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Children in the Rand West (Randfontein communities) are now accessing a nutritional breakfast meal supported by DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF). The Foundation currently provides instant DoMore porridge to 2 500 children aged 0-5 years in Early Child Development (ECD) centres that are in communities around the RCL FOODS production facility. The ECD community and stakeholders …
Dear Editor It is disheartening to serve on a committee that must rely on local newspapers for revelations within our portfolio. Over the weekend, information surfaced from an undisclosed source indicating that Crime Intelligence has allocated R100 million towards vehicles that remain unused. Additionally, it has been brought to light that they have not engaged …
Dear Editor Despite extensive public participation processes at great cost and the DA’s efforts to ensure that every submission made by the public is considered, the ANC majority of the parliamentary portfolio committee on basic education pushed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill through. The DA and other opposition parties voted against the adoption …
Johannesburg, 26 September 2023: Amid the 2021 crypto boom, prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian, Floyd Mayweather, and NBA hall-of-famer Paul Pierce enthusiastically endorsed a cryptocurrency known as EthereumMax to their vast following. The result? A frenzy of investors flocking to buy the coin, only to witness its value plummet dramatically, causing substantial financial losses. …
The Western Cape Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism will consider the Western Cape Nineteenth Gambling and Racing Amendment Act Repeal Bill [B 3–2023] as part of its constitutional responsibilities. Interested persons and organisations are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearings and to submit written input on the Bill. The …
Bundee Aki, in rugby-playing terms, is more Irish than he is Kiwi, and his professional rugby development is down to nine years in Ireland, playing for Connacht. The 33 year-old New Zealand born and raised midfielder has been red hot for Ireland at the 2023 World Cup, but it would be grossly inaccurate to put …
Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates
Police Minister Bheki Cele says the police are pushing back against crime in the country, and flushing out ruthless and greedy organised criminal syndicates.
“The work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, through intelligence-led operations and weekly high density operations, resulted in the arrest of thousands of criminals, especially dangerous and hardened criminals,” Cele said at a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The Minister outlined some of the successes achieved by the police in dealing with crime in the country.
He said assets worth millions of rands have been recovered and firearms have been removed off the streets.
“These covert operations have also resulted in multiple deaths of suspects who violently resisted arrest,” Cele said.
Cele said some of the meticulously conducted take-downs should renew hope in the country, that the men and women in blue are gaining ground against crime and continue to flush out criminality in both affluent and impoverished areas of society.
“South Africans on various platforms have welcomed the bolstered and decisive policing efforts by the SAPS, who are going toe-to-toe with criminals.
“But in the same breath, we are also aware that the SAPS triumph over crime is a bitter pill to swallow by some,” the minister said.
Cele said crime intelligence information remains central in the take-down of armed and ruthless gangs.
Cele said in the past week alone, police have registered a number of successes, including the latest take down of cash-in-transit heist suspects in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, where four suspects were killed and three suspects arrested.
“We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the working relationship with the Hoedspruit Farmwatchers, who worked closely with the SAPS in taking down this syndicate.
“Among those arrested was a most wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, linked to the murder of a police officer, a spate of car hijackings, house and business robberies and fraud cases. Police seized one pistol, a rifle and some of the stolen money,” the Minister said.
Provincial overview
Among the successes achieved by the police include, in Gauteng, a multidisciplinary team led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, rescued an 18-year-old Wits University student from a kidnapping syndicate last Wednesday.
The syndicate had been targeting the LGBTQI+ community through a popular dating app. Police have broken the back of this particular kidnapping syndicate, which has so far been linked to over 50 kidnappings, where ransom demands were being made.
In KwaZulu-Natal, following a shooting incident which resulted in the fatal shooting of five men at a parking lot in a shopping centre in Richards Bay on the 19th September 2023, police - 24 hours later - acted on information and traced two suspects to an upmarket estate in Ballito, where a shootout ensued.
The pair were shot and killed during a take-down operation, which involved specialised units of the SAPS, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU).
One of the suspects was on the police’s wanted list and being investigated in a number of cases. One suspect is being sought by the police.
In the Eastern Cape, police arrested a gang that had robbed a store of R1 million worth of jewellery.
Just hours later, police followed up on information and tracked down and arrested all 10 suspects, following a crime intelligence-driven operation. All the stolen jewellery was recovered, as well as four firearms. The syndicate is linked to numerous other similar heists across the country.
In Carolina, Mpumalanga, the illicit mining task team shutdown an illegally operated coal mine and seized mining equipment worth over R60 million, as well as coal worth R12 million.
A mine manager was arrested and a manhunt is underway for the mine owner.
In Khutsong, Gauteng province, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) - under Operation Gillette - arrested nine suspects for illegal mining and they attached, through a preservation order, 58 properties (51 vehicles, including luxury vehicles and seven houses) to the value of over R17 million. They will be appearing in court on 29 September 2023.
In the Northern Cape, 867 illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence driven operation in the Namakwa region on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. The area, which is a hotspot for illegal mining activities, is being closely monitored, and police are working closely with other relevant departments to combat illegal mining activities. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 12:21
Some workers are spending half their wage to commute because trains aren’t running
By Bowmans. On Thursday 21 September, ahead of Heritage Day in South Africa, leading African law firm Bowmans, held an event to celebrate a decade of focussed pro bono efforts. Bowmans managing partner, Alan Keep, highlighted that Bowmans has always been a responsible corporate citizen, and its people have been contributing their time and expertise …
Introduction In the bustling world of logistics and material handling, forklifts are the unsung heroes that keep warehouses and construction sites running smoothly. Whether you’re managing a growing business or embarking on a new project, the decision to invest in forklifts, explore forklifts for sale, or opt for forklift hire and rentals is a critical …
Inter-faith leaders called to work with govt in dealing with social ills
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the faith-based community to partner with government to make tangible contributions towards addressing the social ills facing the country.
Mashatile convened an engagement between government and inter-faith leaders on Tuesday to strengthen existing partnerships towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project.
“Not a day goes by that we are not confronted by acts of violence and criminality. This is not the South Africa we fought for. It is certainly not the South Africa we want ourselves and future generations to live in,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command raised his concern at the deterioration of the social and moral fabric, including gender-based violence and femicide, poverty, unemployment, drug and substance abuse, child abuse, crime, corruption, teenage pregnancy, and the high rate of HIV infection among young people.
“It is disheartening that the women and girls of our country no longer feel safe in their homes, on the streets, in public transport and at their places of work.
“Many of our people are abusing alcohol and using drugs, which is causing numerous social problems such as unsafe behaviour on our roads, violence, crime, and truancy.”
The Deputy President also raised concerns about youngsters who are still engaging in unsafe sex, leading to high rates of teenage pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
To address these difficulties, he believes a collaborative effort must be employed involving governmental entities and all segments of society, of which inter-faith communities are an essential component.
“Inter-faith efforts, like community service, can be used to effect societal change. Now, more than ever, we must join forces to counter what has grown to threaten our communities.”
The Deputy President reiterated that the State is committed to addressing social ills and improving lives.
He also took the time to talk about how South Africa transitioned from an oppressive State machinery to a democratic nation, where all people enjoy equal rights and protection before the law.
“Today, our churches, our mosques, our synagogues and our temples are pillars of society doing valuable work in education, in feeding the poor and the needy, and in being a consistent and powerful voice that speaks out against injustices in our country.”
He expressed his appreciation for the role of faith-based communities in guiding the nation when it strayed from its mission to unite and develop the country.
“It is the excellent work you are already doing in our communities that we want to harness and build upon. Whether it is in providing education and awareness around alcohol and substance abuse, in offering counselling and support to couples and families, or in mobilising people around anti-crime initiatives, you have been our valued partners as we seek to address these social problems.”
He called on leaders to safeguard the significance of religious and sacred sites, as these sites hold immense cultural value, and are crucial to ensuring traditions are not eroded over time.
“As we all know, our nation thrives in its cultural richness and religious diversity.”
Despite the many challenges, he is of the view that South Africa can emerge strong if it embraces its diversity.
He also lauded the role played during apartheid by faith leaders like Beyers Naudé, Desmond Tutu, Peter Storey, Allan Boesak and Dr Martin Luther King Jnr.
“Reflecting on this history and also acknowledging the temporal disparities and distinct challenges of our current era, we must draw from the lessons of the past, and use them as a compass for addressing some of the social challenges that exist in our modern culture.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 11:38
Life is unpredictable, and while we cherish the moments and memories, it’s equally crucial to ensure our loved ones are taken care of in our absence. One of the most effective ways to do this is by drafting a will. For those in South Africa seeking guidance and expertise in this domain, Capital Legacy stands …
Dear Editor The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Khayalethu Magaxa, recommending that the Committee sets up an urgent inquiry into the crisis unfolding at Transnet with a view to developing a roadmap to recovery that would stabilize the entity, save the economy and protect jobs. Our call …
STRAND and GORDONS BAY: Early Monday morning, 25 September, NSRI Gordons Bay rescue swimmers, GB Med Sec ambulance services and Police responded to Kays Caravan Park in Strand where multiple residents were evacuated from the caravan park. Some residents were transported to hospital suffering medical complaints not related to the weather. At the same NSRI …
Johannesburg, September 2023: “After a process that involved reviewing over 500 applications and selecting the top 30 Womenpreneurs in South Africa for a panel review, we are thrilled to announce the Top 30 exceptional women from which one winner, two runners up, and the Top 10 will be chosen.” So says Sugendhree Reddy, Chief Executive …
Government concludes this year's Annual Thusong Service Centre Week, which took place from the 18 - 22 September 2023 and was commemorated under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery”.
The Thusong Service week formed part of the Integrated Public Service Month and it sought to promote the Thusong Programme by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of the citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities of the Thusong Service Week profiled the work of public servants particularly front line officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service which is putting people first.
On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre week at the NG Church Hall, in Rawsonville, Western Cape Province who lauded that to date there are 121 operational centres which continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event a food security dialogue was held with a focus on the promotion of backyard gardens, sustainability, and integration into the local economy. The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through their study conducted within the Municipality on food security. Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach wherein various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to the citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns with an emphasis on backyard gardens. The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity in communities.
The, the closing event of 2023, took place in the Northern Cape Province at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre as well as the planting of trees.
“South Africans can play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens. If every person sets up a small garden in their home it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs. Through our collective actions we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign. The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organizations, through the Thusong Centres, show well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans”, said GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate the Thusong Service Centre near them and encouraged to make use of their centres frequently.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
Public Service Month
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Local government has long been recognised as the sphere of government that is closest to the people and crucial in improving their lives. It is responsible for the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.
This year marks 23 years since local government was established under a democratic government to ensure that basic services are provided in an impartial, fair and equitable way. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of public servants, throughout the country, who serve selflessly with dignity and respect.
To mark this milestone, September is recognised annually as the Public Service Month (PSM) to recognise men and women who serve the nation with pride and distinction. These include doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers and many others who play an invaluable role in delivering services and building the country as envisioned in 1994.
This year’s commemoration comes less than a year before we observe 30 years of freedom and democracy. The commemoration will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of public servants in building the South Africa we want.
It is also an opportune moment for public servants to interrogate what has worked and what needs improvement as we build on the achievements of the last 30 years.
As government, we know that the majority of public servants are committed to the cause of improving the lives of people and go beyond the call of duty. These public servants understand that to be a public servant is an honour and privilege and an opportunity to change our society for the better.
We have seen these dedicated public servants during our fight against the COVID-19. Most of them ventured onto the streets every day while other citizens were at home under lockdown because their job and calling in life is to protect and serve. They were first in the line to keep us safe and provided much needed services.
Public servants have showed us during COVID-19 that they have what it takes to provide better services and improve the lives of people. Our challenge now is to extend that commitment, professionalism and selflessness to our daily interactions when serving citizens and contribute to making South Africa great.
It is not simply enough for public servants to wake up and say they are going to work to earn a salary. We should find joy in serving people, it should be about improving the quality of life of the citizens, fixing traffic lights and roads or doing anything else that makes a difference in people’s lives and help us grow our country.
This year’s PSM is held under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Inclusive Quality Service Delivery” which is the foremost priority of the administration. However, building a capable state that will improve the lives of the people of this country starts with having a professional and competent public service in line with the National Development Plan and Batho Pele principles.
The National Development Plan serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country, while Batho Pele guides how public servants must conduct themselves especially when they serve the public.
The vision of building a capable and developmental state has been advanced by various administrations since 1994 and in 2020, Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority.
The empowerment of public servants is also being done through the National School of Government, which is working with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority and the Department of Public Service and Administration to provide appropriate training and learning pathways to public servants.
During Public Service Month we strive to showcase the many services offered by government and therefore the Thusong Service Week recently took place to raise awareness of the important services that are offered in Thusong Centres across the country. At the centres, people can access government services including application for identity documents, birth, death and marriage certificates.
They can also get office services such as phone, fax, scan, copy, print and postal services, including advice for small business development and accessing applications for services that are offered by the South African Social Security Agency. Communities can obtain copies of the government newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and they also are exposed to the other programmes that allow for interaction between government and South Africans.
As we conclude the Public Service Month, we call on public servants to continue to ensure that their professional ethics are beyond reproach. This is the only way we can build a country that works for everyone as envisioned by our founding fathers.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS
Janine
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:54
Somerset Mall, a preferred shopping destination for locals, is thrilled to announce the upcoming instalment of its Homegrown SA Pop-Up Market, a community-driven initiative that is dedicated to connecting surrounding local communities and shoppers with local brands. The exciting Homegrown Pop-Up Market is set to take place from Thursday, 28 September to Sunday, 1 October …
Dear Editor It has come to our attention that Captain Tamboer at the Malmesbury Police Station, issued an instruction on 19 September, mandating that complainants’ statements must be taken exclusively in English. We wish to emphasise that this directive is invalid to the extent that it contradicts the directive issued by the National Police Commissioner, …
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College Rovers and Naka Bulle powered their way to impressive victories over the weekend to secure home ground advantage in the African Rainbow Community Gold Cup semi-finals. Meanwhile, the Northam Rhinos continued their high-scoring run, and Crusaders claimed a win away from home to advance to the penultimate round. The Rhinos have been the most …
India won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on home soil in 2011 in what is one of the most memorable moments for fans in that country of 1.4 billion, and, 12 years on, the world’s best cricketers are set to captivate global attention once again. The cricketing landscape has consistently shifted in time …
South African Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile, is scheduled to speak at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) on Tuesday 10 October, in Cape Town.
The gathering is the continent's leading event in the upstream oil-and-gas energy space, and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the development of Africa's natural resources.
Deputy President Mashatile's attendance at the continental showpiece comes at a time when energy is a primary concern of national policymaking in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
Announcing Deputy President Mashatile's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director of event organiser Hyve Events said that the presence of a government representative as senior as Mr Mashatile confirmed the importance the South Africa's government attached to oil and gas planning.
“There have been exciting offshore discoveries in South African territorial waters, which may herald a new dawn for the country's oil and gas sector,” says Ibidunni. “At the same time, there have been significant discoveries in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa. This emphasises the importance of Africa's government and business leaders coming together to discuss partnerships for energy security while enhancing regional economic development.'
Ibidunni said AOW provides the ideal platform to facilitate such discussions, as well as enabling deals, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.
This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.
AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125 expert speakers, and 1500 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities, designed to drive deals and investments for the betterment of the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
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