News

The City of Johannesburg has restored electricity, water and sewerage services to residents living at Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street and surrounding areas after an explosion in the area disrupted services since last week.

The explosion claimed the life of one person and injured 48 others.

“As a city it has been of paramount importance for us to restore our services to the residents in the area as a matter of urgency and that is the reason [for] the level of commitment from our officials…to restore that we restore these services to the people.

“We wish to thank the residents of the area for their patience and their consideration and we will continue to monitor the area for any disruptions that may occur as a result of some of the work that is still being undertaken in that area,” City manager Floyd Brink said.

Brink said although investigations continue, the cause of the blast remains “inconclusive”.

“We continue to receive regular updates from the experts on site and are concurrently pushing to restore services and to prepare for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work of the road and the underground tunnels,” he said.

The city manager added that a team has been assembled to thrash out the scope and extent of the work needed in this regard.

“We have now established a team of engineers from various entities in the city to begin the planning and the scoping of that work that will be undertaken. It is evident to us that [in] rehabilitating the road surface and the underground tunnels, we will have to implement new standards of how we manage the underground services.

“Our work will then now seek to set the standard of what should be the most suited, safe and appropriate layout of the services as a city,” he said.

Brink assured citizens that any procurement undertaken in the process will be within the prescripts of the law.

“[City CFO] Tebogo Moraka…will oversee a team of persons from the various teams to manage and oversee any procurement that must be undertaken to facilitate the work in response to the disaster.

“He will be chairing the committee to ensure a level of compliance with relevant legislations, regulations and prescripts. The mandate is to ensure we comply with all legislated procurement rules and for us to be audit ready as and when we will be audited during this process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia - A number of key elements in areas of collaboration, including digital innovation, space science, as well as strengthening people-to-people exchange will form part of the subjects to be discussed at the second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.  

The summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, was first convened in October 2019, with a commitment to continue meeting every three years.

Speaking to SAnews in St. Petersburg, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said that a wide spectrum of areas of partnership are a rationale for South Africa’s presence at the summit. 

The Minister reflected that through the first summit held in Sochi, Russia, an agreement was reached to continue to have contact between African countries, the African Union and the Russian Federation to cement and strengthen relations between the continent and Russia.

“There are a range of aspects that will form part of our deliberations here. There are a number of areas of collaboration that we have agreed particularly in the areas of digital innovation, collaboration in space science, as well as strengthening people to people exchange. 

“We've also added a much stronger focus on matters of trade. All of these will be part of the subjects that we will discuss during this second summit,” Pandor told SAnews.  

The Minister emphasised that it was important to mention that for the first time, it is not just Heads of State attending the summit, but there are also a number of enterprises from various African countries as well as the Continental Development Finance institutions present. 

“Interestingly, we also have the brand new president of the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank, as it is sometimes called. This will be President Dilma Rousseff's first detailed interaction with African leaders, particularly the BRICS leaders. This (meeting comes ahead of the) BRICS summit that will occur in Johannesburg in South Africa, next month,” Pandor said. 

The summit comes a month after seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia concerning the war in Ukraine. 

The Minister said she believes the African Heads of State will use their time in St Petersburg to continue the discussions they began earlier this year in seeking a peaceful outcome in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“The seven Presidents from the African continent are part of an Africa led peace initiative that seeks to encourage the beginning of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in order to end the conflict between the two countries, to start a process of returning the world to a context in which we have peace and stability.

“And thus allow for economic growth and development which are urgently necessary for many countries in the world, but most particularly for us in the developing world,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

A prominent Mpumalanga truck and bus owner has been arrested in connection with fraud and corruption charges, to the tune of R89 million, in relation to vehicle licence fees in Mpumalanga.

Morris Robert Shabalala (58), who owns a fleet of buses and semi-trailers registered under the trade name Lamavuso Family Trust, appeared in the Mbombela Magistrates Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud, theft and money laundering.

He was released on R15 000 bail.

Shabalala’s arrest is linked to the arrest of 17 other suspects, who include two businesspeople, five former Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison employees, and licensing officials based at the Mbombela, Piet Retief, Mashishing, KwaMhlushwa and Delmas registering authorities.

The arrests took place between December 2022 and April 2023.

All the suspects and Shabalala will appear in the Mbombela Commercial Crimes Court on 30 August. They are currently out on bail.

“It is alleged the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison former staff members, who worked at the department’s helpdesk, colluded with the licensing officials to fraudulently issue vehicle licence discs to corrupt fleet owners and company representatives.

“Initially, it was thought that the scheme was operated between 2018 and 2019 and cost the State R60 million in lost revenue (unpaid vehicle licence fees and penalties). However, further investigations showed that more crimes were involved, and the scope of the investigation was extended to 2016 and this showed that R89 million is the amount of revenue lost in unpaid fees in the period 2016 to 2019,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said.

A lengthy collaborative investigation by the RTMC’s National Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks and Special Investigative Unit established that corrupt businesspeople allegedly paid large sums of money into the accounts of departmental officials to have their licence fees and penalties dumped or cancelled for the businesspeople to receive vehicle licence discs as if they owed nothing to the state.

“In the case of Shabalala, it is alleged that the file for the renewal of his fleet was unlawfully moved from the Standerton registering authority to Nelspruit helpdesk with the intention to commit crime.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the state lost R343 332 in vehicle licence fees and penalties that were not paid. A lump sum of money was made into the account of one of the suspected officials on the day that the illicit transaction was concluded,” the RTMC said.

In the case of another accused businessperson, Demieties Pieter Botes (46), who owns a fleet of truck tractors and tippers trading under the name DP Botes Verwoer Beperk, it is alleged that the file for the renewal of his fleet was unlawfully moved from the Delmas registering authority to the Nelspruit provincial helpdesk with the intention to allegedly perpetrate crime.

“Preliminary investigations indicated the State lost R1 005 923 in unpaid vehicles fees and penalties as a result. A large sum of money was allegedly paid into the bank account of one of the suspected officials on the day the illicit transaction was concluded,” the RTMC said.

With regards to businessperson Doctor Mpapane (59), he was accused of failing to pay R709 333 in vehicle licence fees.

“Mpapane is the registered owner of Doc’s Construction and Plant Hire. He owns a fleet of vehicles, such as tankers and loader pump lifters. His business file was moved from KwaMhlushwa registering authority to the helpdesk in Nelspruit to perpetrate the alleged crime. It is alleged that a large sum of money was paid into the bank account of one of the suspected officials on the day the illicit transaction was concluded.

“Doc’s Construction and Plant Hire has also been positively linked to another vehicle licence fraudulent transaction that took place at the Sedibeng branch of the South African Post Office in 2021,” the RTMC said.

Investigations are continuing, with the possibility of more arrests.

The RTMC has welcomed the arrest and calls on citizens to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Messages wishing the SPAR Proteas everything of the best are pouring in from all over the country, with the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, encouraging the national netball team to represent South Africa well in the Netball World Cup. 

“Know that 60 million South Africans are behind you. Know that you represent the hopes of the nation. I wish you well,” the Minister said on Wednesday. 

He was addressing the SPAR Proteas at a breakfast reception for the team in Cape Town.

The reception served as the official send-off for the SPAR Proteas to the Netball World Cup. It included a ceremonial flag handover by the Minister to the SPAR Proteas team. 

“You have represented our nation proudly on the global stage. It is not only a significant moment for the country to host the Netball World Cup, but it is also significant in that South Africa will be represented in this global showpiece by the SPAR Proteas who are the top ranked African netball team, and are ranked fifth in the world.

“The SPAR Proteas represent what we want to see for this country – that goal of forging strong unity and social cohesion in the country. You are a team of leaders, a team of players who perform their role well as a collective. The results of this are reflected in your status as one of the best netball teams in the world,” the Minister said.

Taking place on African soil for the first time ever, the tournament will start on Friday, 28 July and will end on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions.

The Minister described the occasion of the handover as an emotional moment. 
“The protea, a flower native to South Africa, is an important national symbol. It represents the beauty and harmony of the country’s diverse cultures and signifies South Africa’s growth as a nation. Like the protea flower, South Africa blossoms with unity and strength when her various cultures come together.

“It is a moment not to be taken lightly. As you will be representing the country in a global sport showpiece, I have the duty, on behalf of the people of South Africa, to hand you, Captain Bongi Msomi, the South African flag. A flag of a Nation is the key symbol of patriotism,” he said.

The SPAR Proteas will play their first match of the tournament against Wales on Friday.

Public viewing areas available for Netball World Cup

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department will bring the Netball World Cup action to communities with four public viewing areas (PVAs).

Admission to all PVAs is free. Each viewing area will be equipped with seating, surround sound and live uninterrupted streaming of the games so there is no need to worry about load shedding.

Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase at affordable rates and local entertainment will take place at each location.

As per the official match schedule for the Netball World Cup (NWC) 2023, each PVA will be accessible from 28 July to 6 August from 9am until the end of the last match for the day.

PVAs are equipped with ample parking and ablutions, and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 500 people at a time.

Below are the four PVA locations:
•    Proteaville Recreation Centre, c/o Peter Barlow and Abdurahman Streets, Bellville South.
•    Langa Civic Hall, c/o Church and Washington (King Langalibalele).
•    OR Tambo Multi-Purpose Centre, Jeff Masemola Street, Khayelitsha.
•    Portland Indoor Centre, Address: c/o Merrydale & Hazeldene Avenues, Portland, Mitchells Plain.

Details on tickets and travel packages and more information on the Netball World Cup 2023 are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still on offer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said on Wednesday that the effects of climate change in the province are no longer only a theory but a reality. 

“We experienced some of the most devastating floods in our history in April 2022, which killed over 400 people and caused damage worth billions of rands. 

“The challenge, therefore, for all of us is to act locally and to tackle our challenges by looking at what is happening globally,” she said. 

The Premier was speaking at the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban. 

The forum, which is currently underway, is taking place under the theme: “Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations”.

The upcoming BRICS Summit will be preceded by several events and activities taking place in the host country, including this week’s BRICS Urbanisation Forum gathering. 

The Premier said she believes that the task of major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is to play a significant role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This includes implementing actions at the local level to address all the challenges related to sustainable development, urban resilience and rapid urbanisation. 

“As part of BRICS, we too can play a leading role locally and impact globally in climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.”

Dube-Ncube also believes that the meeting is an opportunity to cement the global partnerships for the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urbanisation, continued investment in industrial decarbonisation and building of environments that are safe and healthy.

“We would like to take this opportunity to call on all our friends who are part of this conference to identify sectors for potential investment across our economy including the maritime, agriculture, transport, finance, education, and many other sectors.”

In addition, she said government was building integrated human settlements for its citizens as the country deals with the challenge of affordable housing. 

“Our country has a population of more than 60 million people and KwaZulu-Natal has the second largest population size in South Africa with approximately 12 million inhabitants.”

In the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, known as Durban, there is a population of about four million - just over one-third of the population of KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Premier told delegates that eThekwini was the only metro in the province, accounting for approximately 60% of the provincial economic activity. 

“That is a big weight to be carried by one metro. As a result, Durban has a challenge of approximately 600 informal settlements – some of which are large-scale, homelessness and backyard informal homes,” she said, adding that the current backlog of housing is estimated at 470 000."

This has resulted in constraints relating to bulk services in particular water, sanitation and solid waste management. 

“Government is building integrated human settlements for our people and we are also now able to upgrade the privately-owned land using current legislation to create a more sustainable liveable environment in which a range of economic and social opportunities can be created.”

In addition, government viewed the private sector as a significant partner in retail, commercial and light industrial developments.

She said the gathering will help the province focus its attention on addressing urban resilience in the face of challenges faced including climate change.

“As the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are keen to learn from the experience and expertise of countries and states which are part of the BRICS forum but also those who may today be outside and who are part of this gathering.”

She noted that part of the developing world, South Africa was responsible for the least causes of climate change. 

“But we have come to realise that when a house is burning, it is not only those who started the fire who have the responsibility to extinguish that fire.” – SAnews.gov.za 

 

An independent analysis following the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, did not find any presence of a cholera strain from water sources used for domestic purposes.

This was revealed during a media briefing on Wednesday by the Water Research Commission (WRC).

The WRC was commissioned by the Department of Water and Sanitation on 31 May 2023 to undertake an independent analysis of the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, focusing on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the spread of the disease.

The study focused on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the spread of the disease within the Hammanskraal area in the Tshwane Metro Council.

Presenting the main findings of the study, WRC Research Manager, Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa, said the water samples collected from selected sources used for domestic purposes, did not show any presence of the toxigenic cholera strain, while analysis of water samples collected from various points in natural bodies within the designated area, revealed a very high degree of faecal contamination.

“This was confirmed by the presence of excessive numbers of E. coli and the presence of other known enteric pathogens such as Salmonella [a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract] and Shigella [a bacterium that causes a diarrheal illness]. Therefore, the very poor microbiological quality of the river indicates that it is not acceptable for recreational use including religious rituals baptisms, swimming and bathing.

“Only one of the samples collected along the Apies River downstream from the Temba Wastewater Treatment Works tested positive for the presence of the toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strain. This observed presence downstream could be attributed to the general circulation of the strain in the community,” Ubomba-Jaswa said.

Ubomba-Jaswa added that a cholera strain was detected in water samples collected from the Kaalplaasspruit, which flows into the Apies River further downstream in the Hammanskraal area.

She noted that although the study was unable to pinpoint the source of the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak “it highlighted some important public health risks which may well contribute towards causing future cholera and/or other waterborne disease outbreaks”.

Although toxigenic vibrio cholerae was not detected within the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and Temba (drinking) Water Treatment Works, Ubomba-Jaswa said the results from the assessment showed that both plants are dysfunctional. 

“Both the final treated wastewater and final treated drinking water was found not to be compliant with the regulated water quality standards, highlighting the community’s susceptibility to health risks,” she said.

Ubomba-Jaswa noted that during the outbreak period, both the rainfall patterns and temperature were suitable for the occurrence and transmission of the cholera in the environment. 

Additionally, excessive pollution levels were observed in both the Pienaars and the Apies Rivers systems, manifested by the dominant visual presence of blue-green algae and water hyacinth. 

“This presents potential water use related health risks.”

Status of water and sanitation

On the status of water, sanitation and hygiene services, Ubomba-Jaswa said it was noted with great concern that some areas had no running water to flush the shared toilet facilities due to the prevalence of intermittent water supply, pushing the affected residents to riskier alternatives. 

In the RDP sections of the settlement, most of the wash basins that were previously installed outside the toilets are dysfunctional and have detached from the walls. 

“The absence of running water, hygiene facilities and soap within the toilet area implies that most individuals in the affected areas seldom wash their hands with soap after using the toilet, leaving the community vulnerable to the risk of any faecal pathogen transmission. 

“Illegal solid waste dump sites within the Hammanskraal area present a threat to water bodies in the area and presents a source of faecal contamination that can perpetuate disease transmission,” Ubomba-Jaswa said.

Recommendations

The study recommended an integrated water and wastewater quality surveillance into early warning systems for cholera outbreaks and considering the impacts of climate change, and early detection, surveillance, treatment and case management, which are critical in managing the spread of cholera.

“Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, promotion of safe household water treatment, storage and handling, as well as safe hygiene practices are vitally important in preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases,” the study recommended.

Water Research Commission CEO, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, said the lessons from the Hammanskraal outbreak can help build resilience for the future. 

Molwantwa said the WRC has established a panel of advisors and subject matter experts who will continually provide valuable insights and support on setting up key indicators that can serve as early warning signs for future waterborne diseases.

They will also advise on the establishment of a communication network to disseminate early warnings and preventive measures to communities, and strengthen current contingency plans and protocols for responding to waterborne disease outbreaks. – SAnews.gov.za

Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia - President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation to lead South Africa’s participation in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which takes place on Thursday and Friday. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. 

The summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, was first convened in October 2019, with a commitment to continue meeting every three years. 

In a statement on Wednesday, The Presidency said the 2nd Summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration.

“These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African States in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment. 

“The declarations seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in outer space and information security,” the Presidency said. 

Scheduled side events at the summit will include an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking between the heads of global corporations, government officials, business and the media.

The summit background will also offer an opportunity to African Heads of State, who are part of the African Leaders Peace Mission, to continue talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on the confidence-building measures that will create conducive conditions for a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The Presidency said South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit. – SAnews.gov.za