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Mchunu sets sights on stronger, trusted police force

Location: News

Mchunu sets sights on stronger, trusted police force

By Sinovuyo Mfiki

South Africa's new Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has outlined a bold agenda aimed at improving the country's law enforcement agencies.

Mchunu addressed the media in Pretoria on Monday on the Ministry’s priorities, following the establishment of the Government of National Unity after the General Elections.

Vowing to tackle crime, restore public trust and improve the effectiveness of the police force, the Minister said he was honoured and humbled to have been given the “enormous responsibility” of ensuring that South Africans are safe and feel safer.

Mchunu said he would implement careful measures to reduce corruption within the ranks of the police and ensure strict faithfulness to ethical standards and accountability mechanisms.

“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control.

“This scenario also requires that we think about what management system is needed overall within the police service, which will enable us to respond effectively to the serious challenge we face. It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary.”

He said central to the strategy is the urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and instil positive ethical values, patriotism and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.

“Uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will remain a top priority. Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken.

“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers. People must respect police officers, have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst. Professionalism in the work of police is also part of police protection mechanism,” said the Minister.

Mchunu said in order to do their work police officers need to work in a conducive environment.

The department was committed to ensuring that police stations are well-resourced and have the necessary tools and vehicles to serve communities effectively.

“Police officer must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force.”

Mchunu said there were plans to update the South African Police Service Act and finalise the National Policy on Policing.

The integration of technologies in police services, Mchunu said, is crucial to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.

“Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities,” said the Minister.

He explained that these tools provide officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations.

“Technology also enhances transparency and accountability and fosters greater public trust. We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring SAPS on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency.” – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 15:30

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Read moreMchunu sets sights on stronger, trusted police force

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Location: News

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says he is concerned about the recent retrenchments in the platinum sector.

“Whilst the mining sector employs 489 000 mineworkers, we have noted with concern the recent retrenchments specifically in the platinum sector. In response to these job losses, we have pulled our social partners together and are in discussions to craft an approach to minimise them,” Mantashe said, delivering the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Budget Vote in Cape Town.

He said significant progress has been made by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) who have formed partnerships with industry players to improve the state of infrastructure to support mining.

“The department is currently drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development  Amendment Act (MPRDA) aimed at ensuring that areas that have been identified as weak and those that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice.

“The amendments will also review the licensing regime to reduce red tape and improve the business environment for investors while keeping in sync with South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” Mantashe said.

He said the amendments are a continuation of the regulatory and policy adjustments initiated during the sixth administration.

“Given South Africa’s endowment with considerable mineral reserves of strategic significance to the global economies, we are convinced that increased exploration will enable the country to meaningfully benefit from its global advantage.

“To enable this the department, guided by the country’s exploration strategy, has in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established an exploration fund to support emerging and junior miners,” Mantashe said.

Government intends to intensify engagements with several fund managers and the investor community to secure additional financing to sustain the fund into the future.

The department has allocated R72 million to fund artisanal and small-scale miners, including women and youth-owned companies.

Mantashe said the health and safety of mine workers remains at the centre of government’s work.“Owing to our strategic partnership with our social partners we have improved our performance towards the zero harm goal,” he said.

The Minister said this is demonstrable in the decline in mine fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases as evidenced by the 49 fatalities being the lowest on record in 2022.

“Although we had set our sights on beating this record in 2023, the regrettable disaster at the Impala Rustenburg that killed 13 mineworkers and many other fatal incidences contributed to the regression resulting in 53 fatalities reported in 2023.

“We have also noted with great concern the emerging trend of fatalities related to motor accidents and disasters involving illegal miners. 

“To this end, the department has entered into an agreement with the industry on the development of minimum standards and guidelines to mitigate against road fatalities, while intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the Minister said.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the department has been allocated at least R8.84 billion, of which R6.4 billion is earmarked for transfers to public entities, municipalities, and other institutions or implementing agents. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:19

477 views
Read moreRetrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.

The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i

This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.

“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.

The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.

“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.

“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.

Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.

The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.

“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.

“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.

Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.

“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.

“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.

The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.

She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.

Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.

“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.

"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.

“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.

“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34

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Read more‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest

Location: News

Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest

The Gauteng Provincial Government says it fully accepts the judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest handed down by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.

The inquest, which was established in July 2021, sought to investigate the criminal liability for the deaths of 141 mental healthcare users from Life Esidimeni.

Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo has determined that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the then Mental Health Director, Dr Makgabo Manamela, can be held accountable for the deaths of some Life Esidimeni patients.

In 2016, the Gauteng Department of Health moved the deceased from Life Esidimeni – a long-term psychiatric care hospital, which provided highly specialised chronic care to mental healthcare users to NGOs, which Teffo described as “ill-equipped” and “inexperienced” to give proper and adequate care.

This conduct, the judge said, led to “regrettable and unfortunate deaths, some of which could have been avoided”.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said: “We are pleased this process that brought so much pain and suffering to those who lost their loved ones, as well as the survivors whose human rights were grossly violated by this tragedy is nearing its end. 

“This judgement closes a painful chapter, not only for the affected families but for us as the Gauteng Provincial Government.”

The judgement follows an arbitration process led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke that was established in 2018 and culminated in an arbitration award for the victims of the tragedy. 

Moseneke gave the provincial government a list of 134 people after he concluded that families should each receive payments of R1 million in constitutional damages from government. 

According to the provincial government, all claimants were paid R159 460 000 within the time that was stipulated by Justice Moseneke in his report.

“The only payments that are still outstanding are for the survivors who were not part of the initial arbitration process.” 

The provincial government said it was currently administering these claims. 

However, the claimants will only receive 50% of the claims upon successful verification. The other half will be held in trust on behalf of the mental healthcare user, which aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act 17 of 2002.

“As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are confident that the National Prosecuting Authority will take this judgement forward and we await the conclusion of this matter,” the Premier said. 

Way forward

Lesufi added that following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, the provincial government has made concerted efforts to ensure that the rights of mental healthcare users are promoted and safeguarded. 

“As part of ongoing measures to strengthen mental health care in Gauteng, the provincial government undertook to ensure that the five district Mental Health Review Boards (MHRB) are functional and effective.” 

The MHRBs are made up of 27 people with diverse expertise which include legal practitioners, mental healthcare practitioners, and community members with a proven record of community development and involvement.

In response to the growing need for mental health services, the provincial government said it has prioritised the refurbishments and repurposing of some of its healthcare facilities to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.

According to the provincial government, several facilities have since been refurbished and opened to ensure enough acute mental health beds in hospitals and to increase mental health resources, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services. 

These facilities include Bertha Gxowa, South Rand, Tshwane District, Tembisa, Edenvale, Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. 

The newly opened Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic offers a basket of free services for mental health patients ranging from counselling, social work services, dual diagnosis services as well as psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents.

“The provincial government sympathises with the bereaved and affected families and understands that the Life Esidimeni inquest was incredibly important for families to find closure and for accountability,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:48

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Read moreLesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest

More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Location: News

More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Thirteen more National Assembly committees have elected their respective chairpersons on Wednesday.

This followed Tuesday’s committee meetings where 16 committees elected their chairpersons.

The members elected to serve as committee chairpersons include:
•    Portfolio Committee on Tourism - Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
•    Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements - Albert Mammoga Seabi.
•    Standing Committee on the Auditor-General - Wouter Wessels.
•    Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure - Carol Phiri.
•    Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Dr Zweli Mkhize.
•    Portfolio Committee on Police - Ian Cameron.
•    Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture - Joseph McGluwa.
•    Portfolio Committee on Higher Education - Walter Tebogo Letsie.
•    Standing Committee on Appropriations - Mmusi Maimane.
•    Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) - Songezo Zibi.
•    Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development – Masefako Clarah Dikgale.
•    Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition - Mzwandile Masina.
•    Portfolio Committee on Agriculture - Dina Pule.
•    Portfolio Committee on Land and Rural Development - Tsakani Goodness Shiviti.
•    Portfolio Committee on Social Development - Bridget Masango.
•    Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy - Nomkhosi Mvana.
•    Portfolio Committee on Women - Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa.

The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation postponed its meeting to a later date when it will elect a chairperson.

“The election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for Members of Parliament to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business of Parliament, which requires the attention of committees,” Parliament said.

The National Council of Provinces will elect their respective chairpersons on Thursday and Friday.
National Council of Provinces elects Deputy Chairperson

Meanwhile, during its plenary session on Tuesday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) elected Poobalan Govender to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the Council.

A permanent delegate to the NCOP from KwaZulu-Natal, Poobalan, who is representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, joined the NCOP in the seventh Parliament.

Poobalan has been a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature since 2014 and served on various committees, including Social Development, Economic Development and Tourism.

As NCOP Deputy Chairperson, he will assist the Chairperson in undertaking her duties, providing strategic leadership and will fill in if the Chairperson is unavailable.

This includes representing Parliament in international multilateral forums and the NCOP in international bilateral forums. The Deputy Chairperson also presides over the meetings of the Council when delegated by the Chairperson when she is not available.

During the same sitting, the Council also elected Denis Ryder as the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight and Bhekizizwe Radebe as the House Chairperson for International Relations and Members’ Support.

Kolobe Regina Molokomme who is a Permanent Delegate to the NCOP representing Limpopo, was appointed as the Programming Whip.

The NCOP Programming Whip oversees the programme of the House and works jointly with the Presiding Officers to allocate plenary sessions for debates, consideration of legislation and Select Committee reports.

The Council also designated the NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chief Whip, Kenneth Mmoiemang, and delegates, Advocate Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, and Nicholas Gotsell to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

In terms of the Magistrates Act of 1993, the Council designated the following members to serve on the Magistrates Commission:
•    Solomon Patrick Mabilo: (Ms Desery Fienies, alternate);
•    Makhi Feni (Ms Mary Ndlangisa-Nodada, alternate); and
•    Sylvia Nxumalo (Mr Mtikeni Patrick Sibande, alternate).

Mtshweni-Tsipane was elected as a permanent trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, with Advocate Nonkonyana as an alternate.

The rules of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund require that, following general elections, Permanent Delegates to the NCOP must elect one Permanent Delegate as trustee and one that will serve as an alternate on the Board. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:30

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Read moreMore National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Accounting officers must be accountable for non-payment of service providers

Location: News

Accounting officers must be accountable for non-payment of service providers

Accounting officers must be held accountable for the non-payment of service providers, says Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.

“Consequence management should be instituted against Accounting Officers who fail to pay service providers within 30 days upon receipt of an invoice,” he said.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said the non-payment of service providers in some instances result in some workers not receiving their salaries and loans not serviced.

He added that while there has been some improvement in paying service providers, more still needs to be done.

A recent report by National Treasury showed that in the 2023/24 financial year, national and provincial government departments had overall regressed in paying invoices to suppliers within the required 30 days.

“According to the report, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by the national departments was 108 917 to the rand value of R4.6 billion as at end of the financial year.

“This indicates an improvement of 2 365 or 2% when compared to invoices paid after 30 days by national departments in the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to 111 282 invoices to the rand value of R4.1 billion,” he said.

Gxoyiya said the National Treasury report indicates the number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid by national departments at the end of March 2024 amounting to 1 427 invoices to the value of R53 million.

READ | Government departments fail to pay suppliers within 30 days

Provincial departments contributed 70% of invoices paid after 30 days.

“A total of 253 151 invoices amounting to R30.5 billion were paid after 30 days, representing a regression of 21 371 invoices or 9% when compared to the number of invoices paid after 30 days by provincial departments in the 2022/23 financial year which amounted to 231 780 invoices to the rand value of R29.3 billion.

“The PSC would like to commend departments who paid invoices on time for their commitment is ensuring that service providers are paid within the prescribed period. The non-payment of invoices within 30 days remains a concern to the PSC and a violation of the Public Finance Management Act,” he said.

The PSC said the most common reasons provided by departments for the late and/or non-payment of invoices vary from misfiled, misplaced or unrecorded invoices to inadequate internal control deficiencies.

“The National Treasury has since provided recommendations to assist departments in addressing the identified root causes for late and/or non-payment of invoices and to ensure improvement in compliance with the requirement to pay suppliers’ invoices within the prescribed period of 30 days. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 15:45

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Read moreAccounting officers must be accountable for non-payment of service providers

New Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Location: News

New Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Newly appointed Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, says the department is facing a mammoth task of ensuring that it continues in earnest to usher in, not only hope to citizens, but substantive positive change in their lives.

Meth was speaking during a Ministerial Committee meeting to welcome new principals and to present to them the department’s programme.

Together with Deputy Ministers Phumzile Mgcina and Jomo Sibiya, Meth held a meeting with the Executive Committee, including the department's Acting Director-General, Onke Mjo, and the department’s Deputy Director-Generals.

Monday’s meeting was also attended by heads of the Compensation Fund (CF) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), as well as heads of entities, such as Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE), Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Productivity SA, and National Economic and Labour Council (Nedlac).

In her address, Meth said South Africa is still struggling with the stubborn triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

She said the scourge of unemployment remains a huge hurdle that the country is facing, with the official unemployment rate currently standing at 32.9% while the expanded unemployment rate is at 41.9%, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Quarter 1 of 2024.

“The picture becomes dire when it comes to the youth unemployment rate with youth aged 15 – 24 years standing at 59.7% and youth aged 25 – 34 years standing at 40.7%. These statistics should remind us that the stakes are still high, and we must hasten to strengthen the implementation of interventions to dent the unemployment rate.”
Meth maintained that substantive results can be achieved through an intensive and collaborative mechanism, “that will propel all of us to realise the department's objectives".

Priorities 
 

She said in carrying forth its mandate, the department will be guided by a set of six priorities for the seventh administration, and these are:
•    Priority 1: Put South Africa to work.
•    Priority 2: Build our industries for an inclusive economy.
•    Priority 3: Tackle the prohibitive cost of living.
•    Priority 4: Invest in people.
•    Priority 5: Defend democracy and advance freedom.
•    Priority 6: Better Africa and the World.

“These priorities must find expression in the work of the Department of Employment and Labour family.
“The priority is to create and sustain 2.5 million work opportunities delivering public goods and services in communities; implement a cross-cutting industrial strategy that drives growth and creates opportunity for youth and other unemployed people; tackle the war on poverty by providing comprehensive social security and basic services through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund; and continue enforcement of compliance with the National Minimum Wage across all applicable industries in South Africa,” Meth said.

Through investing in people, the Minister emphasised that the department, as the custodian of employment law, has a responsibility to ensure workplaces that are free of traumatic events and a deterioration in the quality of life of many workers; managing compliance with employment law and Immigration Act; and strengthen relations with stakeholders, internationally and at regional level.

“Ours in the seventh administration is to ensure that we shift gears and embrace the principles brought about by the Government of National Unity (GNU). I require active and impactful participation in the District Development Model (DDM) as that will continue to expand our reach as the department,” Meth said.

The DDM aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with a focus on 44 districts and eight metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation.

She also emphasised the department’s role at the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is a vehicle in building a better Africa and the world. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:29

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Read moreNew Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Gauteng Education commits to implementing Mayibuye Primary School remedial actions

Location: News

Gauteng Education commits to implementing Mayibuye Primary School remedial actions

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has committed to implementing the remedial actions of a Public Protector report into the construction of Mayibuye Primary School.

The report is a result of an investigation into allegations that the functionaries of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) as well as the province’s education department built the school on an old sewer line without conducting a wetland study and spent millions of Rands on an incomplete project.

According to the report, the original cost of the project stood at just over R80 million. However, the revised contract ballooned the cost to an estimated R106 million.

“This report, issued under Section 182(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 8(1) of the Public Protector Act, scrutinises whether the GDID and GDE adhered to legal prescripts and procedures during the construction of Mayibuye Primary School and whether their actions constituted maladministration and undue delay. 

“The investigation found a lack of procedural integrity in the procurement and supply chain management procedures used in building the school. Additionally, the report alleges that a critical wetland study was not conducted before construction began, suggesting further improper conduct and maladministration,” the department said.

The GDE has acknowledged the findings of the report.

“The GDE… is committed to implementing the recommended remedial actions. 

“Such implementation includes ensuring continuous compliance and strict monitoring mechanisms of the Project Plan, which was already provided to the Public Protector on 14 June 2024, to ensure that the school is fully operational in line with the efficient and economic management of the working capital in terms of S 38(1)(c)(iii) of the PFMA,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:40

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Read moreGauteng Education commits to implementing Mayibuye Primary School remedial actions

PSC applauds officials who refuse to accept a bribes

Location: News

PSC applauds officials who refuse to accept a bribes

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has applauded officials who refuse to accept bribes at the country’s ports of entry to South Africa.

“The integrity of officers at South Africa’s ports of entry plays a significant role in combating and preventing bribery and corruption in rendering customs, transport, and immigration services to the public,” said PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.

Addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today, Gxoyiya said this was demonstrated by officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) who refused to take bribes of R200 000 and R50 000 respectively, to allow a truck carrying 614 boxes of semi-manufactured tobacco worth over R6 million to enter the country. 

He said the display of integrity by officials promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.
“The PSC once more applauds the exemplary ethical behaviour displayed by the officials from SARS and the RTMC for refusing to take a bribe at the Beitbridge port of entry,” said the Commissioner.

“Bribery at the ports of entry manifest in various ways, including, but not limited to, facilitation payment, document falsification, preferential treatment and smuggling,” Gxoyiya said, adding that corrupt officials may cooperate with criminal networks to smuggle illicit goods and even enable human trafficking in exchange of bribes.

“In addition, the PSC would like to congratulate the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and officials in her department who were instrumental in the recovery of the R35 million in irregular payments made through SA Tourism's US and South Africa Offices, for services not rendered,” Gxoyiya said.

He said the recovery of the funds demonstrated their commitment in fighting corruption and ensuring that funds allocated to the department are used appropriately in line with the Public Finance Management Act.

“The PSC would like to encourage all public servants across the country to uphold the constitutional values and principles which calls for professional ethics and accountability. These actions will contribute towards building a professional, ethical, and capable public service,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 15:05

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Read morePSC applauds officials who refuse to accept a bribes

Cartoon Network Africa Partners With E-Waste Recycling Authority To Tackle Growing E-Waste Challenge In South Africa

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Cartoon Network Africa, the leading kids’ TV channel in South Africa, is partnering with the local E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) as part of its Climate Champions initiative. The collaboration aims to educate and empower children about the increasing challenge of electronic waste. As a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), ERA is dedicated to improving e-waste …

Read moreCartoon Network Africa Partners With E-Waste Recycling Authority To Tackle Growing E-Waste Challenge In South Africa

Draft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners

Location: News

Draft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners

The publication of the draft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners (THPs) has been welcomed. 

“Since our appointment by former Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla on 13 April 2023, our priority task was to see the implementation of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 2007(Act No. 22 of 2007) realised,” the Interim Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa (ITHPCSA) said in a statement. 

The draft regulations published on 21 June 2024 in a Government Gazette outlines the processes which traditional health practitioners should follow in registering with the Council. 

They provide the details of who qualifies to register with the Council, categories covered by the Act, registration forms, and the fees to be paid by THPs when registering with the interim council.

“It is our goal and commitment that at the proclamation of this draft regulations, all systems for registration of THPs will begin, ushering a new dawn for the recognition and professionalisation of the traditional health practice.”

The review of the draft Traditional Medicine Regulation 2015 was among the tasks the council addressed, which was submitted to the Minister for publication for public comment.

“We invite all interested persons and stakeholders within and outside the sector to submit any substantiated comments or representations on the proposed draft regulations. We also intend to provide contact consultations in all provinces to stakeholders within the sector to provide clarity where there are confusions.” 

This consultation will, according to the Council, be scheduled within the months stipulated in the Gazette to offer people an opportunity to submit their comments.

The ITHPCSA was established to regulate THPs the same way other health practitioners are regulated by Councils such as the Nursing Council of South Africa (NCSA), the Pharmacy Council of South Africa (PCSA) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

“The interim Council is looking forward to constructive discussions with stakeholders and inputs from the public at large.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:23

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Read moreDraft regulations to help regulate the registering of traditional health practitioners

Illegal initiation schools shut in North West clampdown

Location: News

Illegal initiation schools shut in North West clampdown

Over 100 initiates were rescued when the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) closed 17 illegal initiation schools throughout the province.

According to the provincial department, this was made possible through collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC). 

“The shutting down of the schools follows the extensive oversight visits conducted by the PICC across the province, to clamp down on illegal initiation schools since the beginning of the 2024 winter initiation season in line with Section 15 of the Customary Initiation Act No 2 of 2021 (CIA),” the provincial department explained. 

The committee was monitoring compliance in terms of Sections 20, 21, 23 and 24 of the CIA, verifying the qualifications and credentials of initiation school practitioners, principals, caretakers and traditional surgeons. 

“They also inspected the facilities and resources to ensure they meet minimum standards as per Section 30 of the CIA.” 

These operations, the department said, have ensured the safety and health of numerous young initiates.

“The PICC has opened cases at various police stations and the school principals were arrested.” 

PICC Chairperson Kgosi Godfrey Ramosetlho Gasebone has expressed concern over the non-compliance of the initiation school principals which resulted in the increase of illegal schools and the deaths of two initiates. 

Kgosi Gasebone believes the proliferation of illegal initiations is driven by money and greed by individuals who want to extort money from the parents of initiates.

“During our capacity building session which occurred in April 2024, the PICC…[did] its best to engage the school principals across the province about the new customary initiation law and to follow it before establishing the initiations school. This was done to prevent the emergence of illegal initiation schools.

“We are happy that the school principals have been arrested and they will face the full might of the law. We will continue to work with the police to clamp down on these illegal acts until everyone follows the dictates of the CIA,” Kgosi Gasebone added.  

He has also condemned the recent attack on the PICC Deputy Chairperson Andries Stemmer’s son by those running illegal initiation schools. 

“This incident occurred following a community tip-off about illegal initiation schools in Lichtenburg and Coligny, where 13 initiates were found.” 

Other initiatives were rescued from schools in Moretele, Motla, Makapanstad, Kromkuil, Klipgat, Kgabalatsane, Hebron, Letlhabile, Tigane, Goedgevonden, Mahikeng, Mareetsane, Coligny, Boikhutso, Makouspan and Madibogo which were shut down. 

“The rescued initiates were taken to neighbouring clinics and hospitals for further check-ups and assistance.” 

Gasebone maintains that no initiation school will exist without following the prescripts of the CIA, which amongst others included medical check-ups of initiates and acquiring consent from parents of initiates. 

“What is happening is totally unacceptable. It is illegal and shows no regard for life. We appeal to communities to help the department and PICC stops these criminals who abduct schoolboys and initiate them without the knowledge and consent of their parents. The two deaths would have been avoidable,” said Gasebone.
 
Kgosi Gasebone has encouraged those who have been following the Customary Initiation Act to continue to do so and preserve this important tradition. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 13:22

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Read moreIllegal initiation schools shut in North West clampdown

Women Ministry denounces acts of violence against the elderly

Location: News

Women Ministry denounces acts of violence against the elderly

The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has welcomed the arrest of a 19-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his grandmother.

The teenager was arrested by the police in the Western Cape after being seen assaulting his grandmother in a video that went viral on social media.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred last month at the grandmother’s home, and at that time, officers were summoned to the scene. However, the family refused police assistance.

“The suspect was traced to Wallecedene in Kraaifontein on Wednesday evening. He is expected to appear before the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on a charge of assault,” said police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe.

Chikunga said since the arrest of the perpetrator, the department has reached out to the Western Cape Department of Social Development to address the matter.

“Since then, the Department of Social Development has assigned social workers to the family for psychosocial support,” Chikunga said in a statement on Thursday.

READ | Teen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma

Chikunga restated that an abuse of an older person occurs when any person, in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, does something or fails to do something that causes harm or distress, or is “likely to cause harm or distress to an older person.” 

The department’s Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, is expected to visit the grandmother to offer words of comfort at Karl Bremere Hospital on Friday, 5 July, at 3:30pm.

In line with the Older Persons Act, of 2006, South Africa joined global citizens in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; to protect, promote and maintain the status, rights, well-being and security of older persons. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:16

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NHI Bill Highlights The Crucial Role Of Proper Maintenance In Healthcare Facilities

Location: MyPR

With the signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year, the spotlight on South Africa’s healthcare system has never been more intense. Amidst fears that this bill could precipitate a mass exodus of healthcare professionals and potentially threaten the stability of the healthcare system, there is a renewed …

Read moreNHI Bill Highlights The Crucial Role Of Proper Maintenance In Healthcare Facilities

Trio in court for R153 million VBS corruption matter

Location: News

Trio in court for R153 million VBS corruption matter

The former Municipal Manger and acting Chief Financial Officer of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, together with a businessman, have appeared in court in connection with a VBS corruption matter in which the municipality suffered a loss of at least R153 million.

Former Municipal Manager Risimati Maluleke, the municipality’s Acting Chief Financial officer Nditshedzeni Mashau and businessman, Zwivhuya Goodness Tshishonga, appeared in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The trio face charges of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), corruption and money laundering.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the three are in the dock for their alleged role in “approving an unlawful investment to VBS Mutual Bank since VBS was not a bank as defined in the banks act” – costing the municipality a loss exceeding R153 million.

“It is alleged that the first investment of R100 million matured and yielded an interest amounting to over R4 million. Later, over R48 million was also invested. The investment and the interest were then not paid back to the municipality.

“The investigations revealed that the municipality had illegally invested over R153 million into VBS for 18 months. Furthermore, the Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) recommend that the money should be invested with VBS, instead of using authorised banks,” the NPA said in a statement Thursday.

Malabi-Dzhangi added that the accused allegedly acted in a “a grossly negligent way in contravention of MFMA” and “did not take reasonable steps to ensure that the resources of the municipality were used effectively, efficiently, and economically”.

“It is alleged that Tshishonga received substantial amounts of money into his business account of Real Consulting, in turn, Tshishonga [would] transfer a portion of the money to Maluleke thus disguising the nexus between VBS and Maluleke. In total Maluleke received R62 000 from Tshishonga,” she said.

The three are expected back in court in August. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 10:10

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Read moreTrio in court for R153 million VBS corruption matter

Cabinet will work together to thrash out policy – Ntshavheni

Location: News

Cabinet will work together to thrash out policy - Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has moved to clarify that any policy or significant decision will be taken through Cabinet first before a decision on implementation can be taken.

The Minister was speaking at a media briefing a day after the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the seventh administration on Wednesday.

The ceremony heralded in the Government of National Unity formed by members of eleven different political parties.

The eleven parties to the GNU include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation. 

During the briefing, Ntshavheni was at pains to explain that policy is not decided upon by individual ministers but through Cabinet.

“It should be stressed that both the President and individual ministers are duty bound to take the issues of policy, significant decisions such as decisions with financial consequences exceeding a department’s approved budget and any other matter…. they must take those matters to Cabinet.

“Failure to do so could undermine the validity of such a decision. So there is no single minister who can expropriate a decision of Cabinet or that policy decision to themselves because then that policy will not be valid in terms of the laws of the Republic…as provided for in the Constitution,” she said at Thursday’s briefing in Cape Town.

WATCH | Media briefing on the Government of National Unity 

Doubling down on her emphasis, the minister said as head of the National Executive, President Ramaphosa “exercises the executive authority of the Republic together with other members of the Cabinet and members of the Cabinet are only ministers”.

“In this regard, the President, with the Cabinet he is responsible for, and I’m quoting directly from the Constitution, implementing national legislation unless the Constitution or an Act of Parliament provides others.

“Two, developing and implementing national policy. So, the national policies are not of individual ministers but of Cabinet.”

Ntshavheni noted that although the Constitution provides that Cabinet take collective responsibility, it gives leeway for determination on which matters can be left to individual ministers.

“[It] allows the Cabinet and the President to determine the way and procedures by which they work together, including leaving certain matters or kinds of matters to be dealt with by a single member of Cabinet, meaning a minister.

“Therefore, if a matter is not a routine matter or departmental specific matter or function, it must first be referred to Cabinet as must all matters that Cabinet itself has decided should come to it. In general, if a matter is not a routine matter it must be referred to Cabinet for its consideration by way of a Cabinet Memorandum,” she explained.

The Minister said the President can also determine when a decision that has been referred to him should be discussed in Cabinet first.

“This envisages that the President himself may determine that a President’s Minute referred to him for signature…should in fact go to the Cabinet first and, accordingly, refer it back to the Minister to take to the Cabinet.

“This is an approach which is accepted by the Cabinet as its way of “acting together with the President” when he exercises executive authority under the Constitution,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 13:27

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Read moreCabinet will work together to thrash out policy – Ntshavheni