Budget: Social grants go up but not by much
Old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants up by R90 in April and another R10 from October
2024
Treasury to tap into foreign exchange account to reduce debt service costs
Treasury to tap into foreign exchange account to reduce debt service costs
A combination of high debt servicing costs and a higher budget deficit has led to the introduction of a new reform of the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA).
The reform is aimed at mitigating fiscal risks by reducing government borrowing in the medium-term and will allow government to draw down from its GFECRA held at the Reserve Bank.
This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the tabling of the 2024 Budget Speech held in Cape Town on Wednesday.
GFECRA is a Reserve Bank held account which captures gains and losses on South Africa’s foreign currency reserve transactions and the account has grown to more than R500 billion.
“We will draw down R150 billion of the GFECRA balance once we have ensured that sufficient buffers are available to absorb exchange rate swings and the solvency of the Reserve Bank is not compromised,” he said.
The draw down is expected to result in a decline of some R30.2 billion in government debt servicing costs over the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Godongwana explained that national government debt is expected to peak at some 75.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025/26 with 2023/24’s budget deficit estimated to worsen to 4.9 % of GDP.
Debt-service costs in 2023/24 have been revised higher, by R15.7 billion to R356 billion.
The Minister said this will require that government stick to its fiscal goals with cuts in expenditure reaching more than R80 billion.
“Debt-service costs will absorb more than 20 % of revenue. To put this into perspective, spending on debt-service costs is greater than the respective budgets of social protection, health, or peace and security.
“A net reduction of R80.6 billion in non-interest expenditure is being implemented over the medium-term. At the same time, revenue has been revised up by R45.6 billion over the medium-term, relative to [the] 2023 MTBPS [Medium Term Budget Policy Statement]. [This is why] we have taken the decision to introduce a reform…GFECRA,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:19
420 views
The Sixth Edition Of The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Opens Its Doors To The World’s Most Talented Chefs Under 30
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 will turn the spotlight on the best culinary talents who hold the future of gastronomy in their hands: applications open 21st February. Cape Town, South Africa, 21st February 2024 – S.Pellegrino announces a new edition of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, the global initiative to discover and mentor …
NHI receives R1 billion allocation
NHI receives R1 billion allocation
The health sector is expected to receive an allocation of R848 billion over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework with at least R1 billion directed to the National Health Insurance (NHI).
This was announced by Minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2024 Budget Speech on Thursday.
“These allocations include R11.6 billion to address the 2023 wage agreement, R27.3 billion for infrastructure, and R1.4 billion for the NHI grant over the same period.
“The allocation for the NHI is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to this policy. There remain a range of system-strengthening activities, that are key enablers of an improved public health care system, that must be undertaken,” Godongwana said.
He said these activities include:
- Building a national health information system and digital patient records;
- Upgrading health facilities and improving quality of care to ensure that they meet the minimum criteria to be certified and accredited for contracting under NHI;
- Strengthening facility and district management in preparation for contracting;
- Granting semi-autonomous status for central (and potentially other) hospitals; and
- Developing reference prices and provider payment methods for hospitals.
In the 2024 Budget Review, National Treasury noted that the budget for the sector is expected to grow slower than inflation over the MTEF “due to the R23.7 billion baseline reductions over the medium term”.
“The function will prioritise greater efficiency, better management of commuted overtime and intensified promotion of preventative care. Spending reviews in the sector have led to some savings in vaccine and antiretroviral tenders. The health sector continues to recover from service disruptions due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in antiretroviral treatment and tuberculosis screening and treatment.
“The Department of Health and its provincial counterparts will prioritise building tertiary services like oncology through earmarked funds in the national tertiary services grant in provinces with inadequate services. This grant grows by 8.8% in 2024/25 as funding is shifted into it from the oncology portion of the national health insurance conditional grant,” Treasury said.
Education Sector
Turning to education, he said the sector will receive some R25.7 billion “carry-through costs of the wage increase over the medium term”.
“At the same time, we were able to protect the budgets of critical programmes such as the school nutrition programme. The programme provides food to pupils in almost 20 000 schools.
“The early childhood development grant is allocated R1.6 billion rising to R2 billion over the medium term,” he said.
Firm eye
Government is expected to keep a firm eye on value for money as consolidated government spending is expected to reach R2.37 trillion in 2024/25, R2.47 trillion in 2025/26 and R2.6 trillion in 2026/27.
This is according to the National Treasury’s 2024 Budget Review.
“Government’s priority is to enhance spending quality and minimise inefficiency while ensuring sustainable public finances – in other words, to increase the value for money from this spending,” the department said.
The bulk of the 2024/25 budget will go to basic and tertiary education, peace and security.
“While R69.4 billion is added to this function for the carry‐through costs of the 2023 public‐service wage agreement over the medium term, there are baseline reductions of R49.8 billion in other areas. Improved efficiency in the procurement of learner‐teacher support materials and in the management of the placement of educators will continue.
“Spending in the post‐school education and training sector grows by 2.5% over the medium term. Spending in the sector education and training authorities and the National Skills Fund grows by 3.9% over the medium term, allowing the institutions to improve the quality of their offerings,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:35
248 views
Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2024: A Spectacular Celebration of Art Excellence
Cape Town, South Africa, Zeitz MOCAA was the centre of the art world this past weekend as artists, collectors, philanthropists and celebrities from around the world convened in Cape Town for the museum’s annual fundraising Gala. The event was a spectacular celebration of art excellence kicking off Cape Town Art Week. The event mood and …
Navigating the Ever-changing Wedding Trends of Tomorrow
As we step into the world of weddings in 2024, a myriad of trends emerge, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of couples tying the knot. As couples search for innovative ways to celebrate their love, the South Hill team shares their observations on the latest wedding trends. Gone are the days of traditional weekend …
Reforms to support public infrastructure investment
Reforms to support public infrastructure investment
Government is introducing fundamental and far-reaching reforms to infrastructure financing and delivery in an effort to optimise the infrastructure value chain to be effective and efficient.
“In this way, we will strengthen the public investment management and the associated value chain. We will also attract private sector participation,” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday in Parliament.
According to the 2024 Budget Review, over the next three years government plans to invest R943.8 billion in infrastructure.
This includes investments of R486.1 billion by state-owned companies and public entities, R213.8 billion from municipalities and R224.8 billion from provincial and national government.
Consolidated spending on buildings and other fixed structures will increase by an average of 15.9 per cent over the next three years.
“We gazetted the amendments public-private partnership (PPP) regulatory framework for public comments earlier this week. The amendments seek to reduce the procedural complexity of undertaking PPPs, create capacity to support and manage PPPs, formulate clear rules for managing unsolicited bids, and strengthen the governance of fiscal risk.
“We are reviewing institutional arrangements and governance for catalytic infrastructure. The intention is to create clearer mechanisms for accountability, cooperation and coordination. We are also consolidating similar functions to reduce duplication and inefficiencies. The intention is to fast-track delivery, particularly of blended finance arrangements,” the Minister said.
Government is also introducing several new financing instruments, such as infrastructure bonds and concessional loans.
“As part of this, a flow-through tax vehicle for specific infrastructure projects, similar to trusts and other investment vehicles, is being considered. A new funding window for proposals under the new dispensation of financing instruments will be opened to public institutions shortly.
“Through these reforms, greater efficiency gains and infrastructure delivery will be fast-tracked. This will benefit network sectors, social infrastructure, PPPs and blended finance projects,” the Minister said.–SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:45
109 views
Inaugural International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup To Kick Off In Cape Town
JOHANNESBURG: The stage is set for the inaugural International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup, scheduled to commence on Monday, 19...
Social grants to increase in 2024
Social grants to increase in 2024
Social grants are expected to increase to keep in line with inflation and increase access for those who are eligible.
This does not include the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) also known as the R350 grant.
This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Budget Speech delivered in Cape Town on Wednesday.
“We are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19 million South Africans who rely on these grants to make ends meet. In this regard, we have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows,” he said.
The increases to be implemented during this year are as follows:
- An increase of R100 to the old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants. This amount will be divided into R90 effective from April, and R10 effective October;
- A R50 increase to the foster care grant; and
- A R20 increase to the child support grant.
In the expanded Budget 2024 review, National Treasury explained that social grant expenditure – excluding the SRD grant – will increase from R217.1 billion in 2023/24 to R259.3 billion in 2026/27.
The COVID‐19 Social Relief of Distress Grant is allocated R33.6 billion in 2024/25 with provisional allocations for the 2025/26 and 2026/27.
“Work is currently underway to improve the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant by April this year. National Treasury will work with the Department of Social Development in ensuring that improvements in this grant are captured in the final regulations.
“These improvements will be within the current fiscal framework. For the extension of the grant beyond March 2025, the social security policy reforms, together with the funding source, will be finalised,” the Minister said.
National Treasury expects that grant beneficiaries, excluding those receiving the COVID‐19 SRD Grant, are projected to increase from 18.8 million in 2023/24 to 19.7 million in 2026/27. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:22
232 views
BCSA Announce Squad To Face New Zealand Blind Cricket In Thrilling Series
JOHANNESBURG: Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) has announced the squad to face New Zealand Blind Cricket in the upcoming series...
Hawks and SIU raid accountants in lottery corruption investigation
Accountants allegedly prepared fraudulent financial statements to get lottery funding
Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school
Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has condemned an incident at a school in Ekurhuleni where a teacher was allegedly found in possession of drugs on school premises.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Education said the incident took place on 14 February 2024 at the Thoko Thaba Secondary School.
According to the department’s reports, the educator was allegedly found with a bag and box of drugs inside school premises.
Police were called in and the teacher was arrested. He appeared in court on Thursday, 15 February 2024.
MEC Chiloane said it is also concerning that this matter was not reported to the Department by the School Management Team (SMT) in a timely manner, which led to a planned protest by the community on Wednesday.
The department has launched an investigation, and the educator has been removed from the school as a precaution.
“We are disappointed about this incident, and vehemently condemn such conduct and we will be acting against it accordingly. We also plead with the community to allow this matter to be handled by the department and relevant law enforcement authorities for appropriate resolution,” Chiloane said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 13:17
1 view
Tee off 2024 with the right balance of work and play on KZN’s ‘Golf Coast’
Golf remains one of the world’s most popular sports, and a key strategy for business networking and engagement. The KZN South Coast, known colloquially as ‘The Golf Coast’, is home to 11 different courses with a backdrop of ocean views, coastal forests, and sunny skies. This quality MICE destination, with top accommodation, conferencing, and teambuilding …
IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date
IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa setting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections date for 29 May.
The President has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the IEC on the election date.
“This pronouncement of the Election Date provides an unambiguous motivation for the Commission to pull out all the stops in the intensification of preparations for Election Day. The Electoral Commission reiterates its commitment and readiness to ensure a successful 2024 general elections,” the Commission said in a statement.
Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all nine provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General Elections.
“It creates certainty for us. It creates certainty for those who want to participate as contestants, be they on party lists or as independent candidates,” said IEC Deputy CEO, Masego Shiburi.
Shiburi said the President announced the date in consultation with the Commission, as that is the statute requirement.
“With each election, the number of competing parties increase. For these elections, we will also have independent candidates and their numbers are still indeterminate because candidate nomination is yet to open.
“Once we finalise candidate nomination, we will be able to print ballots and make them available in our missions to those who will be voting abroad but mostly importantly, to those who will be voting in the country,” Shiburi said.
The announcement of the Election Date comes after the 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 the democratic calendar.
“Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire.
“I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register,” President Ramaphosa said.
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.
The Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans that while the Election Date has been set and announced, eligible voters have until Friday, 23 February 2024 to register. The latter date is the anticipated day of the proclamation of the Election Date.
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.
Election Timetable
Following the proclamation of the Election Date, the Electoral Commission will publish the Election Timetable in the Government Gazette after consultation with the National Party Liaison Committee.
The Election Timetable will outline the various cut-off dates for the performance of certain electoral activities. The timetable will include the following:
- Certification of the voters’ roll.
- Publication of details of voting stations.
- Submission of candidates nomination.
- Submission of notice to vote outside of the country.
- Applications for special votes .
Meanwhile, the Commission has reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person must register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notifying the Electoral Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:14
219 views
Accessing accurate public information
Accessing accurate public information
By Zanele Mngadi
Through social media apps, websites, and other digital tools, the internet gives us a lot of ways to connect with each other. This makes information easy to find.
However, the ease with which we get information online makes it hard to determine how true it is. The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of this challenge because knowledge spread very quickly through our phones and social media sites.
During this dark time, scary fake news spread very quickly, making it harder for people to get the right information and stay safe, which was bad for their health and made them less likely to trust others.
In order to fight fake news, the South African government set up many ways for people to easily get true and accurate information. This included the SA Coronavirus website, social media accounts, and regular updates for the whole country.
Lessons from the pandemic
Because of the pandemic, government learned that giving people easy access to reliable information gave them the tools they needed to make smart choices about how to protect their health.
Building on the success of spreading information widely during COVID-19, government has adopted a multi-media approach that uses all forms of media to give South Africans more power by giving them accurate information about problems facing the country, the government's solutions, and programmes meant to bring about change.
Government just recently set up two WhatsApp channels, governmentza and the PresidencyZA, that people can follow to get regular updates on things that affect everyone, like chances for legal education and work.
This adds to government’s social media platform GovernmentZA, which lets people get true information right away and talk to the government directly. People should follow these social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, as well as government websites like https://www.gov.za, https://www.gcis.gov.za/, and https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/, to get accurate news about issues that affect the whole country.
The GCIS also has its own in-house news agency, SAnews (https://www.sanews.gov.za/) which provides regular news updates on matters of public concern, at no cost. In addition the GCIS launched a podcast, Vuk Talks to give people more access to information about government programmes. It’s on YouTube and Spotify.
Our online presence adapts to the changing needs of our citizens, but we also make sure that people who don’t have access to the internet can still get information.
The government tries to get accurate and reliable news to millions of people in rural areas and townships. Over the years Vuk’uzenzele newspaper has touched the lives of many people. It also brought the government to closer to the people through Izimbizo and partnerships with local community radio stations. From April 2024 on, the newspaper will only be available online, but its articles will still be useful to everyone in South Africa. We have also partnered with SABC 2 on the 13-part series Citizens Connect in an attempt to educate more citizens.
The value of accurate information
All of these online platforms let people to easily get reliable information directly from the government about their lives, our country, and the world we live in. Reliable information is essential to make democracy work. The opposite is equally true: inaccurate information, often a result of fake news, can be dangerous to democracy, especially during big national events such as elections.
As the seventh national and provincial elections get closer, people are being warned to be careful of fake news online, especially since new technologies make it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.
With the rise of deep fake content, fake content can seem credible. Dishonest people use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make fake videos, pictures, and audio recordings of other people. Public figures, such as our political leaders, are often the targets of these attacks.
Be vigilant at all times
Government urges every citizen to be wary of falling victim to fake news. Pay close attention to face features and lip movements that don’t match up on videos because that can be a sign of deep fake content. If in doubt, verify the information you receive via trustworthy information sources (such as government platforms). That’s how you can learn the truth and make smart decisions about your future.
If you use social media and websites as sources of information, make sure that they are real. It’s easy to miss fake accounts or profiles because their names sound a lot like real ones. So, double-check the writing of the profiles and websites you follow.
Every South African needs to make sure that the news they spread comes from reliable sources. Let’s all stay alert all times to avoid being duped by fake news. Let’s all play our part to make our democracy strong. Let’s fight disinformation.
*Zanele Mngadi is Chief Director: Products and Platforms at the GCIS
Janine
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:38
109 views
Sashy And Slay In The Bay
Get ready to sashay and slay at Bay Harbour Market’s dazzling Drag Show on the 1st of March 2024. Join us for jaw-dropping performances, vibrant costumes, and unforgettable entertainment by the crowd favourites Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez! Clap, cheer, and sing along as these stunning queens take the stage and do what they …
We are living in a desert, say Qwaqwa residents
More than 140,000 households are struggling with a minimal water supply or no tap water at all
Bodies of soldiers who died in the DRC return home
Bodies of soldiers who died in the DRC return home
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will on Wednesday repatriate and officially hand over the mortal remains of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono to their families.
Bobe and Semono were killed and three of their colleagues injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday last week after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability.
According to the SANDF, the remains will be officially handed over during a military procession ceremony at Waterkloof Air Force Base today.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, is expected to form part of the officials attending the handing over ceremony.
Modise, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have since expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:39
44 views
R18-million spent but Butterworth public pool has never opened
The swimming pool took ten years to build and was completed four years ago
Education department’s electricity cut off for owing millions of rands
Eastern Cape provincial education department’s offices in Nelson Mandela Bay have been in the dark since December
Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province
Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province
Economic growth in the North West remains slow despite the province’s abundant mineral resources, according to Acting Premier Nono Maloyi.
“While our province is endowed with vast mineral deposits, we continue to be inundated by high levels of poverty and unemployment.
“Economic growth remains sluggish, and this has had an adverse impact on our efforts to
create jobs for our people,” Maloyi said on Tuesday, delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA).
However, the Acting Premier, announced that there are encouraging signs of recovery.
During his speech to the provincial legislature, he highlighted that the North West was one of only three provinces that experienced significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in the creation of over 61 000 jobs.
“The unemployment rate in the North West gives us sleepless nights, particularly because it affects mainly women and the youth.”
According to Maloyi, two investment promotion events were held with major investors.
These include the North West BRICS Investment Conference held during the BRICS Summit last year and the Premier’s Dinner with investors in September 2023 at Sun City, of which both events have yielded positive outcomes.
Both initiatives yielded 34 investment pledges with a total value of over R104.1 billion.
To date, Maloyi told the members, 14 have confirmed investment projects to the tune of R13.5 billion, which are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone.
These investments will create an additional 10 000 jobs.
Tourism
Meanwhile, he said the province’s Tourism Recovery Plan has begun to realise growth in the number of both domestic and international visitors.
“Between 2022 and 2023 our industry has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has generated R6.9 billion in revenue for the province thereby creating and preserving 24 000 jobs.”
He said this government has already started the process of revitalising the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports.
“Both these airports will add capacity to the province to grow tourism and open new economic frontiers in cargo hauling, hanger, and airline services. We have sent Request for Proposals for running these two airports and lure investments,” he explained, adding that the preferred bidders will commence work by May this year.
In addition, the Acting Premier announced that the agricultural sector is yet to reach its full potential through the meaningful participation of emerging farmers in this growing sector.
Economic policy
“Honourable Speaker, economic development challenges require coherent policy responses backed-up by long-term planning.”
In addition, the province has now finalised the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) with a primary aim to provide a broad economic policy-planning guide and anchor interventions to meet the goals as set out in the National Development Plan 2030.
This, he said, has now enabled the provincial government to complete the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.
The council will provide strategic support and coordination in the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, and promote integrated economic planning and sector contributions.
Internships
During this financial year, close to 900 internships and learnerships benefitted young people in various departments, municipalities, State-owned entities (SOEs) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs).
He announced that the North West would prioritise young people in various infrastructure projects that will be rolled out in the 2024/25 financial year.
“Women are the backbone of our provincial economy. Eight women-led cooperatives and individuals will benefit from R1.4 million, which has been set aside for their upskilling and business growth.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:23
406 views
WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever
WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has urged pig farmers to heighten biosecurity measures following laboratory results confirming African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.
ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease.
The department said the new outbreak confirmed recently is the fourth outbreak of disease in the Garden Route area since 2022.
“Previously, there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022, which remains a concern. It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far, with about 250 pigs remaining in the area,” department spokesperson Daniel Johnson said.
Johnson said the area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Johnson has also emphasised that ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals.
“The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption,” Johnson said.
Critical measures to minimise the spread of ASF
• All carcasses should be disposed of safely.
• Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease.
• Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig.
• Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs.
• Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.
Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs, and in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite.
“Occasionally, the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease,” Johnson said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:21
388 views
North West govt commits to completion of infrastructure projects
North West govt commits to completion of infrastructure projects
Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has committed to meeting with the contractor responsible for the construction of Nelson Mandela Drive, which is a crucial node for the economy of the province.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, Maloyi apologised for the delayed refurbishment and maintenance of the road. Nelson Mandela Drive has been described as the busiest road in Mahikeng and an economic transport arterial road, which carries large volumes of traffic, especially during peak hours.
“We acknowledge and apologise for the delays in the construction of Nelson Mandela
Drive in Mahikeng. This has impacted negatively on businesses along the road and the public who use the road daily,” Maloyi said.
However, according to Maloyi, there has been progress on the road, as 3.2 kilometres have already been completed, with 450 metres nearing completion.
“After this address, I will be visiting the project to meet with the contractor to emphasise the commitment to complete the project,” Maloyi promised.
Meanwhile, he said the rehabilitation and widening of the Phelindaba to Pecanwood Road is progressing well and is due for completion in December 2026.
In addition, the Hartbeesfontein to Ottosdal Road is envisioned to be completed ahead of schedule in June this year.
As part of addressing road infrastructure backlogs, Maloyi told the provincial legislature that 12 roads have been transferred to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) for construction.
This includes portions of roads on the N18 from Mahikeng to Vryburg and the R30 that will cover Klerksdorp to Ventersdorp, as well as Orkney.
The Acting Premier explained that the remainder of these projects will be spread across Bojanala-Platinum, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.
Potholes
Maloyi said over 320 kilometres of potholes across the province will be resealed, creating 429 job opportunities.
“Municipalities such as Matlosana and JB Marks are to insource road maintenance and pothole patching on an ongoing basis, as a municipal function undertaken by municipal employees.”
He explained that this initiative will be emulated in other municipalities across the province.
In addition, work on the Lichtenburg to Koster and Derby to Magaliesburg will commence in the new financial year.
“We have terminated and appointed a new contractor to start working on the Majakaneng to Sun City Road," Maloyi said.
Load shedding
Maloyi acknowledged that the provision of electricity has increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to over 94.7% to date.
Shifting his focus to power cuts, he acknowledged the devastating impact of load shedding on their provincial economy and households.
As a result, he said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is coordinating efforts to assist municipalities to implement renewable and alternative energy sources.
To help put an end to load shedding, the province has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation.
The agreement aims to construct gas to electricity power stations worth R16 billion in the City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, respectively.
The first phase of this project, he said, will see Matlosana producing 198 megawatts of electricity.
Construction is earmarked for a maximum of 90 days per 100 megawatts.
The Chinese Import and Export Corporation, in addition to their project investment, has committed to investing further resources to assist in eradicating mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year for the duration of this MoU.
This project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs.
Improving governance in municipalities
The Acting Premier said the provincial government is continuing to provide dedicated support to all municipalities to improve financial management through the implementation and monitoring of Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs).
This is after the province has finally exited the section 100 intervention phase, with the full restoration of all executive functions of provincial departments after it was placed under administration in 2018.
Maloyi said the Executive Council has approved the appointment and deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) to implement financial recovery plans for identified municipalities, under the joint coordination of the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
In addition, he said the provincial government has rolled out skills and qualification audits in all municipalities, with 5 487 employees already being audited. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:36
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E-tolls ‘will be history’ in Gauteng – Premier Lesufi
E-tolls 'will be history' in Gauteng - Premier Lesufi
The Gauteng e-toll scheme is expected to be delinked from the end of March this year.
This was announced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday evening.
“E-tolls are a system that was introduced in the province by national government on the basis that we wanted to improve our road network. We have now reached a stage where we all accept that the people of Gauteng have rejected e-tolls.
“We had a meeting with all affected parties. We held a meeting with the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana]; we also held a meeting with the Minister of Transport [Sindisiwe Chikunga]. All of us now have reached an agreement that by the 31st of March this year, the formal process to switch off and de-link e-tolls will begin and e-tolls will be history in our province,” he said.
Lesufi added that the Finance Minister will provide more detail.
The scrapping of e-tolls has long been in the pipeline and Minister Godongwana, during the mini budget speech in October 2022, called for moving on from “debates of previous years and find solutions to this challenge”.
During that speech, the Minister explained that the Gauteng provincial government had agreed to “contribute 30 percent to settling SANRAL’s debt and interest obligations” related to the tolls.
“Gauteng will also cover the costs of maintaining the 201 kilometres and associated interchanges of the roads and any additional investment in road will be funded through either the existing electronic toll infrastructure or new toll plazas, or any other revenue source within their area of responsibility.
“Government proposes to make an initial allocation of R23.7 billion from the national fiscus, which will be disbursed on strict conditions,” the Minister said then. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:38
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