson Shitlabane as the new Chief of Security for the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
Since July 2015, Parliament, classified as a National Key Point, has operated without a dedicated Chief of Security. The position was absorbed into the Household and Management Division, relegating it to a junior role and hampering its ability to make critical security decisions.
The intrusion of the Parliament arsonist in January 2022, which resulted in the National Assembly building's devastating fire, underscored the urgent necessity for a knowledgeable and seasoned Chief of Security. Security remains paramount in shaping the institution's public image and strategic integrity.
General Shitlabane's role as the new Chief of Security carries a comprehensive array of responsibilities, extending beyond the core management of security within the Parliamentary precinct and associated villages. In this critical position, he will be entrusted with safeguarding the integrity and safety of not only the physical premises but also the institution's valuable assets and personnel. This encompasses developing and implementing robust security strategies, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring the readiness of emergency response protocols.
General Shitlabane will be a crucial liaison with the South African Police Services, forging strong collaborative ties to fortify the security apparatus. Given Parliament's distinguished status as a National Key Point, his role includes maintaining constant vigilance against potential threats, both internal and external and continually evolving security measures to stay ahead of emerging challenges
This role has been elevated to a senior position, granting it direct reporting access to the Secretary to Parliament and the Executive Authority. This ensures that all security concerns will receive immediate attention.
General Shitlabane is a highly decorated career police officer whose expertise will provide the necessary leadership and management of the Security Management Division of Parliament.
He boasts a wealth of experience as a high-ranking police official, having held various key positions within the police services since 1994. Notably, he has served as Lieutenant General of Protection and Security Services since 2018. His career also includes roles such as Major General: Provincial Head Protection and Security Services, Brigadier: Acting Component Head VIP Protection Services, and Brigadier: Section Head VIP Protection Services. He is no stranger to Parliament, having been part of the SAPS leadership that has taken part in security arrangements around SONA for years.
His appointment is a much-needed intervention that will boost parliamentary security and safety, particularly during this current rebuilding project following the fire.
The Presiding Officers and the Secretary to Parliament have congratulated General Shitlabane and wished him well in his new challenging role. They expressed their confidence in his ability to lead Parliament's security services and assist the institution in fulfilling its strategic objectives and obligations to South Africans.
General Shitlabane's appointment is effective from 1 October 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Government must maximise spend on education – Nzimande
Government must maximise spend on education - Nzimande
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says as government continues to spend a large share of its national budget on education, the challenge is to maximise the impact of this progressive investment.
The Minister was speaking at the launch of the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) in Durban on Thursday.
He said the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated Post-School Education and Training.
“Our department of Higher Education and Training has the single largest number of entities of all the national government departments, with over 110,” Nzimande said.
South Africa’s PSET sector is one of the biggest in Africa with highly developed institutions that feature in the global arena of international education, training, research, technology development and innovation.
“We also have the single largest research infrastructure and systems on the African continent. Our National Plan for Post-School Education and Training is a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.
“It is framed within the broader goals and priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), which foregrounds the national efforts to address the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. It is an overarching instrument and a blueprint for guiding planning in our PSET sector.
“It aligns and integrates the work that is already underway and provides a policy framework for major transformative changes government wants to bring about across the PSET system and its nexus with society and the economy,” the minister said.
Nzimande explained that the National Plan for Post School Education and Training has six goals which are the drivers for the system.
“We are bringing together institutions and traditions that have different histories and investments and propose ways of making them work together towards common goals.
“We are consolidating and building on those aspects of the system that are working well whilst also streamlining a wide range of policies, plans, and strategies currently in existence that impact on the system without reducing its diversity,” Nzimande said.
Nzimande said his department has developed an articulation Policy for the Post-School Education and Training System of South Africa in 2017.
“The policy was established to create an enabling environment to ensure that articulation occurs within and between NQF sub-frameworks, institutions work together to develop learning and work pathways and support to students as they follow their individual learning and work pathways,” the Minister said.
Nzimande added that his department conducted a comprehensive evaluation study on the implementation of the National Qualification Framework Act on how articulation was implemented by both TVET colleges and universities.
“The baseline study was also conducted to determine how articulation was practiced within and between higher education institutions. The study has identified a number of challenges in how articulation works across the entire PSET system.
“The major challenge still remains to optimise articulation pathways between universities, TVET colleges and CET colleges and without cul-de-sacs in the system. We must also fund and properly resource articulation,” Nzimande said.
The NPPSET sets out a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.
Having already been approved by the Minister, the NPPSET is being implemented by the department and may be viewed in conjunction with its enablers and or by-products which are the development of the Master Skills Plan, Student Funding Model, inclusive of the ‘missing middle’ and the implementation of the Labour Market Intelligence programme.
This launch provides an opportunity for the department to bring on board all stakeholders that are key in the broader implementation of the plan thereby ensuring effective implementation geared towards the realisation of the envisaged goals of the National Development Plan and other relevant policies to 2030 and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 14:36
37 views
FCB Secures Smirnoff Account
Johannesburg, 6 September 2023 – FCB, a leading global advertising agency renowned for its expertise in building timeless brands and driving short-term sales, is excited to announce the acquisition of the prestigious Smirnoff account. As the new creative partner for Smirnoff, FCB is poised to elevate the brand’s iconic status and deliver exceptional results in …
Deputy Minister Botes concludes Visit to the African Union in Ethiopia
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, has concluded his visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he participated in the Validation Workshop of the Principles and Guidelines of the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections.
The General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities has mandated the IEC to implement resolutions and guidelines for safeguarding electoral integrity in the digital age as well as producing strategies for combating digital disinformation.
The Deputy Minister delivered a speech affirming South Africa's support for the principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in elections in Africa.
In his speech, the Deputy Minister said: “It is important for governments and electoral management bodies to take advantage of these digital and social media to inform and capacitate our youth, given that our continent has a youthful populace”.
It is envisaged that following the Validation Workshop, the Principles, and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa will be adopted by the AAEA General Assembly, alongside the Annual Election Management Bodies Forum to be organised by the AU Commission in Cotonou, Benin, in November 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Gateway is an official ‘MTN Springboks Fans Mall’
Come and enjoy all the action on the cinema level. Gear up for an exhilarating journey through the scrums and triumphs of rugby! We eagerly counting down the days to kick off Rugby World Cup 2023. Gateway is thrilled to announce that MTN Springboks Fans Mall is bringing the Rugby World Cup fever to life …
300 occupants share one tap and one toilet in Joburg “dark building”
The building’s residents say they need help not eviction
RIP Amy Thornton
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of veteran activist and Esteemed Member of the Order of Luthuli Ms Amy Thornton.
The President's thoughts are with the family, friends and comrades of the late activist who was born in Cape Town in 1932.
She was honoured in 2016 with the National Order of Luthuli for her excellent contribution and unflinching commitment to the struggle for liberation and equality for all South Africans, and her commendable bravery in the face of an oppressive regime.
As a 16-year-old, Amy Thornton worked with the then Communist Party of South Africa to campaign against the National Party in the 1948 election which resulted in the legislated enforcement of apartheid.
In 1950 she joined the Modern Youth Society (MYS), a progressive youth movement involving mainly university students. Through MYS, Ms Thornton was involved in night school literacy classes for African workers in the Cape Town docks.
When the Congress of Democrats (COD) was formed in 1952, she was appointed secretary of the Joint Congress Committee (involving the COD, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Indian Congress and the Coloured Peoples' Congress).
She represented the MYS as part of the South African delegation to the World Federation of Democratic Youth, held in Bucharest, Romania in 1953.
In the same year she was recruited to join the underground SACP. She was active in pamphleteering against the Group Areas Act and the Bantu Education Act. She was also involved in study classes in informal settlements around Cape Town (Blouvlei and Elsies River).
In 1955 Thornton was a delegate from Cape Town to the Congress of the People. However, she was part of the delegation that was stopped by the police in Beaufort West and detained over the weekend, so she was unable to make it to Kliptown.
From the start of the Treason Trial in 1956 she served on the Treason Trial Support Committee. She did voluntary work for the Guardian newspaper (and its successors, as each successive title was banned in turn). She did research for the publication and managed the editorial work.
In 1959 she was banned for the first time initially for two years, but this was extended several times. She eventually served 14 years under banning orders, and lost her job as a nursery school teacher.
In 1976 she began to work part-time for the Food and Canning Workers' Union.
In 1981, she was a founding member and deputy chairperson of the United Women's Organisation, which later became one of the key organisations in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
In 1983 she was appointed as a patron of the UDF and was among those detained during the two states of emergency.
Ms Thornton was also a member of the Cape Town ANC regional leadership and served on the National Coordinating Committee for the Return of Exiles between 1990 and 1993.
President Ramaphosa said: “Amy Thornton lived a life of principled resistance, bravery and perseverance so that we could live in freedom today.
“She was one of many white South Africans who sustained the non-racial character of the liberation struggle.
“Her contribution and the risks she took on also disproved the often stated claim that white South Africans didn't know what was unfolding in the country or that they had no agency to change policy or conditions in the country.
“Amy Thornton served our nation with great courage and tireless energy. May her soul now rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Visionary artist Diane Victor’s novel exhibition and book set to delight Johannesburg
Building on the resounding success of her captivating exhibition earlier this year at Spier Wine Farm in the Western Cape, renowned artist Diane Victor’s rousing pieces exploring the dark side of South African society, the vulnerability of life and the human condition are coming to Johannesburg. Open City and FNB Art Joburg will present a …
Keeping Race Quotas At Bay
Dear Editor The DA notes that, despite claims to the contrary, there is not yet a set date for the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act. This was confirmed in yesterday’s Employment and Labour Portfolio Committee meeting by the Department’s Director General, Mr Thobile Lamati, after being pressed. For that reason, the sectoral targets, …
President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Amy Thornton
President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Amy Thornton
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of veteran activist and esteemed member of the Order of Luthuli, Amy Thornton.
The President, in a statement, said his thoughts are with the family, friends and comrades of the late activist who was born in Cape Town in 1932.
Thornton was honoured in 2016 with the National Order of Luthuli for her excellent contribution and unflinching commitment to the struggle for liberation and equality for all South Africans and her commendable bravery in the face of an oppressive regime.
As a 16-year-old, Amy Thornton worked with the then Communist Party of South Africa to campaign against the National Party in the 1948 election which resulted in the legislated enforcement of apartheid.
In 1950, she joined the Modern Youth Society (MYS), a progressive youth movement involving mainly university students. Through MYS, Thornton was involved in night school literacy classes for African workers in the Cape Town docks.
When the Congress of Democrats (COD) was formed in 1952, she was appointed secretary of the Joint Congress Committee (involving the COD, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Indian Congress and the Coloured Peoples’ Congress).
She represented the MYS as part of the South African delegation to the World Federation of Democratic Youth, held in Bucharest, Romania in 1953.
In the same year, she was recruited to join the underground SACP. She was active in pamphleteering against the Group Areas Act and the Bantu Education Act. She was also involved in study classes in informal settlements around Cape Town (Blouvlei and Elsies River).
In 1955, Thornton was a delegate from Cape Town to the Congress of the People. However, she was part of the delegation that was stopped by the police in Beaufort West and detained over the weekend, so she was unable to make it to Kliptown.
From the start of the Treason Trial in 1956, she served on the Treason Trial Support Committee. She did voluntary work for the Guardian newspaper (and its successors, as each successive title was banned in turn). She did research for the publication and managed the editorial work.
In 1959 she was banned for the first time initially for two years, but this was extended several times. She eventually served 14 years under banning orders and lost her job as a nursery school teacher.
In 1976 she began to work part-time for the Food and Canning Workers’ Union.
In 1981, she was a founding member and deputy chairperson of the United Women’s Organisation, which later became one of the key organisations in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
In 1983 she was appointed as a patron of the UDF and was among those detained during the two states of emergency.
Thornton was also a member of the Cape Town ANC regional leadership and served on the National Coordinating Committee for the Return of Exiles between 1990 and 1993.
“Amy Thornton lived a life of principled resistance, bravery and perseverance so that we could live in freedom today. She was one of many white South Africans who sustained the non-racial character of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.
“Her contribution and the risks she took on also disproved the often stated claim that white South Africans didn’t know what was unfolding in the country or that they had no agency to change policy or conditions in the country.
“Amy Thornton served our nation with great courage and tireless energy. May her soul now rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 12:03
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