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EPWP programme exceeds target
EPWP programme exceeds target
With over 80 000 work opportunities created, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will continue to focus on the creation of work opportunities through the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in carrying out its mandate.
“Through a range of EPWP projects implemented by the department, the DFFE exceeded its 2023/24 EPWP target of creating 42 302 work opportunities, as the department created a total of 80 918 work opportunities,” said Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts.
Speaking at the Budget Vote of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the first in the seventh administration for the department, the Deputy Minister said these work opportunities benefited 60% women, 58% youth and 1% of persons with disabilities.
“Youth employment included the employment of graduates, enabling them to gain critical experience in line with section 24 of the Constitution.
"It is encouraging that some of these graduates were absorbed into the municipalities and other host organisations.”
The department met its target for full time equivalents (FTEs), meaning that it was able to improve the duration of employment as EPWP participants are paid in accordance with the number of days worked.
Swarts said the implementation of the Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme through a partnership model with the municipalities created the most work opportunities.
“The partnership had the department paying for the EPWP stipends and providing the primary project management responsibilities. The municipalities provided personal protective equipment (PPE), tools of trade and medical screening.
“The Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme contributed to the waste management service delivery through daily cleaning-up and clearing of illegal hotspots,” she said.
In this financial year, the department has prioritised the creation of 31 075 EPWP work opportunities and 22 538 full time equivalents through the implementation of the Working for Water, Working on Fire and Working for Wetlands and the Municipal Greening and Cleaning programmes.
“SANParks – one of our entities - also participates in the DFFE funded EPWP which is aimed at creating jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities.
“Under this programme, SANParks exceeded all targets in the previous financial year, having employed 5 150 full-time equivalents, employing 7 098 youth, 6 483 women and 198 people with disabilities.
“Over the medium term, under this programme, SANParks aims to create over 13 860 jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities, mostly from neighbouring communities to national parks.”
The department is implementing the National Greening Programme, which aims to coordinate national, provincial and local government initiatives and those of civil society to plant, care and maintain trees and other vegetation in urban and rural settlement areas.
“An estimated 1 177 390 trees were planted through DFFE initiatives and other stakeholders in the 2023/24 financial year. This resulted in the creation of 4062 work opportunities as it is implemented through the EPWP,” said Swarts. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:44
25 views
Husqvarna and LFC break new ground with unique global partnership
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New Police Minister outlines priorities
New Police Minister outlines priorities
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the seventh administration will act decisively to bring the high level of crime in the country, under control.
“It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary,” Mchunu said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday on the Ministry’s priorities, following the establishment of the Government of National Unity after the General Elections.
“We are honoured and humbled to have been given the enormous responsibility of ensuring that South Africans are safe and feel safer.
“We have spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners and divisional heads of the South African Police Service. We have done this to ensure that we have a broad understanding of the portfolio, including the challenges and opportunities, so that we can map out the priorities and urgent tasks at hand,” said the Minister.
He said he had benefited from briefings from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and the Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service as well as various organisations and institutions within the security arena.
“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control.
“The levels and type of crime differ from one province to the other. We need to take this into account as we implement the integrated National Crime Prevention Strategy,” said the Minister.
Currently, the leading crimes in the country are contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments.
“The killing of women and children also continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement. Our mission is clear - our country must be safe for all citizens. People all over South Africa must be able to move around at any time without fear of marauding criminals.
“Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape. The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets,” he said.
Mchunu said as the police, they take the issue of “construction mafias” in the country very seriously.
“This trend is associated with destructive activities which disrupt construction and infrastructure development which our country urgently requires.
“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and by using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” the Minister said.
Police will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, still making incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution.
“It needs to be in line with modern day crime fighting and prevention demands. We will also finalise the National Policy on Policing. It must take into account provincial needs and priorities,” Mchunu said.
He said there was an urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and instill positive ethical values, patriotism and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.
“Uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will remain a top priority. Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken.
“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers. People must respect police officers; have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst. Professionalism in the work of police is also part of the police protection mechanism.
“Our police officers need to work in a conducive environment. We are committed to ensuring that our police stations are well-resourced. We have to provide the necessary tools and vehicles to serve our communities effectively,” he said.
According to Mchunu, over the past two years, over 20 000 new police officers have been trained.
“We will strive to continue bolstering capacity and to enhance police training. A police officer must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force,” he said.
With regard to the use of technology in the police service, Mchunu said the integration of technology in police services is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.
“We will prioritise the roll out of new technologies to detect and deter crimes. Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities.
“These tools provide officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations. Technology also enhances transparency and accountability and fosters greater public trust.
“We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring SAPS on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:06
614 views
Motorist faces charges of bribery
Motorist faces charges of bribery
A motorist arrested by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) for attempted bribery is expected to appear in court today on charges of corruption.
The suspect was arrested during a multidisciplinary operation on Saturday in Brooklyn.
The motorist, who is allegedly an illegal immigrant, offered a police officer a bribe of R300 in an effort to avoid detention. The officer refused the bribe and immediately alerted NTACU, who swiftly arrested the suspect.
“The suspect was stopped at a roadblock in the Brooklyn district, conducted jointly by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Traffic Police (NTP) and Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP). Upon inspection, the motorist was found without a valid passport and other necessary documents,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said in a statement.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of fraud, corruption or malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or via WhatsApp at 083 293 7989. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:15
442 views
Ronald Lamola let anti-corruption body collapse
Special Tribunal has no active judges and hasn’t issued a ruling since May
Empact Group celebrates Mandela Day by empowering learners with formulas and illustrations that visually enhance Maths education
Empact Group, a purpose-led, 100% South African-owned company, celebrated Mandela Day by contributing to the enhancement of maths education in partnership with the Maths Centre. As part of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) efforts, their dedicated teams of staff volunteers visited schools across three regions to inspire and engage young minds through the vibrant world …
South Africa will decarbonise at a pace affordable to the economy
South Africa will decarbonise at a pace affordable to the economy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that South Africa will decarbonise at a pace and scale that is affordable to the economy and society.
“If we act too fast, we risk damaging huge sections of our economy before we have built alternative energy and industrial capabilities. At the same time, not acting now risks our economic stability,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday.
The President was speaking at the Climate Resilience Symposium, which is underway at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre, in Pretoria.
READ | Climate resilience tops agenda at symposium
Held under the theme, 'Moving the needle on climate change and just transition: The role of the National Treasury', the three-day symposium, taking place from 15 - 17 July 2024, aims to integrate climate goals into macro-fiscal and finance policy.
It also aims to improve government coordination by mainstreaming climate change considerations into the intergovernmental fiscal system, amongst others.
In his address, President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of strengthening systems for adaptation and mitigation, building resilience in communities, and accelerating the decarbonisation efforts and the pace of the just energy transition.
“The reality we must confront is that the carbon-intensity of our economy is unsustainable and for decades our reliance on coal was a competitive advantage because it allowed us to produce electricity cheaply, but the world has changed and this dependency has come to pose significant risks,” President Ramaphosa said.
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As the world moves towards greener economies, the country’s trading partners, the President said, will take measures to ensure that their own climate actions do not undermine their economies.
He said instruments like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which has the potential to cause great damage to developing economies, signal the inevitability of carbon pricing in global trade systems.
He said the country’s emissions-intensive energy system is likely to increasingly undermine its competitiveness in global markets.
Safeguarding the nation
President Ramaphosa called on South Africa to embrace a managed transition to a low-carbon economy, not only to safeguard its people and environment, but to ensure the country’s economic resilience and growth.
He warned that the country is facing a climate emergency, and indecision and slow action are not an option.
“We must act decisively and swiftly to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a just transition for all South Africans. We must pursue a green industrial agenda that will create jobs and grow the economy.
“Investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy and climate adaptation measures can be costly, requiring careful financial planning and prioritisation. That is why we have prioritised inclusive growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said government is hard at work implementing the urgent reforms needed to lift growth and pursuing a fiscal strategy that protects the sustainability of public finances.
He noted that Operation Vulindlela has been an extremely successful partnership between National Treasury, the Presidency and a wide range of government departments.
“It has enabled significant reforms in areas like energy, water, telecommunications, and transport, making our economy more competitive and increasing our productive capacity.
“Our strategy involves preparing ourselves to withstand the economic risks posed by climate change while taking full advantage of the opportunities of the energy transition. This is no easy balance,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:18
588 views
Help Thy Neighbour With Mall Of The South And SOJO
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South Africa aims for zero emissions by 2050
South Africa aims for zero emissions by 2050
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Speaking at the Climate Resilience Symposium underway at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria, President Ramaphosa said the revised Nationally Determined Contribution balances the country’s developmental needs and economic realities.
“It takes into account the feasibility of undertaking a climate response through a set of just transition pathways. Importantly, it notes carbon tax as a vital component of our mitigation strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” President Ramaphosa said.
By internalising the cost of carbon emissions, the President said the carbon tax incentivises companies to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in cleaner technologies, and also generates revenue for climate initiatives.
The President said these funds can be reinvested in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency programmes and social support mechanisms.
Government has launched a number of other initiatives to meet the country’s emissions targets, and these include the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which has been successful, attracting over R209 billion in investment and adding much-needed capacity to the electricity grid.
President Ramaphosa said the Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines the country’s energy mix, is in the process of being updated.
The plan sets out a viable energy mix over the medium- and long-term to achieve the decarbonisation objectives.
WATCH | Climate Resilience Symposium
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Just transition
The President said the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan sets out a quantified investment plan of some $98 billion, noting this will drive huge investments in the electricity grid, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, economic diversification, and skills development, amongst others.
“We continue to explore opportunities to meet our emissions reduction targets in minerals extraction, in green hydrogen production, in new power infrastructure, in electric vehicle manufacturing, and economic infrastructure upgrades.
“It is crucial that the transition to a low-carbon economy is just and inclusive and that no worker or community is left behind. The growth of clean tech, renewable energy, battery storage, green hydrogen and minerals for the future low-carbon economy must result in opportunities for affected sectors, employees, and communities,” the President said.
READ | Cabinet approves Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan
The President also noted that government is investing in retraining programmes, creating new job opportunities in renewable energy, and supporting small enterprises in affected areas.
The President further underscored a need for substantial investments to build sustainable infrastructure, develop green technologies and support social programmes.
Moreover, he noted the substantial gap between available disaster funds and the cost of disaster response.
“Even as we have taken proactive measures like setting up a Climate Change Response Fund, we need to think seriously about the urgent financial and policy measures needed to address these shocks, and how to strengthen the National Treasury’s disaster financing response,” the President said.
He said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is already working with the Presidential Climate Commission on recommendations for the Climate Change Response Fund, and an Adaptation and Resilience Investment Plan to accompany it.
The President called on international partners to fulfil their commitments to finance both, noting that mitigation and adaptation financing remains a challenge.
While acknowledging the positive steps taken with the establishment of the Green Climate Fund, including the Loss and Damage Fund, and other global mechanisms, President Ramaphosa emphasised a need for more innovative financing solutions that mobilise private capital and incentivise sustainable practices.
READ | Climate Loss and Damage Fund to be established for developing countries
“The National Treasury’s Climate Finance Strategy is pivotal in this regard, outlining how we can leverage public and private finance to achieve our climate goals.
“We must not underestimate the importance of our own domestic capital and financial markets to innovatively mobilise and deploy capital towards our just transition,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President announced that the Just Energy Transition Funding Platform will be launched in the next few months.
The funding platform will be an important precursor to a broader Just Transition Financing Mechanism, proposals for which are being developed by the Presidential Climate Commission.
“We call on South African business to invest in the projects needed for a successful just transition in this country. We need to use blended finance to unlock private sector flows,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:47
594 views
Front Loader vs. Top Loader: Which Washing Machine is Ideal for Your Household?
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Transport department, taxi industry to work together this term, says Creecy
Transport department, taxi industry to work together this term, says Creecy
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has committed to working with the taxi industry to ensure that the industry fulfils its role in the transport ecosystem with greater safety.
“Taxis are part of community life, and as per the National Household Travel Survey, now carry eighty 3% of those who use public transport.
“During this term, I pledge to work with the industry to ensure it takes its place in a safer, greener transport ecosystem. We will work together to decrease levels of conflict and violence, which pose a significant risk to the sector and to commuters,” the Minister said when tabling the Budget Vote of the department at Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport in Cape Town on Monday.
Creecy said the department will, in the short-term, continue to assist the industry to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Taxi Relief Fund, created by the department to mitigate the negative financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi industry, has been extended in the past year to provide further support to the industry.
“The Taxi Recapitalisation Strategy continues to deal with the scrapping of unroadworthy vehicles, but also aims to regularise and professionalise the industry by improving safety and incorporating the industry in transport planning processes,” she said.
Climate resilience
The Minister said as the department continues to “stabilise and optimise our existing transport sector”, new risks and opportunities continue to arise.
“Climate change, as we have seen over the last couple of years, poses a significant risk to our built infrastructure in general and our transport infrastructure in particular. Building the climate resilience of our ports, road and rail networks is both a necessity and a new opportunity for investment, growth, economic inclusion and job creation.
“Contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all modes of transport will become a necessity once the new Climate Bill is signed into law. Our transport sector is responsible for approximately one tenth of our country’s CO2 emissions, and we will have to do our bit to achieve the NDP target of net-zero by 2050,” she said.
In this regard, the Minister said, implementing the department’s Green Transport Strategy “will be a priority” in this term.
“In this next decade, transport will also be revolutionised by an acceleration of digital technology. New technologies and new global imperatives will fundamentally alter the skills requirements of those employed in the transport sector, as well as open up new value chains for new forms of economic access, ownership and employment.
“Such innovations include operational automation and real-time tracking of shipments to assist in port management, digital signalling to modernise the management of our railway systems, the use of artificial intelligence in traffic management, and the introduction of self-driven vehicles and drones for delivery.
“The department’s Green Transport Strategy includes investing in green energy infrastructure; promoting the uptake of alternative fuels such as biogas and green hydrogen; extending the rail network to provide alternative public transport, and developing ‘green procurement guidelines’, which will promote low-carbon technologies,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:20
302 views
Discover the power of colour in a lively collaboration between interior experts and Plascon at Decorex Joburg
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Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced: Revolutionising Baby Feeding
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Government committed to resolving challenges in transport industry
Government committed to resolving challenges in transport industry
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says although the transport sector faces challenges, the department remains committed to fulfil its mandate to the people of South Africa.
“Given the current status of the transport sector, my first task in this 7th Administration is to stabilise the transport system in our country and make our department fit to fulfil its policy-making and regulatory role,” the Minister said when tabling the department’s Budget Vote at Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport on Monday.
Challenges in the department
Creecy said the department has become “disconnected” from its vision to lead the development of efficient and integrated transport systems.
“[Today], we would all agree that an efficient and functioning transport sector that moves people and goods safely, speedily and affordably across the length and breadth of our country is the key to a successful economy.
“In recent times, there has been a disconnect between this vision and the realities of our transport system and our national Transport Department. Our sector is not operating as either an effective economic facilitator or as a much-needed social service,” she said.
Furthermore, she noted that the department has faced myriad challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the freight system, with long delays in the “movement of key bulk minerals, containers and vehicles”.
“Dysfunctional port terminals resulted in long waiting times for ships wishing to berth, as well as congestion at strategic border crossings and key national highway corridors. Our freight rail system was characterised by maintenance backlogs, cable theft, and skills shortages.
“Our road systems deteriorated throughout the country and many provinces failed to execute maintenance and new build programmes, resulting in unspent funds being returned to National Treasury,” she said.
Creecy said the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) was a response to meet the scale of the crisis is critical.
“The NLCC has three distinct objectives: improving operational performance of industry supply chains, including freight rail and ports; implementing reforms to modernise the freight transport system for efficiency and competitiveness, and necessary regulatory change or exemptions to enable efficient procurement and adequate funding for network maintenance,” she said.
Turning to the work of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the Minister said despite facing challenges of infrastructure damage and cable theft, the agency continues to reopen passenger rail lines, with 28 of 40 priority lines being fully operational.
“As of March this year, 256 stations are fully functional in cities across the country.
“Continuous work is being done to rehabilitate and open more strategic commuter corridors. This will ensure that the public can rely on safe, secure, punctual, and affordable public rail services that will not hinder their participation in the economy,” she said.
Stabilising the department
Creecy told the committee that a key priority for this financial year is stabilising and improving “governance of the department and its entities”, with critical vacancies to be assessed and filled.
“The efficacy of the department’s entities in fulfilling their stated mandates will also be assessed, and reforms such as addressing adverse audit findings and the timeous payment of outstanding invoices will be implemented.
“Immediate attention will be given to the critical issue of underspending by both departmental entities and Provincial Departments on finances allocated for road maintenance and road construction. In a country where citizens must daily navigate the hazards of potholes, it is unconscionable that we are returning money to National Treasury,” she insisted. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:22
279 views
Exploring Affordable Courier Services in South Africa
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for reliable and affordable courier services has never been greater. Whether you’re a business looking to ship products to customers or an individual sending a parcel to a friend abroad, finding the right courier service can make all the difference. In South Africa, there are numerous options available that …