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Human trafficking is a heart-wrenching crisis that casts a dark shadow across our global community. According to the United Nations, human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, use of force, or other forms of coercion for the purpose of exploitation. It is a form of modern-day …
Appeal to the new Minister of Labour to fix the problems with the fund
Classroom block was destroyed by wind three years ago
Responding to the news that Eswatini's Supreme Court upheld controversial provisions of the Suppression of Terrorism Act on appeal, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, said:
“The Supreme Court's decision to uphold this repressive legislation is a major setback for human rights in Eswatini. The authorities must immediately repeal the Act, or significantly amend it so that it is precise, targeted and fully in line with international human rights standards.
“The law in its current form poses significant threats to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. The Suppression of Terrorism Act is overly broad and vague, and authorities have frequently used it to arbitrarily arrest and prosecute dissenters and suppress media, including by branding political opponents, activists and journalists as ‘terrorists.'
“The fact that Eswatini's highest court has given the Suppression of Terrorism Act its stamp of approval is a dangerous sign for the future of human rights in the country, especially because repression is already widespread.”
BACKGROUND
Authorities passed the Suppression of Terrorism Act in 2008 following a bombing incident near the Lozitha Bridge in Eswatini. The same year, authorities declared the People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) opposition party, Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) and the South Africa-based Swaziland Solidarity Network as terrorist organizations.
In 2016, the country's High Court declared several sections of the Suppression of Terrorism and Sedition Acts as unconstitutional, following a court challenge by human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and SWAYOCO leader Maxwell Dlamini, who authorities had both charged under the Act in 2014, and PUDEMO leader Mario Masuku.
The government appealed that decision a week later. Throughout the lengthy and irregular appeals process, Eswatini's government used the Suppression of Terrorism Act to harass and intimidate dissenters, including jailing opposition parliamentarians Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube in 2021 and designating Swaziland News and its editor Zweli Martin Dlamini as “terrorist entities” in 2022.
In 2023, Maseko was shot and killed in his home in a case the government has yet to investigate.
Along with the Suppression of Terrorism Act, on 13 August 2024 Eswatini's Supreme Court upheld controversial provisions of the 1938 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act, which similarly has adverse human rights implications.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
Several offices closed on Tuesday
August 2024 – Trek Africa Hunting is thrilled to announce the launch of our comprehensive quarterly newsletter, a new initiative aimed at keeping our community of hunters informed and engaged. This newsletter will feature the latest news, updates, and insights about hunting in South Africa, providing our subscribers with valuable information straight to their inbox. …
Johannesburg, South Africa – July 10, 2024 – CoreLife Medical, a trusted provider of oxygen therapy solutions, is pleased to announce that home users across South Africa can now easily access a full range of oxygen concentrators, cylinders, and accessories through our newly launched website. With a commitment to improving the quality of life for …
Men called to take decisive stand against GBVF
Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has called on men from all walks of life to join President Cyril Ramaphosa in signing the pledge to take a decisive stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
This comes after President Ramaphosa launched the call to action by signing the pledge alongside men from all sectors of society in Pofadder, Northern Cape, during the 2024 Women's Day celebration on 9 August.
The pledge commits men to be allies and part of the solution by maintaining positive behaviour and attitudes, and to take responsibility for their actions.
The pledge also commits men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, respect the rights of women, and to treat women with dignity.
Letsike commended the President’s commitment to the pledge.
“We are [calling on] all men, in all... [their] diversity -- in townships, in our villages, in our dorpies, and in suburbs, to sign this pledge and play an active role in our fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
“We can agree that no woman, no child, no LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender or intersex), no person with disability, including men, deserves to die at the hands of other human beings, particularly men. We must end all kinds of violence in society, and [build] the safe, peaceful and secure communities that we deserve,” Letsike said.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that together, more can be done to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
“Your pledge is invaluable, and your impact will be felt by generations to come,” Letsike said.
The virtual pledge can be signed at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 13:24
Family Divorce Mediators Introduces Section 22 Agreements: Simplified Solutions for Amicable Separations Roodepoort, South Africa – August 8, 2024 – Family Divorce Mediators is pleased to announce the launch of specialised mediation services focusing on Section 22 Agreements, offering a straightforward and compassionate approach to resolving family disputes and ensuring the well-being of minor children. …
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, Wednesday, 14 August 2024, commended the Free State Provincial Government, the Kopanong Local Municipality, as well as the Jagersfontein Development Project, on progress achieved in coordinating support, to address the challenges faced by communities in Jagersfontein, following the collapse of a tailings dam wall on September 11, 2022, resulting in a mud slide which damaged infrastructure and homes in the area.
Deputy President Mashatile has been delegated the responsibility to provide leadership in the implementation of rapid response interventions on service delivery and trouble-shooting in service delivery hotspots in the country, by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In pursuit of this critical mandate, the Deputy President undertook a service delivery oversight visit to Jagersfontein, last year in May, as part of efforts towards finding a lasting solution to service delivery challenges in the municipality, with specific focus on the efficient and equitable supply of water, and the resettlement of community members affected by the Jagersfontein Development Project dam disaster.
The visit by Deputy President Mashatile brought together various role players such, as government, private sector as well as civil society representatives, to deliberate on various mechanisms aimed at improving the functioning of municipality and in particular, on efforts to address the concerns raised by the community of Jagersfontein.
In this regard, Deputy President Mashatile has expressed his appreciation to all key role players, on progress achieved and also thanked the management of the Jagersfontein Development project in particular, for delivering on their promise to urgently build houses, for the affected community members.
“The remarkable progress we continue to make, brings us closer towards restoring better living conditions for the people of Jagersfontein. Such progress bears testimony that working together through partnership between government and the private sector, we can create a better life for all our citizens”, said Deputy President Mashatile.
The Deputy President has further emphasised the importance of expediting the process of addressing all other outstanding critical matters of water supply challenges experienced by residents, agricultural support needed, as well as responding to educational needs of youth in the area.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Justice department rebuffs “inaccurate” reports
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has refuted claims alleging that the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate has been hampered in doing its work on the State Capture Commission report.
The department said “inaccurate media reports” allege that the NPA ID has not been “able to access critical information from the erstwhile State Capture Commission’s (the SCC) Data Centre”.
“We wish to clarify that the cooperation between the Ministry and Investigating Directorate of the NPA remain cordial and professional. On the 31st of July 2024, the Ministry met with a number of the entities of the department, and it pledged its unwavering commitment to support the work of the NPA and its Investigative Directorate.
“The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is the legal custodian of all the assets of the Commission including the data centre, following the expiry of the term of the SCC. The department holds these assets on behalf of the South African State, government and people. This mandate arises from the custodianship of the Commissions Act, 1947, residing with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.”
The department further stated that the data centre has devolved to the DJCOD as envisioned by the founding Memorandum of Agreement between the department and its counterpart, the National Treasury.
Furthermore, the department said it remains committed to “transparency, accountability, and the effective use of its data to support justice and governance”.
“The department established a Residual Mechanism to deal with remaining matters of the Commission."
The Commission continues to supply and support all law enforcement agencies and other entities with data and information, as and when requested. Further, there is a Secretariat that continues to manage the data centre and support all law enforcement agencies and other entities in accessing the database.
“To ensure effective utilization of the data, the Commission trained over 20 NPA investigators, providing them with direct access to the Commission’s digital forensic platforms. The Commission’s secretariat has consistently supplied the requested data and documents.
“The Secretariat has positively responded to data requests from various law enforcement agencies, including the NPA’s ID, DPCI [Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations ]- HAWKS, Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), South African Revenue Service (SARS), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and some State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The remaining staff that is experienced in data science and programming, continue to support ongoing projects” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 14:33
R200k in prize money, eight qualifiers nationwide, culminating in one epic gaming showdown… this is the MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience 2024! The HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience 2024 is approaching its thrilling conclusion, with the announcement of the latest winners and just two more opportunities to qualify for the grand final. The latest round of …
Mashatile encouraged by progress made in Jagersfontein
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has praised the Free State provincial government, the Kopanong Local Municipality, and the Jagersfontein Development Project for progress achieved in coordinating support to address the challenges communities face in Jagersfontein.
This follows the collapse of a tailings dam wall in 2022, resulting in a mudslide which damaged infrastructure and homes in the area.
The responsibility to provide leadership in implementing rapid response interventions on service delivery and troubleshooting in service delivery hotspots has been delegated to the Deputy President by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Deputy President undertook a service delivery oversight visit to Jagersfontein, last year in May, as part of efforts towards finding a lasting solution to service delivery challenges in the municipality.
He focused mainly on the efficient and equitable water supply and the resettlement of community members affected by the Jagersfontein Development Project dam disaster.
“The visit by Deputy President Mashatile brought together various role players such, as government, private sector as well as civil society representatives, to deliberate on various mechanisms aimed at improving the functioning of municipality and in particular, on efforts to address the concerns raised by the community of Jagersfontein,” said the Presidency in a statement on Wednesday.
The Deputy President has since expressed his appreciation to all key roleplayers, for the progress achieved.
He also took the time to particularly thank the management of the Jagersfontein Development Project for delivering on their promise to urgently build houses for the affected community members.
“The remarkable progress we continue to make brings us closer towards restoring better living conditions for the people of Jagersfontein. Such progress bears testimony that working together through partnership between government and the private sector, we can create a better life for all our citizens,” said Deputy President Mashatile.
The country’s second-in-command further emphasised the importance of expediting the process of addressing all other outstanding critical matters of water supply challenges experienced by residents, agricultural support needed, as well as responding to the educational needs of youth in the area. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 15:29
The Presidency wishes to announce the postponement of the signing of the Second Presidential Health Compact.
The event was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, 15 August 2024, but has been postponed until next Thursday, 22 August 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The 59th edition of the South African Surfing Championships will take place at the popular right-hand point break of Victoria Bay from 2 – 4 August. After 58 years of the tournament, this contest is rich in history. Out of those years, the event has been held at Vic Bay five times, with the 2024 edition …
Garden to assist George Hill residents
The eThekwini Municipality has stepped in to help residents of George Hill Informal Settlement, which has been plagued by unemployment, poverty, and crime.
To address these challenges, the Inner eThekwini Regeneration and Urban Management Programme (ITRUMP) Area Based Management (ABM) has identified the need to start an organic vegetable garden to support poverty-stricken families in ward 31.
The vegetable garden was recently launched by the city, after ITRUMP ABM reached out to sister departments for help to make the garden a success.
Under the mentorship of Althea Bantom from ITRUMP ABM, volunteers from informal settlements have been working tirelessly on the garden.
ITRUMP Senior Manager, Hoosen Moolla, has commended residents for their hard work to ensure the garden’s success.
“We are a caring city that provides support to residents where we can. We will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure this food security garden continues to grow and provide for the community,” Moolla said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries for the garden project, George Hill resident, Thamsanqa Mzobe, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the eThekwini Municipality for supporting them.
“We vow to take care of this garden which is a source of food for many families and continue to make it a success,” Mzobe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 14:46
SA Masters Surfing Championships Heads to Victoria Bay Victoria Bay – The 2024 SA Masters Surfing Championships will take place this weekend in Victoria Bay. With five full days of surfing ahead, it will be an exciting weekend of surfing. The best masters surfers in the country will be surfing in the following divisions: Men’s: Over 35, …
Minister and Mayor to tour neglected buildings and harbour
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, and the City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, are expected to embark on a tour to neglected and hijacked departmental-owned buildings in Cape Town.
“The Minister and the Mayor are committed to working together to find long-term solutions to these buildings to ensure that they are used for the public good and contribute to the overall economic growth and job creation in the city,” said the department.
The two are set to visit 2 Keizersgracht Street which has fallen into disrepair and has been occupied, the Hout Bay Harbour and Waterloo Green in Wynberg which has slowly been stripped over many years. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 13:32
Current concerns for store owners include: So-called ‘hermit’ consumers and how to draw them out The rise of the tech-savvy shopper and ‘phygital’ shopping The need for elevated in-store service Pervasive pragmatism and price consciousness Live-streamed sales promotions The recommerce boom Did you know retail sales are estimated to represent close to 20% of South …
Zikalala sets six-month deadline for the completion of Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, has set a six-month deadline for the completion of the delayed Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court in Tshwane.
Speaking after conducting Operation Siyahlola at the magistrate’s court on Tuesday, Zikalala said the construction of the court will be completed by February next year.
Siyahlola is aimed at unblocking stalled Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) projects.
READ | DPWI minister to conduct inspection at Port Shepstone Magistrate construction site
The construction of the Soshanguve Magistrates' Court, which commenced in 2019, has been delayed by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and different professionals withdrawals mid-way through the construction. This led to most of the construction work being done by the professionals of the department itself.
“Through Operation Siyahlola, we inspect departmental projects, focusing on those that are delayed.
“We intervene and fast-track the implementation of those projects. We also ensure that new projects are rolled out, providing vital infrastructure for communities. We also want to build capacity to do the work [ourselves].
“The Siyahlola programme has uncovered a few challenges that we would like to address, including the integration of local community leaders in projects, transparency, and employment opportunities for local communities,” Zikalala said.
The two-phased Soshanguve Magistrates' Court project was initially earmarked for completion in 2022, with the latest deadline being February 2025.
The two project phases include additional accommodation and renovation of the old court. The additional accommodation is 89% complete. The renovation of the old court will resume upon completion of the additional accommodation.
Zikalala has called for holistic project management, which incorporates every aspect of the project, where all professionals work together. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 10:07
LaMuse Classic 2024 This weekend, the iconic shores of Surfers Corner, Muizenberg, will come alive as we celebrate Women’s Day with the much-anticipated LaMuse Classic, proudly supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Surfing South Africa, and The Store. Seventh Anniversary This year, we mark the seventh anniversary of this extraordinary ‘for women, by …
UIF commissioner to host employer breakfast session in Queenstown
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is calling on employers in the Eastern Cape to attend an Employer Breakfast session that is set to take place in Queenstown next week.
The session which will be held at Aloe Grove Guest Farm, will be hosted by the fund’s Commisssioner, Teboho Maruping.
Employers from all sectors, including commercial business owners and operators of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Komani (Queenstown) as well as the broader Eastern Cape Province are invited to attend the session on Monday, 19 August 2024.
“At the occasion, Commissioner Maruping will among other things, engage with employers about the importance of compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act and discuss how new developments within the UIF will impact on employers and employees,” the department said in a statement.
Subject matter experts from the UIF will be in attendance to assist employers on the spot with any challenges they may be facing in relation to the fund.
Building up to the breakfast session a full basket of Department of Employment and Labour services will be offered to communities, including assistance with UIF claims, Compensation Fund claims, enquiries resolution, registration of work seekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database as well as provision of information on the National Minimum Wage and other basic conditions of employment.
Build up activities will be offered this week, beginning on Wednesday at the Municipality Hall (Convent) in Cala, from 9 am until 3 pm. On Thursday, these activities will take place at Cofimvaba Town Hall in Cofimvaba, and they will conclude on Friday at Cacadu Town Hall in Cacadu. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:24
Dept calls for swift prosecution of suspect in abalone bust
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for the swift prosecution of a motorist found in the illegal possession of 640kg of dry abalone in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.
“We commend the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit, working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), for their vigilance, and for ensuring that the confiscated abalone was safeguarded until it was weighed, tagged and transported to the departmental storage facilities,” Singh said on Wednesday.
This follows the arrest of a man found in possession of 27 black plastic bags containing a total of 13 661 dry abalone.
On 5 August 2024, the MCS unit based in Port Alfred was called out to Makhanda following the discovery of the poached abalone during a stop-and-search by the SAPS.
The department said the MCS Unit will continue to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to curb the illegal trade of marine living resources through Operation Phakisa’s Initiative 5 – Compliance and Enforcement.
Departmental officials will also heighten participation in community awareness programmes by visiting schools to educate the youth on the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources.
“I urge every South African to be vigilant and report any environmental crimes to the authorities. It is crucial that our communities work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to protect our marine resources,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:35