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While many cite South Africa’s Big 5 as iconic wildlife, few realize that the country is home to the world’s largest rays: manta rays. These intelligent species, which filter feeder zooplankton, play a crucial role in ocean health. The gentle giants hold the potential to drive tourism revenue, but more needs to be done to …
Administrative failures continue to plague the department
Africa’s premier automotive aftermarket trade fair, Automechanika Johannesburg, will celebrate its landmark 10th edition at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 28-30 October this year, strategically coinciding with Transport Month. Michael Dehn, Managing Director at show organiser Messe Frankfurt South Africa, emphasises the strategic importance of the venue change. “The move to Gallagher Convention …
Dear Editor While SANDF soldiers are dying in the DRC, the SIU today confirmed that Denel received and was paid R8.3 billion for a contract signed in 2007 to deliver 264 Badger armoured personnel carriers over the following ten years. It’s been almost twenty years since signing that ten year contract. To date, none of …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterates our calls for the MEC of Education, Abraham Vosloo, to be summoned before the Portfolio Committee on Education, Sport, Arts & Culture after more than six months have passed since many Northern Cape schools last received funding. Schools have been left without funds needed for stationery, food schemes, …
A century is always special for any cricketer, but even more so when your family are in the crowd watching you make history. That was the case for Gongadi Trisha, as the Indian opener became the first player to make a century at an ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, hitting 110 not out in …
Stronger measures to protect oceans from pollution
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill, ushering in stronger measures to better protect South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution.
In a statement, The Presidency highlighted the importance of the legislation, which is also a contribution to global efforts to protect the marine environment and sustainable economic exploitation.
“With a coastline stretching over 3 000 kilometres from Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, the new legislation is seen as vital to safeguarding the country’s environmental and economic security,” the Presidency said.
South Africa has a large exclusive economic zone at sea and a marine economy which, in 2022, supported about 400 000 jobs in areas across the existing marine economic sectors of shipping, associated construction, tourism and fisheries.
“The law signed by President Ramaphosa is born out of the recognition that ships can pollute our oceans in various ways, from oil spills to harmful chemical sewage and garbage,” the Presidency said.
The law amends the Marine Pollution Act to incorporate Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Annex IV regulates the activities for treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships. Annex VI is the main global instrument that addresses ship energy-efficiency management and Greenhouse Gas emissions.
The amended legislation further broadens the powers of the Minister of Transport to make regulations relating to, among others, the prevention of air pollution from ships and the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.
“The new law also increases fines from R500 000 to R10 million for any person convicted of serious offences under the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act or the international Convention which forms part of South African law,” The Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 11:21
Remaining silent on GBVF 'not an option' - Justice Minister
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has reiterated government’s commitment to fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa.
The Minister delivered remarks at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s Women Empowerment 365 Days Against Gender-Based Violence dialogue held in Soweto on Tuesday.
“As part of [the] criminal justice system, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is working tirelessly to ensure that legal and law enforcement services work on enforcing domestic violence laws and strengthening legal frameworks,” the Minister said.
The department, she said, is working closely with civil society to see the “realisation of the aspirations of the National Strategic Plan to End Gender-based Violence and Femicide”.
“In line with the GBVF Strategic Plan, the department therefore intends to increase the national footprint of sexual offences courts, particularly in rural communities.
“In line with the newly developed National Strategy on Support Services for Domestic Violence Survivors, the department intends to upgrade 100 district courts to offer services that are custom-made for survivors of domestic violence,” she said.
The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was adopted in 2020 as a society-wide programme to end GBVF. It is organised around six pillars, which are aimed at prevention of GBV, strengthening the criminal justice response to GBV, and providing support, care and healing to survivors of gender-based violence.
Femicide Watch and addressing backlogs
Kubayi said the department will publish the very first Femicide Watch in Africa repository.
“This is a national repository of GBV-related femicide cases designed to provide the numerical analysis, the profile and the severity of the pandemic of femicide in our country, so as to assist government and our partners in establishing informed programmatic interventions,” Kubayi added.
In the courts, the department has initiated a 100-day challenge to “reduce and ultimately eliminate backlog cases of domestic violence, sexual offences, maintenance and divorce matters”.
“In 100 Days, selected courts with high volume of backlog GBV cases will be challenged to come up with creative and sustainable innovations to reduce the turnaround times in the finalisation of these cases and also to address the existing case backlogs,” the Minister explained.
Whole of society approach
Kubayi highlighted that GBVF is deeply rooted in societal structures and patriarchal practices that perpetuate toxic masculinity and gender inequalities.
“As a woman or a girl child in this country, you can be directly affected by GBV and femicide regardless of your socio-economic class in society or the position you hold.
“Our social and family constructions are largely engrained in patriarchal practices, toxic masculinities, and gendered power inequalities, which often result in family dysfunctions, solo parenting, gender-based violence and killings,” she said.
Referencing a study by the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that at least three out of 10 women have experienced GBV, the Minister urged society not to become desensitised to these acts.
“This is not acceptable, and we should not accept [it] as a society. The stories of women getting killed by their partners have become so prevalent on social media platforms to the extent that when we read them, we no longer get shocked or outraged, we just read and move on.
“It is for this reason that I welcome this dialogue because it serves as a reminder to all of us that gender-based violence is unacceptable and that remaining silent is not an option.
“We all have a responsibility to speak out, to report it wherever it rears its ugly head in our homes, our neighboursand even in the homes of our beloved relatives,” Kubayi said.
The Minister called for a united front, urging all sectors of society to join the fight against GBVF.
“We believe that working together as a society, we can defeat the scourge of gender-based violence.
“We believe that we can a achieve a South Africa free from gender-based violence directed at women, children and LGBTQIA+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual] persons,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 12:57
Dead bodies lie in the streets, hospitals are overwhelmed and there has been an uptick in reports of sexual violence, rape and looting.
“Roads are blocked, ports are closed and those crossing Lake Kivu risk their lives in makeshift boats,” said Shelley Thakral, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP) – one of many UN agencies on the ground striving to provide assistance and protection wherever possible. “I spoke just moments ago to an activist In Goma and he told me, ‘We're here, we're hiding. We don't know who will come to help us.'”
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, echoed the humanitarian community's deep concerns about the spiralling violence across the resource-rich region that has uprooted some 300,000 people from camps around Goma in a matter of days.
Aid targeted
“Our colleagues in the DRC report heavy, small arms fire and mortar fire across the city and the presence of many dead bodies in the streets,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. “We have reports of rapes committed by fighters, looting of property, including of a humanitarian warehouse and humanitarian and health facilities being hit.”
The emergency has left hospitals in Goma reportedly overwhelmed by the influx of wounded people, electricity and water supplies “compromised” and internet services cut off on Monday. “Goma is still offline this morning,” Mr. Laerke told journalists in Geneva.
The development came amid urgent calls from the international community including the Security Council in New York, where ambassadors on Tuesday demanded an immediate halt to the M23 rebel offensive and called for the group to withdraw from territories it has seized.
The ambassadors reiterated their support for the UN peacekeeping force in the DR Congo, MONUSCO, and paid tribute to blue helmets who have lost their lives from South Africa, Malawi and Uruguay in recent days.
The Council also condemned the presence of “external forces” in eastern DRC – amid reports Rwandan troops are heavily involved in the offensive – and called for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and return to diplomatic talks.
Years of crisis
Before the latest escalation in violence in eastern DRC's Kivus, some 5.1 million people had already been displaced by years of insecurity in the mineral-rich region and forced to live in overcrowded camps with little food and no security.
UN agencies and partners continue to monitor the highly unstable situation which has forced WFP to temporarily pause food assistance activities in around Goma. “The airport and major access roads within the region have been cut off…Depending on the duration of violence, the supply of food into the city could be severely hampered,” said WFP's Ms. Thakral.
“This is a huge test for Congolese trapped by fighting in Goma and surrounding areas…the next 24 hours will be critical as people start to run low on supplies and will need to see what they can find to survive.”
Disease fears
The highly mobile nature of the emergency has prompted additional fears that existing diseases may spread quickly among uprooted populations, although preventive measures were taken before the latest escalation, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said.
For the moment the immediate concern is to help victims of the violence.
“There are currently hundreds of people in hospital, most admitted with gunshot and shrapnel wounds, with secondary infections becoming a health risk,” said Dr Adelheid Marschang, Emergency Response Coordinator for the DRC.
She noted that before Goma airport closed on Saturday, WHO had sent critical medical supplies for trauma and emergency care, infection prevention, cholera and more.
The UN agency's response to the crisis has also included providing tents for hospitals to cope with the increasing number of injured. It has medical hubs in North and South Kivu, in the cities of Goma and Bukavu to support health care needs in eastern DRC.
Last year the provinces of North and South Kivu reported high numbers of cholera, measles and malaria cases and deaths, Dr. Marschang said, warning of a “heightened risk for spillover of cholera” into neighbouring countries and provinces.
The area was also the epicentre of an outbreak of a new strain of mpox, declared a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024. Dr. Marschang warned that the new wave of displacement will make it increasingly hard to track and treat the disease.
Amid the lethal violence, hospitals and health workers themselves are in danger, the WHO official said, with “reports of health workers being shot at and patients including babies being caught in crossfire”.
“Attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Healthcare must be protected at all times,” she insisted.
Sexual violence alert
WHO and other UN agencies and partners said that they are especially worried about the increasing risk to women and girls from violence, including rape.
“Pregnant women are at risk, with very high maternal death rates, even before the violence escalated,” WHO said.
“Sadly, hospitals and health workers are in danger. We are hearing reports of health workers being shot at, and patients, including babies, being caught in the crossfire. WHO reminds everyone that attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Health care must be protected at all times.”
Echoing those concerns, WFP's Ms. Thakral reported that mobile teams and mobile clinics are at work amid reports that women had been raped multiple times while searching for firewood or after leaving the perimeter of their camp.
Other reports indicated “an increase in rape along the pathways that some of the conflict partners are now taking into South Kivu,” she said, underscoring the agency's efforts “to have some solutions to follow the populations as they move”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
De Kock remembered as defender of SA democracy
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has praised the late Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP), Advocate Rodney De Kock, as a person of “high ethical standards and integrity”.
Speaking at the official memorial service for De Kock, who passed away last week, following a brief battle with cancer, Kubayi highlighted the significant loss to the country.
“Advocate De Kock’s untimely death has come at a time when his country needed him the most. It is has become difficult to find men and women of Advocate De Kock's calibre in the public service.
“I am speaking about men and women of high ethical standards and integrity, who are willing to take the road less travelled,” she said.
READ | Passing of NPA deputy head a 'profound loss'
The Minister commended De Kock’s unwavering commitment “in defence of our democracy” during the years when State capture plagued the country.
“Not so long ago, because of State capture, our young democracy was characterised by turbulence that almost destroyed critical institutions, especially the criminal justice system. The rot that seeped into the fabric of our country would not have been possible without the weakening of the institutions in the criminal justice system.
“A concerted effort was put into ensuring critical institutions in the criminal justice, [including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)], became dysfunctional. Although the system was weakened, there were men and women who stood firm and never allowed themselves to cower under the weight of widespread wrongdoing, and Advocate De Kock was one of those individuals.
“Because of him and others like him, the system was weakened but it was never broken and was never destroyed, hence today we can talk about rebuilding the institutions,” Kubayi said.
She insisted that the “the work of building a fair and effective” NPA must continue uninterrupted in honour of De Kock.
“A lot of work has already been done to restore confidence in the work of the NPA and on the institution itself.
“There is more work that lies ahead. It is not easy to rebuild an institution whose proper functioning threatens to disrupt the lives of those who are rich and powerful. It requires men and women who are willing to stand for what is right in the face of the most unrelenting attacks,” she said.
Kubayi called on all officials serving in the NPA to double efforts to rebuild confidence in the NPA.
“The Freedom Charter, which inspired the drafting of our Constitution, envisioned a society in which all shall be equal before the law.
“It is this vision that inspired Rodney’s work as legal practitioner, and it is the vision that must continue to inspire our efforts of rebuilding the integrity and confidence of the NPA and by extension, the criminal justice system,” she said.
The Minister once again expressed condolences to the De Kock family for their loss.
“We thank the De Kock family for giving us their beloved father, son and brother to serve our country, a task in which he acquitted himself with distinction. His legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us.
“Let me again express my deepest condolences for the loss you have suffered as a family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 14:30
JOHANNESBURG: All-rounder Annerie Dercksen reflects on becoming the first Proteas Women player to be named the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of...
SA hosts global circular economy workshop
Efforts to ensure that South Africa has a clean and healthy environment are under the spotlight at the 7th Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE) workshop.
The two-day workshop, which is being hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in Johannesburg -- in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment -- is aimed at enhancing South-South cooperation for improving the solid waste management ecosystem in the Global South, and building the capacity of nominated officials from 18 African nations.
The workshop, which concludes on Wednesday, is being attended by delegates from Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Addressing the opening of the workshop, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, highlighted some of the measures government has adopted to bolster the circular economy, focusing on reusing and recycling materials to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of resources.
“South Africa has instituted various policy instruments and initiatives to advance sustainable development pathways, with circular economy principles firmly embedded in these strategies,” Swarts said on Tuesday.
These policy instruments include the National Waste Management Strategy, Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR) for priority waste streams and other economic instruments that include fees, levies and taxes to incentivise or disincentivise behaviour change.
“Extended Producer Responsibility became necessary to be included in South Africa’s policy mix, given the increased generation of waste. EPR shifts seek to shift the responsibility for products from municipalities and consumers, to producers.
“South Africa is under immense pressure and the host city [of the workshop] - the City of Joburg - together with others - does not have sufficient landfill airspace. It is, therefore, necessary to utilise a policy mix to address resource efficiency. It is also necessary that cities are enabled to monitor resource use,” Swarts said.
The Deputy Minister noted that for meaningful progress to be made across the board, strong partnerships are needed.
"Collaboration between government and the private sector is paramount in realising the goals of the waste management hierarchy and facilitating our transition to a circular economy.
“South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening these partnerships and advancing the shared objectives of the GFCCE. This collaboration benefits our governments through reduced spending and creates green opportunities,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2021, the GFCCE has expanded to a community of 22 Member States, with 18 countries from Africa. This platform is dedicated to advancing circular economy principles in alignment with national policies and priorities.
Cities account for 75% of natural resource consumption and 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Swarts said more people will continue to migrate to cities to seek better opportunities and it is necessary that cities become resilient in resource efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 13:05
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today concluded announcements in the ICC Awards 2024 by revealing that India’s Jasprit Bumrah has won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. Bumrah emerged the winner from a competitive field of nominees shortlisted for the prestigious award, which recognizes the outstanding male cricketer across …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Buffalo City Municipality has launched a strategy and petition calling for a turnaround of the BCM electricity department so that residents and businesses no longer need to carry the costs of municipal inefficiencies and waste. The BCM electricity department is on the verge of total financial collapse. …
South Africa’s automotive sector faces a challenging road ahead in 2025. While recent interest rate cuts offer a glimmer of hope, persistent economic headwinds and inflationary pressures continue to dampen consumer confidence and hinder growth. A tug-of-war for market share The arrival of more Chinese automakers will intensify competition. Their aggressive pricing strategies and focus …
SANDF refutes video clip claims
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its forces surrendered to M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The SANDF said these allegations are misleading and untrue.
In a statement on Tuesday, the SANDF clarified the misrepresentation of events circulating in a video clip claiming that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels.
“We wish to set the record straight. The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base.
“This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” the SANDF explained.
In addition, the SANDF reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to its peacekeeping mission under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO) in the DRC and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
The SANDF further emphasised that its troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline to bring peace and stability to the region.
South Africa has played a pivotal role in the DRC’s peacekeeping efforts, with SANDF forces working tirelessly under challenging circumstances to support the mission’s objectives.
The public is urged to always exercise caution when engaging with unverified information on social media, particularly in matters involving the safety and integrity of South Africa’s peacekeeping forces. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 13:09
Eye wash stations are an essential part of workplace safety, especially in environments where hazardous materials are handled. These stations are designed to provide immediate, emergency treatment to individuals who have come into contact with harmful chemicals or foreign objects in their eyes. A eye wash station helps to flush out irritants quickly, minimizing potential …
Dr. Jacobus Schutte, a 2023 graduate of St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, shares his inspiring journey from SGU to securing a residency at the WellSpan Health/York Hospital Program. For Dr. Schutte, like many South Africans aspiring to become doctors, matching for a residency in the United States was a dream come true. Growing …
Dear Editor South Africans awoke this morning to disturbing footage of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers raising a makeshift white flag to the M23 Rebels. Unconfirmed reports this morning indicate that troops have been captured, after being surrounded M23 yesterday following heavy fighting. This includes alarming accounts of four more South African fatalities, …
SANDF members killed in rebel attack near Goma Airport
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the passing away of three of its members following a mortar bomb attack by the M23 rebel militia near Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday.
This follows an exchange of mortar bomb between the Forces Armees de la Republic Democratique du Congo (FARDC), Congolese Defence Force and the M23 rebel militia near Goma Airport, where the SANDF base is collocated.
“The M23 rebels launched several a mortar bomb in the direction of Goma Airport, which landed in the SANDF base, and this resulted in the SANDF losing three members,” the SANDF said in a statement on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the SANDF announced that one of its members, who sustained critical injuries during recent battles with the M23 rebels over the past three days, later succumbed to their injuries.
Other injured members are currently receiving medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma.
Despite this devastating loss, the SANDF has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its peacekeeping mandate under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
“Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” the SANDF said.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Major General (ret) Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, together with the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya send their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family.
The death of the three members follows the recent passing away of nine members of the SANDF.
READ | SA to continue promoting stability in the DRC
This as the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting regarding deadly clashes in eastern DRC, following Kinshasa’s withdrawal of its diplomats from Kigali as Rwanda-backed rebels advanced on the key city of Goma. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 12:13
Ermelo, South Africa – As agricultural drone technology becomes an essential tool for modern farming, understanding the licensing requirements in South Africa is critical for safe, effective, and legal operations. Afri Air, a trusted provider of agricultural drone solutions, is committed to helping South African farmers navigate the complex regulations and training processes required for …
Inaccuracies gave misleading impression, says McKenzie. But when will there be a proper account of how and why R800k was spent?
Oshoek border resumes operations
Traveller and cargo operations at the Oshoek Port of Entry, the main border post between South Africa and Eswatini, have resumed.
This was announced by the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Tuesday.
This follows the successful clearance and safety assessment of the port after a serious truck accident on Sunday.
The accident, caused by a 32-ton coal truck that allegedly experienced brake failure, resulted in significant damage to port infrastructure and multiple vehicles that were at the port.
"We are grateful to confirm that the three individuals injured during the incident -- a SARS official, a tourism monitor and the truck driver -- received prompt medical attention and are recovering well.
“All port operations have resumed with immediate effect, allowing for the seamless movement of travelers and goods between South Africa and Eswatini," Masiapato said.
The BMA and SARS extend their gratitude to all stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Eswatini Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Management authorities, for their swift response and cooperation.
“We also appreciate the patience and understanding of travellers and trade partners during the temporary disruption,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 11:48
Gongadi Trisha hit a magnificent century as India beat Scotland by 150 runs to maintain their perfect record at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Malaysia 2025. Trisha became the first batter to hit a century at an ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, requiring just 53 balls to bring up three figures in …
