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A groundbreaking ablution block initiative by The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has emerged as a beacon of progress for thousands of users in the Bellville community since its inception in November 2022. Situated strategically on the corner of Kruskal Avenue in the bustling heart of the Bellville CBD, this safe and convenient facility has improved …
Maverick and Winston are two adorable dotsure.co.za sponsored puppies currently in training under the SA Guide-Dogs Association. Based in Cape Town, cross Labrador/Golden Retriever, Maverick and black Labrador, Winston are set to become assistance dogs. Before these puppies are ready to change lives they must undergo extensive training at the SA Guide-Dogs Association. Their journey …
As the leader of Oman’s bowling attack, Bilal Khan prides himself on meticulous attention to detail. From the 5.30am alarm calls and the morning gym sessions to the hours spent studying tapes and devising plans for opposing batters, nothing is left to chance. But on the eve of Oman’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 …
At the end of the most drama-filled, high stakes rugby sevens event in history, France men and Australia women were crowned HSBC SVNS 2024 Champions at the inaugural Grand Final in Madrid. France will enter their home Olympic Games full of confidence after a stunning 19-5 victory over Argentina in the men’s final, denying the …
Buffalo City search and rescue operations continue
Search and rescue operations continue in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape which has been hit by inclement weather.
“The Buffalo City Metro is intervening in areas that have been impacted by floods… Rescue operations are continuous as emergency teams remain on high alert. Search and rescue teams are still searching for a missing 20-year-old who was washed away near Dawn in East London,” the metro said in a statement on Monday.
The metro reported that a pedestrian was fatally knocked down in a flooded street in Westbank over the weekend while a 13-year-old was recued in Amalinda Forest.
In an update at 1:30pm, the metro said that 1300 people had been displaced by the floods.
“Displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls in Mdantsane, Braelyn and Mzamomhle whilst others are being moved to chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures.”
Eleven wards across the metro have been affected including areas like Ducats, Pefferville, Duncan Village, Cambridge Location, Mzamomhle, Reeston, Stoney Drift, Mdantsane and Gompo.
The metro is also working with the Department of Social Development together with non-government organisations Gift of the Givers and Living Hope to assist with clothes, groceries, blankets and food parcels.
The metro’s executive Mayor Princess Faku visited Duncan Village, Mdantsane and Stoney Drift with Gift of the Givers on Monday morning.
In addition, the metro is engaging with the Department of Human Settlements to avail temporary relocation structures.
“Thus far, 800 temporary structures are being verified to be included in the database.”
This as the metro is dealing with 379 electrical fault cases in various areas in East London, Mdantsane and eQonce.
“All teams have been assigned to the different regions. The main challenge is fallen electrical poles leading to cables and transformers being dysfunctional.”
Rescue operations
In East London yesterday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), South African Police Services (SAPS), Police Dive Unit, Police K9 Search and Rescue responded to a sailing yacht with a jetty saving a passenger barge from sinking.
Also, Priority Care Ambulance Services, Buffalo City Metro (BCM) Traffic Services and Emergency Services responded to 10 flood-related incidents at various locations around East London.
In one scene, six people (four adults, one aged 80, and two children) were rescued from a flooded home, where their two dogs drowned.
Roads and beaches
The heavy rains have posed challenges for the city's storm water drainage systems resulting in the blockage of major roads such as Settlersway, Biko Bride from Westbank to East London CBD, Cambridge Cemetery, Duncan Village, Cc Loyd Township, Parkridge and Scenery Park.
The Disaster Management Service has conducted an initial damages assessment and the city's Infrastructure, Traffic, Fire and Rescue Services have been instrumental in clearing of blockages.
“The metro is advising motorists to be cautious around flooded roads and bridges. Communities and motorists are urged to be extra cautious and report any incidents.”
The metro has urged residents to contact emergency services call centre on (043) 705 9000 and their respective ward councilors for assistance.
The city has set up a Disaster Management Operations Centre which is being chaired by the Mayor and includes disaster management, law enforcement, traffic, fire, police lifesaving, EMS Ambulance services and the NSRI.
Meanwhile, all metro beaches remain closed.
The metro is still urging residents to be on high alert as more disruptive rain is predicted.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the floods. This as seven lives have been lost in the Eastern Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 14:25
[Listen to coach Philip Snyman speak.] It was not the result they had hoped for, but the Springbok Sevens will take away valuable lessons from Madrid this weekend after they finished sixth in the HSBC SVNS Grand Finale in Spain. The Blitzboks outplayed Australia in their first match on Sunday, but were pipped by Ireland …
Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift? You’re not alone in this regard. When asking a mom what she would like, most will answer that they have everything they need. This sentiment makes finding something truly special for Mother’s Day rather challenging. As a result, many of us end up settling on a bunch …
Ten years after winning his first Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, Elroy Gelant turned back the hands of time with another memorable performance at South Africa’s premiere 21km race. The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, incorporating the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Half Marathon Championships, got off to a wet and windy start on Marine …
So, that’s the regular season over and we now know the make-up of the play-offs, with Benetton Rugby and the Ospreys having secured the last two spots in the top eight. As a result, the quarter-final draw for next weekend looks like this: Munster Rugby (1st) v Ospreys (8th): Thomond Park, Limerick – Friday, June …
DHL Western Province flexed their muscles in round seven of the Women’s Premier Division with a runaway win over the EP Queens and moved into second place on the log at the halfway stage of the tournament. The Bulls Daisies remain on top after a big victory over the Golden Lions Women in a Gauteng …
Jack Brassell is determined to do Namibia proud after being called up to his first senior World Cup. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year, earning a place in the Eagles’ squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States after impressing at …
Rondebosch secure bragging rights against their old foe, Bishops, on the Piley Rees. Defeating the hosts 31-16 in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools derby on Saturday the 1st of June 2024. The leafy Southern suburbs of Cape Town came to a standstill this past weekend as the “Bish-Bosch” derby took centre stage. This cross town …
It was a rewarding final Vodacom United Rugby Championship pool round for the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers as they cemented their places in the quarter-final, with the Pretoria side sealing home ground advantage in a thrilling weekend of local derbies. The Vodacom Bulls – who also secured the SA Shield for the first time …
Government welcomes conclusion of elections
Government has welcomed the successful conclusion of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which ushers in the seventh democratic administration in the 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy.
“These elections stand as testament to our vibrant and dynamic constitutional democracy and affirms our faith and confidence in our open democratic processes,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.
Government thanked the 16 248 027 citizens who exercised their Constitutional right as well as civic duty to cast their ballots with “admirable patience, tolerance and enthusiasm”.
According to the Electoral Commission (IEC), the voter turnout for these elections was at 58.58%.
“This marks a watershed feat in the journey of our inclusive and participatory democracy as espoused by the Electoral Amendment Act 1 of 2023.
“The completion of this rigorous electoral process that comprised multiple milestones, from voter registration to actual voting and ultimately the vote counting as well as official announcement of the outcome of the election by the Electoral Commission of South Africa signals a formal end to the elections.
“The ‘snaking’ queues that characterised Voting Day across the length and breadth of our beloved country were demonstrative of a proud nation and a responsible citizenry, reminiscent of our first democratic elections,” GCIS said.
Government also congratulated the IEC for once again concluding a peaceful, free and fair election.
“The IEC is applauded for its transparency throughout the counting, verification, capturing and auditing process, which alleviated transgressions in the election outcomes.
“For the first time, South Africans had multiple options at the ballot with 70 political parties contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates and 52 national contestants. In total, there were over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures,” GCIS said.
Since the dispensation of freedom and democracy in 1994, South Africa has now held seven successive free and fair democratic elections.
“We welcome the declaration by various domestic and international observers affirming the 2024 elections as free and fair which serves as a vote of confidence in the integrity as well as credibility of the country’s electoral processes.
“The elections were encouragingly competitive and contested in a remarkable spirit of political maturity and tolerance. Government congratulates all political parties and wishes them well in their upcoming term of public office.
“Government acknowledges the valuable contributions of citizens, community leaders, election officials, volunteers and various government departments who played a pivotal part in the successful conclusion of the elections. We also commend our law enforcement agencies who worked diligently to ensure that these elections took place in a peaceful, nonviolent, and safe environment,” GCIS said.
It appealed to citizens to respect the authority of the IEC and all empowering provisions to execute its mandate.
“The elections results have been officially declared free and fair. We move forward to ensure a peaceful and stable South Africa. Any attempt to undermine the authority of the State and South Africa’s constitutional order will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly,” GCIS said.
GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa said the elections were another milestone for South Africa as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy.
“This reinforces our dedication to adhering to democratic electoral processes. Government extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who made it possible for the country to conduct elections in a secure environment,” Mnukwa said.
The public has been urged to refrain from sharing information in any form of pictures, audios or videos that perpetuate misinformation and disinformation or seek to incite any form of violence.
“Our law enforcement agencies continue to be deployed across the country to ensure that peace and safety prevails post the elections.
“The Chief Justice has already gazetted the rules for the first sitting of the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and Provincial Legislatures, of which the date should be confirmed within 14 days after the elections results are declared.
“When the first sitting of Parliament takes place, the Chief Justice first presides over the process of electing the Office Bearers of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,” GCIS said.
Government reiterated its dedication to continue providing services to its citizens while awaiting the finalisation of the smooth Parliamentary transition. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:25
Residents and visitors to the stunning Scottburgh on KZN South Coast can now enjoy world-class coffee and a healthy meal in the stylish setting of the newly launched Wild Coffee Shop. Started by three local entrepreneurs, Wild Coffee Shop opened its doors to patrons at its corner location on Scott Street (opposite the Blue Marlin …
The organizers of the Totalsports Women’s Race proudly welcome NIVEA, a global skincare and personal care brand, as the official skincare partner for one of South Africa’s most iconic women’s celebrations. “We are thrilled to partner with NIVEA as the official skincare sponsor for the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024,” says Nikki Crous, Head of …
Dear Editor Rise Mzanzi received R15 million from an organisation known as “We are the People”. Their website indicates that their mission is to “promote knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, its making, and its impact on society”. They also request donations from the public on their website. If the “We the People” vision is …
Plans underway for establishment of the seventh democratic Parliament
Following the successful 2024 National and Provincial Elections held last week Wednesday, plans for the establishment of the country’s seventh democratic Parliament now get into full swing.
Explaining the next step after the elections concluded, Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said Parliament is fully prepared, and all the necessary arrangements have been made for establishing the new National Assembly.
“Comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a seamless transition, including onboarding new Members of Parliament,” Mothapo said in a statement.
Mothapo noted that in democratic countries such as South Africa, Parliament plays a crucial role in making legislation and holding the government to account.
“Under a proportional representation electoral system, Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the people of the country and act as their voice. Parliament, therefore, is accountable to the people of South Africa,” Mothapo said.
Mothapo explained that every five years, the people of South Africa have the opportunity to cast their votes for a new Parliament, and each new five-year term of Parliament is numbered.
This has happened in the elections of 1994, where people voted for the first democratic Parliament. The second Parliament followed the General Elections in 1999, with the third Parliament in 2004, the fourth in 2009, with the fifth Parliament in 2014 and the sixth in 2019.
On Wednesday, 29 May, South Africans cast their votes in the country’s seventh democratic election to determine which political parties and, for the first time, independent candidates, will represent them in Parliament and the Provincial Legislatures.
Mothapo said as the legislative authority of the democratic republic, the National Assembly must ensure a government by the people by choosing a President, providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, passing legislation, and exercising oversight over the executive’s actions.
He said the National Assembly may be constituted with no fewer than 350 and no more than 400 members.
“The National Assembly is elected for a five-year term according to Section 49 of the Constitution. When the term expires or the Assembly is dissolved, the President must call an election within 90 days.
“Although the term of this Assembly expired on 21 May, it continued to function until the day before the first day of the elections, which was midnight on 28 May.
"Currently, there is no National Assembly, and the process to establish the new House has commenced,” Mothapo explained.
Handling of election results
The election results must be declared within seven days after an election, in terms of Section 57 of the Electoral Act. Following this, members of the National Assembly are designated by the Independent Electoral Commission, and the Commission then hands these lists to the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, who then hands them over to Parliament.
First sitting of the National Assembly
The first sitting of the National Assembly must occur no more than 14 days after election results are declared, and the Chief Justice of the Republic, Raymond Zondo, will determine and gazette the date for this sitting.
Mothapo explained that before members of the National Assembly perform their functions in the Assembly, they must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience of the Constitution, under Schedule 2 to the Constitution.
“After the swearing in of members, the Chief Justice presides over the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly, who must, in turn, preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
"The President of the Republic is the last to be elected by the House because the Assembly must be duly constituted first to exercise its power to elect the President. The Chief Justice presides over the election of the President,” Mothapo said.
Rules for the first sittings gazetted
Mothapo said the Office of the Chief Justice has officially gazetted the rules for the first sittings of the National Assembly.
The rules, as approved by Chief Justice Zondo on 27 May 2024, outline the procedures for the election of key parliamentary and provincial officials, including the President, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces.
Election of the President
Mothapo said the election of the President, who is chosen among the members of the Assembly, is conducted by the Chief Justice of the Republic and when elected President, a person ceases to be a member of the National Assembly.
“Within five days, he or she must assume office by swearing or affirming faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution at an inauguration ceremony,” he explained.
Term of the President and Executive
The term of the President, along with the members of the Executive, only ends when the new President is sworn into office by the Chief Justice of the Republic.
“This is usually during the inauguration ceremony after the National Assembly has elected the President. This is intended to ensure there is no gap in the country's administration between the election and the assumption of office by the incoming President.”
Opening of Parliament Address
Once the President has assumed office, Mothapo said he or she must appoint the Cabinet, and the President, in conjunction with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, determines a date for the Opening of Parliament Address.
According to the new joint rules of Parliament, the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The State of the Nation Address is held annually in February to outline the government's plans and priorities for the year and report on the state of the nation. The Opening of Parliament Address, on the other hand, occurs once every five years, after elections, to announce the new administration's plans and to mark the beginning of the new five-year parliamentary term.
“The Opening of Parliament is more than a ceremonial occasion – it is a platform where the government’s vision and priorities are presented, setting the tone for the legislative and administrative actions that will follow. It also symbolises the functioning of the new Parliament, reflecting the continuity and stability of governance,” Mothapo said.
Orientation of new MPs
Mothapo said the newly elected MPs are inducted and oriented through a structured orientation programme, which includes briefings on parliamentary procedures, ethical guidelines, legislative responsibilities, and administrative processes.
“The orientation also often involves training sessions on effective communication, law-making, and constituency management, ensuring that new MPs are well-prepared to fulfil their roles effectively,” he said.
Venue for the first sitting
Mothapo said the first sitting and onboarding venue has been secured at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
He said Parliament will, in due course, provide the comprehensive process that will be followed in establishing the National Council of Provinces of the seventh democratic Parliament. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:27
The Black Business Council (BBC) applauds the Electoral Commission of South Africa on the execution of the 2024 general elections. The BBC also congratulates all the political parties on mandates given to them by the electorates until 2029. The outcome of the elections reflects the will of the people and are a sign of a …
Condolences for Eastern Cape flood victims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to severe flooding in the Eastern Cape.
By Monday morning, at least seven people had lost their lives in the floods with reports of some 1200 people displaced.
Areas most hit by the inclement weather are Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Kariega.
“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.
“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape,” President Ramaphosa said.
In a statement, the Presidency said the President urged South Africans to heed weather warnings
“President Ramaphosa commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.
“Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, President Ramaphosa urges the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on our roads in poor weather conditions.
“The President also calls on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:36
Entries now open for the 2024 Championship Boerewors competition Shoprite and Checkers invite all chefs, cooks and boerewors aficionados to enter their finest recipes into the 32nd annual Championship Boerewors competition before entries close on 21 June 2024. Participants will stand a chance to compete for the coveted title of South Africa’s Boerewors Champion, and …
Glitches and slow queues need to be seen in light of IEC’s budget cuts
Government activities for the week 03 - 07 June 2024
On Monday, 03 June, there are no events are confirmed.
On Tuesday, 04 June, Statistics South Africa will release the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) quarter one 2024.
On Wednesday, 05 June, there are no confirmed events.
On Thursday, 06 June, there are no confirmed events.
On Friday, 07 June, there are no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:10
Futurepreneurs creates exciting business opportunities for young South Africans The Futurepreneur Academy, launched in 2021, is an initiative between FUTURELIFE® and Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) that is financially empowering young South Africans. It offers a learnership programme that equips budding entrepreneurs with the training, skills and expert guidance to build and accelerate their businesses, selling …