Workers at sauce manufacturer strike for R4 per hour increase
Management of Ribas Manufacturers has offered R1.75 per hour increase
2024
Water and Sanitation allocated over R130 000 billion budget
Water and Sanitation allocated over R130 000 billion budget
The Department of Water and Sanitation has been allocated an amount of R134.909 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Mojodima, said the budget includes allocations of R42.604 billion, R46.362 billion and R45.941 billion in the 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years respectively.
The department’s budget consists of two components, including the main account and water trading entity.
“On the main account, the department has been allocated R72.989 billion over the MTEF. This consists of allocations of R24.074 billion, R25.159 billion and R23.754 billion in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 respectively.
“Included in the main account budget are conditional infrastructure grants for municipal water services totalling R36.305 billion over the MTEF. This includes R20.130 billion for the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and R16.175 billion for the Water Services Infrastructure Grant,” Majodima explained.
She noted that the water trading entity is mostly funded through revenue collection from the sale of water, but also receives some transfers from the fiscus for infrastructure projects.
The water trading entity has been allocated R61.920 billion over the MTEF, including R18.530 billion, R21.202 billion and R22.187 billion in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 respectively.
The department, said the Minister, will make every effort to ensure that the resources are deployed as efficiently as possible “to ensure that service delivery reaches our communities”.
The department will also continue to clear all the department’s historic incidents of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in collaboration with National Treasury and the law enforcement agencies.
The Minister committed the department to a zero tolerance to corruption and ensuring the promotion of good governance.
“In recent years, the department has successfully reduced its under-expenditure against its budget – in 2021/22 there was R2.5 billion under-expenditure (which equals to 14.3% of the budget), in 2022/23 there was R860 million under-expenditure (5% of the budget), and in 2023/24 there was R44 million under-expenditure (0.2% of the budget).
“It is our intention to eradicate under-expenditure altogether and achieve 100% expenditure of our budget in the current financial year. This will be done by making our infrastructure procurement processes more efficient and effective and by improving our management of allocations to projects during the financial year,” Majodima said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:10
285 views
Incentives for municipalities owing water bills
Incentives for municipalities owing water bills
In a bid to address the water debt owed by municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, including water boards, have strengthened and standardised debt collection processes and put in place incentives for municipalities to pay their water board bills.
Presenting the Water and Sanitation Budget Vote on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the municipal debts to the water boards increased to R21.3 billion by May 2024, posing a major risk to the financial sustainability of the whole water sector.
Majodina said this debt has forced the department to close down the Sedibeng Water Board in 2022 and transfer its functions, including assets and liabilities, to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards.
“The debts owed by municipalities to Sedibeng Water had resulted in it no longer being able to service its own debts and to meet its operational expenditure requirements. However, the transfer of Sedibeng’s operations to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards did not solve the underlying debt problem and the municipal debt continues to grow,” Majodina said.
While non-payment by municipalities poses a threat to the financial sustainability of all the water boards, Majodima said the department is particularly concerned about Magalies Water and Vaal Central Water, which are experiencing an increasing cash flow challenges due to non-payment.
“One of our immediate priorities will therefore be to work with our colleagues in Cabinet, particularly the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to find a sustainable solution to this problem,” Majodina said.
While acknowledging that not all municipalities are falling behind on their payments, Majodima warned that non-payment by a few municipalities which are served by a particular water board can result in severe financial difficulties for that water board.
During the 2023/24 financial year, the National Government allocated R61.7 billion of water and sanitation-related grants to municipalities to enable the municipalities to address water and sanitation infrastructure backlogs and provide free basic water to the indigent.
Apart from these grants, the water services sector must be self-financing through revenues from the sale of water.
Available infrastructure for other economic activities
To ensure the department’s assets contribute towards the objectives of the Government of National Unity, Majodina said the department would be availing its infrastructure for other economic activities, including promoting tourism and recreation, and reducing the risk of load shedding through the use of dams for generation of hydropower.
The Minister noted that during the last financial year, the department issued an expression of interest to obtain access rights to state dams for tourism and recreation activities, with the aim of promoting economic development, particularly of communities adjacent to dams.
She said the expressions of interest received will be processed during the current financial year.
“In consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Electricity, the department has also issued requests for applications for interested parties to apply for water use authorisations to generate hydropower using water courses and the water resource infrastructure owned by the department.
“This process received interest from over 200 applicants, for generation of 2 845 Megawatts of electricity from the water courses. To date, the department has issued 40 authorisations for floating solar panels, and the remaining applications will be processed in the current financial year,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:37
268 views
Jump on the democracy bus
Jump on the democracy bus
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, has launched the Democracy Bus, which will travel the country to drum up citizens’ participation in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.
“[The] bus will travel to different parts of our amazing country from the nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities. Government calls on all South Africans to get on the bus so that they can see and experience the changes we have gone through as we relive the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey," Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced during the delivery of the Budget Vote of the GCIS to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on Friday.
“The bus is also expected to stop at the GCIS Thusong Service Centres which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, izimbizo and national events as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years as we celebrate our 30 years of democracy,” she said.
Spot the Bus
The Minister said citizens will be able to participate in a “spot the bus” campaign.
“As the bus travels on our roads, across all our provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have the opportunity to be part of the spot the bus campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.
“This is the way GCIS is bringing South Africans to acknowledge the work that has been done over the last 30 years but also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead which government, through its new programmes of the seventh administration…will address the challenges that remain,” Ntshavheni said.
Crime
The Minister also said the GCIS was implementing a campaign that will seek to encourage communities and stakeholders to participate in the fight against crime.
She said the department has set the fight against crime as one of its communication priorities for this financial year.
“GCIS is implementing a crime management campaign which will target the areas of organised and violent crime, illegal mining, cable theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure along with the scourge of violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society.
“To strengthen stakeholder participation, the GCIS has established a directorate of stakeholder management and special projects to marshal all stakeholders in a common front against social ills. We have learnt during COVID-19 that the coordination of the work is more impactful in our communication space,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:44
338 views
African Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League
Twenty-Five Basketball Coaches from 15 African Countries Selected for NBA 2K25 Summer League; Five Players Who Featured in the 2024 BAL Season (https://BAL.NBA.com/) to Compete in Las Vegas.
Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024. The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent. Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.
Please see below for some of the notable storylines, followed by the full roster of the African coaches, players, and referees who will take part in the Summer League.
African Coaches Program
Building Continuity
- Six teams that took part in the 2024 BAL season will have at least one coach participating – Al Ahly (Egypt), Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) City Oilers (Uganda), FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and US Monastir (Tunisia).
- Sixteen of the 24 coaches will take part in the Africa Coaches Program for the first time.
- Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu was named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year and led his team to a third-place finish this season. Rivers Hoopers' head coach since 2009, Odaudu coached the team to five Nigerian Premier League titles. Since 2019, Odaudu has been a member of the coaching staff on the Nigerian national team.
- Two coaches – Francois Enyegue (Cameroon; San Antonio Spurs) and Emmanuel Mavomo (Democratic Republic of the Congo; Milwaukee Bucks) – return to the Summer League for a third consecutive year. Last year, they coached with the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, respectively. Enyegue is currently the head coach of Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) and served as head coach of Team Africa & Middle East Girls at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2018. Mavomo is NBA G League's Austin Spurs assistant coach and served as an assistant coach of Paris Basketball and BC Espoir Fukash during the 2022 BAL season.
Empowering the Next Generation
- Three players with BAL experience who have decided to take up a career in coaching will be part of this year's program. John Wilkins (Rivers Hoopers), Mohamed Gaddour (US Monastir), and Radouane Slimane (US Monastir) will respectively join the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat.
NBA Academy Africa Well-Represented
- NBA Academy Africa players development coaches Goitsemang Ditsheko (South Africa) and Karim Nesba (Morocco) will coach with the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings respectively. Based at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal since 2022, Ditsheko is part of the academy coaching staff who worked with NBA Academy Africa's first NBA draftee, Cameroon's Ulrich Chomche, selected with the number 57 overall by the Memphis Grizzlier and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft. While enrolled at NBA Academy Africa, Chomche competed in the BAL as part of the BAL Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball (REGBBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in 2022. Karim Nesba is a former AS Salé and Morocco National Team player. He coached the Uganda City Oilers in the 2024 BAL season and the BAL Select Team at Quai 54 this summer. NBA Academy Africa Alumni Ibou Badji (Senegal) and Babacar Sané (Senegal) will be playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz respectively. Badji who signed a two-way contract with Portland Trail Blazers last season, played 22 games in the 2023-24 NBA season. Sané former BAL Elevate player has played with the G League Ignite since 2022.
Female Participants
- For the first time, three female coaches will participate in the Africa Coaches Program – Sofia Bey (Morocco; Sacramento Kings), Aliaa Mahmoud Mohamed (Egypt; Washington Wizards), Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers). They join the Africa Coaches Program as part of NBA Africa's and the BAL's efforts to provide more opportunities for women in basketball.
- Sofia Bey (Morocco, Sacramento Kings) is the head coach of Wydad Athletic in Morocco. Bey participated 2022 FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camp and was selected for the FIBA Young Coach program in 2015.
- Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers) was the head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) which participated in Road to the BAL 2023. Aliaa Mahmoud (Egypt, Washington Wizards) was the assistant coach of FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023.
Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and the NBA teams coaching staff they have joined.
|
First name |
Last name |
Country of origin |
NBA Team |
|
Mohamed Lamine |
Kriedeche |
Algeria |
New Orleans Pelicans |
|
Stef |
Pare |
Burkina Faso |
Orlando Magic |
|
Francois |
Enyengue |
Cameroon |
San Antonio Spurs |
|
Victor |
Samnick |
Cameroon |
Denver Nuggets |
|
Pierrot |
Ilunga |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Toronto Raptors |
|
Emmanuel |
Mavomo |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Milwaukee Bucks |
|
Ahmed |
Elgarhi |
Egypt |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
|
Alia |
Mahmoud |
Egypt |
Washington Wizards |
|
Ruth |
Bibeyi |
Gabon |
Los Angeles Lakers |
|
Ahmed |
Salam |
Morocco |
Atlanta Hawks |
|
John |
Wilkins |
Morocco |
Phoenix Suns |
|
Sofia |
Bey |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Karim |
Nesba |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Leonel |
Manhique |
Mozambique |
Brooklyn Nets |
|
Ogoh |
Odaudu |
Nigeria |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
|
Mohamed |
Abdulrahman |
Nigeria |
Utah Jazz |
|
Mugisha Igor |
Keys |
Rwanda |
Boston Celtics |
|
Prosper |
Naci |
Rwanda |
Philadelphia 76ers |
|
Matar |
Mbodji |
Senegal |
Chicago Bulls |
|
Goitsemang |
Ditsheko |
South Africa |
Houston Rockets |
|
Akech Wuoi Garang |
Ajak |
South Sudan |
New York Knicks |
|
Bechir |
Hadidane |
Tunisia |
Memphis Grizzlies |
|
Mhamed |
Gaddour |
Tunisia |
Los Angeles Clippers |
|
Radouane |
Slimane |
Tunisia |
Miami Heat |
|
Andrew |
Senyondwa |
Uganda |
Trailblazers Portland |
BAL Season 4 Players*
Five players who played in the 2024 BAL season are set to feature in this year's Summer League: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (South Sudan; Sacramento Kings), Samkelo Cele (South Africa; New York Knicks), Obadiah Noel (USA; New York Knicks) Devine Eke (Nigeria, Milwaukee Bucks), and Makhtar Gueye (Senegal; Atlanta Hawks).
- Lual-Acuil Jr. averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks during the last BAL season, helping Al Ahly Ly (Libya) to the 2024 BAL Finals. Lual-Acuil Jr. won the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player and the Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the Defensive Player of the Year. Lual-Acuil Jr. also emerged as the 2024 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team and the All-BAL Defensive Team.
- Cele averaged 20.2 points per game and finished second in scoring in the league. He led South Africa's Cape Town Tigers to the semifinals and was named to both the 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team.
- Obadiah averaged 19.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with Armée Patriotique Rwandaise basketball (APR; Rwanda) in the Sahara Conference last season.
- Eke registered 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers to third place in the last BAL season.
- Gueye represented Burundi's Dynamo Basketball Club in the inaugural Kalahari Conference last season.
- Cele and Gueye were part of the BAL Select team that featured at the 2024 Quai 54 Streetball Tournament, the world's biggest streetball tournament in Paris, France, last month.
*Rosters are subject to change.
Referees with BAL Experience
Five referees who officiated in the 2024 BAL season will also join the program, including Annie Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe). Muchenu became a FIBA international referee in September 2008 and was appointed to officiate at the FIBA Women's Champions Cup in Nairobi, Kenya the same year. She has since officiated at major competitions on the African continent including junior and senior tournaments but has also officiated at two All Africa Games (2011 and 2015), three FIBA U-17 World Cups, two FIBA U-19 World Cups, pre-Olympic Qualifiers and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the BAL since the beginning of the competition.
Please see below the complete list of African referees:
|
NAME |
COUNTRY |
|
Oumar Sy |
Mauritania |
|
Yann Davidson |
Madagascar |
|
Annie Joyce Muchenu |
Zimbabwe |
|
Vitalis Gode |
Kenya (Referee Supervisor) |
|
Silver Houngbedji |
Benin |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined – Minister Ntshavheni
Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined - Minister Ntshavheni
Brand SA has set out its plans to reimagine the Play Your Part campaign.
This according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the Budget Vote of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Friday.
Brand SA, the country's official marketing agency, has been allocated R186 million to carry out its work for the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the Minister, the Play your Part initiative aims to “inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship”.
“It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. It calls on South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills and goods to contribute to a better future for all of us,” she said.
Ntshavheni said the Media Development and Diversity Agency has made “significant strides in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans”.
The entity has been allocated at least R38.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
“In its duty of providing funding and other support for the marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, it has supported over 586 small commercial media projects over the years despite its meagre budget.
“This includes 321 community radio and community television stations along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print as well as digital platforms,” she said.
She emphasised the vital nature of the work of the MDDA.
“The work of the MDDA is important because community media serves to connect people with shared interests and concerns. It amplifies the unique stories and experiences within a community and promotes understanding amongst its members.
“In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for the greater good of society,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:48
206 views
Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure
Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure
The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), has put in place an office to support municipalities in establishing partnerships with the private sector.
This as poor investment in water and sanitation infrastructure by municipalities is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector currently.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Madojina, said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.
While South Africa is doing well in terms of mobilising private sector finance for investment in national water resource infrastructure, Majodina said it is not doing so well in terms of private sector financing of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Aging infrastructure, pipe leaks and lack of operation and maintenance, among others, are some of the main causes of high levels of non-revenue water in municipalities. For example, the water partnerships office is currently supporting the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which result in high levels of non-revenue water,” Majodina said.
She added that other focus areas include private sector investment in municipal water-reuse and desalination projects.
Water resource infrastructure agency
The Minister further announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will own all the national water resource infrastructure assets and obtain the revenue streams associated with those assets.
This will enable the agency to borrow additional funds on the strength of its balance sheet.
“The establishment of the agency will be one of the major focus areas of the department over the coming year. Parliament passed the National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill before it rose in May this year and we are expecting it to be signed by the President shortly.
“This will involve the transfer of all the national water resource infrastructure assets currently owned by the department to the agency, as well as the staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the assets,” Majodina said.
The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) will be merged into the National Water Infrastructure Agency, along with the water trading entity in the department, which is responsible for collecting revenue from the sale of raw or untreated water to the water boards, municipalities and industry.
“A transition plan is in place, and we aim to complete the establishment of the agency by May 2025. During this financial year, the department will be focusing on implementing the major structural changes and staff transfers associated with the establishment of this agency,” the Minister said.
The Minister shared her intentions to ensure that there is continuity of the various reforms and improvements that were initiated by the former Minister Senzo Mchunu. Many of them were mandated by the National Development Plan and the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 15:04
123 views
‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni
'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.
The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i
This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.
Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.
“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.
The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.
“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.
“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.
Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.
The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.
“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.
“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.
Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.
“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.
“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.
The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.
She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.
Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.
“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.
"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.
“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.
“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34
140 views
Condolences for family, friends of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala
Condolences for family, friends of Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has extended the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of South African football legend, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
In a statement issued by the Tshabalala family and Orlando Pirates, Tshabalala (75) died in hospital on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to the injury sustained when he was shot in his home in March this year.
Tshabalala represented South Africa on the field and was head coach when South Africa returned to international football at the fall of apartheid. Until his passing, he remained loved and respected in footballing circles.
McGluwa said “a footballing legend, who taught and coached so many football stars, has fallen”.
He described Tshabalala as one of a special kind and a man who knew the sport inside out.
“His coaching stint at Bafana Bafana is evidence to this fact. The South African football world has lost a star.
“This is one hero whose departure we all should mourn long into the future. It would be difficult to imagine South African football history without ever thinking about a person of Screamer’s influence….South Africa is poorer without him,” McGluwa said.
Details about Tshabalala’s memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:28
107 views
Shelters scramble as heavy rain continues
Besides a lack of space some shelters are also dealing with flooding
Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development
Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says as government commences with the work of the seventh administration and the next 30 Years of Freedom, it is important to address the challenges that still confront the country with greater performance and momentum.
“We need to continue to support Stats SA and ensure it plays a pivotal role in providing critical socio-economic data that informs decision making across government and business broadly,” Ntshavheni said.
Presenting the Stats SA Budget Vote in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said it is statistical data and information that will give government insight into the nation’s needs and achievements, and will help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of government policies and programmes.
“Therefore, understanding and managing the data ecosystem is crucial for the country to harness the full potential of data, make informed decisions and adapt to evolving business landscapes,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said this will be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and platforms and that Stats SA must continue to lead in the South African data ecosystem to ensure that the data gap is closed.
“Statistical data is indicating that our economy is three times larger and many times more inclusive and diversified than it was 30 years ago. Millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty and employment has more than doubled.
“Despite this progress, millions remain unemployed, in particular, the youth who are caught in structural unemployment where the qualifications they possess are not relevant for the job market nor self-employment.
“For South Africa to reach its developmental goals as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP), there is a need to use data and statistical information to not only improve the performance of government, but all of society,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said as a government that considers itself to be located within communities and society, it will work with all sectors to secure growth, security and prosperity that all wish to enjoy in a lifetime and into the future.
“Therefore, Stats SA will be one of our key institutional assets on this quest for a better future. This asset, Stats SA, is a jewel in the crown of the capacity of the state and its rigour and integrity is globally respected.
“Stats SA itself has a productive, intergenerational mix of experience and institutional memory alongside the energy and innovation that comes with a cohort of statisticians and other professionals who were born and educated in this democratic dispensation.
“For the richness of Stats SA’s outputs, we are deeply indebted to the millions of South Africans, who trustingly and graciously share their information and time with us so we can have numerical picture of the nation as it goes about living and working,” the minister said.
Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s 2024/25 Work Programme reflects the drive to deliver the statistics that the country needs and can apply to build a better South Africa.
“Stats SA delivered the results of the first digital census to the nation in October 2023. The population census offers us the most comprehensive set of statistical information to the lowest geographic level,” she said.
The Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Stats SA is R2.65 billion for 2024/25, and R2.75 billion and R2.89 billion in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:52
217 views
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
Despite heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the Monkeypox disease, or Mpox, as it is known for short, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week.
This brings the total number of infections to 22 since the first case was reported in May this year, while the death toll remains at three.
According to the Department of Health, available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.
“The Department of Health calls for the public to maintain vigilant and never lower their guard against Mpox disease, as the country remains on high alert for a possible surge,” the statement read.
The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 July 2024.
“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban over the past weekend, where an Mpox-like rash developed,” the department explained.
The other case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with an Mpox-like rash at a local hospital.
“Both new cases self-identified as MSM [men who have sex with men] with no international, but local travel history.”
The department is urging people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without an international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces, especially amongst the close contacts of the patients, said the department.
“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:05
154 views
Robbie Gien from Fourways to Take on Backyard Ultra: Aiming for 100km to Support Vulnerable Children at Swallow’s Nest
Robbie Gien, 36, from Fourways, Johannesburg, is set to make a profound impact with every step he takes. As a father to an amazing little boy, husband to a beautiful wife, a sales team leader at Pnet, an online recruitment platform, and an Ironman athlete since 2013 , Robbie is no stranger to pushing his …
Complaint against Daily Maverick Steinhoff stories dismissed
Former reserve bank employee complained his side of the story was not given, but declined to give his side of the story
Unleash Your Power at NPL’s FemmeFit Fest!
Ready to transform your fitness game? Join us for an empowering day at the FEMMEFIT FEST by Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL), a leading name in sports nutrition, on 27 July 2024 at Pinnacle College, Linden, Johannesburg! Imagine spending a glorious winter morning under the warm Jozi sun, surrounded by a vibrant community of like-minded people, …
Food parcels pile up in Gauteng warehouses because food banks have no money to distribute them
Provincial Department of Social Development delays funding
Census 2022 results are “incoherent and implausible”
Medical Research Council says there is an urgent need for population estimates that better describe the South African population
President saddened by deaths of 12 learners in road accident
President saddened by deaths of 12 learners in road accident
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the deaths of 12 learners from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville who were involved in a road incident in the Merafong City municipal area on Gauteng’s West Rand.
President Ramaphosa has in a statement sent his condolences to the families, friends, learners and educators of the deceased children.
The President has also wished a speedy and full recovery to the seven learners who suffered injuries in the incident that involved a scholar transport vehicle.
“The loss of such young lives at the start of a new school term touches all of us as a nation,” President Ramaphosa said.
“We wish the affected families and school communities the best as they mourn the passing of children who have been deprived of fulfilling their potential and spending their lives with families and friends.
“This tragedy, which regretfully is not the first of its kind to confront us, demands that we exercise our obligation to protect our children with the utmost care,” the President said.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have also extended their deepest condolences to the families.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating the cause of the fatal accident, which occurred on the D92 at 06:42 on Wednesday morning.
The crash involved a minibus carrying school children and a light delivery van.
Speaking at the South African Transport Conference at the CSIR earlier this week, Minister Creecy said road safety will receive priority attention in the seventh administration. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 08:53
503 views
Government working hard to prevent cybercrime – Ntshavheni
Government working hard to prevent cybercrime - Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has assured the public of government’s commitment to prevent cybercrime.
This follows the recent media statement issued by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, in which he said about R300 million was allegedly siphoned off from DPWI through cybercrime in the past 10 years.
The statement continued to say the cyber attackers again stole R24 million in May this year.
According to the statement, the revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala were conducting detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from department branches.
“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” Macpherson said in the statement.
Following the discovery, four DPWI officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by investigators.
The four officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official.
In May, the department announced that it had ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.
The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.
The investigation, which involves cyber and ICT security experts, covers the following:
• Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department.
• Lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems.
Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media enquiries following the statement from the DPWI.
“The investigation is ongoing, and investigating teams were urged to work with speed to conclude their work without compromising the required thoroughness of the investigation,” Ntshavheni said.
She said the SSA continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity.
“The SSA is finalising a consolidated assessment on government's cybersecurity strengths and initiatives underway to address any weaknesses found in the system,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said once the report has been completed, it will be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:30
518 views
Climate resilience tops agenda at symposium
Climate resilience tops agenda at symposium
The spotlight will be on climate change as climate experts, including academia and senior government officials, gather at the Climate Resilience Symposium next week.
National Treasury, in partnership with the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank, and a range of partner organisations, will host the three-day Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 in Pretoria from 15 - 17 July 2024.
The symposium will be held under the theme, 'Moving the needle on climate change and just transition: The role of the National Treasury'.
The gathering will bring together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior government officials, academia, the private sector and climate experts.
“The objectives of the symposium are to integrate climate goals into macro-fiscal and finance policy; improve government coordination by mainstreaming climate change considerations into the intergovernmental fiscal system; profile National Treasury’s contribution to climate action, and advance and promote policy, advocacy, green growth, and collaboration in addressing climate change challenges across sectors,” National Treasury said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:46
511 views
Appeal Court rules that City of Cape Town acted unlawfully
Ruling clarifies what constitutes lawful “counter-spoliation” when it comes to land occupation
Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest
Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest
The Gauteng Provincial Government says it fully accepts the judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest handed down by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
The inquest, which was established in July 2021, sought to investigate the criminal liability for the deaths of 141 mental healthcare users from Life Esidimeni.
Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo has determined that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the then Mental Health Director, Dr Makgabo Manamela, can be held accountable for the deaths of some Life Esidimeni patients.
In 2016, the Gauteng Department of Health moved the deceased from Life Esidimeni – a long-term psychiatric care hospital, which provided highly specialised chronic care to mental healthcare users to NGOs, which Teffo described as “ill-equipped” and “inexperienced” to give proper and adequate care.
This conduct, the judge said, led to “regrettable and unfortunate deaths, some of which could have been avoided”.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said: “We are pleased this process that brought so much pain and suffering to those who lost their loved ones, as well as the survivors whose human rights were grossly violated by this tragedy is nearing its end.
“This judgement closes a painful chapter, not only for the affected families but for us as the Gauteng Provincial Government.”
The judgement follows an arbitration process led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke that was established in 2018 and culminated in an arbitration award for the victims of the tragedy.
Moseneke gave the provincial government a list of 134 people after he concluded that families should each receive payments of R1 million in constitutional damages from government.
According to the provincial government, all claimants were paid R159 460 000 within the time that was stipulated by Justice Moseneke in his report.
“The only payments that are still outstanding are for the survivors who were not part of the initial arbitration process.”
The provincial government said it was currently administering these claims.
However, the claimants will only receive 50% of the claims upon successful verification. The other half will be held in trust on behalf of the mental healthcare user, which aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act 17 of 2002.
“As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are confident that the National Prosecuting Authority will take this judgement forward and we await the conclusion of this matter,” the Premier said.
Way forward
Lesufi added that following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, the provincial government has made concerted efforts to ensure that the rights of mental healthcare users are promoted and safeguarded.
“As part of ongoing measures to strengthen mental health care in Gauteng, the provincial government undertook to ensure that the five district Mental Health Review Boards (MHRB) are functional and effective.”
The MHRBs are made up of 27 people with diverse expertise which include legal practitioners, mental healthcare practitioners, and community members with a proven record of community development and involvement.
In response to the growing need for mental health services, the provincial government said it has prioritised the refurbishments and repurposing of some of its healthcare facilities to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.
According to the provincial government, several facilities have since been refurbished and opened to ensure enough acute mental health beds in hospitals and to increase mental health resources, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services.
These facilities include Bertha Gxowa, South Rand, Tshwane District, Tembisa, Edenvale, Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals.
The newly opened Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic offers a basket of free services for mental health patients ranging from counselling, social work services, dual diagnosis services as well as psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents.
“The provincial government sympathises with the bereaved and affected families and understands that the Life Esidimeni inquest was incredibly important for families to find closure and for accountability,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:48
416 views
More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons
More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons
Thirteen more National Assembly committees have elected their respective chairpersons on Wednesday.
This followed Tuesday’s committee meetings where 16 committees elected their chairpersons.
The members elected to serve as committee chairpersons include:
• Portfolio Committee on Tourism - Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements - Albert Mammoga Seabi.
• Standing Committee on the Auditor-General - Wouter Wessels.
• Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure - Carol Phiri.
• Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Dr Zweli Mkhize.
• Portfolio Committee on Police - Ian Cameron.
• Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture - Joseph McGluwa.
• Portfolio Committee on Higher Education - Walter Tebogo Letsie.
• Standing Committee on Appropriations - Mmusi Maimane.
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) - Songezo Zibi.
• Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development – Masefako Clarah Dikgale.
• Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition - Mzwandile Masina.
• Portfolio Committee on Agriculture - Dina Pule.
• Portfolio Committee on Land and Rural Development - Tsakani Goodness Shiviti.
• Portfolio Committee on Social Development - Bridget Masango.
• Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy - Nomkhosi Mvana.
• Portfolio Committee on Women - Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa.
The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation postponed its meeting to a later date when it will elect a chairperson.
“The election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for Members of Parliament to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business of Parliament, which requires the attention of committees,” Parliament said.
The National Council of Provinces will elect their respective chairpersons on Thursday and Friday.
National Council of Provinces elects Deputy Chairperson
Meanwhile, during its plenary session on Tuesday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) elected Poobalan Govender to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the Council.
A permanent delegate to the NCOP from KwaZulu-Natal, Poobalan, who is representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, joined the NCOP in the seventh Parliament.
Poobalan has been a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature since 2014 and served on various committees, including Social Development, Economic Development and Tourism.
As NCOP Deputy Chairperson, he will assist the Chairperson in undertaking her duties, providing strategic leadership and will fill in if the Chairperson is unavailable.
This includes representing Parliament in international multilateral forums and the NCOP in international bilateral forums. The Deputy Chairperson also presides over the meetings of the Council when delegated by the Chairperson when she is not available.
During the same sitting, the Council also elected Denis Ryder as the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight and Bhekizizwe Radebe as the House Chairperson for International Relations and Members’ Support.
Kolobe Regina Molokomme who is a Permanent Delegate to the NCOP representing Limpopo, was appointed as the Programming Whip.
The NCOP Programming Whip oversees the programme of the House and works jointly with the Presiding Officers to allocate plenary sessions for debates, consideration of legislation and Select Committee reports.
The Council also designated the NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chief Whip, Kenneth Mmoiemang, and delegates, Advocate Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, and Nicholas Gotsell to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
In terms of the Magistrates Act of 1993, the Council designated the following members to serve on the Magistrates Commission:
• Solomon Patrick Mabilo: (Ms Desery Fienies, alternate);
• Makhi Feni (Ms Mary Ndlangisa-Nodada, alternate); and
• Sylvia Nxumalo (Mr Mtikeni Patrick Sibande, alternate).
Mtshweni-Tsipane was elected as a permanent trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, with Advocate Nonkonyana as an alternate.
The rules of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund require that, following general elections, Permanent Delegates to the NCOP must elect one Permanent Delegate as trustee and one that will serve as an alternate on the Board. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:30
375 views
Telkom Unveils Breath-taking Origami Projection Show at UNISA Building
11 July 2024, Johannesburg: Telkom is thrilled to announce a visual display of their digital origami, symbolizing the evolution from landline, call boxes to mobile technology, projected onto the historic UNISA Building in Pretoria, a site steeped in academic and cultural significance. Nestled alongside the iconic Telkom Tower, this visually stunning display marks a significant …