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Decrease in sexual offences crimes
Decrease in sexual offences crimes
An intensive police awareness campaign against sexual offences-related crimes has yielded positive results with a decline in the number of sexual offences crimes registered in the country.
According to the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred between 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023, sexual offences crimes, including rape sexual assault and contact sexual offences, registered an overall 1.7% decline during the period.
Presenting the crime stats on Friday, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, said rape declined by 1.7% with six provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, all registering a decline in this crime category.
The report also showed that more than 2 400 suspect raids led to 4 264 suspects being arrested for gender-based violence and femicide- related (GBVF) crimes, including rape and sexual assault.
A total of 112 life sentences were handed down to 89 rapists, while 64 rapists and GBVF perpetrators were each sentenced to 20 years and above imprisonment.
One hundred and seventy-two rapists and GBVF perpetrators were sentenced 10 to 19 years imprisonment, and 1 to 9 years imprisonment were handed down to 261 rapists and GBVF perpetrators.
Cele noted that the fight against GBVF crimes remains a priority for the men and women in blue.
More awareness programs are being conducted by the department’s social crime prevention and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS), which translates to an increase in the reporting of these crimes.
“What is most encouraging is that Inanda - which has always been known as the rape capital of the country - has also seen a slight reduction in the number of rape cases by registering 20 counts lower than the same period under review. This goes to show that our FCS teams are proving to be acting decisively against those who are perpetrating rape crimes,” Cele said.
However, he said it is of great concern that the majority of rape cases were committed at the victims’ residences.
Significant progress in finalisation of DNA cases
Meanwhile, the report has highlighted a significant progress in the finalisation rate of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog, which is currently standing at zero, from 251 000 in the 2021/2022 financial year.
Cele said the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, Eastern Cape, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2023, has contributed immensely to the processing of more DNA samples in the country.
“All these efforts have contributed positively to the SAPS fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cases. For example, the NPA and SAPS project has led to more than 40 000 DNA forensic reports being finalised to ensure that cases of GBVF are prioritised,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:21
489 views
“It’s almost like they want you to give up”: desperate applicants queue at SASSA Eersteriver
Even those who slept at the offices are not sure to be served
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Police Minister Bheki Cele says police went into the festive season well equipped to take on the task of tackling crime.
“For the third quarter (of this financial year), which includes the festive season, police officers were adequately resourced to deal decisively with criminals in all forms and shapes.
“We came into this festive period well prepared. We unleashed our Safer Festive Season operational plan on the 13th of October 2023, where we deployed various policing interventions,” Cele said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria to release the quarterly crime stats, Cele on Friday said top police leadership gave strict instructions and a clear directive to officers on the ground to squeeze out all criminals from every corner of this country.
“It is clear that our efforts to prevent, combat and arrest criminals are proving to be effective,” Cele said.
The Minister said it is also quite clear with the number of arrests made that Operation Shanela is making its mark and putting a dent on serious, violent and organised crime.
Since its inception on 8 May 2023, Operation Shanela has seen more than 442 000 suspects getting arrested.
Cele said during this quarter, four major drug busts were registered. Three were at the Durban Harbour, where cocaine to the value of R300 million was seized in separate incidents.
“The most recent drug bust during this period was for cocaine to the value of R151 million on the 4th of December 2023. The fourth drug bust was at the Gqerberha Sea Port, where cocaine worth R65 million was seized,” Cele said.
Cele said in this period, R800 million worth of drugs were destroyed in Gauteng.
“These were drugs collected during policing operations across the country. Fifteen clandestine drug laboratories were shut down, with 21 suspects arrested for drug related charges, including manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
“Indeed, our intelligence structures are hard at work in preventing and putting a stop to the drug trade in the country and beyond.
“This is also a clear demonstration that all stakeholders involved in border security management are working together to tighten the control measures of cargo entering and departing our country,” the Minister said.
Cele said for the past two consecutive terms, police have noted a reduction in the number of murders reported.
“It is disturbing and concerning that the number of people murdered during this period increased by 2.1%, leading to 155 more people murdered compared to the same period.
“The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State must be singled out and commended for being able to register a reduction in the number of people murdered during this period. The majority of the top 30 stations where murder was most reported include the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape,” Cele said.
With regards to cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, Cele said the specialised teams put in place in each province are yielding results in ensuring that there is a reduction in the number of CITs taking place.
“During this period, 46 CIT armed robberies took place, which is 11 counts lower than the previous crime reporting period. In the past year, more than 75 wanted CIT suspects have been arrested during takedown operations.
“High calibre firearms, including rifles and AK47s, as well as high performance vehicles that were used in the commission of these crimes, were seized,” Cele said.
On construction mafia crimes, Cele said SAPS continues to deal decisively with this crime category.
He said construction mafias continue to pose a threat to business and the economy of the country.
“From April to date, more than 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused were convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:27
375 views
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
The Electoral Commission has published the seats determination for provincial legislatures ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The seats are determined in accordance with Section 105(2) of the Constitution Act 108 of 1996 and item 3(1) of Schedule 3 to the Electoral Act No.73 of 1998.
“The provincial legislatures’ seats determination takes into account scientifically based data on the population in each province, as well as representation by interested parties.
“The total number of seats to be contested in provincial legislatures is 445, subject to the finalisation of the Western Cape province,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement on Friday.
Seat determination is as follows:
|
PROVINCE 2022 |
CENSUS DATA POPULATION FIGURES |
2024 SEAT DETERMINATION |
|
Gauteng |
15,1 million |
80 |
|
Limpopo |
6,4 million |
64 |
|
Mpumalanga |
5,1 million |
51 |
|
North-West |
3,8 million |
38 |
|
Free State |
3,0 million |
30 |
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
12,4 million |
80 |
|
Northern Cape |
1,4 million |
30 |
|
Eastern Cape |
7,2 million |
72 |
|
Western Cape
|
7,4 million |
Still to be finalised in accordance with the provincial constitution. |
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 national elections soon.
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:30
325 views
Call for women economic empowerment to conclude GBV
Call for women economic empowerment to end GBV
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Nokuzola Tolashe, has called for the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and people with disabilities to end gender-based violence (GBV).
“Socio-economic challenges for women, youth and persons with disabilities remain persistent to this day and it is for the same reason that the department calls for 40% preferential procurement in the public sector,” Tolashe said.
She made the remarks after President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address, which highlighted myriad achievements -- while acknowledging the work that is still to be done -- after 30 years of democracy.
Tolashe said South Africa, like many other developing countries, continues to wrestle with the challenges of unemployment and structural economic marginalisation, insufficient skills development, high levels of violence, teenage pregnancies, and substance abuse.
She said these continue to hinder government’s progress in addressing the persistent triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The Deputy Minister said through the mainstreaming of women’s rights and advocacy, the department has over the years been able to coordinate and facilitate interventions to support economic empowerment and economic ownership for women, youth, and people with disabilities.
The mainstreaming of women’s rights and advocacy include promoting good governance regarding the rights and transformation of social and economic empowerment of women, among others.
“It is important that women, youth, and persons with disabilities, must enjoy equal access to adequate financing to start and scale their businesses, increase their incomes, and contribute to the country’s economy.
“It is through the department’s strategic outputs that the empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities continues to be at the centre of the national economic agenda,” Tolashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 15:02
149 views
Relocation of more than 880 families from Cape Town central railway line completed
PRASA says it can now recover infrastructure and restore train services
Strategic integrated projects
Strategic integrated projects
By Nomonde Mnukwa
It is often said that water is life, and this is indeed the case as no life can be sustained without water. However, very few people give a second thought about the infrastructure required to ensure clean, drinkable water.
In South Africa government is undertaking a massive infrastructure investment and build programme in the form of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), which are aimed at improving the quality of life for all South Africans.
Government is working to transform key sectors of our economy such as electricity, rail, ports and telecommunications through infrastructure. We are also working to rebuild and renew infrastructure in critical areas such as student accommodation, social housing water and sanitation.
Our focus on infrastructure is critical to driving economic growth and creating employment, while also ensuring that we can change lives and empower communities.
Over the medium-term the public sector is projected to spend R903 billion on infrastructure and a number of these projects have been completed, while many others are in the construction and procurement phases. In July 2020 a total of 62 Strategic Integrated Projects were gazetted that hold significant value in terms of growing our economy and driving development. These projects are currently being implemented across all three spheres of government, state-owned entities and the private sector.
Infrastructure in its most basic form is about bricks and mortar, but it is so much more than that. Every new road built enhances mobility and creates economic activity for communities. New schools open up the doors of learning and progress, and new housing developments bring hope and dignity.
The Strategic Integrated Projects are breathing life into many sectors of the economy, including potentially new and game changing ones. South Africa has amassed a pipeline of Green Hydrogen Projects with a value of over R300 billion, which are in project preparation stages. Among these projects, is the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen in the Northern Cape with a potential to progressively create around 35 000 work opportunities. .
Since the first round of SIPs were gazetted in 2022, an additional 26 have been added, bringing the number of gazetted SIPs to 88. These include infrastructure projects in energy, water and sanitation, transport as well as digital communications infrastructure. The SIPs also cover human settlements, agriculture, and agro-processing.
A number of projects to the value of R21.4 billion have already been completed covering roads, energy and human settlements, while the total value of projects currently in construction is R313.5 billion. A number of projects are also in the procurement stage to the value of R295.2 billion.
There are various projects that have also been registered in the energy sector which once fully operational will assist in ensuring greater energy security for the country. The energy sector infrastructure project pipeline includes R180 billion of embedded generation investment.
Once all 88 SIPs are concluded there will be a massive increase in energy and water security. They will also further boost our Fourth Industrial Revolution ambitions and capabilities, while also ensuring that we provide homes, accommodation and revitalise the agricultural value chain.
Our investment in infrastructure is turning bricks and mortar into hope for a better tomorrow for all. It is creating new frontiers of growth and progress and will ultimately ensure that we create the South Africa we want.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS
Janine
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:53
5 views
OnlineTenders Redefines Procurement with Solutions for Tender Information Gaps and Tight Deadlines
In South Africa, there’s been growing concern about government organisations publishing tenders and RFQs with tight deadlines. This trend, while indicative of a dynamic economic environment, poses significant challenges for businesses seeking to participate in these opportunities. It raises questions about the feasibility and fairness of the tendering process. Ultimately, strategic solutions and proactive engagement …
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“The Springboks are Not Being Sold – Not, Now, Not Ever”
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Raising Apt Men Is The Only Way To Finish GBV – Policing Is Not Enough!
In the aftermath of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA), a non-profit company (NPC) working to encourage positive masculinity, Father A Nation, highlights that while strides have been made in combatting gender-based violence (GBV), a glaring deficiency in the 2024 SoNA was the lack of focus on prevention. “President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of …
President Ramaphosa hails democracy’s role in uplifting youth
President Ramaphosa hails democracy's role in uplifting youth
President Cyril Ramaphosa says individuals born after the advent of democracy embody the essence of Tintswalo, as they have gone on to record commendable achievements in their lives and careers.
The President was responding to this week’s two-day debate on his State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Members of Parliament. The SONA was delivered a week ago in Cape Town.
A number of young people, who have benefited from government over the last 30 years, were present in the National Assembly to listen to the President’s response to the debate.
READ | Tintswalo, a child of democracy
“Today I am really honoured to have a number of Tinstwalos who have come to join us. Among these young people are aeronautical engineers, pilots, civil engineers, police officers, doctors, and a naval captain. They are qualified in a number of ways, all of whom have pursued their careers with the support of government departments and entities.
In his State of the Nation Address last week, President Ramaphosa introduced South Africa to Tintswalo, a child of democracy.
He said that for millions of South Africans, Tintswalo's story resonated deeply with their own, which prompted young people to post images online of themselves in their graduation gowns or at their workplaces, saying "#IamTintswalo".
“There are countless stories of young people who were born into abject poverty, but are now engineers, doctors, teachers, managers, tourism guides and operators, and entrepreneurs, thanks to the support and opportunities provided to them under democracy.
“They have spoken not only of how democracy has improved their lives, but of their gratitude to those who fought and strived to achieve that democracy. Many have paid tribute to their parents and grandparents – and to all the generations that came before – for the struggle and sacrifice that brought down apartheid and ushered in a new era of freedom,” he said.
Responding to those who greeted Tintswalo’s story with derision, the President said that these were people who sought to diminish the achievements of democracy.
"To them, it doesn’t matter that nine out of 10 households are now living in a formal dwelling, or that a similar number has access to clean drinking water and electricity.
“To them, it doesn’t matter that more South African adults have completed matric or earned a degree, or that more learners from poor communities are achieving Bachelor passes. It doesn’t matter to these people that South Africans now have a higher life expectancy or that maternal and child health have improved dramatically.
“It doesn’t matter to them that millions of people have been lifted out of poverty through the provision of houses, land, social grants, free basic services, expanded access to health care and education and the introduction of a national minimum wage.
"All of these great achievements of human development do not matter to them, because Tintswalo doesn’t matter to them. They are prepared to dismiss all of this progress because it does not serve their narrative of a failed nation. It does not serve their political aspirations. It does not serve their narrow interests."
The President said the journey to a brighter future continues. “We have travelled far and we have achieved much, but we have much further to go. We are clear about the progress that we have made, the challenges that we face, and the actions that we must now take,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 10:03
253 views
SA records an increase in research and development expenditure after COVID-19
SA records an increase in research and development expenditure after COVID-19
Gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) has increased in real terms for the first time in four years.
GERD as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 0.62% in 2021/22, up from 0.60% in the previous year, indicating a slight improvement in research and development (R&D) intensity.
This represents a 6.9% year-on-year increase from R25.965 billion in 2020/21 to R27.756 billion in 2021/22, in terms of 2015 prices.
This is according to the latest South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) conducts an annual survey for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology.
Chief Research Specialist and Principal Investigator at the HSRC, Dr Nazeem Mustapha, observed that countries that invest in research and development (R&D) at a high intensity are more likely to lead in global competitiveness.
“South Africa is striving to reach higher levels of R&D intensity by increasing expenditure on R&D, which in turn can lead to new industries and boosting of existing ones, job creation, increased productivity, and sustained economic growth,” Mustapha said.
GERD encompasses all spending on R&D on national territory in a given year and includes domestically performed research and development, which is funded from abroad but excludes funds paid abroad, such as to international agencies.
Key indicators highlight positive economic growth in South Africa for the period under review.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), South Africa’s GDP increased by 4.7% in 2021/22 after a 6% decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21.
“The growth in R&D expenditure is reassuring, although this comes off a very low base. The previous year’s decline in growth represented the biggest fall in R&D expenditure in the 20 years that the HSRC has been conducting the survey. We expect the next survey’s result to provide us with a better sense of what the trend is,” Mustapha added.
Data shows that R&D expenditure, funding and personnel movements’ nominal R&D expenditure rose across all five institutional sectors.
Funding
The study identified the R3.480 billion increase in business sector R&D expenditure as the main contributor to the increase in GERD.
The higher education sector increased R&D expenditure by R446 million, the government sector increased by R235 million and the not-for-profit sector increased R&D expenditure by R31 million.
The government remains the largest funder of R&D, accounting for 52.5% of total funding, followed by business (29%) and foreign sources (14.5%).
Meanwhile, foreign funding has increased significantly over the past decade, with most investments directed towards higher education and business sectors.
Personnel
R&D staff increased by 2 857 individuals (3.5% year-on-year) in 2021/22, including 1 716 researchers (a 2.8% increase).
Notably, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) increased their R&D expenditure, with R&D personnel numbers rising in various sectors.
Enterprises in the business sector employed 917 new R&D personnel, which includes technicians as well as researchers, however shed 140 researchers.
R&D personnel increased by 1 657 in the higher education sector, 155 in the government sector, and 79 in the science councils’ sector.
The non-profit sector recorded an increase in the R&D personnel headcount of 49.
In 2021/22, 1.9 full-time equivalent researchers were employed for every 1 000 R&D workers, an increase of 0.1%.
Gender
The ratio of female researchers as a percentage of total researchers rose by 0.4 percentage points to 47%.
Key sectors
R&D activity has increased in the manufacturing and financial services sectors, which drive most R&D expenditure.
Meanwhile, medical and health sciences, along with social sciences, continue to receive the highest R&D expenditure, at 22.8% and 18.4% respectively.
The field of research with the third-highest R&D expenditure in South Africa is information, computer, and communication technology (13.1%), which surpasses the engineering sciences field (11.7%), while growth in social sciences is stagnant.
“A longitudinal analysis of shifts in the proportions of researchers and technicians, as well as the overall movement of R&D personnel, is of value,” said Dr Glenda Kruss, Executive Head of the HSRC Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII).
She said such analysis, which is now possible with time series data covering the past two decades, can inform future investments to grow skills and capabilities for the national system of innovation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 10:48
24 views
Families stuck in transit camp as eThekwini housing project remains incomplete
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Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom
Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom
As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.
“As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.
Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.
“Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They work as young black and women engineers at our power stations,” the Minister said.
She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.
The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.
“Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,” she said.
She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which translated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.
“Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,” Ntshavheni said.
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa
The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.
“Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.
“Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 184 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.
“Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.”
Promoting public employment
She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.
“Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led the establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.
“YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.”
Key achievements in the stimulus include:
- Employing 1.1 million education and general assistants in 23 000 schools.
- Providing production input vouchers to 180 000 small-scale farmers.
- Providing 29 000 opportunities in environmental management and rehabilitation.
- Employing 107 000 people across 6 500 worksites through the Social Employment Fund.
“The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.
“The National Youth Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,” the Minister said.
She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.
“The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:12
561 views
Parliament prepares to host National Budget Speech
Parliament prepares to host National Budget Speech
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will outline all the financial, economic, and social commitments that government will prioritise in its planned expenditure during the National Budget Speech next week.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and outlined national government's plans to tackle the country's energy crisis and other socio-economic challenges.
“The Budget Speech, among others, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society, despite limited resources. Godongwana will provide a detailed plan for 2024 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund government’s planned interventions and commitments.
"He will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months,” Parliament said on Wednesday.
The Minister will present the budget allocation for 2024 to Parliament on Wednesday, 21 February at 2pm at Cape Town City Hall.
“Godongwana’s 2024 Budget Speech will be broadcast live on Parliament’s DSTV Channel 408, livestreamed on Parliament’s website and social media platforms, including Parliament’s YouTube Channel. Parliament will also provide live feeds to interested broadcasters upon request,” Parliament said.
Parliamentary sittings are open to the media and the public.
Members of the public can follow parliamentary sittings live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), through a live stream on Parliament’s website, Parliament’s YouTube channel, and X (Twitter) page on the links below:
- X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA
– SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:32
642 views
Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard
Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard
Police in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga, have opened an investigation following the discovery of a human skull next to a graveyard and railway line on 13 February 2024.
While performing their duties, police received information from the community about a human skull found at Hhoyi Trust next to Mbuzini.
The police responded and upon arrival found the skull on the ground. Other relevant stakeholders were summoned to the scene. An inquest has been opened.
“Currently, police are working hard to get the identity of the person whose skull belongs to, hence any member of the public with information that may assist in achieving this goal may go to the nearest Police Station or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” said the police in the statement.
Alternatively, members of the public can send information via My SAPS App.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:55
443 views
Kenny Kunene targets primary school over claimed plans for Shona lessons
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Parly keen to see NLC prosecutions
Parly keen to see NLC prosecutions
The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Wednesday committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that criminals involved in the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption are brought to book.
The committee received an update from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) regarding its investigations into the NLC and another from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on cases referred to it.
“We want to assure the South African public that this committee is determined to see the criminals prosecuted,” said Committee Chairperson Judy Hermans.
These investigations emanated from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation of 6 November 2020 for the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the NLC from 1 January 2014 to 6 November 2020.
The SIU said that the phase 1 investigation is now complete, at a cost of R279 710 409. Meanwhile, the phase 2 investigation is 90% completed, at a cost of R246 659 310. It will be finalised by 30 April 2024.
The SIU is also busy with phase 3 of the investigation, currently valued at R905 901 910, which is expected to be finalised on 31 December 2024.
At Wednesday’s session, the committee heard that the interim report is currently under review and will be submitted to the Presidency by 29 February 2004.
Furthermore, the committee heard, in almost all matters under consideration, very little of the money approved for grant recipients was used for the intended projects, nor was it received by the intended beneficiaries.
In some cases, no money was spent on the projects it was intended for.
The committee also heard that a syndicate or syndicates operated within the NLC and worked in conjunction with non-profit organisations (NPOs) or beneficiaries to syphon off funds.
Methods used to syphon off funds included misusing the proactive funding provision in the NLC Act, inadequate project management, lack of monitoring and evaluation of projects, and collusion between NLC officials or certain board members and the NPOs.
Steps taken
Furthermore, because of new allegations surfacing about procurement, the SIU is applying for an amendment to the scope of the President’s proclamation to include these allegations and the motivation for this is currently being drafted by their business development unit.
Meanwhile, the SIU has seconded members to the NLC to start processing some of these allegations while awaiting the new proclamation.
The committee also heard that the Asset Forfeiture Unit has seized several properties and stopped the pay-out of a senior NLC official’s pension, after the official resigned before disciplinary action could begin.
The NPA assured the committee that the NLC matters are a priority. The NPA has obtained three preservation orders in the NLC cases, in the meantime. The first order was obtained on 21 December 2022 to the value of R56.3m and included one movable property, nine immovable properties and two franchises.
It has been established that the cash purchases for the properties were linked to grants allocated by the NLC. A total of R22.4 million in grant funding was used to pay for the fixed properties.
The second preservation order was obtained on 28 September 2023 for five immovable properties to the value of R14.8m. The third preservation order was obtained on 4 November 2023 for an amount of R23.2m against four immovable properties and three luxury vehicles.
The NPA indicated that various interlocutory applications had delayed the forfeiture applications, but it has endeavoured to secure the preservation orders speedily.
The NLC is meanwhile in the process of conducting lifestyle audits on its officials to lower the risk of similar incidents in future.
Hermans said that while the committee favoured lifestyle audits for NLC staff, extending this to the NLC board members should also be considered.
“We want to assure the South African public that this committee is determined to see the criminals prosecuted.
“We are happy to see progress. However, we are extremely concerned by comments that there are still officials of the NLC involved in alleged crime and urged the new NLC board and management to address this with urgency,” Hermans said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 14:49
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