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Foremost South African referee Jaco Peyper has decided to hang up his whistle, with Mr Mark Alexander, the president of SA Rugby, hailing the Bloemfontein-based match official as one of the best ambassadors for South African rugby in the last decade. The 43-year-old Peyper refereed the last of his 67 Tests – third most by …
On Friday, 19 January, Premier Alan Winde chaired the first meeting for 2024 of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet. Opening the meeting, the Premier said, “We are facing challenging months until the end of this administration’s term and beyond. We must continue to steady the ship, all the while keeping the needs of our …
Traffic official arrested for alleged R15 000 bribe
The Hawks' Bellville-based serious corruption investigation team have arrested Renay Claudine Ruiters for acts corruption.
Ruiters, 47, is a traffic official who allegedly extorted R15 000 from a person whom she arrested for driving under the influence of liquor in September 2023.
The matter was brought to the attention of the Hawks and the arrest was effected on Wednesday.
Ruiters is out on R1000 bail after she briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. The matter is postponed to 05 April 2024 for further investigation.
Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, appreciated the arrest as law enforcement officials are mandated to uphold and enforce the law.
He said this would hopefully send a strong message to other law breakers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:33
Deadline for comments on review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permit extended
An extension has been granted to allow the public to submit their comments on the review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permits issued to fish processing facilities operating within St Helena Bay in the Western Cape.
The notice calling for public participation was published in various newspapers on 23 November 2023, as well as on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) website.
The date for submissions has been extended to 29 February 2024.
“The review process of the Coastal Waters Discharge Permits (CWDPs) aims to amend inconsistencies in the conditions of the CWDPs to establish uniformity and ensure gradual and consistent improvement of water quality in St Helena Bay over a five-year period.
“Persons or entities who discharge, or intend to discharge, effluent from land-based sources are required to obtain a CWDP or a General Discharge Authorisation from DFFE,” the department said on Friday.
This is according to Section 69 of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2009 (ICM Act) which regulates pollution that originates from land-based sources.
Four fish processing establishments (FPEs) in St Helena Bay, namely Lucky Star, West Point Processor, Pioneer Fishing and Amawandle, have historically been discharging effluent into coastal waters using CWDPs obtained prior to the enforcement of the ICM Act.
“The review process intends to set effluent discharge limits based on the 90th percentile of the FPEs' effluent monitoring results from January 2022 to December 2022. Subsequently, the effluent improvement limits will mandate a 20% annual enhancement of interim limits for all FPEs.
“To achieve these improvements and meet the stricter limits, the FPEs will be required to upgrade their infrastructure. Members of the public, including interested and affected stakeholders, are encouraged to take advantage of this extension to make valuable contributions and submissions,” the department said.
Inputs can be delivered by hand to:
The Director: Coastal Pollution Management
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
1 East Pier Building, East Pier Road
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Attention: Dr Yazeed Peterson
They can also be emailed to fpp@dffe.gov.za.
Copies of the current CWDPs, together with proposed amendments, can be downloaded from the department’s website at https://www.dffe.gov.za/permits/coastalwatersdischarge or obtained via email from rmolale@dffe.gov.za.
Hard copies of these documents can be obtained from any of the four FPF companies mentioned above. Any enquires may be directed to Rueben Molale on 021 819 2493. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:35
Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions
A man is due to appear in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate's Court today following his arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, as well as for contravention of the Firearm Control Act of South Africa.
A multi-disciplinary team consisting of members from the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime, Criminal Record Centre, Provincial Designated Firearms Officers, Elukwatini Detectives, VISPOL, as well as officials from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) played a major role in the breakthrough.
According to a report, information was received by law enforcement agencies regarding a firearms cache stored by an old man inside a house at Elukwatini.
Further information indicated that the man, 67, was in some way part of a certain security company but was suspected to be non-compliant.
The team coordinated their resources to establish if he was compliant to the PSIRA regulations. As a result, the team paid him a visit at Elukwatini on Thursday afternoon.
A search warrant was obtained and upon arrival at the premises as per information provided, the law enforcement agencies conducted a search.
The members discovered a total of about 106 firearms as well as 1704 various assorted live rounds of ammunition.
Among the weapons found in the house are 14 rifles, eight shot guns, 84 pistols with ammunition, 718 9mm pistols, about 921 live rounds of ammunition for a rifle and 65 live rounds of ammunition for a shotgun.
It is further reported that the firearms were not kept inside a safe but rather stored underneath a bed while some were kept inside the wardrobe.
The members discovered that licences for some of the firearms, owned by a certain security company had already expired. The male suspect could not account for about 20 firearms.
In addition, the members established that he did not have licences for four pistols, which had ammunition hence he was arrested and charged accordingly. Part of the probe is to determine how he got hold of the firearms. Police investigations are continuing.
The firearms as well as the ammunition were confiscated for further investigation.
As a norm in the police, the confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine any linkages to crimes committed in the country.
At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues, in relation to contravention of the Firearms Control Act.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspect as well as the recovery of the firearms with ammunition.
"Indeed the proliferation of firearms remains a thorn in the flesh in our endeavour to win the battle against crime.
“Therefore when we succeed in recovering these firearms as well as arresting suspects, it gives us courage that we are really moving towards the right direction whilst removing firearms from the wrong hands. We commend the whistle blowers and members for the job well done," said the General. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:54
The Class of 2023 matrics from eight Reddam House schools in three provinces have proven their mettle in the IEB (NSC) exams, producing exceptional results across the country, including a 100% pass rate and 1,131 subject distinctions, racking up an average of three distinctions per student. Reddam House is part of the global Inspired Education …
The Class of 2023 at Reddford House‘s three Johannesburg-based schools – Reddford House Northcliff, Reddford House Blue Hills, and Reddford House The Hills – have achieved excellent results in the demanding International Examinations Board (IEB) national senior certificate exams. The three schools, with a total of 166 students across the three campuses, achieved a 99% …
Tax Ombud secures taxpayer’s refund and interest of more than R135 000
The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) does not only help speed up the resolution of taxpayer complaints and gets the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to pay monies due.
According to OTO, there are also instances where it secures them thousands of rands worth in interest.
The Ombud has cited the latest case involving a complaint about SARS’ “repeated” inability to finalise a taxpayer’s verification of the 03/2023 value-added tax (VAT) declaration.
“The OTO investigated the complaint and discovered that the taxpayer had filed the VAT return on 14 April 2023, reflecting a refund of R5 398 613.44.
“The return was selected for verification and the taxpayer uploaded the supporting documentation requested, all on the same day. SARS, however, did not request additional information or finalise the verification within the turnaround time of 21 business days,” the OTO explained.
As a result, the taxpayer complained to the SARS Complaints Management Office in May last year.
However, according to the statement, SARS proceeded to request additional information in June 2023.
“After the taxpayer submitted the documentation on 20 June 2023, SARS again did not finalise the verification within 21 business days. The taxpayer complained with the OTO on 7 August 2023, and the complaint was accepted on 11 August 2023.”
The office recommended that SARS finalise the verification of the 03/2023 VAT declaration and pay out the refund with interest if applicable or provide valid reasons for not doing so.
Meanwhile, the verification of the 03/2023 VAT declaration was finalised in August 2023.
Although SARS issued an additional assessment, the OTO stated that a refund of R4 255 398.20 was paid in September last year and the taxman paid the taxpayer interest of R135 152.62 the following month.
The Ombud explained that if a VAT refund is not paid out within 21 business days, SARS is obliged to pay interest at a prescribed rate on the amount refundable.
“There are, however, certain circumstances that will delay the accrual of interest. Where for instance a taxpayer submitted a defective or incomplete return, where SARS requested information from the taxpayers about the return in question, or where a taxpayer did not provide SARS with confirmed banking details,” the statement read.
The OTO said the 21 business days will only start counting on the date on which the taxpayer provides SARS with the correct return, information or banking details.
“It is therefore extremely important for taxpayers to ensure that they act promptly to comply with SARS’s requests.”
The OTO’s services are free, and the organisation continues to make a massive difference in taxpayers’ lives with tax complaints against SARS. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:54
Inspired Education Group’s three Reddam House schools in Gauteng – Reddam House Waterfall, Reddam House Bedfordview and Reddam House Helderfontein – have achieved excellent results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with a 98% bachelor pass rate, 100% pass rate, and 488 distinctions out of a total of 196 students, …
Inspired Education Group’s three Reddam House schools in the Western Cape – Reddam House Constantia (Constantia Valley), Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard (Green Point) and Reddam House Durbanville (Vissershok Road) – have achieved excellent results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 120 students achieving 308distinctions, averaging out at 2.57 distinctions …
Matric 2023 class get their results
Learners of the matric Class of 2023 are visiting their old schools today to collect their results, while others are checking newspapers and online systems to see how they have performed.
The class achieved a national pass mark of some 82.9% as announced by Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday.
More than 890 000 fulltime and part-time candidates sat for 66 papers in the final year National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams for 2023.
In a post on X following the top achievers’ breakfast held on Thursday, top learner Ziphozenkosi Mntambo told the department that at first, she could not believe that she was one of South Africa’s outstanding matriculants for 2023.
“When I got the news that I was called to be here…I thought that it was a scam and I didn’t believe it.
“I feel like I am the cherry on top of the cake and I truly am because I am here [at the top achievers awards ceremony] and I proved it with the marks I got from the exams,” Mntambo said.
Parents of another top achiever, Jean and Lientjie Goodey, said: “We are extremely thankful to have our son as a top achiever. It is only through hard work that he was able to make it this far.”
Matric results can be checked in the following ways:
• The DBE’s online system at https://www.education.gov.za/MatricResults/ExamResults.aspx
• Dialling *120*45856# on your cell phone and following the prompts
• Matriculants based in Gauteng can access https://results.gauteng.gov.za/
At the results announcement on Thursday evening, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga told those who have not succeeded not to despair.
“There are lots of life chances available. For instance, those who wish to improve their results, should enrol for the Second Chance Matric Programme. Registration into the Programme is already open and will close on 20 February 2023.
“You will definitely receive support from the DBE and our partners. I wish you all the best in your youthful lives!! Choose your careers wisely and pursue them. This country wants to see you succeed,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:55
6 KZN Matrics celebrated the end of their exams by doing the rigorous 120km hike along the Wild Coast, from Port St John’s to Port Edward. Konstantino Giokos, Michael Farrell, Mitchell Hamilton and Sam Hodes completed their Matric at Treverton College whilst Dylan Jarrett finished his Matric at Waterfall College and Warren Rossouw at Scottburgh …
Province’s learners struggle for a school place, but KZN and Gauteng claim to be okay
The 46th edition of the Dakar Rally has ended after a thrilling duel between Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda powered by Motul) and Botswana Off-Road legend Ross Branch (Hero MotoSports Team Rally powered by Motul) in the Motorcycle category that saw the pair chase each other all the way to the finish in Yanbu, Saudi …
Deadline reminder for provisional taxpayers, trusts
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has reminded individual taxpayers and trusts that are provisional taxpayers, to file their income tax returns for the 2023 tax year as the deadline is around the corner.
The 2023 year of assessment refers to the period between 01 March 2022 to 28 February 2023. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
“SARS has made it easy for taxpayers to comply through online filing solutions. The personal income tax return (ITR12) and trust income tax return (ITR12T) may be obtained on eFiling while an appointment with a SARS branch may be made on the SARS website. Taxpayers are encouraged to refer to the SARS website for further information on their tax obligations, trusts, tax filing season 2023 and provisional tax.
“SARS is taking a zero-tolerance approach to taxpayers not registering for the applicable tax, not filing tax returns, not making accurate declarations in their tax returns and failing to make payments due to SARS where applicable. Non-compliance with these obligations is a criminal offence and will attract penalties and interest,” SARS said on Thursday.
A provisional taxpayer is any person who receives income or to whom income accrues, other than remuneration.
A Trust is included under the definition of a “person” in terms of the Income Tax Act, no.58 of 1962 and is therefore regarded as a taxpayer.
“All trusts are required to file a tax return annually, including those that are not economically active. A trustee is the representative taxpayer of a trust and is liable to file on behalf of the trust or appoint a registered tax practitioner to do so,” SARS said.
As of the 2023 year of assessment, trustees are required to submit mandatory supporting documents during the filing process.
These documents include amongst others, the trust instrument, annual financial statements, letters of authority, resolutions/minutes of trustee meetings and an organogram depicting the beneficial ownership of the trust.
Additionally, beneficiaries of trusts are required to declare their income, including income derived from a trust, in their personal income tax returns. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:24
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a time-honoured tradition celebrated on February 14th each year. Originating as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honouring early saints named Valentinus, this day has evolved into a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. It’s a day where love, affection, and …
Well done to the Class of 2023
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the unprecedented success recorded by the matric Class of 2023 is evidence of the determination and ambition of learners and of a nation that values its youth.
The President offered his warm congratulations and that of government to the matriculants and the extended support system of educators, parents, school governing bodies and health care providers who carried this cohort of learners through the COVID 19 pandemic when they were in earlier grades.
The 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) overall pass rate reached 82.9%, compared with 80.1% in 2022, and 76.4% in 2021.
This is an improvement of 2.8%, and 6.5% from the pass rates achieved by the Classes of 2022 and 2021 respectively.
In real numbers, 572 983 candidates passed the 2023 NSC exams.
As a percentage, the 2023 pass is the highest in the history of the NSC.
Similarly, Bachelor passes as well as passes with distinction produced by the Class of 2023 stand out as the highest in the history of NSC exams.
“The Class of 2023 has given itself and the nation great cause for pride and belief that our investment in education is the key to moving our country forward.
“The 2023 matric results show that we’re a nation that takes care of its young people and that our young people are taking care of their future through their resilience and their dedication to learning.
“The matric results are an irrefutable indicator of our comprehensive national development during 30 years of freedom and democracy. Our success in education must motivate us to achieve even greater things in all areas of our development,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 12:53
When it comes to outfitting doors for both functionality and style, the choices in hardware and accessories are pivotal. From residential homes to commercial buildings, the right selection of door components not only ensures security and convenience but also complements the aesthetic appeal of the space. In this overview, we delve into various categories of …
Manie Libbok will play his 50th DHL Stormers game in the Investec Champions Cup clash with Stade Francais in Paris on Saturday. The Round Four encounter kicks off at 19h30 (SAST) at the Stade Jean Bouin, with the DHL Stormers looking to secure their place in the last 16. Libbok reaches the milestone in what …
The start of a new year is always a good time to work towards those goals that might have fallen by the wayside. And there’s nobody quite as inspiring as Sue Martin (62) to encourage others! Paragliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling, and flying in an autogyro are just some of the activities Sue has …
MICT and Royals to battle it out for bragging rights Friday, 19 January 2024. MI Cape Town’s Beuran Hendricks wants...
Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s unequivocal call for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, Palestine.
The President on Friday delivered the country statement of South Africa during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit being held in Uganda.
The Israeli-Palestinian war erupted in October 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – killing at least 1200 people.
The Israeli retaliation on Palestine has been far greater with estimates that more than 20 000 Palestinians have been killed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting the internal displacement of some 1.9 million people in Gaza.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza.
“As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the ongoing conflict lays bare the “inadequacy” of global governance organisations such as the United Nations (UN).
“South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.
“The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” he said.
World challenges
Fixing attention on the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the gathering takes place at a time when international challenges – “exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world” – are abound.
“The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.
“At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.
“South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes,” he said.
President Ramaphosa called on the NAM to work together in pursuance of:
“This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces.
“We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:03
Inspired Education Group’s two Reddam House schools in KwaZulu-Natal – Reddam House Umhlanga and Reddam House Ballito – have surpassed their exceptional 2022 results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 116 students achieving 336 distinctions, averaging out at 2.9 distinctions per student, and 67 students achieving four or more …
After 3 successful years which saw the event break 5 world records alongside numerous world age bests and national and continental records, the Nelson Mandela Bay Runified 50km returns to the beautiful Pollock Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha on Sunday 25 February 2024 and this time a little different from before, which will also include a …