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At Hold Real Estate, we understand the significance of a secure investment, especially when it comes to one of the most substantial financial decisions in life—purchasing property. Established in 1975, Hold Real Estate has grown into a prominent boutique Israeli real estate firm renowned for assisting international buyers in securing their ideal homes in Israel. …
Prize-Winning Pastry Chef Celebrates Social Change With Coffee-Inspired Creations. Johannesburg, August, 2024 – This Women’s Month in South Africa, Nespresso ZA is partnering with rising culinary star MOTHEBA MAKETHA to integrate Nespresso coffee into culinary experiences within the South African context while highlighting the exceptional talent of women in the culinary sector. Currently the pastry …
Western Cape Government urges motorists to exercise caution
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is urging motorists to reduce their speed on the roads after recording a concerning 201 speeding offences on provincial roads.
“This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing speeding and ensuring road safety across the province,” said the provincial government in a statement.
The speeding offences were recorded between 5 and 11 August.
According to the WCG, speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities.
The Mobility Department said it was committed to promoting safer driving habits and urged all road users to adhere to speed limits to protect themselves and others.
In addition to one arrest for speeding, six drivers were also arrested for reckless and negligent driving in the past week.
The provincial department said the highest speed violations recorded between 5 and 11 August include 161km/h in a 120km/h, 144km/h in a 100km/h and 89km/h in a 60km/h zone.
Speeding is not just a violation of traffic laws but a significant threat to public safety.
The department said driving at excessive speeds significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time, increases the severity of collisions, and diminishes the effectiveness of safety features in vehicles.
“In the unfortunate event of an accident, the chances of severe injuries or fatalities rise dramatically with speed. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are especially at risk when drivers exceed speed limits.”
To address this issue, the department has intensified its traffic law enforcement efforts, including increased patrols on high-risk routes.
Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, commented that enforcement alone is not enough.
“We need a collective effort from all road users to change their mindset and driving behaviour. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and adhering to speed limits is a crucial aspect of this responsibility,” said Sileku.
He said his department remains committed to creating safer roads for all residents.
“We urge drivers to take the dangers of speeding seriously and to contribute to the safety of our communities by driving within the prescribed speed limits. Together, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies and make our roads safer for all Western Cape residents,” Sileku added.
Tips for drivers to help avoid speeding:
• Plan ahead: Ensure you leave with enough time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.
• Stay alert: Regularly check your speedometer and adjust your speed according to road conditions and speed limits.
• If available, use cruise control: On freeways, cruise control can help maintain a steady and legal speed.
• Be mindful of speed zones: Pay attention to road signs indicating speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
• Avoid aggressive driving: Keep calm and patient, even in traffic or when running late.
-SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 11:13
Africa's upstream oil and gas sector is attracting substantial investments, with an $800-billion capital expenditure program focusing on LNG alongside traditional deep-water oil projects currently underway. This investment cycle is expected to boost Africa's LNG production capacity at a time when global gas demand is on the rise.
Responding to this environment, African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 will host a two-day Upstream Exploration & Production (E&P) Forum spotlighting Africa's LNG prospects. The forum will feature a series of strategic sessions and presentations, highlighting major LNG and floating LNG (FLNG) developments and investment opportunities shaping the sector.
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.
Mozambique is at the forefront of Africa's LNG growth, with the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project led by TotalEnergies set to produce 12.8 million tons of LNG per annum by 2028. Eni's second FLNG production project in the country – Coral Norte – and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG development are anticipated to reach FID by 2025. The country achieved natural gas sales of $1.7 billion in revenue in 2023, mostly driven by the start up of the Coral Sul FLNG project in November 2022.
The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 expansion project is approaching completion, set to boost the country's LNG capacity by 35%, adding roughly 8 million tons per annum. The project is part of Nigeria's broader strategy to enhance its LNG production capabilities to meet both local and regional demand. In June 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with marine infrastructure company Golar LNG to deploy a FLNG vessel in the offshore Niger Delta region. The PDA plans to monetize 400-500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, producing LNG, LPG and condensate, with FID expected by Q4 2024.
Under the Upstream E&P Forum, a session on The Demand Economics Driving the Growth of African LNG and FLNG will explore Africa's LNG portfolio, shedding light on supply and demand dynamics and future investment opportunities. Speakers will include Managing Director & General Manager of Eni Rovuma Basin Marica Calabrese, Africa Finance Corporation Vice President Taiwo Okwor, and senior representatives from Golar LNG, Angola LNG, and UTM Offshore.
In West Africa, Equatorial Guinea is also establishing itself as a major LNG player through its Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative, which aims to pool regional gas resources to become a central hub for gas processing, liquefaction and distribution. Last October, US oil and gas company Marathon Oil entered into an LNG sales agreement with commodity trader Glencore for Equatorial Guinea's Alba field, positioning the company for the GMH's next phase of development. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, spanning Mauritania and Senegal, is set to reach first production by Q4 2024, with a capacity of 2.3 million tons per year.
In southern Africa, Angola's LNG market is also growing, launching the second phase of the Falcão natural gas project last December, as well as developing the country's first non-associated gas development project in Soyo. South Africa's Virginia Phase 2 project is set to produce commercial quantities of LNG and liquid helium, with a capacity of 670,000 cubic meters of LNG per day. Meanwhile, the country's Port of Ngqura FLNG project involves the installation of a floating storage and regasification unit, gas-to-power infrastructure, cryogenic pipelines and a terminal for processing, storing, on-site exploitation and distribution of gas acquired from the country's on- and offshore fields.
A session on The Game Changer: Examining African Gas will outline Africa's natural gas reserves, production capacities, infrastructure development and export potential, highlighting potential for transitional energy, power generation and diversified growth. The session will feature senior representatives from Equatorial Guinea's national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol, Seplat Energies, and Mozambican NOC Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos.
With these developments on the horizon, Africa's leading upstream markets are positioning themselves as key players in the global LNG industry. AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will provide a pivotal platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions, forge partnerships and explore new opportunities within Africa's growing LNG sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves with gold items they no longer need or want. Whether it’s old jewelry, coins, or even gold bars, selling gold can be a great way to generate extra cash. However, knowing how and where to sell your gold for the best price and convenience is crucial. This …
President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of the Presidential Health Compact
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 15 August 2024, preside over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The second compact follows the 2023 Presidential Health Summit which built on the inaugural summit of 2018 and brought together several stakeholders.
These include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia, and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
According to the statement, the stakeholders involved in the Presidential Health Compact are integral to supporting the Department of Health in improving the health system.
The Presidential Health Compact initially consisted of nine pillars with the tenth pillar added during last year’s summit.
These include the development of human resources, improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure, private sector engagement, quality healthcare, public sector financial management improvements, governance and leadership, community engagements, information systems and pandemic preparedness. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:29
Municipality blames water delivery issues on illegal water connections
They only played one game in the Under 18 International Rugby Series, against Georgia at Stellenberg High School on Monday, but South Africa U18 ‘A’ coach Heinrich Martin was grateful and pleased his team took their opportunities in their match, which ended in a 20-3 triumph for the hosts. The tragic circumstances of last week, …
In the era of smart technology, it’s no longer just our phones and watches that are intelligent. Our homes are becoming smarter too, thanks to innovations in smart switches, automatic window shades, electric blinds, and other automated systems. Upgrading your home with these technologies can enhance comfort, increase energy efficiency, and add a touch of …
Mining company African Rainbow Minerals (https://apo-opa.co/46M4tND) reached an agreement last September with financial services company Absa – along with finance institutions Standard Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa and Nedbank – to provide finance for the construction of a 132 MW solar project. The move is set to provide renewable energy to platinum mining projects in South Africa through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
To support the growth of South Africa and Africa's critical mineral industry, Absa is participating in this year's Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit. Shirley Webber, Coverage Head of Resources & Energy at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking – an Absa subsidiary –, will discuss the firm's contributions and investment strategy in the African critical mineral sector.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6-7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Absa is a major player in Africa's critical mineral industry, providing direct financing to project developers, while supporting critical mineral mining projects through long-term PPAs. The institution is arranging a $120 million debt facility to support platinum group metal (PGM) mining firm Pensana's (https://apo-opa.co/4fTeBZo) strategy to achieve first PGM production in South Africa by 2025. Absa also partnered with French financial services firm Société Générale in March 2023 to raise $130 million in funding to support PGM and chrome-producer Tharisa (https://apo-opa.co/46HEd76) with its mining operations in South Africa.
Absa has positioned itself as a key driver of environmental social governance (ESG) and skills and capacity building within Africa's critical mineral sector as the global mining industry prioritizes environmental sustainability and local content development. In May 2023, Absa closed a $562.4 million sustainability-linked green bond for mining firm Harmony Gold, enabling the company to expand production and reduce its carbon footprint at its gold and copper projects across Africa. As such, Webber is expected to use the CMA 2024 platform to highlight how Absa is driving ESG projects across Africa's critical mineral sector.
“Companies like Absa have positioned themselves as key enablers of Africa's critical mineral industry growth by simplifying access to capital for project developers. As demand for Africa's energy transition metals grows and global markets prioritize environmental sustainability, the capital and ESG expertise provided by Absa will be crucial,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Lamola to use economic diplomacy to tackle poverty and unemployment
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has pledged that his department will use economic diplomacy to tackle the underlying challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa.
“I look forward to working with all of you in the seventh administration to make international relations more accessible to every South African. International relations is not abstract, it affects us in our everyday lives,” he said on Monday.
Lamola was speaking during a media briefing where he was updating the public on his programme and topical issues.
He also emphasised the consistent goal of achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world.
“DIRCO’s [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] work is crucial in realising this grand vision every day. We have reassured everyone that there will be continuity in foreign policy, aligned with the Government of National Unity's (GNU) vision.”
He told journalists that parties in the GNU have agreed to work together to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated in his inauguration speech that the parties have committed to pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity, and peace.
“They will also promote multilateralism for a fairer, more equal, just, and compassionate world.”
In addition, he said the GNU was committed to the well-being and professional growth of the team, encouraging them to take advantage of learning and development opportunities provided by the department.
Other issues
On Israel, he said South Africa “strongly” condemns the attack on a school turned shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza that has killed more than 100 people, including women and children.
This is after the Israeli military claimed its air force on Saturday struck a “command and control centre” that “served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders” at Al-Tabaeen school.
However, the department said they had not provided evidence to qualify the harming of defenceless civilians in its dangerous escalation.
“South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of schools, hospitals, medical infrastructure, and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.”
The Minister said South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical, or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.
Lamola called on the international community to act decisively against this deliberate attempt to derail the ceasefire negotiations and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe due to the ongoing violations of international law.
“South Africa once again calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.”
He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which Angola facilitated.
In addition, he said South Africa was monitoring developments in Venezuela following the recent elections.
Lamola has welcomed that President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the people of Venezuela to self-determination without the interference of external forces. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:35
The Western Cape Government has recorded a concerning 201 speeding offences on provincial roads between 5 and 11 August. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing speeding and ensuring road safety across the province. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities. The Mobility Department is …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners arrested by Tanzanian police in recent days. In the past 24 hours, opposition party CHADEMA’s Chairman, Freeman Mbowe, Vice Chairman and former Presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, youth wing leader, John Pambalu, and scores of party members have been …
Nolwazi Tokhwe says her life has dramatically changed
Numbers of breeding pairs in Algoa Bay have bounced back since bunkering stopped
The Newtown A clinic has been closed since the floods in April 2022
Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has given the City of Cape Town permission to construct an emergency spillway on the fourth and remaining farm dam reported to be on the verge of collapse to lower the risk of its collapse.
This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
The department’s Head of Communication, Dr Mandla Mathebula, said the three failed dams did not have sufficient spillways and had filled beyond the safe level, resulting in overtopping due to high rainfall and associated run off, causing them to fail in series.
“The fourth dam, which is the highest dam in the valley, also has no spillway and it has been discovered that it has some structural damage. The dams are owned by the Western Cape Provincial Government and serve local farmers.
“To reduce the risk of potential failure, the DWS Dam Safey Office has granted permission for the construction of an emergency spillway on the fourth dam,” Mathebula said.
Mathebula said construction has started under the supervision of an approved professional person and will ensure that the dam is able to manage the anticipated floods due to the predicted rainfall, which will last until Tuesday.
“The existing outlet pipe of the dam will also be kept fully open to allow the dam levels to drop to safe capacity or even empty if required,” Mathebula said.
According to the preliminary report by the department’s engineers who are on site, the dams failed last week Wednesday at approximately 3am. The town of Riverlands, approximately two kilometres downstream, was partially flooded.
Due to the dams storing the bulk of the catchment runoff and not having any spillways to discharge any water in rainy seasons, the river dried up downstream.
Mathebula noted that most of the affected houses, including the railway line, subsistence farming smallholdings, schools, roads, and other structures, were constructed in the original river flood zones.
He said the department will conduct an investigation into the causes of the dam failures and depending on the results of the investigation, DWS may implement regulatory actions to ensure accountability.
“DWS is doing its best to assist the City of Cape Town during this difficult period to ensure that the situation is normalised. The DWS has dispatched its engineers from the Western Cape Regional Office to provide expert advice to stabilise and rehabilitate the situation.
“A local Joint Operations Committee has been established, represented by a variety of municipalities, disaster management teams, DWS, Gift for Givers, SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), social and humanitarian organisations, amongst others,’” Mathebula said.
The department has assured the communities around the affected area that all hands are on deck to resolve the problem. It encouraged community members to cooperate during this period to ensure speedy work on site. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 09:53
SA Rugby Mobi-unit coach Duane Vermeulen, wing Makazole Mapimpi, and utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels hosted a media conference in Perth on Monday in the build-up to Saturday’s second Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies at the Optus Stadium. Kick off at 11:55 on Saturday 17 August 2024.
Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that through stronger collaboration between government and business, along with the backing of labor and civil society, entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to lift more women out of poverty.
The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.
“With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service.
With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees.
“There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses.
“Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas.
“Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
Last week, the country commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20 000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime.
READ | Parliament committed to advancing gender equality
Thirty years into democracy, the President highlighted that government has made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, however we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation.
This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa.
South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education.
However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%.
“In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa.
“In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate, entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country,” the President said.
WATCH |
Through its various departments and entities, the President highlighted that the State provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses.
Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills.
“We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector,” he said.
He further highlighted that government is striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.
“From citrus farmers in the North West, cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, women-owned enterprises all across the country are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:15
Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule
Government has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a stalwart in the gospel music industry and a beloved radio personality.
“Deepest condolences are extended to the Mbokazi and Nkambule families, as well as her Ukhozi FM family during this difficult time,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
Mbokazi-Nkambule reportedly passed away at Parklands Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Monday.
“As the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Mbokazi-Nkambule provided a platform for gospel artists to be recognised and to showcase their talents; this contributed immensely in elevating the genre to new heights.
“Her dedication and love for gospel music has helped many and nurtured the growth of gospel music in South Africa.
“Mbokazi-Nkambule’s voice resonated with millions while working as a radio personality on Ukhozi FM, where she captivated her listeners with her warmth, sincerity, and deep connection to her faith. She was a strong believer who was committed to her spiritual journey and the upliftment of others,” GCIS said.
Mbokazi-Nkambule’s contributions to the gospel music industry and the media will be remembered for generations to come.
“Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and broadcasters. As the country mourns her passing and remembering her remarkable life, let us stand with her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her work. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” GCIS said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 15:11
Decision on the High Court review brought by Syed Mohiudeen postponed
Gauteng police net over 900 suspects
Police in Gauteng have arrested over 900 suspects in the high-density Operation Shanela carried out under the leadership of the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects were involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, business robbery, drug dealing, possession of drugs, assault, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The collaborative effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum and private securities.
Commencing on Saturday, the weekend operation included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects.
During the operation, over 600 suspects wanted for various crimes were apprehended by detectives across the province, with 117 arrests related to gender-based violence.
The Provincial Commissioner took charge of the roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, where violent crimes such as murder, assault, hijacking and robbery are prevalent.
Parallel high-density operations were conducted across all districts, resulting in the apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in criminal activities.
In the Tshwane district, 43 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 79 were illegal immigrants, two were involved in drug dealing, one was nabbed for employing illegal immigrants, one for dealing in illicit cigarettes and 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with regulations.
The high-density operation will persist until a significant crime reduction is achieved in Gauteng.
The apprehended suspects will appear before various provincial Magistrates' Courts. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:16
Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has dispatched an emergency housing team to urgently assist displaced families whose homes were flooded when the walls of a dam collapsed in the Swartland Municipality in the Western Cape.
Kubayi said the ongoing assessment will inform what interventions required for all the affected households.
The Minister highlighted there are four categories of interventions provided by the department and these include restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs.
“We have directed the team to ensure that the affected households are assisted with emergency accommodation, particularly the vulnerable groups. It is unfortunate that we now have to deal with this incident, while we are still reeling from another recent disaster that left people homeless,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi said the families whose homes were affected by last week's disaster in Riverlands are being provided shelter at Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and Riverlands Church.
READ | Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
“The team from human settlements has compiled a list of approximately 100 displaced people, who have expressed their reluctance to be moved to safer temporary accommodation, citing a need to take care of their livestock,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC), which forms part of the disaster team, is currently on site will assess the structural integrity of damaged properties as soon as the water subsides.
The department commended NGOs that are already on the ground to assist victims.
Transparency in allocating houses
Meanwhile, Kubayi has reiterated the importance of transparency in allocating houses and delivering other housing programmes within the human settlements sector.
During her engagement with listeners on the Power FM breakfast show last week, Kubayi confirmed that the department is fully committed to dealing with any allegations of fraud and corruption, mainly in the allocation of fully subsidised houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG).
“We are rectifying and reconfiguring our human settlements delivery system. Digitising the beneficiary list system is our main priority because it will radically improve our operations as a department.
“We have been entrusted with over R31 billion during this financial to respond to the housing needs of our people. Every cent must be accounted for and effectively used to restore the dignity of the poor and the vulnerable among us,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi was on Power FM as a special host of the breakfast show, as the country commemorates Women’s Month.
The Minister used the opportunity to invite listeners to give her tips to improve the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Listeners raised several issues, including government's response to land invasions by capacitating municipalities to effectively deal with this challenge; conducting an audit to determine if BNG houses have been given to the rightful owners, and attending to blocked projects.
Kubayi also interviewed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on justice for women and the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, on the scourge of teenage pregnancy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:26
Pretoria, South Africa — In the ongoing battle against moisture intrusion, TT Waterproofing, a market leader in roofing and waterproofing systems, is committed to providing homeowners, business managers, and industrial property owners in Gauteng with effective solutions to safeguard their investments. With over nine years of experience in the industry, TT Waterproofing offers a range …