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The bustling city of Johannesburg is a hub for a variety of industries, and the food sector is no exception. Whether you’re running a restaurant, a catering business, or a bakery, finding reliable suppliers is crucial to ensuring the success of your enterprise. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of sourcing …
Whether you’re managing a hotel, a lodge, a mining camp, or simply outfitting your home with the best, the quality of your bedding plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort and satisfaction. From bed wraps to duvet cover sets, every detail counts in creating an exceptional sleep environment. In this blog, we will explore the …
Public comment sought on rhino management plan
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has published a notification in the Government Gazette on the revised Biodiversity Management Plan for Black and White Rhino in South Africa.
“The Black and White Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) aims to provide a strategic approach and detailed action plan to conserve rhino in South Africa; and for engaging with the relevant range States.
“The revision of the BMP consolidates previous work done at policy and planning level on rhino management into a single integrated tool in order to usher in a whole-of-society approach in the interest of both the rhinos and the people of South Africa,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Tuesday.
The notice was published in the Government Gazette in terms of section 46 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004), for public comment.
Members of the public are invited to submit written representations on or objection on the revised Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), within 30 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last, to the following addresses:
By post to: The Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Ms Humbulani Mafumo
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083.
By email: conservationmanagement@dffe.gov.za
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:30
In 2022 the High Court ruled that the fund could not withhold payments for past medical expenses covered by medical aids
Neil Matthews, a 46-year-old businessman from Gardens, Cape Town, is pioneering a vital initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa—where the rates of violence against women and children are among the highest globally. At his day job at YAXXA, a business solutions company, Matthews is leveraging his professional resources and personal passion to …
But tribunal finds that it is gross negligence to fail to deliver 27 judgments within accepted time-frames
But judge puts strict conditions on the way the eviction must be carried out and emphasises that the city also belongs to the evictees, as it does to those who live in mansions
As the winter season approaches, immune systems can be compromised as cold and flu viruses abound. When looking for ways to boost immunity, the first thing that comes to mind for many is upping one’s intake of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Zinc. However, the link between gut health and immunity is often …
The conditions were near-perfect as some 172 swimmers competed in the 1 Mile, 4 Mile, and 8 Mile events at the Oceans 8 Charity Swim which took place at Durban Undersea Club on 15 and 16 June. This annual fundraiser saw more than R800k raised for 14 local charities – with donations still coming in. …
NATJOINTS satisfied with security measures for inauguration
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says it is satisfied that all security measures that have been put in place ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony are sufficient and adequate.
NATJOINTS has played a pivotal role in the run-up to this momentous occasion for the country.
this from ensuring that the 2024 National and Provincial Elections took place in a safe and secure environment, where citizens from all walks of life were able to cast their vote, to securing the first sitting of the National Assembly and the nine Provincial Legislatures.
“This is a clear demonstration of our country’s law enforcements capabilities and competence. The smooth running of these events without any disruptions and with minimal incidents reported throughout the country during this period, bears testament that the security forces of this country are fully equipped, are equal to task and stand ready to prevent, combat and enforce the law,” NATJOINTS said in a statement.
“Our integrated NATJOINTS plan is designed to focus on venue security, route, transport, traffic control, sea, land, airport, border, accommodation security as well as crowd management capabilities.
“This plan involving various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency is currently being implemented in all corners of the Gauteng province where the Presidential Inauguration is taking place.
“We have heightened police visibility, where all operational units are on the ground to ensure that we assert the authority of the State,” NATJOINTS said.
NATJOINTS said it is leaving nothing to chance and has already begun to deal with criminality, with the arrest of a foreign national at the accreditation centre on Monday.
At the time, the Zimbabwean national attempted to obtain accreditation.
“Our integrated systems immediately detected that this individual was using an identity document of a deceased person. The suspect has been charged with fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is in police custody.
“We have our high, medium and low risk units all deployed to execute their respective mandate within the confines of the law,” NATJOINTS said.
Traffic officials from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police Departments have been deployed at all key points to direct traffic and execute road safety measures.
They are working closely with members of National Traffic officials who have been communicating on the road closures and alternative routes.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has also deployed its crime prevention officers and Public Order Policing units to police the large crowds that are expected to attend these celebrations.
“We are patrolling, conducting stop and searches and roadblocks to ensure we tighten security and deal with any criminality,” NATJOINTS said.
Members of the public wishing to attend the Presidential Inauguration will be able to park their vehicles at the Tshwane Showgrounds and ride a free bus to the Union Buildings.
There will be no private vehicle access to the union buildings. The park and ride shuttles will commence at 3am to 06:30am this morning.
The public walking in will have access to the Union Buildings South Lawns through a security checkpoint.
All attendees are encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly and in an orderly manner.
The following items are prohibited:
* Dangerous weapons such as firearms and sharp weapons.
* No traditional weapons, including traditional spears and knobkerries will be allowed.
* No alcoholic beverages.
* No cooler boxes.
* No fireworks.
* No glass bottles.
* No drones.
Members of the public are reminded that before entering the South Lawns, they will be searched and anyone found with these items will be turned away.
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and parents who wish to bring their young children along must ensure strict supervision.
The Department of Social Development has set up a tent to reunite children who have separated from their guardians during the event.
The SAPS has also established a Venue Operations Centre (the VOC), where all safety and security responses will be coordinated from.
Emergency medical services also form part of the VOC and are on standby to attend to any medical emergencies.
The area around the Union Buildings has been declared a restricted no-fly zone for 20 nautical miles until Wednesday evening at 16:00pm.
“Our air support and air space security task teams, which includes the SAPS Airwing, the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force are monitoring the airspace to ensure that no unauthorised drones and aircrafts enter the restricted air space.
“As the NATJOINTS, we stand ready to stamp the authority of the State and to deal with any lawlessness. No disruptions and unbecoming behaviour will be tolerated.
“We continue to urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in any form of pictures, audios, or videos that incite violence and create disunity. Our intelligence communities continue to monitor various platforms for inflammatory messages and statements,” it said.
NATJOINTS warned that those who are found to be engaging themselves with online mobilisation for unrest and violence will be charged under the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:24
SA marks Inauguration Day
The final touches have been made and the day has arrived for President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa to take the Oath of Office at the seat of government – the Union Buildings – this morning.
Ramaphosa was elected to the highest office in the land during a sitting of the National Assembly on Friday.
"This is a historic juncture in the life of our country, which requires that we must work and act together to entrench our Constitutional democracy and the rule of law, with a clear intent to build a South Africa for all its people.
“It is with this in mind that I hereby declare that I accept the mission you are giving me. To work with you all to serve the people of South Africa,” he said at the time.
The President-elect will lead South Africa’s seventh administration since the dawn of democracy. This follows the general elections held on 29 May 2024.
Celebration
The South Lawns of the Union Buildings is expected to be a sea of music and dance this morning as local artists will perform ahead of the start of the formal proceedings.
“The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa’s cultural diversity with our guests.
“This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy,” the Presidency said in a statement.
READ | Free park and ride for the Presidential inauguration
The cultural programme will be followed by the formal ceremony which will feature ceremonial elements from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
These elements include:
At a state of readiness briefing held over the weekend, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, reflected on the importance of the Inauguration.
“The Inauguration [brings] together South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and political orientation, united in our diversity.
“It offers us an occasion to celebrate our democratic values and system of governance, including the agreed commitment of our body politic that the Seventh Administration will be one led by a Government of National Unity,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:27
IEC clears results dashboard confusion
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has moved to clear any confusion regarding its results dashboard update related to the National and Provincial Elections held last month.
“The Electoral Commission notes the conversation and some confusion with the update of the Elections Dashboard last week to reflect the total number of votes from the two National Assembly ballots and final seat allocation (out of 400 seats) for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” the electoral body said.
The electoral body explained that the change to the results dashboard is done to ensure that the “regional strength” of political parties is taken into account.
“In the 2024 elections, registered voters received two ballots for the National Assembly elections: 1 National ballot and 1 Regional ballot. [The] 3rd election ballot was for the provincial elections. Just over 16 million registered voters voted, casting some 31.92 million ballots across the 9 regional and 1 national ballot.
“The Electoral Act prescribes that for the calculation of compensatory seats, both national compensatory (N) ballots and regional (R) ballots are taken into account. Hence the demotion of N + R on the results dashboard.
“This is done to ensure that the allocation of compensatory seats take into account the regional strength of all political parties - thus, meeting the proportional representation in general demanded by the constitution,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 09:54
All systems go for Youth Day commemoration
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Presidency and Limpopo Provincial Government are ready to host the commemoration of Youth Day on Sunday.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.
The 2024 Youth Day and Youth Month aim to promote the Sport for Youth Development (S4YD) agenda as a tool for social cohesion and solidarity in South Africa.
The 2024 commemoration of Youth Month, which will be held under the theme “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains of our democracy”, will have added significance as it coincides with the celebration of 30 years of freedom.
NYDA Executive Chairperson, Asanda Luwaca, said among other key areas, this year’s Youth Month focuses on sports for development of the youth and the nation.
Various developmental activities that will be held around the country in the lead up to Youth Day.
As this year’s Youth Month is anchored around the role of sport as a transformative tool to build an inclusive and socially cohesive society, Luwaca said the proposed intervention is for government across all spheres to identify various sporting codes that will feature in programmes and projects planned to commemorate the Youth Month.
Luwaca said the NYDA will be hosting the National Youth Day Careers and Opportunities Expo in Polokwane.
“Over the last two years and post-COVID-19 pandemic there has been a reimagining of what the commemorative days ought to look like as previous Youth Day approaches were no longer relevant to young people.
“The focus has instead been on having a large-scale career and opportunities expo for young people that offer as many live opportunities as possible. This is more relatable to young people, as this is what interests them – opportunities for study, volunteerism, service, employment, and entrepreneurship,” Luwaca said.
She said the expo will include “opportunity providers” from the private sector, government departments, civil society, academia, and development partners.
“It is important that young people are provided with platforms to access opportunities for their personal development, so that they can become active participants in the economy,” Luwaca said.
The agency has confirmed over 110 opportunity providers to be joining the National Youth Day commemoration to be held at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane from 9am.
Other programmes taking place in Limpopo are anchored on the provision of access to opportunities as well as celebrating youth excellence.
Certification ceremony of young welders
Meanwhile, the NYDA, in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Labour and Employment will today host the certification ceremony of young welders who have completed their accredited welding courses.
This ceremony will take place at Fhulufelo Secondary School, where young people will also be given their start up toolboxes for their personal enterprises and cooperatives.
The agency will also on 15 June support the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture at its annual Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Expo to be held at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 09:32
Traditional leaders commend successful elections
The National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (NHTKL) has congratulated South Africans on the successful, free and fair elections.
This after millions of South African citizens participated in the peaceful process of democratic civic expression, making their voices heard through the ballot in the General Election held last month.
NHTKL chairperson, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, said in keeping with the principles of a seasoned democratic nation, the 2024 National and Provincial Elections reflect a maturing multiparty democracy in practice.
Seatlholo said given that no party has achieved an outright majority, this mandates all elected political parties to work together, as per the wishes of the people.
He said the NHTKL was encouraged by the maturity of the country’s party politics, as demonstrated during the campaigning phase.
“To this end, we call on all parties to honour their individual and collective responsibilities of ensuring the establishment of the 7th democratic Parliament and Provincial Legislatures, based on a solemn commitment to advance the gains and interests of all South African people.
“On behalf of the traditional communities in particular, we, as the institution representative of their will and aspirations, advocate for the formation of a government that recognises traditional leadership as a vital pillar in our constitutional democracy and a custodian of diverse cultures as well as traditions,” Seatlholo said.
Seatlholo said the institution of traditional leadership, working together with government and the private sector, has recorded notable progress in the development of traditional communities.
The chairperson said the formation of a new government is also an opportunity to consolidate the gains and accelerate inclusive rural development, as espoused by the Traditional and Khoi San Leadership Act, the 2019 InvestRural strategy, the Developmental Monarchy approach, as well as Agrarian Revolution.
He emphasised that traditional leadership cannot remain outside of building the country through the formation of the 7th Administration.
Seatlholo said the NHTKL was eager to work with a government that is sensitive to the land question, respects and honours the history and role of traditional leadership, noting that the liberation struggle was rooted in the struggle for land, which was inherited from traditional leaders; respects the institution of traditional leadership, its place, and its relevance within the democratic dispensation, and appreciates the role of traditional leadership as custodians of culture and custom in shaping identity in a plural society, and the significance of customary law.
“The National House would like to highlight its eagerness to work with a government that recognises the role that the institution of traditional leadership plays in supporting the ideals of cooperative governance, which is the foundation of effective, interrelated spheres of government, and promotes social cohesion, nation building, the fight against GBVF [Gender-Based violence and Femicide], poverty, crime, and other social ills.
“Traditional leadership makes a humble submission that the new government must give rise to the implementation of the different programmes of the institution that seek to bring the marginalised poor people in rural areas to the mainstream in order to benefit from government interventions,” Seatlholo said.
The institution noted the voices of civil society and other stakeholders expressing their respective positions and making inputs into the process of forming the new government, which is currently unfolding.
It further expressed confidence in the leadership engaged in the negotiations geared towards the country’s future, and encouraged inclusivity, with the hope that "each will not be ruled by narrow interests or be bullied by forces outside of what is best for our country and its people".
“While no single direction will please everyone, the outcome has to inspire confidence and be in the interest of the majority of South Africa’s people,” Seatlholo said.
The NHTKL is a body composed of traditional leaders, who are delegates from the Provincial Houses. The traditional leadership represents over 20 million South Africans who reside in communities under the leadership of the institution. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:22
New dispensation needed to improve water and sanitation service provision
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says a new dispensation is needed in the water and sanitation sector to certify proper water management and propel the country to greater heights that will realise water security for future generations.
Mchunu was speaking at the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Conference, currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban.
The three-day WISA Conference has brought together over 1 500 academics, professionals, industry experts and law makers in the water and sanitation fields to discuss key issues and challenges in the water sector.
The 2024 conference, held in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water, aims to discuss and come up with sustainable solutions to the challenges within the water sector.
Mchunu said the current state of water and sanitation services has challenged government and its partners to turn things around, and set high standards for the water and sanitation sector.
“To a certain extent, water resource management has not received the attention it deserves, and the reality is visible with the deterioration of the water quality of our rivers.
“This is mainly due to pollution emanating from mining activities, industry, agriculture and to a greater extent, from dysfunctional municipal wastewater systems,” Mchunu said.
In an attempt to address this problem, Mchunu said the department has established a national anti-pollution structure that will work with the department to curb pollution of the country’s rivers and dams.
The Minister emphasised that water resource management is more than just a technical challenge, but a societal imperative.
“Water resources are the lifeblood of our nation, underpinning our health, our economy, and our environment,” Mchunu said.
Catchment Management Agencies
During the conference, Mchunu launched four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
They are the Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agencies.
They will be working alongside the already existing Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu CMAs.
The establishment of the CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
The agencies will be responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management, and control of all the water resources in a water management area (WMA) at the catchment level.
They also ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning, and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.
These responsibilities require that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area work with CMAs as partners.
In acknowledging the effects of climate change, Mchunu said the department is an important contributor to building a climate-resilient future through continuous strategising and effective provision of water and sanitation services.
“CMAs, at local level, will bring together stakeholders to build capacity around creating a climate resilient environment. We are confident that the rationalisation will still achieve the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principle of decentralisation of water resource management to local level and contribute to the transformation of the water sector,” Mchunu said. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 11:31
Tobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age
The prevalence of smoking in South Africa remains high compared to other countries, with an average of 8.5 cigarettes smoked per day by daily smokers.
This information is based on the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report, released by the Department of Health on Thursday.
Based on the most recent data from GATS, sampled from 7 245 households, it was found that the prevalence of tobacco use in South Africa is 29.4%.
The data also revealed that a higher percentage of men (41.7%) are currently using tobacco compared to women (17.9%).
Lead investigator, Dr Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), stated that 21.2% of adults in South Africa smoke daily, while 4.6% smoke occasionally.
The highest prevalence of tobacco is found in the Northern Cape, followed by the Western Cape, while the lowest is in Limpopo.
Shifting her focus to the age of initiation of tobacco use, Egbe said the average age of initiation was 17.6 years old among adults aged between 20 and 34.
Meanwhile, 20.9% of urban residents and 13.5% of rural residents initiated smoking before the age of 15.
In addition, Egbe stated that 33.9% of daily tobacco users smoke within five minutes of waking up.
E-cigarettes and hookah pipe
Meanwhile, 2.2% said they were currently using e-cigarettes, of which 3.8% are men and 0.7% are women.
Of those using e-cigarettes, 70.3% cited enjoyment, 67.5% cited flavour, 45.1% perceived it as less harmful than tobacco, while 43.5% said their use was influenced by friends or family members who use e-cigarettes.
The study also found that 3.1% of adults reported smoking hookah pipe or hubbly bubbly.
“The mean age of initiation for those who have ever smoked water pipe was 21.1 years,” Egbe said.
For those aged between 15 and 24, the average age of initiation was 17.3 years old.
Quitting
Among adults currently smoking tobacco, 80.9% attempted to quit without assistance, 4.1% used pharmacotherapy, and 42.9% received advice to stop from their healthcare provider.
Data also shows that 74.4% of adults who visited public places were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) at bars, taverns, shebeens or nightclubs.
Meanwhile, 19.9% were exposed to SHS at school, 16.0% at tertiary institutions and 11.3% in cafes.
Data indicates that men spent slightly more on cigarettes, R273.20, while women spent around R207.20 monthly.
Government interventions
The Department of Health’s Deputy Director of General Primary Healthcare, Jeanette Hunter, has noted an increase in the use of hookah, e-cigarettes and vapes, particularly among young people.
“Studies have highlighted health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and hookah pipes, hubbly bubbly or shisha, even though they are aggressively marketed as healthier tobacco alternatives,” Hunter said.
She said scientists have provided enough evidence for countries to act and put measures in place to curb the use of these new-generation products.
“It is for this reason that we, as a country, amended the existing Tobacco Product Control Act, Act 83 of 1993 to incorporate the control of the use of electronic delivery systems. This amendment Bill is at the stage of going through Parliamentary processes.”
Hunter also raised concerns about citizens who are now starting to smoke at a younger age.
“Disappointingly, it reveals that a small percentage, only 42.9% of smokers, were advised by a healthcare provider to quit smoking.”
Hunter said the department has since identified the need to establish tobacco cessation programmes in primary healthcare facilities and that the feasibility of such programmes is being explored.
Hunter also highlighted the importance of the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed spaces after it was found that 44.5% of adults in South Africa are exposed to SHS.
Meanwhile, as part of the recommendations, Egbe emphasised the importance of implementing tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and total bans on tobacco advertising and promotion to reduce smoking initiation, particularly among young people.
“Effective strategies to reduce tobacco use, including putting in place more comprehensive laws that are compliant with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, should be implemented to protect more people from exposure to SHS, and provide cessation services to help more people who smoke to quit,” Egbe said.
In addition, Egbe believes that if Parliament were to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022, it would help reduce long-term tobacco use and the burden of tobacco-related diseases. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 12:21
Chikunga commends signing of National Land Transport Amendment Bill into law
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the signing into law of the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009 finally paves the way for e-hailing services operators to apply for operating licences like any other public transport operator.
Chikunga commended the signing into law of the NLTA Bill, 2016, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, bringing to an end a 13-year wait for the amended bill, in order to accommodate e-hailing services.
Chikunga said the department has been developing regulations in parallel to the process of finalisation of the NLTA Amendment Bill by Parliament to address the President’s reservations.
The regulations were drafted, and the public was invited to submit comments through Government Gazette No. 49863. Public comments were received and considered by the department and incorporated where appropriate.
Thereafter, extensive consultation ensued with key stakeholders in the public transport’s space, inclusive of e-hailing services operators and e-hailing applications owners.
Chikunga said these regulations are ready and were awaiting the President to sign the Amendment Bill into law.
“Now that the President has signed the Amendment Bill, regulations will be submitted to the Office of the State Law Advisor for certification and submitted to the Minister for approval. This means that the e-hailing services operators will move away from the interim usage of charter permits and meter taxi operating licences to operating licences,” Chikunga said.
The National Land Transport Act was brought to the President’s desk in 2020 but was sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.
The revised Bill, amongst others, seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport.
Chikunga said the bill amends the National Land Transport Act of 2009 to bring it up to date with developments since the implementation and simplifies various provisions or solves problems that have arisen since the implementation; and makes provisions for non-motorized and accessible transport.
“It also enhances the roles of provinces and municipalities in public transport service contracts and expands the Minister's powers to implement regulations and safety measures as well as streamlines administrative arrangements for operating licences. Furthermore, it amends other transport-related legislation to bring it into line with the NLTA,” Chikunga said.
The Minister added that the NLTA now reflects government’s commitment to a modern, inclusive, and efficient transport system.
“In the whole, the Amendment Bill continues with the process of transformation and restructuring of the national land transport system as envisaged by the NLTA and initiated by the National Land Transport Transition Act, 2000.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 12:22
President Ramaphosa signs three bills into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of Section 79(1) of the Constitution assented to and signed into law the National Land Transport Amendment Bill, the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill and the Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill.
This in accordance with Section 79(1) of the Constitution.
The National Land Transport Amendment Bill
According to the Presidency, the National Land Transport Act was brought to the President’s desk in 2020 but was sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.
“The revised Bill amongst other seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport.
“The amendments bring the Principal Act up to date with new developments and provide for certain powers of provinces and municipalities to conclude contracts for public transport services. It further expands the powers of the Minister to make regulations and introduce safety measures,” the Presidency said.
The Economic Regulation of Transport Bill
The Economic Regulation of Transport Bill seeks to create economic growth and welfare in South Africa “by promoting an effective and productive transport sector”.
“That includes establishing a Transport Economic Regulator responsible for regulating prices in the transport sector, investigate complaints, monitor and enforce compliance in the transport sector.
“The Bill further seeks to establish a single regulatory body to focus on the economic regulation of the transport industry,” the Presidency stated.
The Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill
The Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Amendment Bill according to the Presidency, “seeks to regulate the power of municipalities to levy development charges”.
“It also establishes a system for the municipalities to impose levies for land development applications as a condition for granting or approval of such an application for persons to use or develop land in a municipality.
“The Bill empowers municipalities, where authorised by national legislation, to impose taxes, levies and duties appropriate to local government,” the Presidency concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 09:13
The Department of Social Development has been scrambling to comply with a court order
Families living in Lindokuhle Mnguni informal settlement in Johannesburg say they’re being harassed by police and AmaPanyaza
Operation Shanela nets 1 287 suspects
Operation Shanela has resulted in the arrest of over 1 200 people in the North West.
Police operations, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and role players aimed at preventing and combatting crime, resulted in the arrest of 1 278 suspects for various offences over the 3 - 9 June period.
“The suspects were, among others, arrested for crimes such as rape, murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), house and business robberies, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Of the 1 278 suspects, 379 were apprehended during raids and 52 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by immigration officials.
The arrests were effected during stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers and tracing of wanted suspects, among others.
During the operations, a variety of drugs, 17 cell phones, six firearms, 18 rounds of ammunition and other items were confiscated.
As part of enforcement of the Liquor Act, 1989, a total of 24 illegal liquor outlets / shebeens were shut down.
North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continued efforts to ensure safer communities.
Since inception in May 2023, Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand good dealers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 11:43
Call to end Palestinian suffering
South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, and to end all acts of apartheid and genocide.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group of nations met for a two-day meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform and conflict resolution.
Pandor told her colleagues that South Africa welcomes the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 24 May 2024, ordering Israel to halt military action in Rafah.
“We see the provisional measures ordered by the court thus far as a signal of a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.
“Nevertheless, the injury to International Human Rights Law, inflicted by Israel, remains significant. We, therefore, call on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to also act to ensure accountability for those committing war crimes.”
The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia.
Pandor reiterated South Africa’s call for a two-State solution, which is of the view that it would bring lasting peace and address the root causes of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
“A solution is long overdue, and an agreement must urgently be negotiated. The agreement must result in the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State, based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital that exists side by side, in peace and security with Israel.”
She also echoed the country’s firm support for the full membership of Palestine as a member State of the United Nations (UN).
“Please allow me also to again emphasise the urgent need for BRICS to contribute to the reform of the UN Security Council. The inability of the Security Council to act and respond effectively to conflict situations such as in Gaza further supports the sentiments of this urgent call to reform.”
She called on all UN member States to support Africa’s call for the historic injustice committed against the continent to be “remedied” through an acknowledgement of the role it plays in current global affairs.
Delaying reform of the Security Council, she said, presents serious negative implications for the multilateral system, undermining the credibility of global peace and security and threatening to reverse the gains made in the past 78 years.
“Please allow me to conclude my intervention today with a sincere call to all of us to capitalise on the current opportunities for partnership in this meeting and to tackle global challenges that stand in our way towards a stronger and more empowered global South in a stable multipolar world.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 13:37
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation