Protest after Joburg suburb without tap water for over 50 days
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Recipe: 3 reasons you *need* to acquire a signature Summer drink
Hello ? Quick question, what comes to mind when you think of Spring and Summer? Friends? Outdoor activities? Brunches? I would like to point out that all these things have one thing in common – drinks! From mimosas to margaritas, with the string of social activities that we are bound to get ourselves locked into …
Gauteng youth to benefit from free learner’s licence tests
Gauteng youth to benefit from free learner’s licence tests
At least 40 000 youth in Gauteng are expected to benefit from the Gauteng Provincial Government’s “Wrong Side of the Road” campaign aimed at providing an opportunity to disadvantaged youth to get free learner’s licences.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government, in partnership with Diageo South Africa, presents an exciting opportunity for young people. Empowering Gauteng’s youth with free learner’s licences serves as a dual-purpose endeavour.
“It is the first phase towards obtaining a driver’s licence, which enhances employability. Additionally, this initiative actively promotes responsible driving during the learning stage, hopefully improving road safety, particularly against drinking and driving,” said Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The provincial government explained that the initiative is in line with efforts to “bridge the unemployment gap and foster responsible attitudes towards alcohol use”.
This initiative is a step further to create a prosperous and safer Gauteng. According to recent statistics from Stats SA, the youth unemployment rate in South Africa remains alarmingly high, at 46.5% in the first quarter of 2023.
Additionally, alcohol misuse continues to be a significant contributor to road accidents through drinking and driving/walking.
“In response to these pressing challenges, Diageo South Africa has joined forces with the Office of the Premier of Gauteng, the Department of Roads and Transport, and the Department of Economic Development to address these issues holistically and bring about positive change.
“Themed ‘Wrong Side of the Road’, the campaign aims to assist youth with administrative fees for securing learner’s licences. To be considered, the participants need to be between the ages of 17 and 34 years and should reside in TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) in Gauteng,” the province said.
The province had targeted some 40 000 youth when the initiative was announced in August. However, more than 130 000 responses were received.
“The recruitment phase has concluded, with an overwhelming response from applicants. Those who have successfully progressed will receive the next steps of their journey via SMS and WhatsApp, which include watching a video and completing a short quiz related to understanding the effects of alcohol, and the shame and stigma associated with drunk driving.
“All steps must be completed to be eligible to receive your free learner’s licence booking. This includes your readiness to take the test and achieving an 80% pass rate using the K53 app. All entries will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Recognising that some applicants may face data limitations, the initiative encourages individuals to visit their local libraries, where free Wi-Fi access is available for the application process. Please note that only those names on the current recruitment list can continue the journey, and no further registrations will be accepted,” the province said.
Some 10 000 of the 40 000 learner’s licence opportunities will be reserved for motorbike licences, in support of the province’s Project Last-Mile.
“The Last-Mile project aims to license, train, mentor and connect young people to job opportunities. Those interested will receive training and assistance, including access to motorbikes (options include rent-to-own, rental or outright purchase) and contracts with industry-leading partners,” the provincial government said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 11:24
1258 views
Sony Launches Sony Innovation Fund: Africa
Fostering ventures specializing in the entertainment business in Africa Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) announced today that it has established “Sony Innovation Fund: Africa” as an initiative to support the growth of the entertainment businesses in Africa. Since 2016, Sony has been participating in the ecosystem of new business creation around the world and has contributed …
SIU welcomes R185m SABC security tender court ruling
SIU welcomes R185m SABC security tender court ruling
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed two judgments by the High Court against former members of the interim board of the SABC and its decision to award a multimillion rand security tender to Mafoko Security Patrols Pty Ltd.
According to the SIU, the court ruled that the decision to award the R185 million physical security services tender is “invalid” and is “reviewed and set aside”.
“The interim board took a decision to award Mafoko a security tender for a period of five years commencing 1 August 2017 at a total contract price of R185 519 425.61, which was R2 300 955.43 more than the contract price for Mjayeli Security. Mjayeli was recommended by three tender committees to the board for appointment.
“In terms of the High Court judgment, Mafoko Security Patrols must, within 30 days, submit an audited statement of the expenses incurred in the performance of its obligations in terms of the tender, the income received and the net profit it would have earned at the expiry of the contract.
“The High Court also ordered the SABC to obtain an independent audited verification within 60 days. After that, the Court will determine the amount of profits to be paid back by Mafoko to the SABC or the SIU,” the unit said.
SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi said: “The Court’s reference to the King Code on Good Governance underscores the requirements, as also provided for in the Public Finance Management Act, for the Boards of Directors to always act in the interest of State Institutions”.
In another judgement, the court dismissed an application by members of the former interim board, which sought to review and set aside a SIU report that recommended that they be declared delinquent.
The application was brought by former interim board members Khanyisile Kweyama, Mathatha Tsedu, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule and John Matisohn.
“The SIU investigation found that the interim board had irregularly awarded the security contract to Mafoko Security Services, and their action was wrongful and irregular. The SIU believes they were supposed to consider launching an investigation, cancel the tender, or remitting it for reconsideration. The SIU found that the interim board failed to discharge their fiduciary duties in that respect and failed to act in the best interests of the SABC.
“The interim board members argued that the SIU report was irrational, the SIU’s investigation was unconstitutional and contravened the principle of legality, and the SIU went beyond the scope of the President’s Proclamation. Furthermore, they contended that the SIU acted irrationally and procedurally unfairly and exceeded its powers in reaching the findings.
“However, the High Court dismissed the application and ruled that the SIU acted in accordance with the Proclamation by the President, which included investigating maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 12:03
531 views
The Evolution of Tech Gadgets with EvoGames
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, bringing forth innovations that make our lives more convenient and entertaining. From streaming devices to portable power solutions, the market is flooded with gadgets that cater to various needs. EvoGames, a leading name in the tech industry, offers a curated selection of some of the best tech …
Exploring the World of Specialised Pumps with Centex Africa
In the vast realm of industrial machinery, pumps play an indispensable role in various sectors. From agriculture to refrigeration, the right pump can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity. Centex Africa, a leading name in the industry, offers a diverse range of pumps tailored to specific market needs. Let’s delve deeper into their offerings: 1. …
Significant gains in access to education
Significant gains in access to education
Government’s policies geared at tackling school dropouts and increasing the completion of secondary schooling are producing positive results - as persons aged 20 years and older with no formal education reduced from 19.1% in 1996 to 6.9% in 2022.
This is according to South Africa's Census 2022 national results, which was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
“Furthermore, persons aged 20 years and older with some primary education decreased from 16.6% in 1996 to 7.4% in 2022. Over the period, there has been a noteworthy increase in the number of persons completing secondary education (16.3% in 1996 to 37.6% in 2022) and post-school education (7.1% in 1996 to 12.2% in 2022).
“In 2011 and 2022, business, economics and management sciences and education were dominated by females, while males continue to dominate in engineering as well as electrical infrastructure studies,” Maluleke said.
He said post-apartheid South Africa has experienced an expansion in the completion of secondary schooling for previously disadvantaged population groups.
“South Africa has geared up to intensify its measures through policy reforms to tackle school dropouts and increase completion of secondary schooling. However, race disparity in educational attainment intersects with other forms of disadvantage, including poverty and the urban-rural divide,” Maluleke said.
Considering the relatively high children and youth population due to the demographic dividends of the country, concerted efforts have been made by government to expand the education system.
This had been done through establishing more institutions, especially in the Early childhood development (ECD) sector, giving much-required attention to remote and rural areas, introducing new and skill-based programmes in institutions and providing funding such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for disadvantaged learners planning to undertake higher education.
“The period between 1996 to 2001 showed a large increase in the percentage of young children under the age of compulsory education participating in education (23.1 percentage points among 5-year-olds and 21.2 percentage points among 6-year-olds).
“However, it is the decade between 2001 and 2011 that showed an unprecedented increase in participation among 5-year-olds with a rise of 35.5 percentage points in participation from 45.6% to 81.1%. Furthermore, nearly nine out of ten (92.4%) children of this age were attending educational institutions in 2022, which is a nearly 70 percentage points increase from 1996,” Maluleke said.
He said among 6-year-olds, less than half (49.1%) were attending educational institutions in 1996 but subsequently increased by 21.2 percentage points in 2001.
“The data also show high attendance rates among 6–7-year-olds in 2022, who would most likely be attending Grade R. However, the attendance rate starts to decline by age 15, with only six out of ten (59.9%) 18-year-olds attending educational institutions in 2022; a reduction from 75.7% in 1996,” Maluleke said.
In 1996, more than half (54.6%) of the 20-year-olds were in education, which reduced to 37.0% in 2022.
ECD programme
In South Africa, 3.4 million children aged 0 - 4 years attended ECD programmes in 2022, of which 2.5 million attended a crèche/educare centre or pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“About 570 000 children had parents who preferred that they stay with day mothers/gogos/childminders. The majority of children attending ECD programmes were attending a crèche/educare centre (59.8%) while 12.2% attended pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“Close to 27.0% of children stayed either with day mothers/gogos/childminders or participated in home/community playgroups. While more than 3 million black African children attended ECD programmes, seven out of ten (72,3%) attended ECD facilities, with 60,7% attending a crèche/educare centre and 11,6% attending pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R.
“By contrast, among white children 83.4% attended ECD facilities with one-third (32.5%) attending pre-school/nursery school/Grade 00/Grade 000/Grade R and the rest attending a crèche/educare centre (50.9%). Close to 17.0% of black African children stayed with day mothers/gogos/childminders,” he said.
Maluleke also noted the use of day mothers/gogos/childminders for childcare was also high among Indians/Asians (19.6%).
Among coloured children, close to 19.0% participated in home/community playgroups. Results showed that there were slight differences between sexes.
An analysis of persons aged 5–24 shows that overall, the percentage of individuals attending an educational institution increased by three percentage points between 1996 and 2022.
“Attendance increased to almost universal level between 1996 and 2022 for children aged 5 years and 6 years, while the attendance rate starts to decline by age 15–24 over the same period. Attendance also increased for black Africans, coloureds and whites over the period, while Indians/Asians showed little change,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 13:45
457 views
Harnessing the Power of Modern Energy Solutions with GeeWiz
In an era where technology and energy go hand in hand, having reliable power solutions is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity. From homes to businesses, the demand for efficient and sustainable energy products is on the rise. GeeWiz, a renowned name in the tech and energy sector, offers a plethora of products …
People living with disabilities march to Musina municipality for services and jobs
“The municipality has no heart for disabled people” says mother with three disabled children
WESTOWN ONE-YEAR-ON AND TAKING SHAPE: Westown, Shongweni KwaZulu-Natal – The Novel City of the West celebrates its first anniversary since breaking ground and what has been planned, sketched, and rendered is now coming to life.
The vast, 100 hectare site is a hive of activity, with local contractors Stefanutti Stocks heading up the construction work with approximately 500 people currently on site. Piling, earthworks, retaining structures and columns of Westown Square are virtually all complete and the walls of the 50 000m² retail experience, the first project within Westown, are …
Partnerships key to prosperity, job formation for youth, says Deputy President
Partnerships key to prosperity, job creation for youth, says Deputy President
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says partnerships between business and government are key to strengthening economic recovery and creating thousands of jobs in the energy, transport and logistics sectors.
“We must never undermine the importance of our efforts through structures such as NEDLAC [National Economic Development and Labour Council] and others, because it is indeed through these social compacts that we can further develop our country and empower South Africans,” Mashatile said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Solutions Exchange Conference in Johannesburg, Mashatile said government is encouraged by the pledges signed with 115 CEOs, who have demonstrated their willingness to help to implement some of the interventions undertaken towards socio-economic transformation.
Mashatile said the Department of Employment and Labour has spearheaded the National Pathway Management Network, which is a networking initiative that has brought together over 30 diverse partners to aggregate opportunities from across the economy.
He said the network enables young people to find earning and learning opportunities, enter the labour market and receive the support that they require to establish their own businesses at no cost.
“The SA Youth platform launched by Harambee, through the National Pathway Management Network, has over 4.1 million young people registered and is the largest platform in this network.
“This is an inclusive platform that uses cutting-edge technology such as geo-mapping, which allows for youth to be matched with opportunities closer to their residence, thereby saving transport and other costs.
“It is indeed this niche innovation that has made it possible for young people, who live further away from the economic hubs, to also access economic opportunities, and kick-start their entry into the labour market,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said young people have been supported to secure over one million opportunities on the system from over 1 000 opportunity holders.
“Our government remains committed to increasing private sector investment in order to promote job creation. To accomplish this, we have facilitated an investment drive with an initial target of R1.2 trillion over a five-year period.
“We have since mobilised nearly R1.5 trillion in investment commitments, therefore exceeding this goal and many of these investment commitments are expected to translate into actual employment,” he said.
He said the South African economy currently employs 5.1 million youth, 3.4 million of whom are employed in the formal economy.
“As we work closely with the business community to create jobs for our youth, we must not forget the power of entrepreneurship. The State has the responsibility to collaborate with business and the people in co-creating strong economies that enable development to occur,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said as leaders of government, business and civil society, they believe in the youth of South Africa, whose contributions will be critical in shaping the future of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 14:00
306 views
Revolutionizing Solar Access: Hohm Energy’s Game-Changing R999 Offer Paves the Way for Affordable, Sustainable Living
A groundbreaking transformation is underway in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, led by the solar marketplace pioneer Hohm Energy. Today, they have unveiled their commitment to providing the most cost-effective subscriptions for homes across the nation. Through a strategic partnership with Glint, Hohm Energy will offer solar subscription plans starting at an incredibly low monthly …
Balwin Extends Its Footprint In KZN With Its Novel Lifestyle Estate At Iconic Westown
Shongweni Park to comprise 1 260 apartments in 20 phases over the next four years at Westown, near Hillcrest in outer west Durban Complements its two coastal estates in Umhlanga and Ballito Shongweni Park lifestyle estate will be developed according to Balwin’s Classic brand and include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments Each apartment sold with a …
Fishing Boat Capsize: 1 Dead, 1 Missing, 1 Survivor
Dave Smith, NSRI Kommetjie station commander, said: NSRI Kommetjie STATION 26 duty crew were alerted at 08h13, Thursday, 12 October, to reports of a RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) with motor mechanical failure offshore of the Crayfish Factory, near to Kommetjie. While NSRI crew investigated it was reported, from Soetwater Resort security, of a fisherman …
President: South Africa derives worthy benefit from BRICS membership
President: South Africa derives great benefit from BRICS membership
“Rest assured, BRICS is a great benefit to our country and it’s an association that we are very proud of and that we intend to continue with.”
These were the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa as he fielded questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the benefits of South Africa being part of the BRICS group of countries.
The group is now known as the BRICS Plus group following the addition of six new member countries - namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“We, as a country, have benefitted a great deal [through] the association with other BRICS countries. China today is our largest trading partner and this has largely been cemented, upheld and encouraged by our membership of BRICS,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
The President said South Africa continues to reap economic benefits from its association with the group, with talks during bilateral events going beyond political engagement.
“Indeed, many other BRICS members, who have now been admitted, are going to find that BRICS is an important forum that goes beyond just the political engagements at that level but also involves economic development, trade extension, technology extension and many other beneficial areas that advance humanity.
“[Just] the association in BRICS leads to a great deal of economic benefits for our country and we have seen such. Our trade with BRICS countries has grown in leaps and bounds, and many of the areas in which our trade has grown has been by virtue of being associated in BRICS. So there is a clear economic benefit there,” he said.
The President said the expansion of the BRICS group of countries, up from five members to 11, will give a “great boost, particularly to the Global South”.
He hinted at the possible further expansion of the group, which would give further credence to the group’s growing influence in global matters.
“We are, as it is now, going to consider membership applications from many other countries that want to be part of BRICS. So BRICS continues to grow. It continues to grow in importance, economically, politically, as well as [where] trade is concerned.
“BRICS is the great attraction that many countries now see for development and we want to keep BRICS as an important forum, as an important partnership that progresses countries that are associated with it or part of it,” he said.
Answering a question on the financial impact of South Africa’s hosting of the BRICS Summit in August, President Ramaphosa insisted that the economic benefits outweigh the costs.
“The summit that we held here was… a hugely successful summit and we are proud that the people of South Africa were part of it, embraced it and also enabled it to happen here on South African soil.
“The mere holding of a summit as large as the BRICS Summit – and this, by any measure, was the biggest BRICS Summit – brings together a huge number of people, many of whom come to South Africa either for the first time, and they come to spend their money here.
“One country alone, China, brought up to 600 people who, due to their presence here, needed beds to sleep in, needed food and transportation, etc,.. Many other countries brought a number of delegates just to come and attend.
“When you have an event like that, it inevitably leads to an economic benefit immediately because many of these people come with money from their own countries to spend here, so it increases the number of people who work,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 15:17
240 views
Why South Africa needs sustainable-fashion awards
When it comes to the South African fashion industry, we’re in a bit of a predicament. It’s imperative to encourage more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, not only for climate reasons but for socioeconomic ones too. Locally produced sustainable and eco-friendly fashion (also called slow fashion) has to compete with cheap, imported fast fashion, which is …
How to Draw Up a Will Without a Lawyer in South Africa
In the journey of life, it’s essential to ensure that our loved ones are taken care of after we’re gone. One of the most effective ways to do this is by having a will in place. While many might think that drafting a will requires legal expertise, check here, it’s entirely possible to create one …
Department of Infrastructure’s human settlement branch successfully delivered nearly 8000 housing opportunities in the 2022/23 financial year
Today the department presented the former Department of Human Settlements 2022/23 annual report to the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and the Public Accounts Committee. The department formed part of the Western Cape Government’s clean audit achievers. In the year in review, the department created 7808 housing opportunities for citizens across the province. The department’s performance …
Munster, Leinster stalwarts shoulder Ireland’s World Cup quest
A quest that took its first steps in the foothills of the BKT United Rugby Championship has carried Ireland to the brink of equalling a record 18-Test win streak, and to a vantage point with a line of sight to the summit of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Such has been their recent dominance of …
92.1% of SA population owns a cellphone
92.1% of SA population owns a cellphone
South Africa's Census 2022 national results has shown an upward trend in ownership of refrigerators, televisions and cellphones.
“The overwhelming majority (92.1%) of households in the country owned a cellphone in working order, a notable increase from the 3.3% in 2001. Just under four-fifths (79%) of households owned televisions compared to the 52.6% in 2001,” Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said.
Furthermore, the data from Census 2022, which he handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday in Pretoria, shows that the ownership of a refrigerators/freezers increased from 53.8% in 2001 to 83.2% in 2022.
“In contrast, households owning a radio decreased significantly from 73% in 2001 to 50.3% in 2022. In addition, there is a downward trend in households that owned a landline telephone over the period 2001–2022,” Maluleke said.
Households residing in formal dwellings
The report noted that there has been an upward trend in households residing in formal dwellings - an increase of almost 24 percentage points (from 65.1% in 1996 to 88.5% in Census 2022).
Formal dwellings include formal houses with a brick/concrete structure, flats and apartments, cluster houses, townhouses, semi-detached houses or any formal dwelling situated in a backyard, such as a room or garden cottage where a household or single person resides.
“The proportion of households that resided in informal dwellings halved (from 16.2% in 1996 to 8.1% in 2022). In 2022, just over two-fifths (41.6%) of the dwellings that households resided in were owned and fully paid off, with similar proportions recorded in 2001 and 2011.
“The proportion of households that occupied their dwellings rent-free increased from 18.6% in 2011 to 25.6% in 2022, while rented dwellings decreased slightly from 25% in 2011 to 23.2% in 2022. Only 6.6% of households resided in dwellings that were owned but not fully paid off (for example, those still repaying a bond to the bank), declining from 11.8% in 2011,” he said.
Households were asked whether the dwelling they resided in was a government-subsidised dwelling or RDP.
“Two-fifths (40%) of households in the Northern Cape reported that they resided in government subsidised dwelling/RDP housing, only slightly higher than the proportion of households in the Free State (37.6%). Households in Limpopo recorded the lowest proportion of government subsidised dwelling/RDP housing (18.3%), well below the national average of 29.9%,” Maluleke said.
Access to internet
Generally, there has been an upward trend in access to internet services over the period 2011–2022.
Maluleke attributed this to rapid advancement in communication services, such as cellphone ownership.
“Overall, households with no access to internet decreased threefold (from 64.8% in 2011 to 21.1% in 2022). A substantial percentage of households reported accessing internet mainly through a cellphone or other mobile device (60.5%) compared to 16.3% recorded in 2011.
“There was an increase in the percentage of households accessing internet mainly at home, from 8.6% in 2011 to 13.3% in 2022. It is also noted that households accessing internet mainly using other methods decreased significantly. Households accessing internet mainly at work decreased by four percentage points (from 4.7% in 2011 to 0.3% in 2022),” he said.
Migration
The Census 2022 shows that there has been an increase in the number of the population born outside South Africa.
“The results indicate that there were more male immigrants compared to females. Furthermore, the prevalent ages of migrants were between ages 20 and 44 years, suggesting that young adults are more likely to migrate than children and the elderly.
“In Census 2011, males aged 25–29 reported the highest number of immigrants with 260 885, whilst in 2022 male immigrants aged 30–34 (235 297) numbered the highest.
“The top five sending countries remained the same between the two censuses (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, and the United Kingdom). India also maintained the 2011 rank in 2022. Namibia, Eswatini, Somalia, Portugal and Germany went down the rank in 2022,” Maluleke said.
Countries that moved up the rank were: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bangladesh, Botswana, and Pakistan.
China is the only country that moved out of the top 20 sending countries in 2022. Whereas Ghana is the new entry into the top 20 sending countries in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 14:17
188 views
Launch of BMA a step in the factual direction in securing South Africa’s borders
Launch of BMA a step in the right direction in securing South Africa’s borders
By Dr Michael Masiapato, PhD.
The Musina heat of 37°C gathered thousands of attendees to witness the historic launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA).
The Border Management Authority aims to ensure that South African borders are less porous and more efficient in facilitation of trade as well as ensuring the legitimate movement of goods and people. South Africa has 72 ports of entry comprising of 53 land ports, 10 aviation or international airports and 9 marine (sea) ports. Over and above managing the 72 ports of entry, we are managing the vulnerable segments of our border lines and community crossing points.
The initial multi-departmental approach we had for the past 29 years was a major challenge, where a number of Departments were operating at the borders. You had the Department of Home Affairs doing immigration; the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment doing biosecurity functions, the Department of Agriculture doing agriculture functions and also the Department of Health responsible for port health functions. In the previous years we had independent managers of those four departments operating at the ports and reporting back to their various departments. This was over and above the operations of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) facilitating port customs, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) responsible for border policing functions.
There was a necessity to bring a border management model where these port functions of the four Departments are integrated. The model involved the port related functions exiting those Departments and reporting to the Border Management Authority under one command. The need for an integrated and co-ordinated border management was in accordance with the Constitution, international and domestic law, in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic.
In order to empower the BMA to be effective, it was then created as a law enforcement authority, which became the third armed service in South Africa after SANDF and SAPS. The mandate of the BMA is clear in ensuring the prevention of smuggling and trafficking of human beings and goods; preventing illegal cross-border movement; contributing to the protection of the Republic’s environmental and natural resources; and protecting the Republic from harmful and infectious diseases, pests and substances. In July 2022, the first 221 officers were deployed as BMA Border Guards at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. Its formal establishment and assumption of its status as an autonomous schedule 3 (A) public entity was conferred on 1 April 2023. This being one of the most important authorities, it was necessary for President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the South Africa’s armed forces to preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority.
Subsequent to that, and additional 400 BMA Border Guards including 50 Coast guards are being recruited to ensure that the entity is effective and efficient at all border posts. In order to maintain the BMA integrity and based on the many corruption challenges that were faced in the past, section 13 of the BMA Act requires that all border management officials be fully vetted and regular lifestyle audits to be conducted.
To assist with technological support on Border Management operations, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced the issuing of the Request for Proposal to the market for the redesigning and redevelopment of our top six busiest ports of entry. The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area. The re-developed ports of entry will result in the efficient cross-border management of movement of people, goods and services, improved revenue collection and preventing harmful imports and exports.
The six earmarked ports of entry are:
- Beitbridge - Zimbabwe
- Lebombo - Mozambique
- Maseru Bridge – Lesotho
- Ficksburg - Lesotho
- Kopfontein - Botswana
- Oshoek - Eswatini
These ports were earmarked in order to address the congestion, based on being the largest and busiest by traffic volume.
The re-designing project is expected to create an estimated 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry.
The BMA is a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Despite serious challenges faced before, the BMA will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination. It is intended that this new approach will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the Border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global development responsibilities and human rights imperatives.
* Dr Michael Masiapato is the Commissioner and CEO of the Border Management Authority.
Matona
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 13:44
137 views
Almost 4,000 households still to be moved off Cape Town railway land
While plans for temporary relocation of 891 households occupying the Central Line are making progress, thousands of households remain on the railway