Ethekwini mayor warns strikers to return to work or face dismissal
The municipality has obtained an urgent interdict against violence and intimidation attempts by strikers
2024
St Benedict’s Top SA Boy’s Rowing School For 30th Consecutive Year
They’ve done it again! St Benedict’s College remains unbeaten, holding onto the coveted title of South Africa’s School Rowing Champions, for the 30th consecutive year. Despite fierce competition at the annual schools’ regatta (1-3 March 2024), the Johannesburg boys’ school placed first in the lion’s share of the events, out rowing teams from the best …
Wolwerivier transformed into a catwalk for International Women’s Day
Organisers hope the annual modelling event will encourage more young women from the community to follow their dreams
Malmesbury communities march against high water and electricity tariffs
“If you don’t have money to pay for water, the municipality blocks electricity” says protestor
Challenges remain, but there is improvement at Eskom: Ramokgopa
Challenges remain, but there is improvement at Eskom: Ramokgopa
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says trends are showing that there are signs of improvement and progress at Eskom.
He was briefing media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Monday.
“It is important that in the midst of momentary setbacks, when you go to Stage 4 and occasionally go to Stage 6 [load shedding], we don’t lose sight of essentially what is the trendline.
“The best measure of this trendline is illustrated in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which is a combination of the reliability of the units and partial load losses. When we entered May [2023]… the amount of megawatts that were lost as a result of [UCLF] was averaging 17 369MW.
“The trendline has been going down and the best performance… was during the month of December, where we had about 13 473MW. Essentially, we retrieved about 4 000 additional megawatts. For the month of February, we have been able to claw back about 3 000MW,” he said.
On the question of why, if megwatts have been recovered, does load shedding continue, Ramokgopa had this to say: “We use that improvement in the UCLF, as we are taking units out on planned maintenance. We are using that opportunity for us to ramp up planned maintenance.
"As these units return, you will be able to see a completely different picture of the… intensity of load shedding and also the frequency of load shedding.”
Since May 2023, planned maintenance has ramped up from some 3 120MW to about 7 307MW in February this year.
Ramokgopa implored citizens to be patient, as the ministry and Eskom work to resolve load shedding over the long-term.
“If we had not ramped up that planned maintenance… or reduced it from the current levels by anything between 25% and 50%, we would have completely eradicated load shedding at least between those periods.
“It’s important that we play that long-term game... The outside experts have told us to… focus on planned maintenance. And it is for this reason that Eskom has gone to National Treasury and said ‘we need additional fiscal relief’.
"Eskom has deployed a significant amount of that money on planned maintenance. The units will return. They will return healthier and they will be able to perform,” he said.
The Minister said that avoiding planned maintenance could usher in catastrophic consequences.
“We could go on the short-term intervention expedient, [and] reduce this maintenance by up to 50%. But we guarantee you that there will be deterioration of these assets and then in three months, there’ll be total collapse, significant failures and we are going to find it very difficult to recover these units.
“We are confident about the prospects going into the future and those prospects are about reducing the intensity of load shedding, addressing the regularity of load shedding in keeping with that mandate given by the President,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 11:00
586 views
Almost all universities pay NSFAS February allowances
Almost all universities pay NSFAS February allowances
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has commended the cooperation from all universities and Student Representative Councils (SRCs) who ensured that the February allowances payment was implemented seamlessly.
This follows a media briefing held on 4 March 2024 where NSFAS reported that universities would be facilitating the payment of allowances for the months of February and March 2024.
In a statement issued over the weekend, NSFAS reported that 25 out of 26 universities have paid the February allowances, as per their commitment dates.
The allowances paid include the book, accommodation, transport, food, and personal care allowances.
“The University of South Africa (UNISA) is finalising the process of determining allowances based on the number of modules registered by students. All the universities will also be handling the payment of March allowance,” NSFAS said.
The scheme reminded institutions to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, while they continue with payments.
Universities are also reminded that direct payments of allowances for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024.
“The process of the payment of allowances to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges commenced on 6 March 2024 and NSFAS will provide further details on these processes within by the forth coming week,” NSFAS said.
Private student accommodation
On the pilot private student accommodation project, NSFAS has called on all institutions, both universities and TVET colleges, and students who have not been onboarded on the NSFAS portal to do so immediately, as this is a requirement to ensure that accommodation allowances are paid without any delays.
“Failure to onboard students will result in delays in the payment of accommodation allowances. Accommodation providers are therefore requested to ensure that leases that are generated through the portal are signed by all students in their residences,” NSFAS said.
The scheme also reiterated that it does not have any arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers.
“NSFAS is against any form of corruption and bribery that is alleged to be taking place in some institutions, between accrediting agents, accommodation providers, officials responsible for accommodation in institutions, and student leaders.
“This will not be tolerated….the scheme will work with law enforcement agencies to investigate all these reported cases of corruption. NSFAS will conduct sting operation in institutions to ensure that students are not further exploited,” NSFAS warned.
The scheme encouraged students and members of the public to report any suspected fraud to NSFAS through the whistleblowing hotline Vuvuzela. The toll free number is 0860 247 653 or they can SMS Call-back to 30916.
NSFAS warned it will not take lightly any security compromise from the accommodation provider and will always hold property owners accountable for the safety of students in their properties.
On students’ transport, NSFAS reminded accommodation providers who are within a 5km radius and above of their responsibility to provide transport to students to their respective campuses and back.
Intimidation at University of Zululand
Meanwhile, NSFAS has strongly condemned the acts of intimidation and holding of its officials hostage at the University of Zululand (UniZulu).
The incident, which took place on Friday, follows a meeting held by NSFAS Board Sub-committee on student accommodation, including UniZulu and Accommodation Providers (APs) on 5 March 2024, to discuss the onboarding and payments of student accommodation.
“The meeting resolved that NSFAS will send officials to assist both students and accommodation providers in the onboarding process for all NSFAS-qualifying students who are currently residing in various private accommodations.
“This intervention was aimed to ensure that private accommodation providers are paid for all NSFAS-qualifying students who have been approved for accommodation allowances,” the scheme said.
Following Friday’ incident, NSFAS said it was considering measures to take against the accommodation providers who participated. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 11:16
3829 views
Entries Open For Rip Curl GromSearch and Rip Curl Cup Port Alfred presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel
Port Alfred – Entries Open For Rip Curl GromSearch. Surfing South Africa has opened entries for the Rip Curl GromSearch Port Alfred and the Rip Curl Cup Port Alfred. These events will take place during the Easter Weekend – March 29 – April 1 2024. They are part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival presented …
Public sector pension funds amendments published
Public sector pension funds amendments published
The National Treasury has published the proposed amendments to various pieces of legislation governing public sector pension funds.
“The amendments provide the necessary legislative amendments required to effectively implement the two-pot retirement system changes in public sector funds,” National Treasury said on Monday.
The proposed amendments relate to the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Proclamation 21 of 1996), Post and Telecommunications-related Matters Act, 1958 (Act 44 of 1958) and Transnet Pension Fund Act, 1990 (Act 62 of 1990).
“The proposed amendments insert certain definitions to provide for the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit; to provide for the appropriate account of a member’s interest in the savings, retirement, and vested components and to provide for deductions that may be made by the funds.
“These amendments seek to align pension laws across all sectors to ensure that pension funds can amend the fund rules and implement the two-pot retirement system on the effective date of 1 September 2024,” National Treasury said.
The amendments to the public sector pension laws will be proposed for inclusion in the Pension Funds Amendment Bill [B3—2024], which is currently under consideration of the Standing Committee on Finance.
Parliamentary hearings on the Pension Funds Amendment Bill will be held on 12 March 2024, including these public sector pension laws amendments.
The proposed amendments to the public sector laws may be found on the National Treasury website www.treasury.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:06
736 views
Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K introduces a Challenge just for Schools!
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is calling on all Western Cape based schools to sign up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K’s fun ‘School’s Challenge’ that will form part of the 9th annual event on Sunday 12 May 2024. “The Schools Challenge brings a thrilling team dynamic to the Absa RUN …
Zuma’s lawyer to represent Judge Makhubele at misconduct inquiry
Makhubele is accused of abetting state capture while she was chair of PRASA
Making it in a man’s world. Rene Baker is a woman making significant strides in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry, achieving notable success.
Barriers look intimidating until one day somebody shows just how surmountable they are. Rene Baker’s success in the traditionally male-dominated realm in the world of tyres, shocks, batteries and the like is an inspiration, especially when one considers just how far out of her comfort zone it was. Rene began her working life as a …
SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina
SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, will on Thursday sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the transfer of treated water to Musina.
The bilateral agreement between the two countries will allow for supply of about 15 million cubic metres per annum (m3/a) which is equal to 41 Ml/d of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina in South Africa.
The Musina Local Municipality has a total population of 132 009 people residing in 192 villages and one town, which is Musina. The area is dry with limited sources of water and largely relies on groundwater for supply.
“South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a bilateral agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) in 2015,” the department said in a statement.
Limpopo Watercourse Commission agreement amendment
On the day of the signing of the agreement, Mchunu with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique - who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) - will also sign the amended LIMCOM Agreement in the transboundary agreement.
LIMCOM is a transboundary organisation established by four member countries to use management of the shared water resources in an equitable manner.
The department said the agreement will enable the Ministers to adopt policies, decisions and provide guidance on the promotion and coordination of the management, development, and equitable utilisation of the shared water resources.
“During the Commission Sitting, the four countries will sign a commitment to implement the Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin.
“The agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian states which share the basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use,” the department said.
National Water Month
Meanwhile, Mchunu and his Deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, together with Vhembe District Municipality Mayor, Freda Nkondo, will on Friday engage with the community of Musina at Musina Showgrounds, to provide feedback and progress made to address water supply challenges in the area.
The two-day activities form part of the annual National Water Month host by the Department of Water and Sanitation in March.
The National Water Month is South Africa's expansion of World Water Day, which is observed on 22 March and focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
This year’s World Water Day will be observed under the theme ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:47
961 views
PSC calls on public servants to vote
PSC calls on public servants to vote
The Public Service Commission has called on all eligible South Africans to cast their votes in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections.
“The employees of the public service are to lead by example and are encouraged to take responsibility to educate societies we live in regarding the significance of voting,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said it was advisable that every eligible citizen use this democratic opportunity in having their say on how this country should be taken forward.
“If we want to see change, this is the opportunity now to influence that change,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said the call is extended to the youth of this country because they represent the future leaders. “They must participate in the decision of who becomes the leaders of our democratic dispensation,” he said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The announcement of the Election Date followed a successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.
The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.
President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of South Africa’s democratic calendar.
According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.
Unregistered voters and those who need to update their address details can visit their local municipality office, the Electoral Commission or go to the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za or reach the chat bot on 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:09
438 views
World Kidney Day: Urology Hospital to offer free kidney health screening
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual and irremediable loss of kidney function (kidney failure), affects up to one in eight South Africans, more than 850 million people worldwide, and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths (2019). Fundamentally, untreated kidney failure can be life threatening. Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death, …
Mchunu assesses Eastern Cape state of water and sanitation
Mchunu assesses Eastern Cape state of water and sanitation
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu will be meeting the Water Service Authorities (WSAs) and local municipalities in the Eastern Cape to assess the state of water and sanitation in the province.
The visits, from 10 – 12 March 2024 in East London and Gqeberha, form part of ongoing and concerted efforts by Mchunu to find solutions to a multitude of challenges faced by various municipalities in the provision of water and sanitation services to communities they serve.
This comes against the backdrop of the Water Services Authority Summit held in January this year with the 144 WSAs in the country to deal with water challenges in identified municipalities.
During his three-day visit to the province, Mchunu will meet with the Executive Mayors from Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman and Amathole Districts, and Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metros, as well mayors from local municipalities and municipal managers.
“Municipalities are expected to present on strategic schemes delayed, turn-around plans, boreholes, bulk, sanitation, and any other infrastructure,” the department said.
The Minister will be joined by his deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, and Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:14
423 views
Musiquelaine SA Unveils a New Era of Empowering Youth Through Music Education and Cultural Exchange
Cape Town, South Africa, March 04, 2024 – Musiquelaine SA, a respected non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering cultural understanding, and championing the universal language of music, celebrated its 10th-anniversary celebration on the 21st of February 2024! Founder Lainey Trequesser expresses deep gratitude for the organisation’s journey thus far and anticipates the forthcoming relaunch …
PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements
PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has completed a study on the impact of hybrid work arrangements on service delivery in the public service.
PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says the COVID-19 pandemic forced most organisations, including government, to consider alternative working arrangements in order to limit human and physical interaction.
“This resulted in the introduction of hybrid workspaces and the working from home (WFH) option that was new for most employees, as only a few private companies offered this option pre-COVID-19,” Gxoyiya said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
The study focused on the shutdown period from March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gxoyiya explained that the purpose of the study was to investigate the actual and perceived impact that the introduction of hybrid work and work from home arrangements had on service delivery in the public service in selected departments, with a view to formulate recommendations that could assist the public service to adapt.
He said the study focused on six service delivery departments/institutions in the public service, which are Education, Employment and Labour, Health, South African Social Security Agency, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.
The report of the study makes the following recommendations:
• The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should benchmark with other countries to determine how the hybrid work arrangement was managed during the pandemic and how it is being taken forward as a basis to review relevant legislation, regulations, directives, policies and conditions of service for different categories of occupations and/or employees.
• The public service, led by the DPSA, National Treasury and the Department of Communications and Digital Services, must take the lead in digitising government operations and prioritising access to tools of trade that will enable the effective implementation of hybrid work arrangements, where feasible.
• Departments, in collaboration with the National School of Government, should incorporate continuous training programmes on new technologies that are necessary to facilitate remote work arrangements, online collaboration and remote access to centralised systems as well as other emerging innovations for employees to stay abreast of the new developments.
• National Treasury, in collaboration with departments such as the DPSA and Public Works and Infrastructure, must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing hybrid work arrangements for selected non-essential service departments in order to identify possible cost-saving measures and possible once-off cost drivers as a basis to generate resources to fund critical areas of need, including the rapid adoption of technology-enabled solutions and provision of other essential services to the public.
Gxoyiya noted that the findings of the study suggest that existing primary legislation and policies were and are still silent on the practice of working from home or hybrid work arrangements.
“During the lockdown period, the gap had to be addressed through the passing of new regulations, directions and guidelines to enable departments to put measures in place to comply with the COVID-19 regulations whilst still ensuring work continuity.
“The study documents a combination of positive and negative practices/experiences, including notable innovative measures that were put in place by public service departments, as well as the commitment of many employees who put their lives at risk in order to provide services to the public,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said there were challenges noted with regard to the implementation of the hybrid work arrangement which included, amongst others, capacity constraints; additional expenses that were not budgeted for; inaccessibility of some service sites when some staff members tested positive for COVID-19; inconsistent practices in granting employees permission to work from home between and within departments, and lack of appropriate tools of trade for some employees.
“Performance was managed differently according to the different departments and in some instances, it varied within the different units in the respective departments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:16
316 views
Why a farmer is riding from Zimbabwe to Windhoek on a horse
Ben Freeth will petition for the reinstatement of the SADC Tribunal
Book into the Sapphire Coast for the Galleria Mall Challenge now!
Runners and walkers will get another chance to enjoy the stunning Sapphire Coast with the first-ever Galleria Mall Challenge – organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club and supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism – taking place in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 7 April. This is a great opportunity to spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches and tourist …
Aligning SMEs to Big Customer Needs
eThekwini Furniture Cluster Launches Customer Compass Programme The eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) is excited to announce the launch of its Customer Compass Programme, aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the local furniture sector. This initiative seeks to align its offering with what big customers are looking for, to drive innovation, foster inclusive …
Transnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation
Transnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it will invest some R233 million in the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Durban Port road.
TNPA said the project is expected to be implemented over a two-year period, with a traffic management plan in place to redirect traffic flow.
TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said: “Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.”
The TNPA explained that this comes on the back of the “intensified pressure posed by an influx of trucks on the Port of Durban’s road infrastructure”.
“The Port of Durban is a crucial contributor to the South African economy, handling approximately 60% of the country’s total container volumes. Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.
“The improved condition of port roads will positively impact on port operational efficiencies and the smooth flow of traffic in the targeted precincts. The Maydon Wharf will take precedence, with 16 roads set for repairs, followed by Island View with three roads and two on Bayhead.
“In addition to repairing the structural defects, the restoration of functional defects, such as surface drainage issues due to damaged manholes and inlets caused by heavy vehicles, is included in the project scope,” the TNPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:41
134 views
Non-payment of invoices has a huge implication for small business
Non-payment of invoices has a huge implication for small business
The Public Service Commission (PSC) says the non-payment of suppliers’ invoices has huge implications for small businesses that rely on cash flow for survival.
“Therefore, there is a need for urgent and timeous payment of suppliers given the critical role of procurement in economic development and emancipation,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
At a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said the total number of invoices paid after 30 days by national departments amounts to 33 394 to the value of R1 billion, whereas in the first quarter these departments recorded 26 223 invoices to the value of R1.2 billion.
He said by the end of the second quarter, all national departments submitted their 30 days payment reports to the National Treasury as required with an average timeous submission rate of 89%.
“This represents a decline of 2% when compared with the average timeous submission rate of 91% achieved in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year,” Gxoyiya said.
Goxoyiya said it should be noted that payment after the required 30 days constitutes non-compliance.
“Out of 40 national departments, only 17 departments fully complied with the requirement on timeous payments in Quarter 2, which is an improvement from 15 departments in Quarter 1 of the 2023/24 financial year.
“Although the number of invoices and the value cannot be determined with information at the PSC’s disposal, the departments are encouraged to maintain this performance and pay all legitimate invoices from suppliers within 30 days as required by the Public Finance Management Act and its related prescripts,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya expressed concern at the remaining 23 departments that were unable to comply with the timeous payments of invoices.
“In terms of the provinces, the total number of invoices paid after 30 days by provincial departments amounted to 48 478 to the rand value of R5.9 billion, whereas these provincial departments recoded 90 935 invoices to the value of R9.9 billion in the first quarter.
“Although these invoices were paid, it should be noted that payment after the prescribed period constitute non-compliance.
“Although Government is under financial austerity measures, invoices for services rendered must be paid and Accounting Officers should apply consequence management where necessary to address these challenges,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:54
60 views
Ramadaan Kareem!
Ramadaan Kareem!
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his well wishes to South African Muslims on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadaan.
The month of prayer, fasting, reflection and community work is expected to end on April 9th.
“Ramadaan is a special period of spiritual devotion, physical sacrifice and charitable outreach for Muslims. But it is also an expression of faith that is embraced with tolerance and Ubuntu by all communities of faith.
“In our 30th year of freedom, the advent of Ramadaan gives us an appreciation of the freedom of religion, belief and opinion enshrined in our Constitution and the richness of our nation’s diversity,” the President said.
He added that the month also “connects the local Muslim community more closely with their brethren around the world at this time” and paid homage to those Muslims going in to month under challenging conditions.
“We remember that for millions of people, Ramadaan is being observed under conditions of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others - for whom this holy month is a time of great hardship and suffering.
“May the message of Ramadaan, of peace, tolerance and unity serve as an impetus for us as the international fellowship of nations to do all within our means to protect the most vulnerable, and put an end to conflicts and wars everywhere,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:10
201 views
Community health workers march in East London
They want to be in-sourced and they want proper personal protective equipment