MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
In the News Today: Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp pulled no punches as he expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of officiating in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Middendorp’s side find themselves in ninth position on the log standings after six matches. The Cape-based club has managed to accumulate eight points having won two…continue …
KZN Finance recommits to improved financial governance
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, has re-affirmed the Provincial Treasury’s mission to ensure improved financial governance despite financial constraints facing the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
Rodgers joined KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli and other MECs at a media briefing held in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, to present a progress report on the seventh administration’s first 100 days in office under the GPU.
“Over the past four financial years, the [National] Treasury cut our equitable share by R66 billion, [and] over the next three years, a further R12 billion is expected to be cut. This is due to a number of factors, including the performance of the economy,” Rodgers said.
The MEC said a plan including several cost-containment measures has been put in place but added that this will not neglect the poorest of the poor.
“Our priority remains being a capable and ethical state that looks after our most vulnerable citizens,” Rodgers said.
Ntuli revealed that the provincial GPU had inherited a debt to service providers amounting to R10 billion, and this will require an average of R150 million budget cuts over the next seven years, starting from 2025/2026 financial year to have a positive cash flow.
However, Ntuli reiterated the GPU’s commitment to upholding service delivery priorities, despite financial limitations currently facing the province.
“The KZN Provincial Government has limited financial resources, meaning that we will not do everything that was promised within the anticipated timeframe. However, we will ensure that we improve integration at planning and implementation so that we use resource in a smart way.
“It is our commitment to implement revenue enhancement, wherein all departments should look at ways of improving their own revenue raising and collections, as this will increase the funds available for priority service delivery programmes,” the Premier said.
Rodgers will in the coming days, deliver his own first 100 days in office report, which will unpack further details on the state of province’s finances, as well as strategies and plans going forward on the part of Treasury.
The MEC has recommitted to ensuring that the four key spending areas, including job creation, building a sustainable economy, service delivery, and alleviating inequality and poverty, remain non-negotiable priorities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:06
In the News Today: The owner of a Durban gun shop who allegedly supplied firearms to a notorious criminal gang in Cape Town is expected to stand trial on more than 60 charges, including murder. Anderson Padayachee, who traded as Anderson’s Guns and Ammo in Merebank Plaza, faces charges in terms of the Prevention of …
Defending champion Glenrose Xaba will be back in action this Sunday, 13 October 2024, as she takes on the highly anticipated Boxer Super Run in Durban. In 2023 Glenrose Xaba and Precious Mashele showcased their remarkable speed at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban, becoming the fastest South Africans (at that time) to complete …
Municipality condemns murder of young woman by metro officer
Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Municipality has condemned the killing of a young woman in Motherwell, allegedly by an off-duty Metro Police member.
NMB Metro Police Acting Commissioner, Advocate Andrew Moses, said the incident took place in Maku Street, Motherwell NU2, on Sunday afternoon.
The officer, who is now facing a murder charge, is believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased.
The Acting Commissioner has, on behalf of the Metro Police management expressed shock and dismay at the incident and sent condolences to the family of the deceased.
“As a department, we are saddened by this incident, but we want to assure the community that we will work with the South African Police Service during the investigation,” Moses said.
The suspect is detained at Ikamvelihle police station, where he had handed himself over to the police.
"We wish to reiterate to the community that as a department, we condemn any and all kinds of violence, especially against women and children... We will be seeking the immediate suspension of the member to allow the legal process to unfold without any undue delays or interferences,” Moses said.
The Acting Commissioner noted that the police member was not on duty at the time of the incident.
“The preliminary report suggests that it was not an official firearm that was used, but rather an illegal firearm,” Moses said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:19
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislative amendments that seek to provide improved protection of the rights of communities who are part of communal property associations.
President Ramaphosa has assented to the Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill which amends the Communal Property Associations Act of 1996 to provide for clarity on the objective of Communal Property Associations (CPAs).
The new law also provides for general plans for land administered by associations, for the establishment of a Communal Property Associations Office, and for the appointment of a Registrar of Communal Property Associations.
The Communal Property Associations Act applies to communities who acquired property through restitution by court order, in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No 22 of 1994), or any law, provided that such communities form associations in accordance with the Act.
The law makes it clear that land will be owned by residents who are members of associations, and not by the associations themselves.
As amended, the Act seeks to overcome challenges experienced by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in implementing the Act over the years.
Challenges have included the abuse of power by persons elected to serve in committees of associations; the lack of authority of the state to intervene in affairs relating to communal property; and the department's limited monitoring and oversight of associations due to a lack of capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Serco has delivered six cutting-edge refrigerated trailers equipped with electric axle-driven systems to two leading transporters. The deal comes with the leading South African truck and trailer body building company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing diesel consumption. AxlePower system The AxlePower system powers the fridge unit without requiring a grid connection, resulting in significant environmental …
SHARJAH: The experienced duo of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge led England to a seven-wicket win over the Proteas Women in...
Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government is in discussions to intervene in the reduction of administered prices, including the petrol price, in South Africa.
This is according to Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who was delivering the welcome address at the Africa Oil Week 2024 on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Mantashe explained that the price of fuel directly influences the cost of living for South Africans.
“If the fuel price goes up, the cost of living goes up, which is not good for our society. To make life more affordable for all South Africans, we have already begun discussions on reducing administered prices, including the price of fuel and electricity. Included in the discussions of fuel prices are discussions on, but not limited to, the general fuel and the Road Accident Fund levies.
“In the fuel price, there is the general fuel levy, there is the Road Accident Fund linked to the price of fuel. Our argument is that you are distorting the price of fuel. Let’s find a formula of separating them and have the price of fuel visible, and when there is intervention in the fuel price, we can see it (sic),” the Minister said.
He said government intends to conclude those discussions “in the shortest possible time”.
Boosting economic growth
Mantashe said government is making concerted efforts to develop the country’s petroleum resources in an equitable way.
In that regard, he said, the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill is ready for assent by President Cyril Ramaphosa after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
“This is the first of its kind in South African history as the Upstream Petroleum Industry has always been regulated as an appendage to other industries.
“We are convinced that once the bill is enacted into law, it will not only pave the way for an orderly development of the Upstream Petroleum Industry but will boost the country’s economic growth to 8% as is the case with Namibia which increased its potential to double its economy by 2040 on the back of its recent discoveries of oil and associate gas,” he said.
The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) has also been established to “ensure that South Africans enjoy maximum benefits from their national patrimony, their petroleum resources” and to “carry the State share in petroleum projects and exploit some resources in its own right”.
“The [SANPC] Bill is undergoing Cabinet processes ahead of its onward transmission to Parliament for consideration and adoption. The enactment of the bill into law will enable the SANPC to operate as South Africa’s leading player in the petroleum industry, thereby ensuring energy security, foster partnerships, and propel economic growth on the back of petroleum resources.
“Additionally, the Petroleum Products Amendment Bill is also undergoing Cabinet processes for approval to publish for stakeholder comments. The bill seeks to, firstly, promote the transformation of the petroleum and liquid fuels sector by encouraging participation and equity; secondly, ensure that the persons involved in the manufacturing or sale of liquid fuels are regulated, and lastly, to ensure that the petroleum sector contributes to the country's economic development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:12
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has reached out to the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to request an urgent engagement with Postbank, asking them to provide a comprehensive list of locations where Postbank black cards are in stock. This move is aimed at preventing grant beneficiaries from going from pillar …
POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned a domestic violence related act, following a horrific incident that took place Monday afternoon, 07 October 2024, wherein a man allegedly shot himself dead in a vehicle after being cornered by police along N1 Freeway, Mokopane policing precinct in …
Aging Municipal Infrastructure Rising Electricity Costs Lowest Price Point Straton Solar Delivers The solar market is experiencing what people with economics degrees call a ‘correction’. At the height of loadshedding consumers were making emotional decisions and throwing money at Eskoms so called incompetence. Amidst general doom and gloom remarks from established and social media we …
GAUTENG – The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime investigation has resulted in the arrest of Nomfusi Princess Fortune (33) on Thursday, 3 October 2024 on charges of fraud and money laundering related to a romance scam. A case of fraud was registered at Norwood police station in June 2019. The victim had suffered a loss of …
In the News Today: Erin Lazarus has set her sights and cue on winning the Ladies’ Singles category at this year’s Blackball International World Championships. The 21-year-old, who is part of Team South Africa, will take part in the singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team (five ladies) categories at the event in Bridlington Spa, England, …
South Africa's potential for oil and gas 'significant' - Mantashe
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says the discovery of gas and condensate from two exploration wells in the South Outeniqua Basin are proof that South Africa’s underexplored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas.
The Minister was speaking during Africa Oil Week held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“In the past two years, TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp have made eight discoveries across three blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin, representing an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of potentially recoverable oil.
“These discoveries have led to a huge interest by major petroleum companies since it is believed that the Namibian discoveries may be extending southwards into South Africa.
“The discoveries of gas and condensate from two exploration wells drilled in Block 11B/12B offshore in the South Outeniqua Basin have also proven that South Africa’s under-explored deep waters have significant potential for oil and gas, and thereby signalling a need to accelerate exploration efforts,” Mantashe said.
Commenting on the withdrawal of international energy giant, TotalEnergies, from offshore Block 11B/12B and 5/6/7, Mantashe insisted that development on the block still remains viable.
“[There] remains a good potential for other oil and gas players to partner with the remaining operator – MainStreet - and develop the block.
“Contrary to the view that suggests that TotalEnergies withdrawal from the block is tantamount to lack of confidence, it is encouraging that the company is a major shareholder in 3 blocks North of South Africa’s Orange Basin in the deep to ultra-deep waters, and a 100% shareholder of another larger block that is 3 times the size of the 11b/12b in Southern Outeniqua,” he said.
According to the Minister, several exploration projects in the South African Orange Basin are “gearing up for development”. These include:
• Preparation work for drilling exploration of the Deep-Water Orange Basis (DWOB) block operated by TotalEnergies.
• Proposed drilling of an exploration well, with the option to drill up to four additional wells in Block 3B/4B.
• The Northern Cape Ultra-Deep-Water Block has started with environmental authorisation processes for drilling.
• The notable progress made on Block 5/6/7 with a potential to start drilling exploration in the block in 2026 targeting large oil and gas resources.
Mantashe said the risk for these projects is litigation against exploration and production.
“This has already affected two major seismic surveys to date, including Shell, which abandoned their survey and went on to discover oil and gas in Namibia, as well as ENI, which after being taken to court 47 times, left and went to discover oil in huge quantities in Côte d'Ivoire.
“The successful 3D seismic data acquisition in April this year by Searcher on South Africa’s west coast has proven that exploration of petroleum resources can be done successfully without any harm to the environment,” he highlighted.
The Minister gave a nod to the approval, by the Competition Commission, of government’s acquisition of the various assets that comprise the SAPREF [a joint venture between Shell Refining SA and BP Southern Africa] refinery, which is located in Durban.
“Government has, through the Central Energy Fund (CEF), concluded a transaction on the sale of assets at the SAPREF precinct. This acquisition has since been approved by the Competition Commission, thus reinforcing our efforts that seek to guarantee sufficient supply of petroleum products in the period where several refineries have been shut down prematurely.
“Like Chevron and Petronas, Shell’s decision to divest from its downstream business operations in South Africa provides an opportunity for another investor, or major oil company, to take over the assets as the downstream sector will remain attractive for the foreseeable future, given the rise of hybrid vehicles.
“We appeal to the delegates at this conference and the investment community to continue investing in the development of oil and gas to enable a prosperous energy outlook for Africa, and promote sustainable development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:13
In the News Today: The Durban North CPF has warned residents to be wary of a man purporting to be a member of the SAPS asking for cash donations for various causes. According to the public relations officer for the CPF, Darryl Oliver, the man has also targeted the Sunningdale area recently, however, residents did …
Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal became the first from her country to top the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings when she briefly overtook long-time number one Sophie Ecclestone before finishing second among bowlers in the weekly update that is carried out on Tuesdays. Ecclestone had started the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in top spot …
The Western Cape Government is taking a firm stand against extortion in the public transport industry, a crime that is severely affecting the minibus taxi sector and, by extension, the everyday lives of our residents. Western Cape Ministers of Police Oversight, Anroux Marais, and Mobility, Isaac Sileku, have expressed deep concern over the growing impact …
If you want an illustration of the dedication which has made Josh van der Flier a World Rugby Player of the Year, you only have to listen to him talking about his notebooks. It reveals the kind of meticulous preparation which – along with abundant natural talent – has seen the Leinster Rugby and Ireland …
Four arrested for bypassing electricity meter
Eskom has welcomed the arrest of four contractor employees who were allegedly paid R10 000 by a resort owner to bypass an electricity meter.
According to the power utility, the four were arrested “for facilitating the unlawful consumption of electricity without payment” and face charges of electricity theft and meter tampering.
“These actions not only constitute a serious criminal offence but also place a financial strain on Eskom and in turn its ability to return to profit and remove itself from being dependent on the fiscus. We strongly condemn such illegal activities as they violate the law and undermine efforts to provide reliable and sustainable electricity,” Eskom said.
The power utility explained that the scheme was halted following a report from a member of the public.
“Eskom commends the member of the public who reported the incident, our internal security team for their thorough investigation, and the South African Police Service for their swift action in arresting the suspects. Such cooperative efforts are crucial in the fight against crime and corruption.
“Eskom reminds all customers that tampering with electricity meters is punishable by law, and anyone found guilty may face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. Customers are urged to report any suspicious electricity-related activities, theft, illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other illegal operations on the network,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:29
Condolences to the people of the DRC following boating incident
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a devastating boating tragedy on Lake Kivu.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 2 October, saw a vessel sink near the shore, resulting in the tragic loss of an estimated 80 lives.
This as authorities are still searching for close to 200 passengers who remain unaccounted for.
In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased and those still waiting for news of their loved ones.
He also extended his best wishes to the survivors for their swift recovery and commended the rescue and recovery teams for their tireless efforts under harrowing conditions.
“President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the deceased passengers and of passengers who have yet to be accounted for.
“President Ramaphosa wishes survivors a speedy recovery and wishes rescue and recovery crews well in the grim duty they are performing in the service of the Congolese people,” the Presidency said.
The tragedy has sparked grief and concern across the region, with regional and international support being extended to the Congolese authorities, as they continue rescue and recovery operations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:21
South Africa’s leading vehicle and asset finance provider, WesBank, proudly announces the formation of a strategic alliance with GAC Motor South Africa as part of the newly launched vehicle importer’s go-to-market strategy. At the heart of the partnership is the formation of GAC Motor Finance, a product of WesBank, which continues the bank’s pioneering tradition …
College Rovers and Naka Bulle claimed big victories this past weekend to secure home ground advantage for the African Rainbow Community Gold Cup semi-finals, while the Northam Rhinos and Helderberg recorded impressive wins to gather some momentum ahead of the penultimate round of the tournament. The quarter-final matches staged in Pretoria, Strand, Setaria and Durban …
Standard Bank has experienced a significant increase in instant payments, driven by a growing uptake of PayShap, while other immediate interbank transactions have continued to grow. Over the past year, the number of Standard Bank clients registering for PayShap grew by 9%, and active use of ShapID for transactions has increased tenfold (817%) year-on-year. “This …