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Dear Editor The July 2023 Monthly Budget Statement published on the municipal website on 15 August 2023, reveals the devastating financial consequences of the PA collapsing the Knysna DA-led government in May 2022 by withdrawing from the coalition to join an ANC-coalition. The Coalition of Corruption Executive Mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa, has reported that the Municipality …
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi,Mzwandile Stick hosted a media conference in Cardiff on Friday as they wrap up their preparations for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Wales at the Principality Stadium. Rugby playing sons of Gqeberha – Siya Kolisi and Mzwandile Stick – show their love in the video below just before Siya reveals …
In today’s technologically advanced world, the significance of magnets in various industries cannot be understated. From their humble beginnings to their current sophisticated designs, magnets have undergone a remarkable evolution, proving indispensable in numerous applications. The Rise of the Dry-Type Electro-Magnet The Dry-Type Electro-Magnet stands as a testament to modern engineering and design. Characterised …
The High Court also dismissed SANTACO’s interdict application
SA Under-18 coach Katleho Lynch has made wholesale changes to his team for their second and final match in the U18 International Series when they face England in Paarl on Saturday, including handing the captaincy to JJ Theron, while JC Mars has been named vice-captain. Only four of the players who started against France on …
Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down
The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.
According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.
The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.
Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.
Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.
Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.
“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.
The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.
While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.
“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”
Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.
“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”
Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.
Police killings
However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.
He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.
“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.
He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.
“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”
Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.
The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.
“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.
“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30
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China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit
The upcoming BRICS Summit will usher new steps towards expanding the membership of BRICS countries, says Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong.
Xiaodong confirmed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be attending the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, which will get underway next week.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies - Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.
He told the media that China was actively pushing for the strengthening of partnerships with other nations.
“As the world faces rising exclusiveness and protectionism, President Xi Jinping pointed out that BRICS is not an exclusive club or small circle, but a big family of good partners that is based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation.”
This is after, according to the ambassador, the BRICS leaders reached a consensus on the bloc’s expansion.
“The leaders supported discussions on the criteria and procedure for expansion.”
The ambassador said the international community voted in strong favour of BRICS cooperation, countries that have formally applied to join the five-country bloc.
“BRICS expansion has become the top trending issue at the moment. Expansion is key to enhancing [the] BRICS mechanism’s vitality. I believe that this year’s summit will witness a new and solid step on this front,” he stressed.
Cooperation
He also touched on BRICS cooperation, which he is of the view that this year’s summit will send signals for solidarity and its commitment to make the world a better place.
“Over the past 17 years, BRICS countries have focused on shared development. BRICS continues to advance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy and resources, as well as finance and monetary matters.”
In addition, they are looking to grow in other areas. These include supply chain, logistics, agriculture, food security, local settlement and cross-border payment, vaccines and public health.
“President Xi Jinping put forward four major goals of building an integrated big market, ensuring sound circulation and transport connectivity at all levels and strengthening cultural exchanges for BRICS.”
He told the media that the leaders would also draw a sharp focus on the youth and people with disabilities.
State Visit
According to a Presidency media advisory, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The ambassador said it would be his President’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years.
He described the visit as significant as China and South Africa celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year.
He told the guests that both countries had built a “comrade plus brothers special bond”.
The ambassador also reflected on the partnership that the two nations enjoy.
“China-South Africa ties have set a fine example for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.”
Xiaodong said under Presidents Xi and Ramaphosa, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has moved to greater heights.
“On the political front, the two countries have strong mutual respect and trust. We firmly support each other on issues of our respective core interest and major concerns.”
In addition, he said on the economic and trade front, the relationship is mutually beneficial.
During the State Visit, he said both Presidents would have wide-ranging and in-depth exchanges on China-South Africa and China-Africa relations, BRICS cooperation, and international and regional issues of common interest.
They are also expected to witness the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and hold a press briefing.
The two Heads of State will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.
“All eyes will be on how stronger BRICS cooperation, China-South Africa relations and China-Africa relations will continue to contribute to regional and global peace and development.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:36
In reply to a letter from the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged them to learn the Chinese language well and contribute to carrying forward the China-South Africa friendship and promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.
In his letter, Xi said that he witnessed the establishment of the Confucius institute 10 years ago and was pleased to see that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries have yielded fruitful results.
A multitude of South African youths have got a glimpse of China's history and culture, increased their career options, and realized their dreams by learning Chinese, he said.
Both important developing countries, China and South Africa have forged a special comradely fraternal friendship. Learning and understanding each other's language and culture contributes to facilitating mutual understanding and cultivating ever-lasting friendship between the people of the two countries, said the Chinese president.
While having a good command of the Chinese language, the teachers and students are welcome to visit China more often and have a deeper understanding of China, share a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China with more friends, and strive to be envoys for inheriting and developing the friendship between the two countries, so as to contribute to promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation and building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.
During his visit to South Africa in March 2013, Xi witnessed the signing of an agreement on the joint establishment of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology between China and South Africa.
Since its establishment 10 years ago, the institute has trained nearly 10,000 students. Fifty teachers and students of the institute have lately written a joint letter to Xi, sharing their experience, harvest and feelings in learning Chinese, thanking Xi and the Chinese government for providing more opportunities for African youths to pursue their dreams, and, with eager anticipation, looking forward to Xi's visit to South Africa again.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims
Government has paid more than R330 million in claims related to the Marikana tragedy.
This was revealed by Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani during a media briefing on Thursday.
Claims payments have been disbursed to claimants through their legal representatives, including the Wits Law Clinic, as well as the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI).
The tragedy occurred in 2011 at the North West town when police officials shot and killed some 34 miners during a labour-related strike at Lonmin Mine.
Some 78 others were injured, with a further 10 people – including law enforcement officials – dying in clashes before the tragedy.
“The Marikana incident of 16 August 2012 is a painful and significant and solemn chapter in our nation’s history. It is something that we cannot downplay because people are still impacted emotionally and it casts a sombre shadow over the tragic clash between striking miners and law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities.
“As a result of which, we, as government lawyers, are now seized with having to meet the lawful demands that have been lodged with us. These funds have served to address a spectrum of claims that relate to legal consideration stemming from the Marikana incident,” Pandelani said.
In relation to the 10 people who died in earlier clashes, Pandelani said that no claim has been laid against government.
“There is always a narrative of confining the fatalities to only 34 individuals. In our book, it’s actually 34 plus another 10 who are never accounted for. We also need to take that into account. In relation to the 10 who died before the other miners, we’ve got no claim that has been lodged against government.
“The other 10 people who died, there was no causation on the death itself that was attributable to government or the State. Their settlements might have been settled by other individuals,” Pandelani said.
Constitutional damages
Turning to the potential constitutional law damages that may be lodged against the state, Pandelani said the Solicitor-General’s office currently does not have the mandate to deal with those matters.
He said upon instruction to do so, “it is an issue that we are prepared to explore”.
“Where a new concept… is introduced, such as constitutional litigation, which was not existing at the time of incident, you find a situation where you are applying the law retrospectively. We need to get instructions from the South African Police Service and everybody else.
“We are having to deal with the… concept of constitutional litigation. Why was it not pleaded as and when the matters started? And as creatures of instruction, where do you then derive the powers to settle on an aspect using taxpayers’ money on an issue which has not been ventilated in court? Until and unless there are new developments and there is cogent argument that is presented before any court of law about any novel or new issue that arises out of the Marikana litigation, I think we have done enough.
“Remarkable strides have been realised in the strategic orchestration and harmonisation of the Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and due process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 08:59
African leaders engage on environmental matters
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has emphasised the importance of accelerating work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts.
This work must focus on delivering key mandates such as the operationalisation of the Global Goal on Adaptation; the Loss and Damage Fund; the Mitigation Work Programmes as well as the adoption of the modalities and scope for the Just Transition Work Programme.
Creecy made these remarks at the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that kicked off on Thursday.
The two-day session is providing a platform for strengthening Africa’s collective engagement in the global environmental agenda under the theme: “Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa.”
Ministers will consider a declaration and decisions prepared by senior officials during the expert segment on a number of issues including preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28).
They will also consider Africa’s participation in the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment and preparations for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) among other agenda items.
As part of the engagements, there will be a number of Ministerial dialogues including on climate finance and protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of plastic pollution in Africa.
“It is critical that the UNFCCC COP28 accelerates work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts,” the Minister said on Thursday.
She emphasised that Africa’s approach to climate change must be premised on the principle of equity and the recognition of Africa’s Right to Development.
She further noted the critical links between building low carbon, climate resilient societies and sustainable development necessary to address Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
“South Africa looks forward to the inaugural African Climate Summit to be hosted in Kenya next month and the role this summit can play in the adoption of a well-coordinated Common African Position ahead of COP 28,” the Minister said.
Creecy will also take the opportunity to engage with fellow African Environment Ministers, to obtain their approach to the Global Stocktake, as requested by the COP 28 President.
Plastic pollution and pesticides
On the issue of Africa’s participation in the development of an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment, Creecy said South Africa remains deeply committed to the development of a comprehensive agreement to end plastic pollution.
In this regard, South Africa has shared the domestic experience of the Polluter Pays Principle and its usefulness in holding producers of plastic products accountable through the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations.
South Africa supports the establishment of a Global Alliance to encourage partnerships and actions on highly hazardous pesticides.
Furthermore, South Africa supports the need for transparency to be able to manage chemicals safety through amongst others labelling, the Global Harmonised System, strengthening customs control, and other relevant measures.
The AMCEN was created in 1985 to promote regional cooperation between African governments in addressing environmental challenges confronting the continent. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:26
From just two staff in 2005 to almost 80 women now, the hand baked cookie business has risen from humble beginnings
Koeberg units expected to return in November
Eskom’s generation capacity is expected to receive a boost by some 1 860MW when units 1 and 2 at Koeberg Power Station return to commercial availability on November 3 and November 7.
The two units have been offline on a planned refuelling and maintenance outage since late last year.
The power utility said the maintenance project is to make the nuclear power station more efficient and add a further 27MW to the power station’s output.
“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced at the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom explained its decision to apply to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for an extension to operate the power station for a further 20 years.
The power utility said the delay in returning the two units to service will not have an effect on its application.
“The conservative design of the station, the investment that Eskom has made in continuously improving safety standards, the rigorous maintenance, as well as the testing programme over its operating lifespan, give merit to Eskom’s decision to apply for the licence to operate the plant for an additional 20 years.
“The Koeberg units have operated safely and reliably for almost 40 years. The amendment of the operating licence will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape, which Unit 2 has safely continued to do with an excellent energy availability factor of 94.87%, while Unit 1 was on outage,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:30
From scientists and sustainability managers to waste pickers and buy-back centre owners, women are boosting South Africa’s sustainability efforts – but more needs to be done to ensure equal representation. This is according to experts within the sector, as well as the country’s longest-standing Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO, which oversees collection and recycling efforts …
Calling All Authors: DSAC Publishing Hub’s 2023/24 Call for Manuscripts Now Open The stage is set for a literary revolution as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in partnership with Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA) to unveil the eagerly awaited 2023/24 Call for Manuscripts. This momentous announcement marks the …
Symposium to empower women in business
A symposium is to be held on Friday with the aim of providing women with equal access to business opportunities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.
The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.
“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.
Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.
The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46
Pretoria, 18 August 2023: JLR has announced it is recruiting 300 new technicians and test engineers in the UK West Midlands. The roles will support the continued growth of Range Rover production and development of next generation electric models. Of the 300 roles, the UK-based luxury car manufacturer is recruiting around 100 maintenance technicians for …
Nearby backyarders hope for houses, though the City of Cape Town says the land is “lost” for housing
Heritage approval has not been granted, contrary to City claims
First Group’s quick quiz will help you decide Your friends are planning a girl’s trip to get away from it all but you’re still on the fence, not sure if it’s the right thing for you. First Group, leaders in business and leisure accommodation, have put together a quiz to help you determine if a …
Johannesburg, South Africa – August 16, 2023 – Mark your calendars for one of the year’s most anticipated events! rAge – the Really Awesome Gaming Expo – is back and better than ever, hitting the Gallagher Convention Centre from December 8th to 10th, 2023. Not all just hype For an exhilarating span of two decades, …
• From 2020 to date, 60 graduates have been permanently employed at ABB • ABB hires graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds, female engineers and people living with disabilities • ABB’s global initiatives align with localisation policies In recognition of World Youth Skills Day on 15 July, leading technology and solutions provider ABB acknowledges that skills development …
Ithala SOC Limited has appointed Mr Mohamed Gafoor as its new Chief Financial Officer. The financial institution said that before being appointed to this new role, Mr Gafoor held the General Manager Finance role since April 2022, having joined the organisation as a Finance Manager in March 2015. In his new role, Mr Gafoor will …