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Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais welcomed the intended signing of the policing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Western Cape Government (WCG), national government, and the City of Cape Town (CoCT), which will take place in Cape Town on Friday, 30 August. Premier Winde said, …
Malawi snatched victory by two wickets in their thriller against Kenya to be crowned winners of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Rwanda. Malawi’s ability to rotate the strike in the final overs determined the result in the nail-biting final. Kenya captain Melvin Khagoitsa scored …
Gqeberha, 28 August 2024 – Civil engineering students are being exposed to practical road construction work on a graduate programme being implemented by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality. Twenty-three (23) promising students from diverse educational backgrounds are participating in the training programme on SANRAL’s projects along …
RS South Africa, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, will be exhibiting at MTE Ngodwana 2024 in Mpumalanga on 22 August. RS provides industrial products and service solutions for the pulp and paper industry that allow customers to focus on designing, building, maintaining, repairing, …
Maybe Hollywood or King Kong were to blame, says Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka of her otherwise supportive mother’s dread at her daughter working with gorillas. “She thought they would maul me or kill me,” says Kalema-Zikusoka, recalling the fieldwork she first did with the great apes while as a student vet. “She was someone who always encouraged …
This is the season! Now is the time! For spiritual breakthrough and revival. Appeal To Heaven, a 40-day prayer conference hosted by Good Hope Christian Centre from 4 September – 13 October. This extended conference, only one of its kind in our city, is set to make a profound impact on your life and strengthen …
Bara's burn unit gets a much-needed upgrade
The upgrading of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will go a long way in positioning the facility as one of the leading centres in Africa, focusing on the treatment of burns.
This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.
The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training.
Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.
“The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system.
“This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that more patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko.
According to the CHBAH Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures - a critical factor in treating severe burns.
The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities.
According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.
The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to her body and face.
She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.
“I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,” she said.
Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body.
“I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.”
The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.
This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:23
Dear Editor The swearing-in of individuals implicated in state capture as Members of Parliament for the MK Party today is a travesty and an insult to the people of South Africa, who have suffered the devastating consequences of corruption and mismanagement under the very individuals now poised to represent them in Parliament. Among those sworn …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus in the City of Tshwane remains confident in the stability and effectiveness of the Multi-Party Coalition Government in the city. Despite the attention surrounding ActionSA’s internal review, we believe that the coalition, under the leadership of Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink and Deputy Executive Mayor Nasipi Moya, has demonstrated …
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to face New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday after completing all the training sessions this week and has been drafted onto the replacements bench for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship encounter, while Rassie Erasmus has released four players to their Carling Currie Cup teams to get …
Minister Meth welcomes Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings in the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme matter.
The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed with costs on 15 August 2024 an application by Mthunzi Mdwaba, Thuja Holdings and others to appeal against judgments and orders handed down earlier this year by the Pretoria High Court.
“In dismissing the application, the Supreme Court of Appeal found that there is no reasonable prospect of success in the appeal. Furthermore, there is no other compelling reason an appeal should be heard,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.
On 19 April 2024, the Pretoria High Court set aside the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme agreement and declared it invalid after it found that the agreement entered into between the Department of Employment and Labour and Thuja Holdings (Pty) Ltd did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act.
Mdwaba was ordered to pay the Minister's costs of the application, including the cost for two legal counsel employed.
Mdwaba, subsequent to the judgment of 19 April 2024, applied for leave to appeal the Pretoria High Court judgments and orders, but after hearing the appeal, the court dismissed the matter with costs, on 28 May 2024.
Meth is pleased that the Court has finally pronounced on the validity and lawfulness of the agreement, which has brought the matter to its conclusion.
"I am pleased that the SCA has finally brought this protracted Thuja jobs scheme matter to closure. This judgment is significant to us as the department and the workers whose UIF [Unemployment Insurance Fund] money was preserved through the aversion of this irregular transaction.
“It goes to show that as government, we do not take light the responsibility placed upon us to safeguard the monies reserved for workers. Indeed, certainty and clarity about the oversight responsibility bestowed on political office-bearers deployed in government was elevated through this matter,” Meth said.
The Minister said the work of the Unemployment Insurance Fund can continue in earnest, as the department maps the way forward to create much needed employment opportunities for unemployed jobseekers.
READ | Nxesi denies allegations of corruption in R5 billion UIF jobs deal. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:31
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to announce Hollywoodbets as the official title sponsor for the CSA Professional Women’s...
On Tuesday 27 August, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, marked a significant milestone in the Western Cape’s commitment to delivering dignified housing with the handover of the first batch of houses in the Railton Housing Project, Swellendam. This catalytic project, initiated during Minister Simmers’ first term in office, is set to deliver a …
Dear Editor The DA has written to Ministers Maropane Ramakgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni for detailed explanations on the causes of the data exclusions in Census 2022. We will request a breakdown of the actions being taken to rectify the exlusions as well as an update on preparations for the next Census. Furthermore, we will request …
Eastern Cape government to embark on veldfire damage tour
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) will next month embark on an across-province tour to engage with farmer associations affected by the ongoing widespread and uncontrolled wildfires.
The fires are destroying pastures, livestock, agricultural infrastructure and livelihoods in the province.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said the tour would be held to gain an understanding of farmers’ challenges and discuss the department’s strategies.
“We want to better understand their challenges and discuss the strategies we have in place to support them,” she said, adding that the DRDAR would also collaborate with the Departments of Education, Social Development and Health, and other relevant bodies to address food insecurity.
She said currently, 414 000 households in the province face food insecurity due to high food prices, unemployment and underutilised land.
“Past efforts have been fragmented and ineffective. That is why the Office of the Premier is leading a coordinated Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan with various departments,” said the MEC.
While the department plans to launch this initiative on World Food Day, on 16 October, the ongoing veldfires pose a significant challenge and are becoming an obstacle to the DRDAR’s efforts.
The latest information indicates the following damage:
The MEC said the situation highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent and control these devastating veldfires.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders to work together to mitigate the impact of these fires and support affected communities,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 12:39
Three officers are accused of assaulting Juma Igiranieza, a barber, in Mowbray on 7 November 2023
Which, co-incidentally is the reason why Bird Poop turns White. Put it another way, we have all seen birds poop, but no-one has seen a bird pee. Birds do pee but not the way mammals do. When mammals urinate, we expel nitrogen-rich waste like urea. Birds don’t do that, though, so the nitrogenic waste has …
Deepening government, business partnership critical for SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa says although the partnership between business and government has yielded results in sectors such as energy and logistics, much more can be done collaboratively to address two of South Africa’s most pressing challenges – unemployment and economic growth.
The President was delivering the keynote address during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).
“With our far-reaching reforms gaining momentum, the second phase of our partnership with business requires a firm focus on employment creation. This is where we need to strengthen the partnership.
“Business continues to support programmes like the Youth Employment Service and the SA Youth National Pathway Management Network. These initiatives connect young unemployed South Africans with opportunities for work experience, jobs and skills. But there is much more we need to do,” he said.
President Ramaphosa highlighted that government and business are in agreement about various areas where work can be done to stimulate economic growth and employment.
“We must accelerate the work to overhaul the visa regime to attract critical skills, investment and tourism. We need to make use of the opportunities we have identified in tourism, business process outsourcing and the digital economy.
“We agree on the urgency of equipping the workforce with digital skills to take advantage of the new world of work. We agree on the need to use private sector capital to fund the growth of small businesses, particularly in under-serviced areas like townships and rural areas.
“As the Government of National Unity, we seek to deepen this partnership [with business] so that we can together build a conducive environment for investment, growth and job creation,” he said.
A government at work
President Ramaphosa told the BUSA AGM that for its part, the seventh administration is already at work to make good on its commitment to growing the economy.
“As we outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address, the apex priority of this administration is to drive inclusive growth. This is essential if we are to create employment.
“We are therefore focused on sectors with high potential for growth and employment, such as technology, manufacturing, agriculture and renewable energy.
"We are committed to ensuring that economic growth benefits all South Africans, especially the marginalised and underserved communities. This means supporting SMMEs [small, medium and micro enterprises] and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
“Growing our exports is a priority. We are committed to working with business and other social partners to improve the global competitiveness of local industries. We are working to streamline export processes to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, and to provide financial and technical assistance to exporters,” the President said.
Furthermore, government will continue on its reform path and with providing opportunities for education and skills development.
“We will continue on the path of structural and regulatory reform to improve the business operating environment. We are committed to a stable policy environment that stimulates investment.
“A skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving economy. As government, we will continue to invest in education and vocational training to equip young people with the skills needed in a rapidly changing economy,” the President said.
Partnerships
President Ramaphosa maintained that government remains committed to its partnership with BUSA to “drive economic growth that improves the quality of life of all South Africans”.
He added, however, that it is pivotal to maintain active and continuous engagement to sustain the partnership.
“We must accept that there will, from time to time, be areas on which we may disagree. We should not let this deter us from the work we need to do.
“Rather we should remain engaged in dialogue with a view to finding solutions that serve the interests of the country. Clear communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring that policies are informed by the realities on the ground.
“We must continue to work together. We must leverage our collective resources, expertise and passion for our country’s future. Let us seize this moment to build a more inclusive, prosperous South Africa. Let us build a South Africa where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our economic progress,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 13:58
Assets linked to Lotteries scandal preserved
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), together with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), have secured a preservation order for some R6.5 million in four high-value properties, financial transfers, and a vehicle linked to the looting of funds at the National Lotteries Commission.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the two law enforcement agencies said the order ensures that the assets are preserved until a forfeiture order is granted.
“This decisive action is part of an ongoing investigation into the unlawful use of NLC [National Lotteries Commission] grant allocations meant to support community development projects.
“This preservation is part of implementing the Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies coming together to eradicate corruption in South Africa,” the statement read.
The preserved assets include:
• Property in Ekurhuleni
• Property at Waterfront Estate in Tshwane
• An agricultural holding
• Property at Makhado in Limpopo
• 2016 Toyota Hilux
“The preservation order ensures that the identified assets remain secured and cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of while investigations continue. The SIU and AFU are working closely to expedite the legal process to recover the misappropriated funds and bring those involved in these fraudulent activities to justice.
“The AFU and SIU remain committed to protecting public funds and ensuring that those responsible for the misuse of grant allocations are held accountable. All the properties mentioned above represent the proceeds of unlawful activity as provided for in the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
"Once forfeited, the property will be sold at a public auction, and the NLC will be compensated for its losses,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:42
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have today announced a T20 International (T20I) series between...
Chikunga reacts to brutal killing of two Limpopo women
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has commended law enforcement agencies for their speedy arrest of the farm owners, who allegedly killed two Limpopo women.
The owners of Onverwacht farm, near Sebayeng, outside Polokwane, have appeared in court on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
“The ferocious murder of the two women confirms that South Africa is struggling to overcome the burden of race, class, and gender-based inequality inherited during the periods of colonialism and apartheid.
“Women in rural, remote and severely underprivileged areas remain one of the most vulnerable groups to violence in their communities and their homes,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga said violence against women has reached alarming proportions in South Africa and it affects all women in this country.
The Minister emphasised the need to give attention to the extent of the vulnerability of rural women and women living on farmlands to have access to the justice system.
She said unequal access to education, segregated communities and massive economic disparities persists particularly among rural women and women on farms who are the most marginalised groups of women in South Africa.
“Approximately 55.5% (30.3 million people) of the population is living in the national upper poverty line while a total of 13.8 million people (25%) is experiencing food poverty.
“Action has never been more urgent to reduce inequality in society, the department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is leading the socio-economic empowerment of women youth and persons with disabilities, by ensuring that gender-responsive planning and budgeting becomes a norm for the whole country as it works towards ensuring equality,” Chikunga said.
The accused remained in custody and the case was postponed to 30 August 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:15
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has expressed concern that only 58% of housebreaking victims report the crime to the police, mainly because they believe that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not do anything about it. The Chairperson was responding to Statistics South Africa's release of the 2023/24 Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey.
“The trust deficit between the SAPS and communities is a major Achilles heel in the fight against crime. It is up to the South African Police Service to work hard, through deeds and action, to reverse this negative sentiment,” Mr Cameron said.
The Chairperson welcomed the release of the survey, as it gives a deeper analysis of the crime picture in the country. What is worrying, Mr Cameron said, was the general decline in reporting acts of crime across the board, especially sexual offences.
“The decline in reporting sexual offences from 92.3% to 78.4% should be reversed through training of police officers to adequately handle sexual-related crimes to prevent secondary victimisation. Also, the effective investigation of crimes leading to prosecution and the constant updating of victims will enhance trust between the police and victims,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
“It is extremely concerning, as SAPS is not currently equipped to really support victims and unfortunately when protection orders are not adequately enforced victims lose faith in the system,” Mr Cameron said. “Part of the budget adjustments the committee wants to propose can help address some of these shortcomings,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson underscored the serious concern that the use of illicit firearms, the weapons of choice in many criminal incidents, continues unabated. “We need more capacity within the SAPS to do destruction of firearms handed in and seized by police, as well as effective consequence management against those involved in smuggling firearms. The ease with which criminals access firearms is unacceptable,” Mr Cameron said.
The Chairperson also highlighted that it is unacceptable that people feel unsafe walking the street after dark. Statistics SA revealed that this fear is particularly pronounced among women, who reported feeling less safe walking in their neighbourhoods after dark than men. Additionally, the percentage of people who feel safe walking alone during the day fell from 86,6% in 2019/20 to 84,8% in 2020/21, continuing to decline throughout the reporting period and reaching 80,4% in 2023/24. The Chairperson called for heightened police visibility to curb this worrying trend.
Furthermore, the Chairperson encouraged communities to actively participate in community neighbourhood watches and community police forums, and to continue to be the ears and eyes of the police. “It is crucial that communities exhaust all lawful remedies to help prevent and combat crimes as we work to help adjust resources and budget of the SAPS,” Mr Cameron said.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson welcomed yesterday's multidisciplinary operation undertaken in eThekwini where at least 123 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. The police also recovered counterfeit US dollars equivalent to R4.1 million, seized 117 rounds of ammunition of various firearm calibres and a large amount of liquor. Also, one suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of cocaine, crystal meth and an undisclosed amount of money. Mr Cameron emphasised that these kinds of disruptive operations are necessary in the fight against crime, and he called the SAPS to intensify such operations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
RTMC investigates cause of Limpopo bus crash
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating the cause of a bus crash that claimed the lives of 10 people and left three others seriously injured in Limpopo.
The crash took place along the N1 in Makhado on Tuesday night at around 11:50 pm.
The bus driver, who was allegedly speeding, failed to safely navigate a traffic circle resulting in the bus overturning while traveling south bound from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg.
The deceased passengers are reportedly all foreign nationals.
“The RTMC expresses deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in this incident and wishes a speedy recovery to those who are currently hospitalised with injuries,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation said in a statement.
The RTMC crash investigation team is on the scene gathering information to understand the circumstances leading to the crash. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:43
President requests briefing and report from Justice Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, regarding reports that she improperly benefitted, via a loan, from money received from VBS Mutual Bank.
This after allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, received at least R500 000 in a loan from an individual intimately linked to VBS bank.
The municipality had invested money in the bank during Simelane’s tenure.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with concern media reports containing allegations of corruption against the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembi Simelane. The media reports have linked the Minister with monies alleged to have been received improperly from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality.
“The President has requested a detailed report and briefing from the Minister on the matter,” the Presidency said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:44
