Home Affairs minister takes Zimbabwean permit battle to the Constitutional Court
The High Court ruled against the minister and he failed in his appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal
2024
New Limpopo clinic has no running water
Municipality says Department of Health never applied for a connection
Government working to address South Africa’s gas supply
Government working to address South Africa's gas supply
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is expected to present a Gas Master Plan to Cabinet this month to address gas supply in the country.
This is according to DMRE Minister Gwede Mantashe, who delivered the opening address at the Africa Energy Indaba held in Cape Town.
Recent media reports have suggested that South Africa may run out of natural gas supply in 2026, which could have devastating consequences for jobs and manufacturing.
In his written speech, the Minister said government has “noted concerns regarding the current and future gas supply in the South African market due to commercial disputes between Sasol and its customers”.
“Our understanding is that this is in relation to the gas flow decline at source. It is a known fact that natural gas, like other natural resources, is a finite resource and therefore, Sasol reaching a cliff in its gas block in Mozambique is not an anomaly.
“Having noted this eventuality, we, together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), have established a task team that includes private sector players to develop a joint strategy that will ensure a seamless transition and business continuity, thus ameliorating potential job losses. The DMRE has also completed all the modelling and drafting work for the country’s Gas Master Plan, which we intend to present to Cabinet this month,” the Minister said.
Mantashe emphasised the importance for African countries to invest in gas infrastructure also as a means of transitioning from high carbon emitting energy sources.
“In its 72nd edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy, the Energy Institute states that fossil fuel consumption as a percentage of primary energy remains steady at 82%, whereas renewables’ share of primary energy consumption reached 7.5% in 2022.
“In the same year, the European Union taxonomy declared both nuclear and gas as sustainable and part of transitional activities. It is, therefore, crucial for African nations to invest in gas infrastructure, including expansion of pipelines.
“It is in this context that iGas, a subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund (CEF), acquired an additional 40% ownership of the ROMPCO [Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company] pipeline, resulting in both South Africa and Mozambique jointly owning 80% of the pipeline,” he said.
To solidify gas supply further, South Africa has entered into a gas sales agreement with the Mozambican State-owned hydrocarbon company which has the potential to “deliver up to 200 petajoules of natural gas”.
“To breathe life into this agreement, PetroSA, another subsidiary of CEF [Central Energy Fund], has applied for a gas trading licence with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa [NERSA]. We are convinced that the granting of this licence will ensure continuous gas supply,” the Minister said.
According to the Minister, South Africa has also made “significant new finds of natural gas”.
“The discovery of gas by TotalEnergies in the Outeniqua Basin, and the discovery of maiden gas reserves by Kinetiko Energy in Amersfoort, Mpumalanga, are strategically placed to strengthen South Africa’s energy security and propel the quest for industrialisation that will bring about growth and development,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:17
810 views
Firefighters battled to extinguish fatal factory fire because Verulam has no water
Three bodies have been recovered, one person is missing
SA ranks number 1 in Africa for safety systems in aviation
SA ranks number 1 in Africa for safety systems in aviation
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has rated South Africa’s safety oversight system at 91.11% thereby placing it at number one in Africa and number 18 in the world, alongside Norway.
Addressing a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector on Tuesday, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said the ICAO also did not raise any significant safety and security concerns in both the safety and security audits, which happened within eight months of each other.
In the past two to three years, South Africa has participated in four key international safety and security audits and assessments by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the United States safety and security regulators namely, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“I am elated to announce that South Africa performed very well in all these audits and assessments. The US-Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognised South Africa's safety oversight system as meeting ICAO’s safety standards and recommended practices and therefore confirmed that South Africa retains its Category 1 status with the standards of the United States International Oversight Safety Audit (IOSA) Programme.
“The Transport Security Administration granted South Africa’s cargo security system permanent recognition following an assessment of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). South Africa still holds the European Union (EU) recognition for the States cargo security system,” Chikunga said in Pretoria.
The Minister said these outcomes do not only validate the quality of South Africa’s global aviation footprint, but it also confirms that South Africa's systems are competing favourably with the best in the world of aviation.
“South Africa is proud of the continued 0% fatal accident rate held in the commercial airlines sector for nearly four decades. Our target is to maintain this record for decades to come. One of the current administration’s strategic targets is to reduce accidents in the general aviation sector by 50%.
“At the end of the previous 2022/23 financial year, the number of accidents had decreased from 147 to 113 accidents, which translated into a 23% decrease from the 2021/22 period. The fatal accidents decreased from 12 to 9 fatal accidents, translating into a 25% decrease with the number of fatalities decreasing by 29.4%,” the Minister said.
During the 2021/22 period at the height of COVID-19, South Africa recorded a spike in accidents in a non-scheduled private flying space. This has been attributed to pilots being “out of practice” caused by a lack of refresher training during the hard lock down periods of the pandemic.
“As we head towards closing off this 2023/24 financial year, we have recorded 97 accidents to date. While we are projecting these numbers to marginally be lower than the previous reporting period, the number of fatal accidents has increased to 13, which is four more than data from the 2022/23 financial year.
“To curb these accidents which happen in a non-scheduled private flying space, the SACAA has developed and implemented a General Aviation Safety Strategy in consultation with the industry where we are employing reputable safety strategies to attain a reduction in both categories - accidents and fatalities,” she said.
SACAA has been on an automation journey migrating their internal business processes to ensure a paperless entity.
In the last year, the regulator has launched an eServices portal where operators can submit their certificate renewal applications online and also pay online.
“In August 2022, the South African National Blood Services was licensed to deliver blood and essential medical samples, using drones in what became a ground-breaking achievement for the country. The value of this initiative is understated, more so when we consider that 32% of South Africans live in rural, and in most cases, hard-to-reach destinations.
“Blood delivery to local clinics that may not be accessible by road transport is now possible and has now been made easier and much faster to access. This is an innovative step in the history of blood transportation. Every second you gain in saving a life is critical,” the Minister said.
International Air Service Licensing
As of 1 February 2024, the regulator is administering the domestic and international air service licensing councils.
“This means that all administrative support will include developing effective systems that will enable the smooth processing of air service license applications and Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) and includes the issuance and storage of related information thereof.
“The Department of Transport will still be responsible for the budget allocation to the respective Councils for each financial year, and such allocation shall be used towards the activities and functions of the Councils,” the Minister said.
Since this decision took effect from 1 February 2024, SACAA launched an automated system, which is done in a phased approach.
“The first phase, which commenced from 01 February, saw the processing of foreign operators permits through a newly developed system. The next phase, which is currently in progress, is to automate the submission and processing of domestic and international air service licences. In the interim, the SACAA has given clarity to the industry in how the applications for air service licence will be processed until automation is implemented,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:20
730 views
GDP increases by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023
GDP increases by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has announced that South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
In the fourth quarter, six of the 10 industries kept the economy in the green, with the transport, storage and communication industry making the biggest positive impact, expanding by 2.9% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to the GDP growth.
“Increased economic activities were reported for land transport, air transport, transport support services and communications.
“The mining and quarrying industry increased by 2.4% in the fourth quarter, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, chromium ore and diamonds,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.
Stats SA further announced that the personal services industry increased by 0.9% in the fourth quarter, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point, with increased economic activities reported for health and education.
The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.6%, pushed higher by financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate and business services, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point.
Meanwhile, the trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023, contributing -0.3 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages.
On the downside, trade, agriculture, construction and government were weaker. Agriculture, forestry and fishing had a notably tough quarter, shrinking by 9.7%.
“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 9.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops, animal products and horticulture products,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:51
561 views
R21.7 billion allocated for airport infrastructure development
R21.7 billion allocated for airport infrastructure development
The Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA) has earmarked R21.7 billion for the development of airport infrastructure.
This investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements, and statutory compliance measures, with the aim of enhancing asset availability, airport safety and passenger experiences across airports.
Addressing a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said this was the largest capital investment programme by ACSA since preparing for the 2010 World Cup.
“This will see our already world class airports increasing the airport facilities to continue leading as Africa’s best airports and increasing our position globally. Over the next two years, ACSA plans to embark on crucial capacity expansion projects at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) and George Airport, focusing on expansion of their terminal facilities.
“The terminal expansion project at George Airport is set to commence at the earliest opportunity due to the airport passenger throughput having passed its design capacity pre-COVID-19. This will be followed by Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport within the next year or two.
“Furthermore, ACSA is set to embark on the development of a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, at O.R Tambo International Airport on a prioritised basis given the demand and later the development of a Mid-field Passenger Terminal.
“Other significant projects at O.R Tambo International Airport will include extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to the existing Terminal A bussing terminal, along with augmenting retail, seating, and holding lounge areas,” the Minister said.
Additionally, as part of phase 2 of this project, a new mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimise seating and holding space.
“At Cape Town International Airport, priority will be the domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration to meet growing capacity needs. This encompasses enlarging the meet and greet area, expansion of the baggage claim area, an additional baggage carousel, expansion of the domestic departures lounge, retail spaces, and ablution facilities, as well as the addition of three new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges.
“Secondly, the initiation and development of the realigned runway development project is anticipated within permission period,” Chikunga said.
King Shaka International Airport will see the development of a hotel, given that it is a relatively new airport, with terminal expansion during the final year of the permission period.
At King Phalo airport, the focus during the permission period will be on expansion of the departure lounge, relocation of the security check point, upgrading of ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding offices and lounge space on the first floor.
“ACSA continues to diligently review the master plans of its airports, driven by twofold objectives: to meet the current infrastructure needs while also ensuring preparedness to fulfil future demands.
“This ongoing process is crucial in strengthening the foundation for a resilient air transport system for South Africa, a cornerstone for advancing our country's economic development and growth,” the Minister said.
In the year 2022/23, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) invested R128 million in support of its goal of having reliable and stable air traffic management infrastructure, which ultimately boosts the country’s aviation economy and contributes up to 3% to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
“In ATNS’ pursuit of more essential infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the entity is future-fit to continue delivering on its national mandate, up to R155 million is required in the next financial year for investment into its Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN),” the Minister said.
Air Cargo innovations
As part of innovations within the sector to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, eAirwaybill have been introduced in air cargo industry.
Innovations such as real-time tracking systems, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence can streamline operations, improve visibility, and optimise resource allocation.
“Embracing this digitalisation can only lead to greater transparency, cost savings and a better customer experience within this space.
“While we also embrace innovation, we are equally mindful of cyber threats. Cybersecurity is essential for maintaining the integrity, safety, and resilience of the aviation system. We are collaborating more to effectively mitigate risks and enhance cybersecurity across the sector.
“The truth of the matter is that the future of freight is digital; and that is our reality. Therefore, a robust air cargo system is essential for global trade, speed, efficiency, connectivity, supply chain resilience, economic growth, and the timely delivery of essential goods and services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:55
554 views
Public Works to investigate mismanagement of police headquarters
“It’s unfortunate such a beautiful asset has been left in that kind of state” says head of property management
Limpopo University digital innovation lab to help job creation efforts
Limpopo University digital innovation lab to help job creation efforts
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will on Wednesday unveil the University of Limpopo Digital Innovation Lab (LDIL).
The LDIL is a strategic initiative designed to improve the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) skills in Limpopo and address unemployment.
LDIL is a Software Development Programme aimed at combating the high unemployment rate in Limpopo, with a curriculum that covers coding, programming fundamentals and digital social innovation.
Through a 10-month Software Development (SWD) initiative that introduces coding fundamentals and digital social innovation, the LDIL programme also seeks to empower 25 unemployed youth each year.
The programme also places a strong emphasis on providing unemployed youth with practical, real-world experience.
Dlamini Zuma, who is the University of Limpopo Chancellor, will deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the lab, which is in collaboration with Samsung Electronics South Africa and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).
“This historic event marks a significant step towards empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities and encouraging innovation in Limpopo to showcase and inspire similar innovative measures for other young people across the country,” the department said in a statement.
The event, which will see the official plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting, will take place at the university’s R-40 Conference Hall. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:58
617 views
Error 017 on Your Prepaid Water Meter: What It Means and How to Fix It
Having water flow freely is essential, and a prepaid water meter with an error code can be frustrating. If you’re facing “Error 017” on your water meter display, don’t panic! This article explains what this error signifies, how to potentially fix it, and where to find more information about prepaid water meter error codes. Understanding …
KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike
KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike
The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has assured the business community in eThekwini that the provincial government is dealing accordingly with the strike by eThekwini Municipality workers.
READ | eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
Dube-Ncube and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda met with the business community, led by the KZN Growth Coalition, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and individual businesses to brief them on government’s interventions to deal with the strike which started on 27 February 2024.
The meeting comes after a meeting held between the provincial government and the municipality to devise practical solutions to protect infrastructure and citizens from what the province has called “clear sabotage”.
Highlighting the progress made to deal with the situation, Dube-Ncube said a technical task team, including officials from all spheres of government, has been established to implement coordinated interventions by the relevant departments.
To address the challenge of intimidation and attacks on non-striking workers, Dube-Ncube said the Metro Police and private security have been sourced to escort staff to service delivery points, including the clearing of roads, electricity faults, water leaks, burst pipes and refuse removal.
“Both the municipal and provincial law enforcement agencies are on high alert and will act without any fear on the acts of impunity. We are confident that this intervention will allow staff to respond to reservoirs overflowing or running empty, valves being closed, burst pipes and water leaks.
“As part of the business continuity plan, the municipality has made provision for some key employees to work remotely. Contractors have also been engaged to do some work, such as refuse collection and attending to water and electricity faults,” Dube-Ncube said.
A team has also been set up to analyse all video footage of the destruction of property, including the abuse of State vehicles that were in the hands of municipality officials who participated in the illegal strike.
The Premier said this process is well underway, warning that “culprits are being identified through internal processes and they will be arrested soon”.
She said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has provided a four-person team to fast-track the disciplinary action of those who would be found to have been involved in untoward behaviour.
“The eThekwini leadership will meet with the leadership of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) to explain to them that no amount of grievances should result in destruction of infrastructure and denying citizens their rights to basic services.
“Importantly, those who are involved in this anarchy will be liable for litigation for damages. Our legal units have been tasked to analyse that area,” Dube-Ncube said.
The municipality has further engaged the Department of Water and Sanitation, COGTA and Umgeni-Uthukela Water to provide technical assistance and additional water tankers.
Through Operation Sukuma Sakhe, the Premier said all field workers have been activated in the province to conduct clean-up operations throughout the city, as part of Operation Mbo (an integrated service delivery events within a particular area to ensure services are delivered to many community members at the same time).
On the strike, Dube-Ncube said the municipality has not received a memorandum of grievances or petition from SAMWU, apart from the Ekurhuleni Municipality pay scale, which was submitted to the Office of the City Manager on 27 February 2024.
“Based on the information submitted, it would seem that SAMWU is demanding pay parity to that of Ekurhuleni Municipality and/or implementation of Category 10 pay scales. The matter regarding the implementation of the Wage Curve is still under negotiation at national level, as it is a national competence,’’ Dube-Ncube said.
The municipality has since obtained an urgent interdict in the Labour Court, which prohibits the striking employees from intimidating, harassing, assaulting, threatening or perpetuating acts of violence against employees, service providers or those accessing offices or workstations.
“We want to emphasise that all spheres of government are working together to resolve this challenge and we are in discussion with the national government to support the city and province through the provision of intelligence services and deployment of additional police officers in key hotspots to enhance safety and security capacity,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 14:33
442 views
Mashatile welcomes finalisation of key Bills in Parliament
Mashatile welcomes finalisation of key Bills in Parliament
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has welcomed the finalisation of key Bills by the National Assembly during the first three months of this year.
These include the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill, the Public Service Amendment Bill, the Statistics Amendment Bill, the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill and the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill.
According to a statement by the Presidency, the public service Bills have now been referred to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for consideration.
“As Section 75 of the Constitution Bills, the other Bills have been referred to specific parliamentary portfolio committees for processing.”
The Constitution distinguishes between four categories of Bills involving those amending the Constitution; ordinary Bills not affecting the provinces; ordinary Bills affecting the provinces; and money Bills including those that deal with appropriations, taxes, levies or duties.”
Meanwhile, 16 Bills have been sent to the President for assent by the end of February.
Deputy President Mashatile, in his capacity as leader of Government Business in Parliament, described the development as significant progress, which takes the nation closer to the fulfilment of the mandate of the sixth democratic administration.
“The significance of the legislative programme is that it is a linear and revolving responsibility to both enact legislation and fine-tune existing laws.
“We are confident that at the end of this term, all priority legislation will have gone through the rigorous parliamentary process, passed the constitutional master and become laws of the Republic after the President has assented to the Bills,” he said.
As the leader of Government Business, the Deputy President promotes accountability by the Executive.
Among other things, he tracks the submission of responses to Parliamentary questions for oral and written replies and commitments made.
He also monitors the programming and attendance of Members of the Executive before Parliament and portfolio committees, the implementation of the legislative programme and the processing of priority Bills by Parliament. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 14:59
351 views
Joburg residents march over water outages and unreliable electricity
The protesters say they are also fed up with illegal rubbish dumping and potholes in their streets
Consumers Come Out Tops With Formation Of New One-Stop Ombud Scheme
1 March 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa – The newly-formed National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) today announced the commencement of operations as a single, one-stop, all-in-one dispute resolution service made up of the four (4) former existing services – the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS); the Credit Ombud (CO); the Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance (OLTI); and the Ombudsman …
Mashele, Sang set sights on 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
After setting a national record of 27:35 when he took second place at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2023, Precious Mashele has confirmed his participation in 2024 when the iconic race returns to the friendly city come Sunday 7 April. As he prepares to qualify for his second consecutive Olympic Games …
Three suspects arrested in connection with VBS corruption
Three suspects arrested in connection with VBS corruption
Three suspects, aged 33, 42 and 64, were arrested during an early morning raid in Limpopo by the Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks.
The 64-year-old suspect, who was previously the Chief Financial Officer and Acting Municipal Manager for the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, was arrested in Lulekani.
He was arrested on charges of contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), corruption and money laundering.
The 42-year-old suspect was arrested in Giyani. She was a Budget Manager and Acting Chief Financial Officer, and currently the Chief Financial Officer, of Giyani. She is facing charges of flouting the MFMA.
The third suspect, aged 33, is a businessman. He was arrested in Muhuya village, Thohoyandou, on allegations of money laundering.
During 2017, two of the suspects invested a total of R148 656 282.00 into VBS Mutual Bank. Large amounts were paid to VBS affiliated companies as so-called "commissions".
Some of this money was laundered through several bank accounts, including that of the third suspect.
From the suspect’s company, a total amount of R87 600.00 was paid to the first suspect over a period of time as gratification, which was a great loss to the Giyani Municipality.
The trio will make their first appearance on 6 March 2024 in the Giyani Magistrates’ Court for formal bail application. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 15:02
277 views
Workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA
Workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA
South Africa’s Special Economic Zones operators and businesses are to be exposed to the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) during a workshop by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).
The department will host the workshop in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton on Wednesday from 09:00 in the morning.
The workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA and the status of negotiations and implementation, communicate the benefits and export opportunities offered under the AfCFTA to the SEZ managers, investors and tenants and share information on incentives, customs requirements, quality standards and export finance insurance solutions.
The Special Economic Zones Programme has over the 10 years since its inception offered a conducive environment for businesses to enhance their operations. The South African government uses the SEZs as a way to attract investments in sectors with no obvious comparative advantage, or as a way of increasing value added in export activities.
According to the Deputy Director-General of Trade at the dtic, Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, the AfCFTA workshop will offer an opportunity to collaborate with the SEZs and present the master plan and AfCFTA SEZ Ministerial Regulations.
The six sector master plans targeted are steel and fabrication, agriculture and agro-processing, retail-clothing textile leather and footwear, automotive industry, sugar value chain and forestry.
“The aim is to share export opportunities for the SEZs arising from the AfCFTA and to sensitise them on the benefits of exporting under the AfCFTA,” Mlumbi-Peter said.
For South Africa, the AfCFTA provides an opportunity for the private sector, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), including youth and women owned companies to expand to new markets in East, Central, West and North Africa.
“We wish to encourage companies to produce and export value added manufactured products to support sustainable jobs to new preferential markets in the African continent,” she said.
Participants will also receive presentations from the dtic’s Export Desk, Proudly South African, Brand SA and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 15:12
131 views
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
The eThekwini Municipality has obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees, including the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) members, who are taking part in the ongoing illegal and unprotected industrial action.
The interdict prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the city's activities, services and operations.
In a joint media briefing held on Monday to update the public on the ongoing strike, which started on 27 February 2024, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube issued a firm warning that lawlessness will not be allowed to prevail.
Dube-Ncube noted that while one of the rights in the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practice; right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union and the right to strike, the Constitution is also clear on the limitations of rights.
“It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said the violent nature of the strike has resulted in essential municipal services being severely impacted, as some employees are fearing for their lives after seeing their colleagues being attacked and infrastructure being vandalised.
She said the strike action came at a time when the municipality was making progress in repairing the infrastructure that was damaged by the consecutive severe disasters over the past five years, including COVID-19, July 2021 civil unrest, 2022 and 2023 floods.
Noting some of the damage caused by the strike, the Premier said there has been continued intimidation and attacks on non-striking employees, resulting in the city’s failure to respond to faults and restore basic services, including water, refuse collection and electricity in the entire city.
“Access to primary healthcare services has also been hampered by the intimidation of health workers in various municipal-run health facilities, putting the lives of ordinary citizens in danger. In the case where the public cannot access the city’s health facilities, we are redirecting them to the provincial clinics.
“We have observed with great concern the attacks of city employees at service delivery sites. Some have been shot while attending to service delivery complaints and a number of water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, including vehicles, have been damaged or completely destroyed,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier condemned the cruel actions inflicted by strikers on patients and ordinary citizens, which has seen blockages of access to State buildings, including several clinics, potentially endangering the lives of innocent patients.
Dube-Ncube warned that the provincial government will no longer tolerate the atmosphere of fear, trespassing on premises and forceful removal of staff from their work posts, denial of patients' rights to gain access to healthcare facilities, including vandalism of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity.
“Communities who have been without water and electricity for several days are bearing the brunt of this unlawful strike action. Scenes witnessed over the past few days are pure criminality, economic sabotage and tantamount to treason.
“Government is extremely concerned and upset about the violence accompanied by intimidation and extensive damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The municipality is currently conducting an assessment on the impact and financial implications of the strike,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:45
48 views
Major Summit to Address Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for the Public Sector
In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting public sector entities, IT News Africa (www.ITNewsAfrica.com) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3uWOYEh) on April 3, 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Our central theme, "Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthening Cybersecurity through Strategic Partnerships," underscores the critical importance of unity and shared strategies to fortify our defences against relentless cyber adversaries.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness in the Public Sector
Recent ransomware attacks on prominent entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice underscore the urgency of our collective response. In the spirit of collaboration, our discussions will focus on fostering partnerships, sharing threat intelligence, and developing joint strategies to bolster the overall cybersecurity posture in the public sector.
Why Attend the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit
- Discover the importance of collaborative defense in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. This summit brings together thought leaders, security experts, and professionals from both public and private sectors to delve into strategies fostering partnerships and joint initiatives.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of recent cyber incidents targeting public sector organizations in South Africa, including ransomware attacks on major entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice. Learn from these incidents to fortify your organization's defences.
- Hear from experts on reassessing and upgrading cybersecurity strategies. Understand the latest technologies, best practices, and proactive measures to mitigate and protect against future cyberattacks.
- Connect with best-in-class solution providers, security vendors, and senior colleagues from across the region. Share challenges, experiences, and strategies to enhance your organization's approach to cybersecurity resilience.
To ensure the summit's success, an esteemed advisory board has been assembled, featuring distinguished individuals such as Abdul Kader Baba, CIO, Infrastructure South Africa; Jabu (Hugh) Hlatshwayo, CIO, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO, University of the Witwatersrand.
Become a Sponsor
The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit presents a unique opportunity for cybersecurity vendors and solution providers to connect with a targeted audience of senior IT decision-makers from government departments and State Owned Enterprises. Showcase your cybersecurity expertise, build brand awareness, and generate leads by becoming a sponsor (https://apo-opa.co/4c4slP8).
Register Now
Registration (https://apo-opa.co/48IhcR5) for the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is now open. Secure your spot at this essential event and join us in exploring the critical role of public-private collaboration in building cyber resilience.
For more information on the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, please visit the event website at www.PublicSecurity.co.za.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
events@itnewsafrica.com
Anti-vaxxers thrashed in court
Application to stop Covid vaccine slammed as “manifestly unfair”, fatally defective and dismissed with costs by Pretoria High Court
Police seize counterfeit goods, dismantle illegal crossings near Beitbridge
Police seize counterfeit goods, dismantle illegal crossings near Beitbridge
A successful operation conducted by a border police team at Musina near the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Sunday has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods.
The team also recovered an inflatable boat believed to be used for illegal crossings of the Limpopo River between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“During the operation, members of the SAPS OR Tambo International Airport Border Police intercepted a smuggling attempt and seized one inflatable boat, 25 litres of diesel, counterfeit cigarettes and liquor that were being smuggled between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Despite some suspects managing to evade arrest by fleeing on foot and crossing the Limpopo River, homemade wooden bridges used for illegal crossings were successfully dismantled during the operation,” said the police in a statement.
In a separate incident, nine male Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended by the Vhembe District Proactive Police for contravening the Immigration Act during a separate Vala Umgodi operation.
These individuals were arrested less than 10km from Beitbridge.
The Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office was engaged for immediate deportation of the illegal immigrants. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:59
359 views
An Indian Fusion At Centurion Mall
CENTURION, 5 March 2024 — Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Indian fashion and culture as the Indian Shopping Expo arrives at Centurion Mall from 21 March to 7 April 2024. The Indian Shopping Expo, situated at Parkade 6, outside Entrance 6, adjacent to stores like adidas, Senqu, Newlands Accessories, Switchon …
SANDF deployment not done without planning
SANDF deployment not done without planning
By Siphiwe Dlamini
The deployment of a contingent of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the SADC Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the subsequent tragic deaths of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono have provided plenty of grist to the opinion mill.
It should. We are a democracy and this is a people’s defence force – and its role and its use should be debated.
There are major and justifiable concerns about budget implications. The lack of sufficient air cover for the mission and that this deployment might be fatally overstretching the SANDF’s capacity has been raised by some as a concern.
None of these are new concerns; successive chiefs of the SANDF have raised these precise issues in the past, along with their chiefs of service.
But these concerns ignore the reality that this deployment was not done in haste, nor without the requisite planning. There have been numerous discussions at the highest echelons of government about the need to support the SANDF in all its needs, including funding. There is a real commitment to do this.
We should also not forget three critical points in the current discourse, well intentioned or otherwise, about the SANDF.
The first is that the mission in the DRC is not solely a South African tasking but a request from the greater Southern African Development Community to ensure the stability of the region as the United Nations began its well-publicised drawdown of Monusco, its 20 year-long mission to stabilise the DRC, in December last year.
Secondly, there are other countries that will be also contributing to this mission, some of whom will be able to directly address the issue of air cover through the capabilities of their own air forces.
Thirdly, the SANDF has been part of Monusco since its inception, commanding the mission and regularly providing commanders for the smaller three-battalion strong multinational Force Intervention Brigade, the only UN force mandated to use force offensively.
The biggest issue of all though is peacekeeping. SA is a continental leader and has never shied away from the often onerous responsibility to lead these processes, participating from the front, if necessary, putting its money and its troops where its mouth is.
This is not an easy decision and it is not without risks, all of which weigh very heavily upon our commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa; the political head; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise; and chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, before deploying these national assets.
These soldiers are not conscripts, they are volunteers, but all of us know the risks that they will face in the field – and the sacrifices they may well be asked to make – to keep this peace.
It is easy for the keyboard warriors to argue that our horizons should be limited to our land, sea and air borders, but the reality is that the beating of a butterfly’s wings in Kivu or Goma could very well create an unstoppable tsunami in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
It’s too late to deal with an insurgency not just on your doorstep but within your borders. This is part of the rationale for the SANDF’s participation in the SADC Mission in Mozambique (Samim) to keep the insurgency in Cabo Delgado at bay.
That is the apex threat – of war and terror in our cities and countryside, but there are other threats, too, of even more refugees seeking a better life in SA, potential economic and criminal risks which put further strain on our law enforcement agencies, the home affairs department, the department of social security and, indeed, our fiscus.
It is said that a stitch in time saves nine. It doesn’t help to just create nonporous borders, where the SANDF is already performing a yeoman and unheralded service as part of the ongoing Operation Corona.
We have to try to resolve issues and create the conditions that are crucial to allowing a sustainable and enduring state of peace on the continent that could otherwise threaten the way of life we aspire to, even though they are not our direct neighbours.
It is this philosophy that has guided the SANDF ever since the days of our first commander-in-chief Nelson Mandela, when he worked tirelessly to bring peace to the Great Lakes Region.
*Siphiwe Dlamini is Head of Communications at the Department of Defence.
**This article first appeared in The Citizen on 1 March 2024.
Janine
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:54
317 views
Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River
Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River
The Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, have established a Technical Task Team to identify interventions with clear outcomes to manage the clearing of alien invasive plants at the Vaal River.
This follows public concerns relating to the use of the chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.
In a joint statement, the departments said the task team, led by the Directors-General of the two departments and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water, have identified immediate short- and long-term interventions with clear outcomes to manage the situation.
The immediate short-term interventions identified by the task team include the revision of the integrated control approach, which will assess the use of an herbicide that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
In the medium-term, compliance and enforcement interventions will be intensified against the sources of pollution that are driving this situation, while the long-term interventions include the review of the Vaal River Catchment Strategy relating to invasive alien aquatic species, in order to implement a strategy that will holistically address the situation.
“Lastly, the refurbishment of the Rietspruit, Sebokeng and Leeukuil Wastewater Treatment Works will be fast-tracked to reduce pollution that is also contributing to the high eutrophication of the Vaal River System.
“Multiple control strategies deployed simultaneously (biological, chemical and manual removal of alien invasives) are currently under investigation by the task team since a sustainable solution is required to manage the situation,” the departments said.
The spraying of glyphosate over water hyacinth choking up the Vaal River has been stopped due to safety concerns. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:18
25 views