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Warning against Employment Equity misrepresentation

Location: News

Warning against Employment Equity misrepresentation

The Department of Employment and Labour has warned employers against misrepresenting their Employment Equity (EE) status. 

The department’s Statutory and Advocacy Services Chief Director, Advocate Fikiswa Bede, said a number of employers risk being taken to courts over misrepresentation on their employment equity status.

Bede said, in addition to imposing fines, the department will also be taking a number of employers to court and lay criminal charges. 

“The Employment Equity Act allows us to go to court. I hope no one wants to have a criminal record. We are now seriously looking at pursuing the criminal route,” Bede said.

Bede noted that Chief Executives of companies are responsible for signing-off the EE plans.

She said the department has been doing its own monitoring and will no longer accept EE reports as the gospel truth. 

Just like the Chief Executives, Bede said EE managers and EE Forum members have a duty to ensure compliance and as such they will also need to be held accountable.

Bede was speaking during the Employment Equity Dinner and Awards ceremony, held in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Thursday night.

The department hosted the EE awards to reward employers complying with the legislation and also aimed to promote compliance with EE legislation. 

Employers bestowed with recognition were selected from a sample of 91 employers from various sectors who were judged against their own approved EE plans, and the number was reduced to nine. 

She emphasised the department is not interested in getting money from employers but ensuring compliance.

She said the inspectorate would be invoking Section 61, where some of the elements of the section states that “no person may – obstruct or attempt to improperly influence any person who is exercising power or performing a function in terms of this Act; or knowingly give false information in any document or information provided to the Director-General or a labour inspector in terms of this Act.”

Employment and Labour Inspector General, Aggy Moiloa urged employers to comply and not allow themselves to be pushed or force be exerted on them to comply. 

“Judging by the annual reports of the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE), the work of the inspectorate is cut out. We have some mileage to cover,” Moiloa said. 

Moiloa commended the award recipients, emphasising that workplaces should be centres to harvest talent.

“These are ground breakers, trend setters who give us hope that there are institutions that are willing to comply,” Moiloa said. 

Award categories 

Ministerial award (performing inspectors): Albert Mabokela; Lesego Maema; Edward Manana;
Ministerial Award Gold: Clientele Legal; Sherwood Spar; Shoprite Cherkers Pty Ltd;
Ministerial Award Silver: Le Roux; Medicus Shoes; Pine Lake Marina Pty Ltd; and
Ministerial Award Bronze: Braitex Tensilon Pty Ltd; Toscana Herbs and Fresh Produce Pty Ltd.

The category on affirmed employers, who showed progress was awarded to Footgear (Pty) Ltd; Ackermans A Division of Pepkor Trading (Proprietary) Ltd; Sasol Limited and Samsung Electronics South Africa Production (Pty) Ltd.

Other affirmed employers included Gautrain Management Agency; Mediclinic South Africa; Blunden Coach Tours; Rockwell Automation; Machinery Plant Hire cc and Sishen Iron Ore Company PTY LTD. -SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 10:14

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Divorce Amendment Bill signed into law

Location: News

Divorce Amendment Bill signed into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill, which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.

Currently, Muslim couples who choose to marry according to Islamic law can only be afforded the statutory protection of the South African legal system as it pertains to civil spouses if they, in addition to their marriage under Islamic law, register a civil marriage.   

“The amended legislation addresses shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979, which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women. 

“The amendments enacted by the President provide for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage," the Presidency said on Thursday. 

The new legislation is a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment that recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:32

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President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech

Location: News

President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his approval to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech. 

The law also outlines the prosecution process for individuals who perpetrate these offences.

“This legislative measure gives effect to South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with international law obligations,” the Presidency explained in a statement on Thursday. 

According to the statement, the Constitution sets out certain basic values, including human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms and non-racialism and non-sexism.

The Bill of Rights, in Section 9 of the Constitution, prohibits direct or indirect unfair discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

“The Bill of Rights gives everyone the right to dignity and gives everyone the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.”

The President’s Office explained that the new Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act provides for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech, effective enforcement measures, and the gathering and recording of data on hate crimes and hate speech.

“A hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence under any law that is motivated by prejudice or intolerance based on one or more characteristics or perceived characteristics of the victim, as listed in the legislation or a family member of the victim.”

The definition of the crime, the Presidency said, extends to offences targeting the victim’s association with or support for a person with one or more of the listed characteristics or a group of persons who share these characteristics.

“The offence of hate speech applies to any person who intentionally publishes, propagates, advocates, shares or communicates anything to one or more persons in a manner that could reasonably be construed to demonstrate a clear intention to be harmful or to incite harm and to promote or propagate hatred based on defined grounds.

“The law also makes it an offence when speech material is intentionally distributed or made available in electronic communication, and the said person knows that such electronic communication constitutes hate speech.” 

However, the law does not consider actions undertaken in good faith during engagement as part of hate speech.

These actions include artistic creativity, performance or other form of expression; academic or scientific inquiry; and fair and accurate reporting or commentary in the public interest. 

It also excludes interpretation and articulating or espousing of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writing that does not advocate hatred or constitutes incitement to cause harm.

The law also contains directives on training and other measures to be undertaken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure effective processing of the newly defined crimes. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:39

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George building collapse: numbers revised

Location: News

George building collapse: numbers revised

A total of 81 construction workers have been confirmed to have been on site at the time a building collapsed in George Municipality in the Western Cape on Monday.

The revised number was confirmed on Thursday following a previous report of 75 people having been reported to have been on site when the incident happened.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi visited the site of the collapsed building, where he interacted with the local and provincial government to get an update from rescuers and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors from the department, who were dispatched to the site.

Briefing media, Nxesi said the police are currently "in control” at this stage and will be allowed to do their own work unhindered until their investigation is complete.

“At some stage, once they are done with their work, the police will hand over to the Department of Employment and Labour, which will be able to start with its own investigation. Our investigations are informed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in particular Section 31 and 32, [which guides what] normally happens when we face such incidents,” Nxesi said.

Giving the different statutory roles played by different levels of government and departments, the Minister said it was agreed that all parties will play their roles collaboratively and in support of one another.

“Any interested parties who want to do their investigations will do them, but we will also do our own investigation and we will be informed by the police once they are done. At the end, once we get the investigation of the police and our investigations, in particular, we will be able to say what we are going to do,” Nxesi said.

He emphasised that the department did not want to speculate on what transpired but will leave everything to the investigations.

“Once the investigations have been able to expose the facts, we will talk to that.”

The Minister noted that a number of national department Ministers, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Police and Social Development, also have interest in the matter.

“We will be following through our people on the ground on what is happening. We were also informed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation also has an interest because we [will not] be able to communicate with some of the families, in terms of the languages. 

“We need to talk to the various missions who are here in South Africa to send their people… so they can communicate properly with the families,” Nxesi said.

He noted that while the department has compensation to give, this can only be done once all the people have been identified.

He said there is no timeline for the investigation, as it will depend on what is uncovered during the investigation, and the police will hand over the site to the department.

The Minister further appealed to the employer of the construction workers or the construction owners to come forward and talk with the families of the workers.

“Thus far, in terms of what I’ve been briefed, we do not know where they are,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 15:29

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Looking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Location: MyPR

Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …

Read moreLooking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Threats to informal traders will not be tolerated

Location: News

Threats to informal traders will not be tolerated

Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, has called on the metro police to deal with threats of violence directed at spaza shop owners in  townships. 
 
Masuku gave the directive to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) following a brief visit to a spaza shop owner, Thulani Khumalo, on Tuesday after he allegedly received life-threatening messages from other traders suspected to be foreign nationals.
 
Khumalo claims he has been receiving threats from unknown people telling him to close down his shop “or else his life would be in danger”.
 
Last week, one of Khumalo’s friends was shot by unknown gunmen as he was leaving his shop. 
 
Khumalo said he and his family are now living in fear as suspicious armed characters in different cars come to his home and shop looking for him.

Masuku condemned the threats, emphasising South Africa promotes free trade, and everyone entering the space must be allowed to do business and have a fair shot at the market. 

“We cannot sit back and allow these threats as a municipality. The EMPD must act swiftly and ensure that those behind this are locked up,” Masuku said.

Masuku said precautionary measures will be taken to protect Khumalo and his family. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 14:22

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Read moreThreats to informal traders will not be tolerated

George tragedy: Call for organisations to prioritise safety in workplaces

Location: News

George tragedy: Call for organisations to prioritise safety in workplaces

Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, says the collapse of the building which was under construction in George is a sobering reminder of the critical importance of prioritising safety in the workplace. 

“With the loss of lives and the entrapment of individuals, this incident has sparked a call to action for organisations to reevaluate their health and safety protocols and practices,” Nxesi said.

This comes after a multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street, collapsed on Monday afternoon with 75 construction workers on the site at the time of the incident.

According to the latest statement issued by George Municipality on Wednesday morning, the number of patients admitted has increased to 36, with 39 people still unaccounted for. Seven people have been declared dead.

Nxesi said it is imperative to recommit to the principle that no job is worth risking the safety or lives of employees. 

“Every effort must be made to prevent similar incidents in the future. Redoubling efforts to promote a culture of safety, vigilance, and accountability within organisations is paramount.

“It is a collective responsibility to honour the memory of those lost by ensuring that their lives were not lost in vain. Strengthening the commitment to health and safety is essential. Let us work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring again,” Nxesi said.

Nxesi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the deceased construction workers involved in the incident and wished the survivors a speedy recovery.  

“No words can adequately express the sorrow felt for the lives lost and the anguish experienced by those awaiting news of their trapped loved ones. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” Nxesi said.

The Minister said the department is receiving real time information on the ground from the department’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors and inspector general, who were dispatched on site when the incident came to the department’s attention. 

“We are also aware that multiple disaster service personnel, including SAPS search and rescue teams, with sniffer dogs are involved in a rescue operation to retrieve the trapped construction workers.

“A number of construction crew on site at the time of the incident and deceased workers have been reported, but at this stage we await final confirmations,” Nxesi said.

He added the department will work through the teams on the ground and outlined protocols to communicate and update the public. 

“In terms of our processes, we will await the official handing over of the site to the department to enable us to proceed with investigations as per Section 31 and 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The handing over is normally preceded by the finalisation of rescue and recovery interventions,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:01

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Understanding High-Security Solutions for Modern Environments

Location: MyPR

The importance of security in South Africa cannot be overstated. Businesses, high-profile individuals, and sensitive facilities increasingly require robust measures to ensure the safety of their assets and personnel. This blog explores a variety of high-security solutions, including bulletproof windows and doors, strong room doors, and anti-bandit doors, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these …

Read moreUnderstanding High-Security Solutions for Modern Environments

Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill signed into law

Location: News

Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill signed into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill and the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill.

In signing the two Bills, President Ramaphosa said: “In a year in which voters are presented with the greatest diversity of electoral choice, the legislation that is now enacted constitutes tangible, material support for a vibrant, competitive, open and equitable electoral system and democratic culture.”

According to the Presidency, the two Bills will expand “financial resources for South Africa’s multiparty democracy, including support for independent candidates and representatives”.

“[The] Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill…provides for a net movement of R290 million across functions and economic classifications in line with the requirements of the state.

“Furthermore, the Bill provides additional financial support to a number of departments and institutions, including R200 million to the Department of Home Affairs for the purpose of transferring the money to the Independent Electoral Commission for the Represented Political Parties Fund,” the Presidency said.

The resources in the fund are to be provided annually from the National Revenue Fund and expected to be distributed to political parties represented in both the national and provincial legislatures.

“By providing for this funding, the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill gives effect to the provision of Section 236 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which directs that national legislation must provide for the funding of political parties participating in national and provincial legislatures on an equitable and proportional basis,” the Presidency said.

The Electoral Matters Amendment Bill, the Presidency explained, amends the Political Party Funding Act of 2018 to provide for the regulation of the private and public funding of independent candidates and independent representatives, among other provisions.

“The Bill makes consequential amendments to the Electoral Act of 1998, the Electoral Commission Act of 1996 and other relevant legislation, which arise from the introduction of independent candidates and independent representatives in the National Assembly and provincial legislature.

“In this context, the new legislation provides for independent representatives to receive funds from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund, which is also administered by the Independent Electoral Commission.

“While the Represented Political Parties Fund is resourced by the fiscus, the Multi-Party Democracy Fund aims to raise and distribute donated funds from the private sector to represented political parties. The fund will now include independent candidates,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:45

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Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

Location: News

Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which shows the burning of the South African flag.

The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.

“In the 30 years of South African democracy and freedom, it has been evident time and time again that our flag is a unifier and an integral component in the building of our nation. Those who choose to use our flag to divide us will not succeed. The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people,” the Minister said on Monday.

He explained that the South African flag symbolises unity in diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

“As custodian of all national symbols, which include the South African flag, I strongly condemn the Democratic Alliance advertisement which depicts the burning of the South African flag.

“This action by the Democratic Alliance offends the gains South Africa has made as a free and non-racial democracy, and the blood, tears and sacrifices it took for the country to gain this freedom.

“It offends all South Africans who proudly raise our country’s flag sky high and appreciate its representation as the flag of a free, democratic and non-racial nation. I shudder to think what other South African compatriots such as Helen Suzman, Zack de Beer, and Van Zyl Slabbert would say about this act of desperation and recklessness demonstrated by the current ahistorical and unpatriotic leaders of the DA,” Kodwa said.

 The launch of the DA’s election advert included the burning of the South African flag as an allegory of what could happen to the country if certain parties in a coalition were to govern South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:10

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Countries urged to take advantage of AfCFTA opportunities

Location: News

Countries urged to take advantage of AfCFTA opportunities

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Acting Director-General, Dr Cynthia Khumalo, has called on countries on the continent to work together and take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA agreement is expected to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating.

"Let us strive together to build a prosperous Africa. An Africa that provides economic opportunities for its youth and vulnerable groups within our societies,” Khumalo said on Tuesday.

Addressing the launch of Africa Month in Bloemfontein, she said the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Charter and its successor the African Union (AU) placed culture at the top of their agenda.

“As we move swiftly towards accelerating the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, we do so fully aware and taking advantages presented by this progressive continental trade arrangement that will see the heritage and creative sector benefiting significantly by doing business amongst ourselves as Africans.”

Khumalo said Africa’s story is about transformation and working together.

“I therefore invite you to work with us as we build a better Africa and a better world,” she said.

Africa Month was launched under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World.''

“The 10th edition of Africa Month Program will feature over 58 cultural activities ranging from exhibitions, performances, colloquium, roundtable discussion, film screening and culinary demonstration. These are truly pan-African activities with participation of over 28 countries from the continent and the diaspora,” Khumalo said.

The Africa Month programme is mandated by the South African Cabinet to acknowledge the work done by the African Union, celebrate pan-Africanism and, at the same time, unlock economic opportunities in line with the AfCFTA, Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other instruments.

The 2024 edition is the 10th edition of the Africa Month Celebration Programme, and it is implemented as South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy.

This is a yearlong program to celebrate and reflect on the progress the government has made in improving the lives of South Africans since 1994.

“The 30 years celebration project is aimed at creating platforms for South Africans in sport, arts and culture sectors to celebrate and showcase their achievements and milestones of democracy against the set priorities, commitments, and obligations of government in the National Development Plan 2030, the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“The sport, arts and culture obligations and commitments, as articulated in national and international frameworks, have provided a solid foundation for South Africa to advance as a democratic state grounded in the principles of human dignity, equality, human rights and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism, supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, democracy, social justice, equity, and respect,” Khumalo said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:09

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Read moreCountries urged to take advantage of AfCFTA opportunities

DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects

Location: News

DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated its commitment to fast-track the effective implementation of bulk water projects in water stressed communities in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country, so as to ensure the provision of consistent and reliable water supply. 
 
This comes as the department, through its entity in KwaZulu-Natal, uMngeni-uThukela Water, is working in partnership with different spheres of government to rollout the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme.

The Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Treatment Works upgrade is a strategic rural-based project to be constructed at a cost of approximately R142 million to ensure access to potable water.

The project, which is set to be completed by January 2025, will supply 12 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d) of potable water from the Maphumulo Water Treatment Works for reticulation by iLembe District Municipality. 

Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained that the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme is being implemented in different phases which include, raw water abstraction from iMvutshane River, and new pipelines to distribute water from the treatment works to iLembe District Municipality’s greater Maphumulo area. 

Mavasa said Phase 1 of the scheme was completed in September 2013 with Phase 3 of the project currently underway.
 
“We are currently undertaking Phase 3 of the project which entails the upgrade of the existing six megalitres per day water treatment plant capacity to 12 megalitres per day, and this is due for completion by January 2025. Phase 2 of the scheme include the construction of the iMvutshane Dam,” Mavasa said. 
 
Mavasa added that Phase 4 of the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme will include the construction of a weir on the Hlimbitwa River, raw water pumps, and pipelines to convey raw water into the existing iMvutshane Dam. 
 
After the completion of all phases, Mavasa said the supply scheme will service the areas of Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville. 

The service will in the future also include Emtanjeni, Nyamazane, Balcom, and Sindi areas.

“We anticipate that the scheme will provide potable water to approximately 150 000 consumers across Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville,” Mavasa said. 

Vandalism
 
The department has also called on residents to report and refrain from vandalising water infrastructure, warning this has a major impact on water security to communities. 
 
“Vandalism is a serious concern to us because not only does it impact on the provision of reliable water supply, but it also has a negative impact on the effective implementation of bulk water projects. 

“We therefore call on residents to please play their part. Vandalism is a criminal offence, and we will not hesitate to allow the relevant authorities to act harshly against the perpetrators,” Mavasa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:39

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Read moreDWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects

City Power’s Eskom debt reaches “unprecedented levels”

Location: News

City Power's Eskom debt reaches "unprecedented levels"

Eskom says it will approach the courts in a bid to have City Power pay its R1 billion debt to the national power utility.

City Power is a company wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg which purchases, distributes and sells electricity within the city coupled with maintaining and installing electrical infrastructure.

The power utility said City Power’s debt stood at some R1.073 billion at the end of March this year.

“The escalating City Power debt…has left Eskom with no choice but to apply to the High Court in Johannesburg for a declaratory order to force City Power to pay what is due to Eskom. The case has been enrolled for hearing on 4 June 2024. The power utility started to default on its payments from October 2023 and no payment was received for the March 2024 invoice.

“The debt owed by City Power has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating Eskom’s already strained financial situation. This dire situation not only undermines Eskom’s financial sustainability but also threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure, invest in new technologies and meet the growing energy demands of the province,” Eskom said.

According to the national power utility, City Power has “declared a dispute regarding potential overbilling on bulk purchase invoices dating back to 2021”.

“Eskom denies the claims made by City Power and will prove its position through the arbitration process.

“In terms of the electricity supply agreements sanctioned by the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, if a municipality raises a dispute with Eskom, it must still pay. The dispute does not absolve it of its legal obligations to pay Eskom for the bulk electricity it has received.

“Eskom remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of providing reliable and sustainable electricity to assist in growing the economy of Gauteng, making the province an investment destination of choice,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:16

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Court orders “stolen land” to be transferred back to provincial department

Location: News

Court orders "stolen land" to be transferred back to provincial department

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a forfeiture order by the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Division, in Pretoria, to the SIU and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) linked to the fraudulent transfer of government land to private entities and individuals.

The total value of the recovery is R53 million, the investigative unit said in a statement on Monday.

The order, dated 18 April 2024, orders that Farm 33 Zuurfontein, in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, must be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development as the original title deed owner and RIC Development to pay that department R12 million.

“The order follows an SIU investigation which revealed that a syndicate of individuals and private entities defrauded the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the respective Deeds Registries in Vryburg, Johannesburg and Pretoria by fraudulently transferring government property to individuals and private entities for their benefit.

“The SIU’s investigation looked into fraud and corruption committed between January 2008 and February 2022.

“As part of the investigation, numerous affidavits were obtained by the SIU from internal Rural Development and Land Reform Department and Deeds Registry staff members, external witnesses and/or transferring attorneys,” said the unit.

The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R 7 of 2014 as amended by Proclamation R 599 of 2015 and Proclamation R 32 of 2017, authorised by the President to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration relating to the transfer of government land to individuals and private entities and to recover the loss the state has suffered.

“In line with the SIU Act, the SIU referred evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The referral resulted in a criminal case being registered with the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks),” it said.

The forfeiture order is for the following:

• Farm 33 Zuurfontein which was meant for the development of low-income housing and a school in the community. The land is worth R41 million.

• A payment of R12 million representing the property known as Holding Beverley Agricultural Holdings, which was bought by RIC Development from the government land theft syndicate.

The unit said RIC Development bought land from the “land thieves” and developed it without knowing that it was stolen.

“This forfeiture order is part of the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy by law enforcement agencies to strengthen its fight against corruption,” said the SIU. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 12:57

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Read moreCourt orders “stolen land” to be transferred back to provincial department

Limpopo mother arrested for son’s gruesome murder

Location: News

Limpopo mother arrested for son's gruesome murder

A woman has been arrested after allegedly decapitating her 18-year-old son in the Leshikishiki village in the Lebowakgomo policing area in Limpopo. 

According to a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 48-year-old mother was arrested on Friday after a report was lodged at around 13:00. 

“Upon arrival of the police at the scene next to a local tavern, they found the decapitated body of an 18-year-old man lying on his wheelchair and his head on the ground. Shockingly, there were no people found on the scene,” the statement read. 

The police began their initial investigations and the deceased’s mother was located. 

“After thorough investigations, she was positively linked to the murder of her son and arrested,” said police.

The SAPS seized a knife at the scene believed to be used by the suspect to cut off the victim’s head.

Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said she was deeply shocked by the incident.

“This is a heartbreaking incident that has deeply affected our community and the SAPS family. 

“While the police are duty bound to protect and serve the public, parents have a critical role to nurture and protect their children. This horrendous act by the senseless mother is condemned... The law will take its course without fear or favour,” she added. 

Police have opened a case of murder and the motive behind the gruesome attack is not yet known.

The suspect will appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in due course. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 10:13

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Read moreLimpopo mother arrested for son’s gruesome murder

Zanele Mthenjwa: A Journey of Discovery and a Beacon of Hope in the Intersex Fight for Understanding and Support

Location: MyPR

In the heart of a society that has long been structured around the binary concept of male and female, there exists a vibrant, although often invisible, community of individuals whose very existence challenges these traditional norms. Among them are the intersex people, those born with physical sex marker that do not fit the typical definitions …

Read moreZanele Mthenjwa: A Journey of Discovery and a Beacon of Hope in the Intersex Fight for Understanding and Support