Concourt rules out R2-billion damages claim by Zimbabwean farmers
Afriforum, supporting the farmers, says it will continue the legal fight in other countries
2024
Winning starts on the road to England 2025 for South Africa and Madagascar
South Africa and Madagascar got off to winning starts in their bid to win the Rugby Africa Women's Cup 2024 and qualify for WXV 2 and Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Reigning champions South Africa brushed aside Cameroon 55-0, while tournament hosts Madagascar came from behind to edge Kenya, 29-22.
Whoever finishes top of the standings after three rounds of matches will seal their passage to both England 2025 and WXV 2 in South Africa. The runners-up will compete in WXV 3 in Dubai this September and October.
Hampered by tournament-ending injuries to Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen and Samantha Els, the Springbok Women took time to get into their stride and fell short of the 87-0 win they enjoyed when they played Cameroon for the first time in last year's competition.
Despite playing with the wind at their backs at Stade Makis, Louis Koen's side could only manage three maul tries – all scored by hooker Lindelwa Gwala – for a 19-0 interval lead.
But things opened up after the break and they added six more tries to their tally, with left-winger Maceala Samboya joining Gwala in grabbing a hat-trick.
Replacement forward Vainah Ubisi and outside-centre Veroeshka Grain scored tries at the start of the second half as South Africa picked up the pace before Sambola crossed three times in a devastating 10-minute spell.
Eight minutes from time, replacement centre Aphiwe Ngwevu celebrated her return to the squad for the first time this year with a try from a quick tap penalty to make it 55-0.
The Springbok Women have now won all seven of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup matches they have played, having swept all before them in winning the 2019 and 2023 titles.
Lady Makis Produce Stunning Match-Winner
Meanwhile, Kenya's Women's Rugby World Cup and WXV hopes hang in the balance after Madagascar avenged last year's 29-20 defeat at the same venue.
That game featured three yellow cards to Madagascar but this time it was Kenya who were the multiple offenders.
Tries from Terry Ayesa and Diana Awino had helped to put the Lionesses into an early 12-0 lead, but the Lady Makis managed to pull five points back when number eight Naomi Jelagat was in the sin-bin, with winger Olivia Mamay Nirina Hanitriniaina crossing on the stroke of half-time.
Turning around 12-5 in arrears, Madagascar scored again within five minutes of the restart after some typically slick handling put scrum-half Joela Mirasoa Fenohasina in the clear.
Now restored to their full complement of players, Kenya used their physical advantage upfront to wrestle back the initiative, prop Rose Otieno crossing from close range at the back of a maul.
But Faith Livoi's yellow card on 56 minutes opened the door for Madagascar again, and the Lady Makis did not need a second invitation to exploit the extra space, scoring two tries to take the lead for the first time in the match.
Centre Valisoa Erickah Razanakiniaina was the first to cross when she finished off a tap-penalty move instigated by Fenohasina. This time Tiana Jinah Razanamahefa was able to add the extras to bring the scores level at 17-17.
Laurence Rasoanandrasana's try put Madagascar 22-17 up. It was a product of no little ingenuity and skill, the hooker receiving the ball back from a throw to the front of the lineout and bursting down the blindside without a hand laid on her.
Kenya replacement back Helen Achieng temporarily silenced the home crowd – which included the country's president and first lady – when she wriggled over in the left corner to bring the scores level again. But a deafening roar greeted Madagascar's fifth try deep into added time when brilliant interchange play involving openside Delphine Sarindra Raharimalala and Hanitriniaina led to the winger crossing for the second time. It was a score fit to win any match.
While South Africa's win will not impact the World Rugby Women's Rankings due to the large points differential between themselves and Cameroon, the win for Madagascar will result in a one-place gain.
The Lady Makis will get 1.1 points added to their rating, moving them above Belgium and into 26th place. Kenya will remain 23rd.
The next opportunity Madagascar's huge following will get to cheer on their team will be on Wednesday for the second round match against Cameroon. South Africa take on Kenya in the other fixture.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery
Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government is making strides in the delivery of the energy plan unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022.
Ramokgopa’s remarks comes as the country marks 40 consecutive days of no load shedding.
Ramokgopa attributed this to improvement in structural changes within Eskom, which has seen last year’s anticipated unplanned capacity loss factor reduced from 15 000 megawatts to 14 000 megawatts during the same period.
“Eskom, by its own admission accepts that the kind of improvement that we have seen is so enduring that we can say to the country that we have clocked back 1000 megawatts compared to the same period of the previous calendar year,” he said.
Updating the media on the progress of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa noted the aggressive rollout of solar photovoltaic (PV) by both industry and households on the back of incentives provided for by the National Treasury.
READ | Requirements for solar panel incentive explained
“[Due to] the kind of reforms that have been introduced, we are seeing greater numbers of households and industry that are taking up the opportunity to roll out solar PVs behind the meter intervention,” Ramokgopa said.
He also noted that on the back of the fiscal support received from National Treasury, Eskom has been able to invest a significant proportion of time into planned maintenance.
“When we went to December of 2023 transitioning into January 2024, we experienced about 18% of the total generating capacity taken out for planned maintenance, unprecedented in the past three years, as a result of this fiscal support. These concerted efforts are beginning to bear fruits,” the Minister said.
He said the biggest enemy is to ensure that the entity addresses the issue of unit failures, including unplanned capacity loss factor, and efficiency of the units.
Ramokgopa said during the same period in May 2023, unplanned capacity loss factor moved from 16 800 megawatts to about 18 000 megawatts.
“This recovery and the clawing back of the 7 000 megawatts is something that has been experienced over a period of time [and] in this instance, over a 24-month period. All indications suggest that we will continue to improve on this number,” Ramokgopa said.
To date, unplanned outages from 26 April 2024 have been reduced by about 4 400 megawatts from 15 500 megawatts experienced some time ago.
Upcoming elections
Meanwhile, Ramokgopa disputed the accusations that the improvement in electricity has something to do with the upcoming National and Provincial government elections on 29 May 2024, saying “there’s no correlation between this performance and the date of 29 May."
“When the team was making these efforts; when we ramped up planned maintenance in December and January, little did we know that there would be a big date with a ballot box on the 29th of May.
“This is not staged [or] managed. It is an orchestrated effort, and an engineering feed by the team at Eskom.
“What we know is that UCLF [unplanned capacity loss factor] is tracking at 29% as of April of 2024, as opposed to 34 % of April 2023. We have recovered five percentage points over the period of the same period in April and a comparable period this year in April.
“You do not earn and recover that five percentage points suddenly because a date of an elections has been announced. It is as a result of process mapping in an engineering term; the stabilisation of management; ensuring that we use and deploy this fiscal injection, and identifying candidate stations that can give us the best returns in the shortest possible space of time.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 14:48
173 views
Real Estate Agent, Heinz Mueller, Triumphs in Red Feather Charity Run, Inspiring Hope and Resilience as He Completes 10km Distance
Heinz Mueller’s remarkable display of resilience and optimism illuminated the 10km distance at the Red Feather Charity Run held this past weekend at Sunridge Village in Gqeberha. Amongst the gathering of over 700 athletes participating in the 5KM and 10KM road run, Mueller’s triumph over adversity stood as a beacon of inspiration, igniting hope in …
Pandor on working visit to Equatorial Guinea
Pandor on working visit to Equatorial Guinea
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, is on a two-day working visit to Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
On the first day of her working visit on Sunday, Minister Pandor held bilateral talks with her counterpart, H.E. Mr Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora.
“The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. The Ministers also discussed regional, continental and global issues of common interest,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Sunday.
At the conclusion of their meeting, Minister Pandor and Minister Angue signed the Memorundum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 12:01
375 views
Serenity Hills developers reveal the 4 qualities buyers want in 2024
This year has seen the semigration trend continue as property owners move out of the cities into coastal towns such as those found along the KZN South Coast. Reece Daniel, Developer of one local eco-focused estate, Serenity Hills, said they had noted 4 particular qualities that the majority of investors were looking for when relocating. …
Police “unapologetic” in fighting crime and criminality in the country
Police "unapologetic" in fighting crime and criminality in the country
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, says the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains unapologetic in its decisive stance on fighting crime and criminality in the country.
Addressing a media briefing on the successes of Operation Shanela in Pretoria this morning, Cele said Community Policing Forums, community patrollers as well as private security have been very active in their support and are playing a crucial role in the overall success of the operation.
Operation Shanela was launched in May last year in an effort to deal with crime in high-density areas.
To date 600 000 criminals, including wanted criminals, have been arrested. Over 71 000 operations have been conducted throughout the country.
Police have confiscated a number of illegal firearms, drugs, stolen vehicles and visited unlicensed establishments, among other things. Also as part of these operations, thousands of motorists have been nabbed for driving under the influence, theft out of motor vehicles, human trafficking and other crimes.
“Operation Shanela has and continues to be rolled out across the country, led by the Provincial Commissioners of each province,” Cele said.
Operations are intensified from Thursday up until the early hours of Monday. This is guided by crime pattern analysis which informed the police that most crimes are reported during these times.
“Each week we come together on a Monday morning to scan the country, discuss in depth the weekly crime picture and operational interventions on policable crimes,” he said.
He said, however, that while the SAPS remains at the forefront of Operation Shanela, the successes are as a result of collaborative efforts through integrated operations.
The police continue to collaborate and appreciate the role played by the SANDF, the National and Provincial Traffic Police and the Metro Police Departments, Municipal Traffic, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and other government departments.
“The role of active citizen participation in the prevention and combating crime continues to gain momentum,” Cele.
The Minister said the police will remain intentional in their approach to fight crime
Also present at the media briefing were crime analysts who each day provide commentary to South Africans and the world on the police's ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate of preventing, investigating and combating crime.
The Provincial Police Commissioners also attended and said that through Operation Shanela, crime in their provinces has drastically reduced.
Although they all facing different challenges in their provinces, the Commissioners said they are working hard to get rid of criminal elements in their provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 13:20
40 views
Lions celebrate successful fundraiser as crowds flock to Amanzimtoti’s Highland Gathering
Amanzimtoti’s local tourism, businesses, and the hard-working Lions Club were given a major boost on Saturday, 27 April with the successful Highland Gathering held at Hutchison Park. Crowds flocked to enjoy the day’s festivities, which included several new features and prize giveaways, with the proceeds going towards community initiatives by The Lions Club of Amanzimtoti. …
Court orders “stolen land” to be transferred back to provincial department
Court orders "stolen land" to be transferred back to provincial department
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a forfeiture order by the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Division, in Pretoria, to the SIU and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) linked to the fraudulent transfer of government land to private entities and individuals.
The total value of the recovery is R53 million, the investigative unit said in a statement on Monday.
The order, dated 18 April 2024, orders that Farm 33 Zuurfontein, in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, must be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development as the original title deed owner and RIC Development to pay that department R12 million.
“The order follows an SIU investigation which revealed that a syndicate of individuals and private entities defrauded the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the respective Deeds Registries in Vryburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria by fraudulently transferring government property to individuals and private entities for their benefit.
“The SIU’s investigation looked into fraud and corruption committed between January 2008 and February 2022.
“As part of the investigation, numerous affidavits were obtained by the SIU from internal Rural Development and Land Reform Department and Deeds Registry staff members, external witnesses and/or transferring attorneys,” said the unit.
The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R 7 of 2014 as amended by Proclamation R 599 of 2015 and Proclamation R 32 of 2017, authorised by the President to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration relating to the transfer of government land to individuals and private entities and to recover the loss the state has suffered.
“In line with the SIU Act, the SIU referred evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
“The referral resulted in a criminal case being registered with the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks),” it said.
The forfeiture order is for the following:
• Farm 33 Zuurfontein which was meant for the development of low-income housing and a school in the community. The land is worth R41 million.
• A payment of R12 million representing the property known as Holding Beverley Agricultural Holdings, which was bought by RIC Development from the government land theft syndicate.
The unit said RIC Development bought land from the “land thieves” and developed it without knowing that it was stolen.
“This forfeiture order is part of the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy by law enforcement agencies to strengthen its fight against corruption,” said the SIU. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 12:57
42 views
Water-starved eThekwini families are being charged for “free” municipal water
Private contractor is selling water out of trucks
Africa’s Business Heroes Takes 40 Entrepreneurs to China and Extends 2024 Application Deadline
Between April 20-27, the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants—consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa—in Hangzhou, China. Participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou and have returned to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
During their visit, the ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits—all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders. US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French at: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/apply-now.
Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues here: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/nominate
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room:
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English:
Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic:
Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
Follow ABH on:
X (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs)
LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda)
Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa)
Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and
YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH)
For more information about ABH 2024, please visit https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
Administrator addresses alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation
Administrator addresses alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, has assigned staff to urgently address concerns around the outstanding payments for private student accommodation.
This follows complaints brought to the Administrator’s attention regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation and reports of students being locked out by landlords in some areas.
“We anticipate that these should be resolved during the course of the month of May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
To ensure that the issues do not further disrupt teaching and learning, the Administrator has urged the affected landlords to cooperate with the established NSFAS process to address all concerns.
Nomvalo said a dedicated email address has been established to process all disputes or concerns from landlords. All disputes and concerns regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation must be submitted to NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
“All landlords are encouraged to deposit their disputes or concerns only in so far as outstanding payments are concerned. Submissions must be received not later than 10 May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator apologised to all affected institutions, including students and landlords, and committed to a speedy resolution.
“We are committed to working with all the stakeholders to find workable solutions for the betterment of the post school education and training system,” Nomvalo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:03
79 views
From Our Market In The Bay To Mom’s Heart
This Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2024, treat the special woman in your life to an unforgettable experience at Bay Harbour Market. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, Bay Harbour Market offers a vibrant and broad shopping experience that immerses visitors in the rich cultures of the region. As you step into the market, you’re …
Two new King of the Hill champions and new record set at 2024 Simola Hillclimb
Robert Wolk earns first King of the Hill title in Single Seater, Sports Car and Sports Prototypes category with Infinity Indycar V8-powered Pillbeam MP58 Dawie Joubert powers his way to first Modified Saloon Car victory in Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige after intense battle and lots of drama amongst top contenders JP van der Walt secures fourth […]
Newly launched Dube TradeZone attracts R1.8 billion in early investment
Newly launched Dube TradeZone attracts R1.8 billion in early investment
The Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has officially launched the second phase of the highly successful industrial precinct and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport, the Dube TradeZone 2.
The business entity of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government recently hosted a ribbon-cutting event where they also previewed two factories worth over R180 million which are currently under construction within the precinct.
DTPC Board Chair, Mpumelelo Zikalala, said despite the constrained economic environment over the past two years, the corporation has secured seven private sector investors for Dube TradeZone 2.
Four of these investors have begun constructing their facilities.
The total private sector investment value secured in Dube TradeZone 2 amounts to R1.8 billion and is expected to create 600 jobs within the next five years.
Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing, logistics and automotive sectors while facilitating the planned expansion of several phase one-based enterprises.
The launch of the second phase of the TradeZone follows the successful implementation of Dube TradeZone 1, which has 50 investors and full tenants. These include international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, welcomed the investment as he reflected on the 30 years of freedom and democracy.
He noted the establishment of SEZ as one of the achievements of a democratic government.
He cited this investment as an indication that SEZs are instruments for job creation and economic development.
“As government, we are focusing on SEZ for a good reason. They are designed for specific developmental purposes, to develop export-orientated industries, attract foreign direct investment and technology transfer and achieve the generation of employment opportunities.”
The MEC said SEZs are an effective instrument to resolve “disturbing” levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment, which are strongly marked by spatial, racial, class and gender factors.
In addition to job creation, Duma said SEZs are broadening the municipal revenue collection base to improve the quality of life in the municipal areas, as well as the quality of municipal services.
“This makes SEZs one of the key instruments for municipal economic growth and development,” the MEC explained.
To date, the 26-hectare TradeZone 1 has attracted more than R2.8 billion in private sector investment from enterprises focused on air-related logistics, distribution and light manufacturing.
It includes the Dube TradeHouse, a dedicated facility for freight forwarders and shippers with airside access via an overhead conveyor air bridge to the adjacent, state-of-the-art Dube Cargo Terminal.
Dube TradeZone 1 is home to notable exporters that service the sub-Saharan African market as well as markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
In 2023/24, Dube TradePort tenants exported goods worth R610 million.
Dube TradeZone 2, will open an additional 45 hectares of industrial land for development and brings to market another 23 fully serviced sites, which range in size from 3 000m² to 57 000m².
It will also include three Dube TradePort-owned warehouses, one of which will accommodate medium-sized businesses enabling the expansion of small businesses located in the mini factories.
The two factories include the R166-million Yangtze Optical Africa Cable plant and R17.5 million development by HRMP, a 100% Black South African-owned logistics company that specialises in the warehousing and distribution of graphite electrodes. This new facility was funded by Ithala Development Finance.
Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) CEO, Sihle Ngcamu, welcomed further foreign investment by Yangtze Optical Africa Cable, which is already producing optical fibre cables and home solution cables for the local, Zambian, Namibian and Botswanan telecommunications markets at its facility in TradeZone 1.
This latest investment is expected to deliver a further 250 jobs over the next five years.
To date, Dube TradeZone has attracted a total of R4.6 billion in private sector investment and created more than 5 000 permanent jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 08:11
532 views
IEC invites citizens to pray for peaceful elections
IEC invites citizens to pray for peaceful elections
The Electoral Commission (IEC) will today participate in a National Day of Prayer ahead of the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Organised by the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the IEC has called on citizens to join the prayer service that will take place on Sunday, 5 May 2024, at Grace Bible Church in Soweto, Johannesburg.
The commission said the event is part of the ongoing partnership with different sectors of society to ensure a successful Election Day.
“The service calls for a powerful moment of unity and prayer as we seek divine guidance for peaceful and safe elections,” the SACC said.
SACC Acting General-Secretary, Reverend Mzwandile Molo, said told the SABC that the council has committed to working hard to make sure the country’s elections are done peacefully and in a non-intimidatory manner since 1994.
“So, if there’s anybody who incites violence, that person needs all of us to ask them to refrain from that because the scars of violence that is caused by politics are too deep and they have not healed right now. We all want to make sure that we do not remind ourselves of the violence of the past,” said Molo.
The SACC is an association of affiliated Christian churches and organisations that come together in action for social justice.
As an instrument and servant of its members, the council said it was committed to expressing, through proclamation and programmes, the united witness of the church in South Africa, especially in matters of national debate.
“Let’s come together as one nation in prayer,” the SACC added.
For citizens who cannot be there physically, the service will be streamed live on the SACC Facebook page from 2pm or they can tune in to Radio Pulpit or Radiokansel. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 12:35
312 views
IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad
IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is finalising preparations for the 78 092 South African citizens who applied to cast their special vote abroad.
Working with the Department of International Cooperation and Cooperation (DIRCO), the IEC said it has begun shipping voting materials. These include voting booths, ballot boxes and papers, stationery packs, and all the relevant lists.
The commission said voting out of the country will take place in 111 foreign missions.
South African citizens in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh and Tehran will vote on 17 May.
The rest of the 102 missions will make their mark on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
The voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm, allowing 78 092 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.
“In respect of the mission in the United Kingdom, the commission has determined two days of special voting. These are Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 May 2024 from 7am to 9pm.”
The IEC explained that the extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters registered to cast their vote at the mission.
“Similarly, extended voting hours have been prescribed for the mission in Washington DC and New York. The voting hours are 7am to 9pm.”
As per IEC, the largest international voting stations by population are London (24 535), followed by Hague (6 659), Canberra (3 674), Dubai (3 266), Dublin (3 040), Wellington (2 292), Abu Dhabi (1 825), Washington DC (1 799) and Berlin (1 476).
Voters will need to be present in person at the mission where they are registered or where they successfully applied for by VEC 10 notice.
“After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a source channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents presenting contestants.”
The IEC has since thanked its stakeholders, staff and employees from DIRCO for tirelessly working to ensure that registered voters make their mark in the upcoming elections.
“The commission is aware that voting is not possible in some countries for security reasons. DIRCO has confirmed that the missions in Sudan, Tel Aviv and Kyiv remain closed. Unavoidably and regrettably, voters registered at these missions will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections if they were not able to make arrangements by the 22 April deadline to vote at another mission.”
Meanwhile, IEC said it will operate extended hours on both voting days abroad to assist voters with queries. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 13:09
81 views
2024 Simola Hillclimb – Sunday Qualifying 5
The temperature is rising, as is the intensity of the King of the Hill qualifying sessions – but it’s leading to technical problems for several of the top competitors, with three major dramas playing out so far. Franco Scribante’s Nissan R35 GT-R had a gearbox problem in Q5 after the team dialled up the engine […]
Commission applauds border officials who refused bribe
Commission applauds border officials who refused bribe
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has praised officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who refused to take a bribe at the Breitbridge port of entry.
The officials were offered R200 000 and R50 000 after a truck loaded with 614 boxes of semi-manufactured tobacco to the value of R6 million entered South Africa via Beitbridge port of entry.
“These upright officials demonstrated honesty and bravery as well as an important trait of serving with integrity and ethical conduct, something that must be applauded.
“Their ethical conduct also augurs well towards the professionalisation of the public service and should serve as a lesson to all public servants to give their selfless service to the people of this country,” said the commission in a statement.
The Musina Regional Court last week sentenced Nthapeleng Adler Munyai, a former Pamdozi Cargo International CC clearing agent, and Tsumbedzo Priscilla Nemangani Mashito, who used to work as a SARS customs external verification officer, to an effective 15-year direct imprisonment term on counts of fraud, forgery, and two counts of corruption.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Munyai and Mashito, who are both 47 years old, were arrested for permitting an interlink truck with two trailers loaded with semi-manufactured tobacco to enter the country from Zimbabwe in 2016.
The pair used forged and fraudulent consignment clearance documents and processed them through the Beitbridge border control’s customs control area without compliance with the normal customs clearance process and procedures.
However, an RTMC officer stopped the truck at the weighbridge after noticing that the registration plates of the truck and trailers did not match with the licence discs and wanted to send the truck back to the customs control area for an inspection.
The RTMC officer then contacted his senior who was off duty and asked for his intervention which resulted in the truck being sent back to the Beitbridge border control’s customs ramp, under police and traffic officials’ escort for inspection.
However, Munyai offered a customs official R50 000 - which was later increased to R200 000 - which they turned down.
According to PSC, the officials demonstrated a high standard of professional ethics.
The commission encouraged all public servants across the country to uphold the constitutional values and principles, which calls for professional ethics and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 11:41
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2024 Simola Hillclimb – Sunday Qualifying 4
After some light overnight rain, the King of the Hill competitors are back in action this morning in clear and warm conditions for the 2024 Simola Hillclimb. The opening warm-up session started with a bit of drama as Wade van Zummeren got out of shape in the final two corners in his specially built rear-wheel […]
Limpopo mother arrested for son’s gruesome murder
Limpopo mother arrested for son's gruesome murder
A woman has been arrested after allegedly decapitating her 18-year-old son in the Leshikishiki village in the Lebowakgomo policing area in Limpopo.
According to a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 48-year-old mother was arrested on Friday after a report was lodged at around 13:00.
“Upon arrival of the police at the scene next to a local tavern, they found the decapitated body of an 18-year-old man lying on his wheelchair and his head on the ground. Shockingly, there were no people found on the scene,” the statement read.
The police began their initial investigations and the deceased’s mother was located.
“After thorough investigations, she was positively linked to the murder of her son and arrested,” said police.
The SAPS seized a knife at the scene believed to be used by the suspect to cut off the victim’s head.
Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said she was deeply shocked by the incident.
“This is a heartbreaking incident that has deeply affected our community and the SAPS family.
“While the police are duty bound to protect and serve the public, parents have a critical role to nurture and protect their children. This horrendous act by the senseless mother is condemned... The law will take its course without fear or favour,” she added.
Police have opened a case of murder and the motive behind the gruesome attack is not yet known.
The suspect will appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 10:13
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Thrilling opening day of King of the Hill at 2024 Simola Hillclimb
Robert Wolk topped the timesheets in Single Seater and Sports Prototypes category with Infinity Indycar V8-powered 1989 Pillbeam MP58. Exceptionally close battle between the Modified Saloon Car contenders, with Dawie Joubert holding the overnight advantage in Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige. Three-time Road Car and Supercar champion JP van der Walt once again set the benchmark in […]
2024 Simola Hillclimb – Saturday Qualifying 2
Robert Wolk is ramping things up, slashing a massive 1.2 seconds from his opening qualifying run to end Q2 on 37.296 seconds to lead the session, well ahead of class B rivals Rui Campos (42.602 sec) and Ian Schofield (42.885 sec). Dawie Joubert topped the class B times for Modified Saloon Cars for both qualifying […]
2024 Simola Hillclimb – Saturday Qualifying 1
It’s qualifying time for King of the Hill at the 2024 Simola Hillclimb – with the first of six runs split between this afternoon and Sunday morning. With the ambient and track temperatures dropping markedly after the lunchtime break, Reghard Roets posted the fastest opening qualifying run of 38.303 seconds, but his time was deleted […]