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Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week

Location: News

Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week

Members of the public are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills Week.

Civilians will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week, which started on 16 September and will continue until 20 September 2024. 

The week is organised annually by the Law Society of South Africa, and it provides an opportunity for all participating law firms to offer free basic will drafting services. 

The attorneys participating in the initiative will not amend or redraft existing wills but will focus on drafting new basic wills for the public.

“Among other things, making a will assists in ensuring that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. If a person dies without leaving a valid will, their assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act.

“The provisions of the Intestate Succession Act are fair, however, if you die without leaving a will, your assets may not be left to the person of your choice. It can take a long time to have an executor appointed and there can be extra and unnecessary costs,” government said. 

For more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/   
- SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:30

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Read moreGet your will drafted for free this National Wills Week

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Location: News

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Fourteen traffic officials, including traffic officers and a driving school operator, have been arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses and solicitation gratification.

“The investigations started in 2021 where it is alleged that driving school owners in Sabie colluded with departmental officials in issuing learners’ licenses and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following normal processes of conducting routine tests and assisting applicants to write learners licenses,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.

Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued to applicants without being tested after paying exorbitant amount of cash.

The suspects aged between 34 and 59 years were arrested in a joint operation by the Road Traffic Management’s Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Police Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga.

“A male and female examiner of licences, together with a driving school operator, were arrested at [the] Sabie driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while four examiners of driving licences were nabbed at Lydenberg DLTC, including two examiners in Graskop DLTC.

“The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the RTMC Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act,” the RTMC said.

Meanwhile, four traffic officers in Verena were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists who broke the rules of the road, in excessive speed and other related road traffic offences.

They were arrested as part of Operation “Kwanele” in Mpumalanga to clean up fraud and corruption at the DLTCs.

“Members of the public who obtain licences through corrupt means pose a danger to other motorists. Members of the public are encouraged to desist from these corrupt activities. Law enforcement officials will not rest until corrupt elements are eroded from the system,” said the RTMC. -SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:00

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Read moreFourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Government of National Unity will thrive, says President

Location: News

Government of National Unity will thrive, says President

Following a meeting of the party leaders last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa says in his weekly newsletter that he is even more convinced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is essential for the growth and development of the country.

“I am convinced that the GNU will not only survive, but that it will thrive. South Africans expect the GNU to succeed, and we will not let them down,” the President said. 

On Wednesday last week, the leaders of the parties that form the GNU met to reflect on how the GNU is working. 

Three months have passed since 10 parties represented in Parliament signed a Statement of Intent committing themselves to work together in government and Parliament to advance the country’s interests. 

The parties agreed to certain fundamental principles, including to respect the Constitution and the rule of law and to promote accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance. 

The parties also agreed on a common minimum programme that would form the basis of the work of the GNU. At its first Cabinet Lekgotla in mid-July, Ministers and Deputy Ministers drawn from the GNU partners, together with Directors-General and other officials, developed priority actions to give effect to the minimum programme. 

Since these priority actions were outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address on 18 July 2024, the President said Ministers and Deputy Ministers have been hard at work to implement the tasks assigned to them. 

“For a few Ministers and Deputy Ministers, being in the Executive is a new experience and for some it has been quite an adjustment. But with the support of their departments, they have all hit the ground running. Across all parties, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are making headway in confronting the challenges the country faces. 

“What is significant and most welcome is that the members of the Executive have undertaken their work as part of a Cabinet collective. Although they are drawn from different parties, they have pursued the common GNU programme. They have worked in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration as Cabinet colleagues to serve the interests of the South African people,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa added the members of the Executive have each understood their role in advancing the three strategic priorities of the seventh democratic administration. 

“The priorities are clear – a commitment to drive inclusive growth and job creation. A clear focus to reduce poverty and to tackle the high cost of living. A resolve to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

Ministers and deputy ministers have been focused not on the interests of their respective parties, but on the common mandate they have received to build and develop the country,” he said. 

The President said there was general agreement among the party leaders last week that the GNU has made a good start. They believe that the GNU is working well and that everyone is playing a constructive role.

“As party leaders, we nevertheless recognise that the parties in the GNU represent a range of political and ideological perspectives. There are issues on which we disagree and there will be times when differences between the parties will become more apparent.

“A case in point has been the debate around the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, which I signed into law last week. Even as the leaders were meeting last week, some parties in the GNU were publicly urging me not to sign the Bill, while others were saying that I should sign the Bill,” he said. 

The President highlighted that the Constitution is quite clear on the responsibilities of the President with respect to signing legislation. 

He explained that once a Bill has been passed by Parliament, the President must either assent to the Bill or, if they have reservations about its constitutionality, refer it back to Parliament. 

“Since, after considering all the various submissions, I had no such reservations about the BELA Bill, the Constitution obliged me to assent to it. However, even as I signed the Bill, I noted that some of the parties in the GNU said they wanted to engage each other on parts of the bill dealing with issues of school admissions and language. 

“To give the parties time to discuss these issues, I said we would delay implementation of the Act in order for parties to engage and come up with proposals, if any, on the relevant clauses,” the President said. 

In taking this approach, President Ramaphosa said he sought to establish a culture of openness and dialogue among the GNU parties. 

“We are also drawing on a long history in South Africa of engagement among parties on matters on which they seem far apart. 

“As times, agreement can be reached when matters come to a head at the last minute enabling all parties to focus on finding solutions and discovering that there is more that unites them than what separates them. We cannot guarantee that the parties that have requested timeout to engage will reach agreement on every difficult issue. But we need to make every effort to find common ground,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 10:43

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Read moreGovernment of National Unity will thrive, says President

SIU to investigate maladministration within Transnet, municipalities

Location: News

SIU to investigate maladministration within Transnet, municipalities

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of serious maladministration at Transnet, including the reinstatement of the former CEO of Transnet Freight Rail Siyabonga Gama.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations 181, 182, 183 and 184 of 2024, authorising the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration within Transnet, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlement, the Umzumbe Local Municipality, and Masilonyana Local Municipality and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

Proclamation 184 of 2024

Proclamation 184 of 2024 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration related to Siyabonga Gama's reinstatement as Chief Executive Officer of Transnet Freight Rail in February 2011 and the payment of Gama’s legal costs following his reinstatement.

This includes any unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure incurred by Transnet concerning these matters.

“SIU is also authorised to probe allegations of serious maladministration in the procurement of or contracting for goods, works, or services of leased accommodation by Transnet and payments made about it in a manner that examines explicitly whether Transnet officials or agents acted corruptly or unduly to benefit themselves or others, leading to unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for Transnet,” SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said.

Kganyago said the SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditures incurred by or losses suffered by Transnet or the state about the contract for security services related to cable theft and preventing criminal activities against Transnet Freight Rail.

The contract was awarded to Abalozi Security Risk Advisory Services (Pty) Limited (formerly known as General Nyanda Security Advisory Services (Pty) Limited).

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2007 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2007 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” Kganyago said.

Proclamation 183 of 2024

Proclamation 183 of 2024 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration in procuring seven contracts at the Umzumbe Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The tenders under scrutiny include the construction of the Umzumbe municipal offices; rehabilitation of the Qwabe, Cabhane, Mabheleni, Magabha, Sgananda and Ndletshe Roads; construction of Isipofu Access Road; construction work at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre; construction of the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre; construction of the  Ntatshana Access Road and bridge; and the three-year Electrification Turnkey Project (2015 to 2018), by or on behalf of the municipality.

“The SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State. The investigation will also cover any unlawful or improper conduct by municipality officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties.

“Additionally, the probe will examine the performance, poor performance, defective performance, or late performance by the service providers appointed by the municipality regarding the services delivered, performed, or rendered as part of the projects,” Kganyago explained.

The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2013 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2013 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Proclamation 182 of 2024

Proclamation 182 of 2024 directs the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration with two tenders at the Masilonyana Local Municipality.

The investigation will examine whether municipal officials, including service providers, or any other involved parties unduly benefit themselves or others, leading to unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure or financial losses for the municipality.

Kganyago said the contracts under scrutiny include the refurbishment of Brandfort Water Treatment Works and Raw Water Pump Stations; and upgrading of Brandfort Sport Centre Phase II.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 May 2020 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 May 2020 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” Kganyago said.

Proclamation 181 of 2024

Proclamation 181 of 2024 mandates the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration of two tenders in the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlement.

The SIU will investigate contracts including the procurement of, or contracting for,  goods, works and services for the construction of 150 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement: Phase 1 and Evaton, and the procurement of, or contracting for goods, works and services about the construction of 180 walk units at Sicelo Shiceka extension five.

The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to National Treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the municipality or the State.

Kganyago said the Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 April 2017 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 April 2017 and after the date of the Proclamation that is pertinent to the matters under investigation or involves the same persons, entities, or contracts.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” Kganyago explained. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Sun, 09/15/2024 - 09:29

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Justice and Constitutional Development Committee Chairperson Welcomes Legal Sector Code

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, today welcomed the approval of the Legal Sector Code of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act.

Mr Nqola said the Code will go a long way in transforming the sector and will do so speedily. He said drafting the Legal Sector Code started in the previous administration. “This process has paved the way for the legal sector to achieve its B-BBEE objectives and will lead to faster transformation of the sector, which has thus far been very unequal, especially in complex legal matters and state procurement,” he said.

The objectives of the Code, which was approved by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, yesterday, include a target of 50% black representation and 25% black women ownership over five years, as well as management control in executive and board participation. The Code also targets 50% representation of black practitioners and 25% for black women practitioners, particularly as equity partners and associates.

“These targets will clearly drive transformation of the legal sector at a much faster pace than what has been happening up to now,” said Mr Nqola.

The Code is aimed at a skills development target of 3.5% expenditure on training programmes for black candidates. The aim is also to ensure training in specialised skills for black legal practitioners, candidate legal practitioners and black junior advocates within the designated categories: black women, black youth, black people with disabilities, and black people from rural areas. The Code also has a procurement target of 60% for the private sector, and a target of 80% is to be achieved through the specialised procurement scorecard applicable to the public sector.

Mr Nqola said this would ensure black practitioners have better opportunities to specialise in specialised areas of law when the state procures legal services from black legal entities. “This is a step in the right direction. Transformation in this sector has been too slow, leading to black practitioners being overlooked due to either lack of experience or exposure,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreJustice and Constitutional Development Committee Chairperson Welcomes Legal Sector Code

Basic Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson Welcomes Signing of Bela Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education Chairperson, Ms Joy Maimela, today welcomed the signing into law of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.

The BELA Bill was assented into law today by President Cyril Ramaphosa. However, the President put on hold clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill for three months in order to find solutions to those clauses. Should no solutions be found, the Bill will be implemented fully.

Ms Maimela said the legislation has been more than 11 years in the making and is in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the education sector.

Among other things, the Bill makes Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age; provides for penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school; and confirms that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences.

The Bill amplifies the corporal punishment definition and brings in the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) definition because it is constantly used now in the Act and the Bill. The Act further expanded the powers of the courts in dealing with sentencing and penalties by adding that the courts' discretion is best placed to decide such matters in accordance with the CPA, with regards to parents or guardians who disregard the requirement to ensure children are in school.

In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the head of department for approval. The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. “The committee notes that this relates to one of the clauses that the President put on hold for three months. We look forward to the engagement on this but continue to call for the full implementation of the Bill,” the Chairperson said.

In terms of the Bill, home education is allowed but must be regulated in terms of site visits that can happen at any place of choice, should the parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase.

“The committee commends the President for signing into law this very progressive piece of legislation that will see the landscape of schooling in South Africa changing for the better. This is indeed what South Africa needs at this stage,” Ms Maimela said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreBasic Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson Welcomes Signing of Bela Bill

Team Building: Keeping the Window Open

Location: MyPR

We all know the typical team-building experience: Games, presentations, laughter, awkward moments, dinners, drinks and fun. We can return from these events feeling bubbly and energised, but all-too-quickly, the feel-good vibes fade, and we slip back into routines and deadlines. Until the next team build when we hear: “Nothing really changed the last time, but …

Read moreTeam Building: Keeping the Window Open

Government to increase the scale of investment in infrastructure

Location: News

Government to increase the scale of investment in infrastructure

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that the seventh administration is committed to significantly expanding infrastructure investment, as it is crucial for driving economic growth and ensuring efficient service delivery.

The President was briefing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals, and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty. 

“The development of public infrastructure is necessary for effective service delivery and economic development. That is why we are determined as this administration to massively increase the scale of investment in infrastructure. Through this investment, we will turn South Africa into a building site,” the President said. 

However, the President acknowledged that public infrastructure projects that are delayed or abandoned have a negative impact on the ability of communities to access services.   

To address this challenge, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure began the identification of delayed and abandoned projects within its portfolio during the sixth democratic administration.   

Through a Presidential Proclamation in 2019, the Infrastructure Development Act was moved to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.   

The President explained that this enabled the Minister to develop a more holistic approach to infrastructure development in all spheres of government and the private sector through Infrastructure South Africa.   

He highlighted that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has identified a number of key pillars to drive the infrastructure investment process such as institutional arrangements for implementation of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.   

“One of the other pillars is to ensure that there is better preparation and prioritisation of infrastructure projects. Other proposed reforms include multi-year budgeting for infrastructure planning and delivery, and speeding up permitting and approval processes.   

“The task of identifying incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects is being implemented throughout all provinces. The completion of these projects requires dedicated capacity that may not be readily available,” he said.  

To address this, President Ramaphosa said the department has issued calls for various professionals in the built environment to provide expertise to the department as required.   

One of the mechanisms to monitor progress on identified projects at an executive level is the Siyahlola programme.   

“In this programme, site visits are conducted to check the status and plans to complete outstanding work. Follow up visits are also conducted after a few months to ensure that the recovery plans are being implemented,” he said. 

The Siyahlola programme is bringing stakeholders, such as local and district municipalities, together to unblock any issues related to bulk infrastructure and outstanding approvals.   

The programme further demonstrates effective interventions that can be achieved through the District Development Model as all stakeholders are brought in to work on the same goal. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:05

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Read moreGovernment to increase the scale of investment in infrastructure

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

Location: News

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

The police will intensify compliance inspections at all police stations and service points in a bid to continuously improve service offering to communities, said the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

“Our responsibility as a police service is to keep all people living in South Africa safe and as the South African Police Service we will continue to act without fear, favour and prejudice to realise this vision,” said Masemola.

The Commissioner addressed the media in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“The SAPS remains at the coalface of the criminal justice system, and it is upon our members to ensure that the work that they do continues to inspire confidence in the system,” he said, adding that the police’s ongoing operations are yielding the desired results.

This as the police is continuously implementing an “all hands-on deck approach” that leaves no one behind.

“It is a joint effort working closely with other law enforcement agencies, other government departments, the business sector, our community police forum structures and private security.

“At the heart of it all, lies our communities. Through community participation and through the tip-offs that we continue to receive, criminals are feeling the heat. There is no longer much room and space for criminals in all provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape and [the] Eastern Cape to operate because that space has been squeezed,” Masemola said.

According to the Commissioner, ongoing takedowns and the arrests of wanted suspects is sending a firm and stern warning to all criminals that police are hitting the ground running and that the men and women in blue will continue to sniff out criminals.

“We do believe that we are registering progress in destabilising the work of organised crime syndicates as well as ruthless criminals in all forms and shape.

“Since our last briefing four weeks ago, 85 000 more suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder to rape, kidnapping and extortion. This brings the total number of suspects arrested since the launch of Operation Shanela to 850 375.

“During this period, 824 illegal and unlicensed firearms with more than 17 282 rounds of ammunition [were] seized,” the Commissioner said.

Extortions

Regarding extortions, the SAPS is working hard to bring an end to extortion related crimes.

He added that communities should report these crimes to police.

“We have developed an Extortion Action Plan and thus far, we are pleased with the manner in which this plan is being implemented throughout the country. As management, we are particularly encouraged with how our police officers are addressing the crime of extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots. 

“We are following up on tip-offs and information shared through our hotlines and crime stop number. We are fetching each of these extortionists, one by one,” he said.

In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were shot and killed during confrontation with police in various provinces.

The most brazen of these alleged extortionists were in the Eastern Cape in Mthatha where three followed and tailed the National Intervention Unit (NIU) members to their base.

“Our members had been conducting stop and searches in Mthatha during tracing operations and had earlier confiscated firearms from these alleged extortionists. These extortionists indeed got what they were looking for. They shot at our police officers who were ready to defend and assert the authority of the state.”

READ | SAPS  to 'deal decisively' with extortionists

Masemola said the crime of extortion requires a specialised investigative capacity and that is why police have deployed specialist teams led by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), crime intelligence and organised crime units to lead these investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:11

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Read morePolice to intensify operations to root out crime

Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole 

Location: News

Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole 

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Najwa Petersen, who was said to have orchestrated the murder of her husband and music legend Taliep Petersen, has been granted parole.

According to the department, Petersen appeared before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on Wednesday where her parole placement date has been set for 27 November 2024.

“This decision was made in accordance with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which requires that the minimum sentence period be served before parole consideration. 

“The victims were involved in the parole hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB’s decision,” the department explained. 

According to reports, she was found guilty of hiring two hitmen to kill her husband. The judge described her actions as “callous” during her 2008 trial.

The now 63-year-old Petersen began serving a 28-year sentence in 2009 for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“She has participated in various rehabilitation programmes and will now be enrolled in pre-release programmes to prepare her for reintegration into society.” 

In a statement, the department explained that Petersen will serve the remainder of her sentence under the community corrections system, monitored according to parole conditions.

According to the department, normal parole conditions will apply. 

“For example, she is not allowed to leave her magisterial district without informing her parole officer. She is also not allowed to conduct media interviews. Critical to highlight, there is going to be a continuity of restorative justice processes involving the victims of crime with the help of professionals,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:13

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Read moreCorrectional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole 

Matlosana Mall Celebrates Heritage Day by Joining the Upside

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

In honor of Heritage Day, Matlosana Mall is excited to launch a heartwarming campaign that captures the essence of South Africa’s spirit—celebrating resilience, positivity, and the pursuit of happiness. This year, we’re asking a question that resonates with many: “Where do most people find the inspiration and motivation to rise above everyday challenges and discover …

Read moreMatlosana Mall Celebrates Heritage Day by Joining the Upside

Wonderboom Junction Celebrates Heritage Day by Joining the Upside

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

In celebration of Heritage Day, Wonderboom Junction is excited to launch a fresh campaign that captures the essence of South Africa’s vibrant spirit in a unique and inspiring way. This year, we’ve focused on a question that truly resonates with everyone: “Where do most people find the inspiration and motivation to rise above everyday challenges …

Read moreWonderboom Junction Celebrates Heritage Day by Joining the Upside

Finance Committee Resolves to Give Individual Members More Time to Consider Sarb Amendment Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Standing Committee on Finance has resolved to conduct a second round of public hearings on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill [B26-2018], in consultation with the office of the National Assembly Speaker.

The Bill was tabled in 2018 as private member's Bill in the name of a Member of Parliament, Mr Julius Malema. It then lapsed at the end of the 6th Parliament and has since been revived in the 7th Parliament. The first round of the public hearings was held on 18 November 2018.

The committee was briefed today by the Parliamentary Budget Office on its analysis and assessment of the Bill's socio-economic impact.

The SARB Amendment Bill seeks to, amongst other things, amend the South African Reserve Bank Act to make the state the sole shareholder of the shares in the bank and gives powers to the Minister to exercise the rights attached to the shares on behalf of the state. It further seeks to give the Minister of Finance power to appoint directors of the board, instead of board members being elected at an ordinary general meeting.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreFinance Committee Resolves to Give Individual Members More Time to Consider Sarb Amendment Bill

President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector. 

The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

Committee on Home Affairs Agrees to Subject Draft Motion on Regulations on Political Funding Act to Public Participation

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has unanimously resolved that a proposed draft motion in respect to regulations governing the maximum amount of a donation that can be accepted and the threshold amount of donations that must be disclosed must undergo a public participation process to ensure that it is reflective of the will and views of the people.

The draft motion tried to remedy a lacuna in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act of 2014 as confirmed by the Western Cape High Court judgement in the matter of My Vote Counts NPC v The President and others. In making the decision, the committee highlighted the importance of public participation in line with Section 59 (1) of the constitution that compels the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in its processes.

The draft motion proposes that, in terms of section 24 of the Act, the President as soon as reasonably possible, makes regulations regarding the amounts contemplated in section 8(2) and 9(1)(a) of the Act in accordance with the process set out in that Act, and that the President in that regard considers amounts set by items 7 and 9 of Schedule 2 to the Act prior to its amendment by the Electoral Matters Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 14 of 2024), namely:

(i) the amount referred to in section 8(2) (upper limit of donations) being fifteen million rand in a financial year; and

(ii) the amount referred to in section 9(1)(a) (disclosure limit) of the Act being one hundred thousand rand in a financial year.

The committee will in due course communicate avenues that the public can contribute comments to the draft motion.

Meanwhile, the committee adopted a report on the draft notice determining the remuneration of Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years in line with the Determination of Remuneration of Office-Bearers of Independent Constitutional Institutions Laws Amendment Act of 2014.

The committee concurred with the President's determination on the remuneration adjustment of IEC Commissioners, that a retrospective salary increases of 3% be implemented for the 2023/24 financial year and 2.5% for the 2024/25 financial year for the Chairperson and other full-time Commissioners.

The committee will recommend to the National Assembly to approve the notice determining the remuneration of the Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Furthermore, the committee received a presentation from Parliament's Public Education Office on their plans to ensure a rigorous public participation process on the Marriage Bill [B43 – 2023]. The committee intends on undertaking a comprehensive public participation process and the presentation laid a framework that will be followed to ensure that the public participation process that will be undertaken will be inclusive and meaningful.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Home Affairs Agrees to Subject Draft Motion on Regulations on Political Funding Act to Public Participation

Work underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay

Location: News

Work underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay

A team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate will work with municipalities and stakeholders, including Transnet, to prevent truck congestion from the N2 highway leading to the Port of Richards Bay.

This was among the commitments made during a meeting held by the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Departments.

Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, recently met with the management and all categories of staff from both departments working in King Cetshwayo, Zululand and UMkhanyakude Districts.

The meeting aimed to ensure that the two departments work collectively to accelerate the construction of roads and human settlements for the benefit of communities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Duma said the stakeholders have decided to act decisively as the issue of truck congestion is resurfacing. Other stakeholders include the Road Freight Association and Zululand Chamber of Business.

“In addition, we commit to work with Transnet and Richards Bay Bulk Terminal to ensure safe and effective movement of coal destined for exports. Our roads have been damaged and created challenges such as truck related accidents that continue to claim innocent lives.

“There is a special team of traffic officers, uTalagu, that has been assigned to monitor the movements of trucks. Addressing these challenges means that as government we must invest in the development of infrastructure to accommodate the movement of goods and people,” Duma explained.

A need for all stakeholders to work hard to improve the railway networks and tap into aviation and maritime sectors to facilitate the movement of goods, was also emphasised.

He noted that the province is not only a construction site but strategically located along the longest coastline in Africa.

“This means that our economy is driven largely through the transport and logistics sectors based on the two major ports housed in the province, namely the Port of Richards Bay and the Port of Durban.

“Both ports are economically strategic not only to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, but also to the national economy of South Africa since they are linked to the economic heartland of South Africa, Gauteng, via road and rail networks.”

The MEC said the Port of Durban is also a transit point for cross border container traffic for neighbouring countries - a gateway to Southern Africa.

“The Ports of Richards Bay and Durban are important contributors to international trade and a significant enabler for South Africa’s and the province’s economic development. We are working with national government to ensure the expansion of road networks - the N2 and N3, along with our ports,” Duma said.

Apart from speeding up construction of houses for communities, the MEC acknowledged that there will be a growing demand for human settlements and pressure on road networks.

He added that with Richards Bay Industrial Economic Zone being a haven for foreign direct investment and a site for energy infrastructure, the province must be ready to be the host of the 3 000 MW gas-to-power plant to be constructed by power utility  Eskom. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:28

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Read moreWork underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay