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As we embark on Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, we must take a moment to honour the extraordinary courage and resilience of those who have faced this life-altering disease. Individuals like Ms. Thembeka Poswa, Programme Director for the Eastern Cape Department of Education infrastructure portfolio at the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) and a breast cancer […]
Unions hail Durban port decision: Court halts Transnet’s plan to grant R11bn tender to Philippines firm Two of the biggest unions representing workers at Transnet have welcomed a court ruling putting the brakes on its plans to outsource the management and operations of South Africa’s biggest container terminal to Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)… …
In the News Today: Watch the T20 Challenge match between Boland and the Central Gauteng Lions in Paarl. [embedded content]
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure is currently conducting oversight over the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The oversight includes engagements with the Property Trading Management Trading Entity including precinct development programmes and entities in the Public Works portfolio.
One of the committee's key issues were the challenges preventing the South African Police Service from fully utilising the Telkom Towers building. This must be addressed transparently, given that public funds have been spent on these facilities, the committee said.
The committee made site visits to Telkom Towers yesterday and was unimpressed with the state of the building. The committee said it is shocking that a building meant to display DPWI's excellence in managing the government's property portfolio can be left in such a state.
The DPWI told the committee that 90% of the necessary renovations to the north Telkom Tower, earmarked for the South African Police Services, have been completed. The committee noted that despite this progress, the building remains uninhabitable and in need of maintenance. The committee is concerned that the Telkom Towers issue has dragged on for too long with nobody taking accountability for the state of the buildings.
Ms Carol Phiri, the Chairperson of the committee said, “The committee wants a full forensic audit of the Telkom Towers that will bring everything to light. Because government money just went to the drain purchasing the buildings and at an additional cost of over R200 million on renovations and still to remain empty is a great concern; someone needs to take accountability for this.”
Meanwhile, committee was impressed with the work at the Salvokop government precinct during its visit to the site. The Salvokop government precinct is a collaborative effort between the three spheres of government to build government headquarters, commercial buildings and a shelter for the vulnerable. The DPWI bought the 43-hectare site from Transnet. The committee commended the DPWI for the progress achieved in developing the site, including well-designed offices for Statistics South Africa, which have already been handed over. According to the DPWI, the Salvokop site has generated over 390 jobs.
The committee resolved to prioritise quarterly briefings from the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and stakeholders on the progress achieved on the Telkom Towers project.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Homelessness is a shared, fixable problem
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture has concluded its week-long oversight visit to Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) with success in Tshwane. Both visits were aimed at assessing progress in the modernisation of a vaccine manufacturing plant by OBP and the construction of the foot and mouth disease facility by the ARC.
The committee had fruitful and productive engagements with board chairpersons and executive managers of both entities. Furthermore, the committee had an opportunity of rich and memorable exposure through walkabouts at both entities. “We have seen these entities physically and we now have a clearer picture of each of them,” said the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Dina Pule.
Ms Pule described the visits as a great success. She said as the committee, they can say without fear of contradiction that the objective of the visit has been achieved. “The committee has a better understanding of the challenges that are experienced by both entities and had an opportunity to share some insights with them to take them to the higher heights,” said Ms Pule.
The visit also provided the committee with an opportunity to interact with scientists, and researchers. The committee wrapped-up the oversight programme with a visit to the ARC's Plant Health and Protection (ARC-PHP) and ARC's Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants Institute (ARC-VIMP) in Roodepoort.
The ARC-PHP provides specialist knowledge on organisms that threaten agricultural crops in natural environment, to protect arable land, water resources, natural biodiversity and food security. Its focus is on promoting economic and environmentally acceptable, management strategies for pests, plant diseases, weeds and invasive plants.
The committee was happy to learn that ARC also offers a mobile health clinic. The plant supports small-scale farmers, it creates networks and serves as a mechanism to monitor pests and diseases. The clinic is furnished with basic equipment and accessories to facilitate training and plant health diagnostic services to smaller farmers. The committee heard that the entity is in the process of procuring more mobile clinics.
As part of walkabouts that were conducted at AC-PHP, the committee was taken to an upgraded fully operational plant pathogen facility. It was also taken to an interactive exhibition which showcased some of the products produced by both ARC-PHP and ARC VIMP.
Ms Pule committed the committee to playing its role and called on all other role-players to ensure that these entities meet the objectives for which they were created to add a meaningful value in the broader ecosystem of the South African economy. She said agriculture is one of the major sources of the South African economy and based on that reality all its components must be fully activated and used to their fullest potentials.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has applauded a temporarily arranged joint operation that dispelled approximately 6 500 people who participate in illegal mining and illicit business activities at Van Ryan illegal mining site in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The joint operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and MI7 National Group private security was set up for the committee's visit today. As part of its week-long oversight visit to North West and Gauteng, the committee conducted a walk-about at Van Ryan illegal mining site to gain an appreciation of the extent of illegal activities taking place there.
The committee was deeply shocked to witness what looked like a fully flagged settlement, with holes to access underground shafts, as well as shelters under which illegally mined ore is processed and where illegal shebeens and restaurants operate.
Furthermore, the committee was dismayed to learn that since the core business of the area is illegal mining, those people operating secondary businesses, such as catering, shebeens and sex work, pay rent to unknown kingpins. Another secondary business is security.
In October 2023, illegal miners were cleared from the site on the orders of President Cyril Ramaphosa after the SANDF were deployed there in “Operation Prosper”. Full-scale illegal activities resumed after six months at the end of the SANDF's deployment period in April this year. On Friday, a joint operation between the SANDF, SAPS and MI7 National Group security moved into the area and dispelled everyone again.
Against this backdrop, the committee calls for sustainable measures to be put in place to prevent illegal activities permanently. Such measures have been put in place before at other sites, such as the Benoni Driving Range Racetrack, which used to be a hotspot for illegal mining.
The committee will develop an oversight report with recommendations for adoption by the National Assembly.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Previous minister suggested that previous Lottery management and board colluded with law firms
Ismail Joosub considers the juxtaposition of President Ramaphosa’s ambitious rhetoric against the backdrop of significant socio-economic challenges, historical context and the complexities of coalition governance.
The post CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM: RAMAPHOSA’S VISION FOR A RESILIENT SOUTH AFRICA appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit at the Telkom Towers complex on Thursday
Alfred Mahkuntsul looks at the facts, issues and the applicable law the Court referred to in The Public Protector Of South Africa v The Chairperson Of The Section 194.
The post CASE NOTE: THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR OF SOUTH AFRICA v THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SECTION 194(1) COMMITTEE AND OTHERS appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
But the agency is bleeding funds due to fraudulent payments still being made
Alfred Mahkuntsu will look at the facts, issues and the applicable law the Court referred to in Ex parte Minister of Home Affairs and Another 2024.
The post CASE NOTE: EX PARTE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND ANOTHER appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to announce that the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference remains committed to hosting the African continent's most successful energy event in Cape Town. AEW was established in 2021 under the premise to make energy poverty history by 2030 and, now in its fourth immensely successfully edition, we remain devoted to keeping the event at Cape Town's International Conference Center (CTICC) until 2030.
Africa Oil Week (AOW) recently confirmed it will hold its 2025 edition in Accra, Ghana, and while we wish them the best in their endeavors, the Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to hosting AEW – the continent's premier energy event – in Cape Town. In 2021, AOW made the decision to take its conference to Dubai, citing the fact that Africa was not equipped to host a large-scale conference in a safe manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AOW claimed that the event is focused on supporting Africa's needs, and yet the decisions to leave Cape Town for Dubai contradicted this very ambition.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
What AEW sought to prove, and was successful in doing, is that Africa has always been capable of hosting large-scale events. Under very strict COVID-19 safety measures, AEW 2021 hosted delegations from both the African and global energy sector. In 2022, the conference attracted thousands of delegates, while in 2023, the conference supported an even bigger and better event. When Africa needed investment, AEW was quick to respond, providing a platform where stakeholders could meet, and deals be made.
Now, in 2024, AEW: Invest in African Energy continues our mandate to eradicate energy poverty by 2030 and serves as the official meeting place for Africa's energy elite. At the forefront of the African energy industry, the conference promotes the role Africa plays in global energy matters, centered around Africa-led dialogue and decision making. That's why we remain committed to Cape Town, a city that represents an industrial, business and socioeconomic hub for the entire African continent. Furthermore, AEW's focus transcends South Africa, with the event recognizing and supporting the development of various oil and gas projects across the continent.
South Africa, and notably Minister Gwede Mantashe and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy have been steadfast supporters of AEW since its inception in 2021. Through our partnership with the City of Cape Town and the government, we have created numerous job opportunities in Cape Town, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry and Cape Town-based vendors alike. We remain committed to our promise to position Cape Town as the hub for oil, gas and energy discussions in Africa.
We reaffirm our pledge to maintain AEW's presence in Cape Town, rather than relocating to Dubai or other destinations outside of Africa. Our focus is on addressing key issues surrounding the African energy sector, ensuring that South African service providers, small business, local enterprises and stakeholders continue to benefit from our efforts. AEW not only generates jobs, but also stimulates economic growth.
As the largest energy conference in Africa, we acknowledge the challenges faced by Cape Town and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.
Meanwhile, outside of South Africa, the continent is seeing monumental growth. In Senegal and Mauritania, first production is soon expected for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim conventional gas development while Senegal, just this year, achieved first oil production, thus showcasing the potential for offshore exploration and production investment. In Uganda, progress continues to be made on the Lake Albert Development, a multi-faceted project that promises new opportunities for energy security and industrialization in East Africa. In the Republic of the Congo, marginal projects are making headway as the government prioritizes gas investment and development while Libya recently announced that oil production has reached 1.217 million barrels per day.
Meanwhile, South Africa's neighbor, Namibia, has made a litany of major oil and gas discoveries since 2022 and is making significant strides to develop these major finds. Mozambique is gradually making progress with its three major gas projects, opening new opportunities for regional trade. All of these projects and many more are showcased at AEW: Invest in African Energy, with investment opportunities made clear to existing and potential investors. AEW promotes the African position on the future of Africa's energy sector. By advocating personal responsibility, free markets, individual liberty and an enabling environment for investors, AEW ensure that Africa's oil and natural gas industry benefits Africans, rather than continuing a reliance on foreign aid and assistance.
Therefore, we stand wholly committed to leveraging all Cape Town has to offer, a city that has been good to every edition of our conference since 2021. At the CTICC, we will continue to host panel discussions, investor forums, industry summits and one-one-one meeting opportunities and driving the discussions that will reshape the trajectory of the continent's energy development.
“The Chamber is unwavering in our commitment to hosting AEW in Cape Town, a city that embodies the spirit of opportunity and innovation. The city is a hub for Africa's energy dialogue and, by staying here, we reinforce our mission to make energy poverty history by 2030. Cape Town has proven to be a premier venue for fostering critical dialogue and investment in Africa's energy sector and we believe that this vibrant city is the perfect backdrop for our mandate. Together, we will continue to drive progress and empower local stakeholders for sustainable growth,” states AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The bucket eradication programme, started in 2012, has been through three departments and five implementing agents
Friday, 11 October 2024: The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to deliver on-going structural improvements and efficiencies to the coal fleet, successfully keeping loadshedding suspended for 198 consecutive days and providing uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. Eskom will reach 200 days of loadshedding suspension on Sunday, 13 October 2024, a period that includes...
Heritage Month provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our linguistic diversity and reflect on the positive and negative developments in preserving our rich linguistic diversity.
The post PRESERVING SOUTH AFRICA’S INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES: A LIVING LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
Police Minister commends SAPS for arresting corrupt cop
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has commended the outstanding work of the South Police Service (SAPS) following the successful arrest of a 43-year-old Sergeant, after an extensive two-month investigation led by Captain Keshi Mabunda.
Mabunda is renowned for his exceptional work in dismantling insurance fraud syndicates.
The Sergeant in question has been linked to the brutal and senseless murder of six individuals in and around Polokwane, Limpopo.
READ | Limpopo police officer arrested for insurance murders
The victims, who lost their lives under tragic and horrifying circumstances, were part of a calculated and heinous scheme to defraud life and funeral insurance policies amounting to R10 million.
“I want to take this moment to commend Captain Mabunda and his team for their tireless and meticulous work in bringing this rogue officer to justice. Their dedication to the rule of law and the protection of our citizens is an embodiment of the integrity we expect from the SAPS,” said Mchunu, commending the SAPS on their sterling work.
“The nature of these crimes is deeply disturbing, with the victims meeting their ends in various violent ways. Such cruelty and disregard for human life is utterly reprehensible and it is all the more shocking when perpetrated by someone sworn to uphold the law and protect the innocent.
“At the same time, I must strongly condemn, in the clearest possible terms, any acts of corruption, criminality, or betrayal by members of the police service. This arrest serves as a stark reminder that there is no place in the SAPS for officers who abuse their position of authority for personal gain or engage in unlawful conduct.
“Such actions not only harm innocent lives but also erode the trust that the public places in law enforcement. Let me be unequivocal: we will root out corruption and criminality from within the ranks of SAPS. Any police officer found to be involved in crime will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“We will not tolerate such conduct, and we will continue to work tirelessly to restore the public’s confidence in our police service,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 09:56
South Africa – TRX Electronics, a leading importer and distributor of electronic components, proudly announces its collaboration with Mouser Electronics to provide clients with access to a wide range of Analog Devices’ Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs). This partnership is set to enhance project timelines and offer unmatched precision for engineers and manufacturers across South Africa. Delivering …
North West to host its first executive committee planning meeting
The leadership of North West Provincial Government will hold a two-day Exco Planning Lekgotla to identify the provincial government’s key priorities for the next five years.
The meeting, which will be held from 13 to 14 October 2024, will be the province’s first Exco Planning Lekgotla under the seventh administration.
The lekgotla, led by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, will be attended by Members of the Executive Council, Mayors, Heads of Provincial Departments, Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Executive Officers of State-owned entities.
The gathering will also provide a platform where leaders will have an opportunity to deliberate on the draft Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, as well as plans to create sustainable jobs and accelerate service delivery.
Members of the media wishing to cover the outcome of the lekgotla will be allowed to conduct interviews on the second day of the gathering on Monday, 14 October from 1 pm.
This week, the province welcomed the promising trajectory concerning its audit outcomes compared to previous financial years.
READ | North West Provincial Government records improved audit outcomes
“The audit outcomes serve as a glimmer of hope that we are on the correct developmental trajectory to address challenges confronting the province and create various socio-economic opportunities for our people,” Mokgosi said this week. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:04
Pretoria, Gauteng — For homeowners and business managers, the prospect of a new roof installation can seem overwhelming. TT Waterproofing, a leading provider of roofing and waterproofing services with over nine years of industry experience, is offering essential guidance to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when upgrading or replacing a roof. What to Expect …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to announce the South Africa U19 Women’s squad that will take on Ireland U19...
Lamola calls on African leaders to help end wars on the continent
While the media glare is on the Russia-Ukraine war - the genocide in Palestine, the conflict in Sudan, the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and conflicts in the Sahel are as good as footnotes.
These are the comments from the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who expressed concern that not enough attention is being given to conflicts in Africa.
“We must take up our responsibility as Africans to help end these wars. We should work with external and international friends who act bona fide to end the war. Admittedly, this is not easy.
“The presence of unconventional participants on both sides, including mercenaries, foreign volunteers, special forces, and paramilitary squads, has made Africa a place for proxy wars,” he said of Friday.
Lamola delivered a keynote address at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) Conference in Sandton.
The Minister used his platform to reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security, promotion of human rights and sustainable development.
He said he was concerned that it was now easier to fund wars than to support development, adding that economic, financial, and cyber warfare, as well as artificial intelligence, have been “weaponised” and used on a large scale.
Lamola told delegates that the world was in a “grievous interregnum, and transitioning to the new is that dangerous”.
“We are experiencing a proverbial ‘crisis moment’ in world affairs, which could easily become a ‘moment of calamity’.
“In this dangerous geopolitical moment, the champions of the liberal international order generally refuse to accept any notions of decline and would resist any attempt to emerge an alternative, least of all one from the Global South.”
Meanwhile, he stressed that geopolitical rivalry over people’s suffering was serious.
“This is most evident in Sudan, where the conflict has created a humanitarian catastrophe unlike any other.”
However, he believes that South Africa’s elections beckons hope for democracy and that the way the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed is a model for democracy worldwide.
“There comes a time when it is not absolute power that defines us but our collective ability to resolve our challenges and build a foundation of new frontiers for future generations.”
Middle East
The Minister is of the view that the world is witnessing the making of a post-Cold War, with all the hallmarks that it could become an “unimaginable hot war”, with the Middle East as its centre point.
“Turbulence, anarchy and combustion are the order of the day.”
He believes that the Middle East crisis is becoming a proverbial shift in the global balance of power in front of our very eyes.
“What started as plausible evidence of ‘genocide against the people of Palestine’ is now transforming into a real regional war that will have long-lasting ramifications for global peace and the economy and Africa in particular.”
Lamola pointed out that those who were once at the heart of multilateral order are now at the forefront of undermining them.
These, he said, include strategic pillars such as the Bretton Woods Institutions, the United Nations, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
“Imagine what the reaction of the world would be if an African State declared the United Nations Secretary-General a persona non grata like Israel did.”
This is after Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on X that he had declared the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, persona non grata or banned from setting foot in Israel.
“[The] Russia-Ukraine war, the genocide against Palestinians, trade wars that result in greater challenges in the global economy, and wars raging in Africa, with our continent becoming the theatre for proxy battles, all point to this moment of deep global crisis.”
He said BRICS was determined to play this counter-balancing role for the development of the Global South.
BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It has since expanded to include Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and others.
“After the 2023 expansion, especially to members from the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region, BRICS is a real force to be reckoned with.
“We will ensure that it does not take its eyes off the peaceful settlement of disputes, the transformation of global multilateral institutions, development finance, and the agitation for a more equitable global order.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:50
JOHANNESBURG: Proteas Men’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh after scans revealed a...