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Home Affairs clarifies misunderstanding on visas

Location: News

Home Affairs clarifies misunderstanding on visas

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has moved to clarify a misunderstanding on the gazetted regulations recommendations on the Critical Skills and General Work Visas.

This comes after some media reports had stated that the department had done away with the Critical Skills Visa in favour of a point-based system.

Briefing the media on the Second Amendment of the Immigration Regulation 2014 on Tuesday, Motsoaledi pointed out that section 19(4) of the Immigration Act states that a Critical Skills Work Visa may be issued by the Director-General to an individual possessing such skills or qualifications determined to be critical for the Republic from time to time by the Minister by notice in the gazette.

However, section 19(2) of the Act states that a General Work Visa may be issued by the Director-General to a foreigner not falling within the category contemplated in sub-section 4 and who complies with prescribed requirements. 

“Sub-section 4 is the one dealing with critical skills [and] this means general work is anything that is not covered in the critical skills list. The prescribed requirements mentioned in the Act are found in regulation 18 (3) of the previous regulation before the amendments.” Motsoaledi said.

He emphasised that the department has not cancelled the Critical Skills Work Visa but has changed the manner in which the visa was previously operating.

“In the past, a critical skills list visa was issued every four years, and the Minister of Home Affairs is supposed to gazette skills that are critical to the economy of the country. But Home Affairs does not have the capacity, nor the knowledge, nor the skills to know what is required. 

“What Home Affairs does is go to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The DHET usually asks the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and the council will work with other institutions, including labour market surveys, to put up a list of skills which they think are critical for the economy of the country,” Motsoaledi explained.

The Minister also noted that critical skills are not necessarily referring to important skills or prestigious skills like some people believe. 

“A critical skill is that which is critical for the functioning of the economy but there are few South Africans who can do that work, and so we are forced to go beyond the borders of this country to look for those people with such skills.

“Once the profession we have got appears on that critical skills list, which would have been gazetted by the Minister of Home Affairs, you get a letter of employment, then Home Affairs is forced to give you a Critical Skills Work Visa,” Motsoaledi explained, adding that the visa is one of the easiest to give, as it only requires a profession.

On the General Work Visa amendment, Motsoaledi said employers are no longer required to go to the Department of Employment and Labour, but the visa would be approved through a point-based system.

“We are going to give you points, and on the basis of that point you have to reach a particular mark, then you get your visa,” the Minister said.

The Minister said the point-based system will consider at least six criteria, including age; qualifications; language skills, work experience; offer of employment; and the ability to adapt within the Republic.
 
However, Motsoaledi said the department is considering replacing the ability to adapt within the Republic with income or salary being offered to an individual.

New work visa regulations withdrawn

Meanwhile, Motsoaledi announced the withdrawal of the new work visa regulations, which were gazetted on 28 March 2024 for public comments, a day before the closing date for public comments on the draft policy.

This follows the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) meeting held last week, where the process was questioned and NEDLAC demanded the withdrawal of the regulations.

“These regulations are being withdrawn in the government gazette, simply to rectify this small error, not that we are going to change them. In the process we will change other smaller issues which we have picked up which may not [have] been understood," he said.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 09:06

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Municipality fined R150m for contravening water and environmental laws

Location: News

Municipality fined R150m for contravening water and environmental laws

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has welcomed the heavy fine imposed on Govan Mbeki Local Municipality for polluting water resources and contravening environmental legislation.

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga province was fined R150 million for five counts relating to contravening the National Environmental Waste Management Act and National Water Act.

The Bethal Regional Court in Secunda found the municipality guilty of causing significant pollution to the environment, interfering with waterworks, pollution of water resources, an act that detrimentally affects a water course, and failure to comply with compliance notices.

This comes after a series of intervention measures undertaken by the department against the municipality since 2019, in line with the Constitution and the Intergovernmental Framework. 

Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, said in December 2019 and March 2020, the department issued the municipality with directives to make representations addressing the risk assessment, intervention and potential rehabilitation plan, and to implement all the recommendations in respect of the underlying problem in their area of jurisdiction.

However, the municipality failed to respond and adhere to the conditions of the directives issued to them within the stipulated timeframes.

“In November 2020, the municipality compiled an assessment report and intervention plan with an approved budget for the commencement of a rehabilitation project in the area, however, no rehabilitation was implemented,” Phillips said.

Phillips commended the enforcement team, saying the judgement has asserted the department’s role as a regulator of the water and sanitation sector.

“It has been our resolve to take all transgressors of the National Water Act to task and send a strong message that if people and institutions do not comply, we will not hesitate to act, without fear or favour. We want to strengthen our role as a regulator of the sector in line with all the prescripts,” Phillips said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 09:56

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Read moreMunicipality fined R150m for contravening water and environmental laws

Call for public comments on money laundering regulations

Location: News

Call for public comments on money laundering regulations

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has invited public comments and written submissions on draft amendments to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Control Regulations.

“The draft amendments aim to strengthen South Africa’s system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by enhancing the reporting of the conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instruments into or out of the Republic,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

The invitation for comments was published on 8 April 2024 via Gazette Notice 50450 no 4712.

The draft amendments are in terms of section 77(5)(a) of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No. 38 of 2001 – ‘the FIC Act’).

“The draft amendments are proposed to be made in terms of section 77(1) of the FIC Act, read with section 30 of the FIC Act, to the Money Laundering and Terror Financing Control Regulations.

“Section 30 of the FIC Act provides for a requirement to report the conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instruments into or out of the Republic to the FIC,” National Treasury said.

The objective of section 30 of the FIC Act is to ensure that information relating to the cross-border movement of cash and bearer negotiable instruments is made available to the FIC.

The FIC currently receives reports on cross-border electronic funds transfers (section 31 of the FIC Act).

In addition, the FIC receives reports on large cash transactions (section 28 of the FIC Act), suspicious or unusual transactions (section 29 of the FIC Act) and property that is linked to persons or entities who are subject to targeted financial sanctions (section 28A of the FIC Act).

“The proposed draft amendments are aimed at strengthening the country’s financial system and improve its resilience against abuse by money launderers and terrorist financiers. It is critical to the effectiveness of the FIC’s operational capabilities that the information it receives concerning cross border financial flows be expanded to include cross-border movement of cash and bearer negotiable instruments.

“This is envisaged to strengthen the FIC’s ability to detect possible suspicious or unusual activity and to disseminate the relevant information to investigating and prosecuting authorities. Section 30 of the FIC Act empowers the Minister to prescribe a threshold amount that will trigger reporting under this section.

“The Minister sets this amount through regulations that will support the implementation of reporting under section 30 of the FIC Act. The Minister proposes that the threshold for reporting under section 30 of the FIC Act be set at R24 999.99,” National Treasury said.

This means that persons who convey R25 000 or more into or out of the Republic will be required to report this under section 30 of the FIC Act.

Section 30 of the FIC Act also empowers the Minister to prescribe the information that must be included in a report on the conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instruments.

“This information must be sufficient to provide the FIC with the necessary transparency and traceability information concerning the cross-border movements of cash and bearer negotiable instruments.

“A report under section 30 of the FIC Act must be made to a person who is authorised by the Minister to receive such a report. The Minister, after consulting with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), has determined that reports under section 30 can be integrated in reporting under the Customs and Excise Act of 1964,” National Treasury said.

To this end, the Minister intends to authorise Customs Officers to receive reports on the conveyance of cash or bearer negotiable instruments, either physically at ports of entry and exit, or electronically through the traveller declarations system that SARS has developed for this purpose.

The proposed Regulations:

(a) prescribe a threshold amount that will trigger reporting under section 30 of the Act;

(b) prescribe the information that must be included in a report on the conveyance of cash or bearer

negotiable instruments; and

(c) specify the person who is authorised by the Minister to receive a report under section 30 of the Act.

A copy of the Regulations and the Explanatory Memorandum are available on the National Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.za.

Written comments and submissions may be submitted to: Commentdraftlegislation@treasury.gov.za no later than 19 April 2024. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 09:34

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Department weighs in on consequences of teenage pregnancy

Location: News

Department weighs in on consequences of teenage pregnancy

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has raised concerns about the economic consequences of teenage pregnancy in the country.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy has devastating social and economic costs.

“Early pregnancy in South Africa forces many girls to drop out of school and trap others in a cycle of poverty and leaves most stigmatised by society for being teenage mothers or forced into early marriages,” Dlamini-Zuma said.

Dlamini-Zuma said the country continues to show the highest rate of teenage pregnancy globally, with nearly one in four girls falling pregnant before the age of 20 years.

Dlamini-Zuma said South Africa has recorded an estimated 150 000 girls between the age group of 10 and 19 years old, falling pregnant in the 2022/23 financial year.

“What is particularly disheartening is that individuals who became parents during this period were hardly teenagers, with some cases reported constituting statutory rape. The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy has devastating social and economic costs.

“Early pregnancy in South Africa forces many girls to drop out of school and trap others in a cycle of poverty and leaves most stigmatised by society for being teenage mothers or forced into early marriages,” Dlamini-Zuma said.

The Minister reiterated that working together with both public and private sector stakeholders to act against those who continue with the act of impregnating teenage girls by reporting them to law enforcement authorities is the first step towards ending teenage pregnancy, while providing psycho-social support is particularly important. 

She said the prevention of teenage pregnancies will contribute to the promotion and protection of the rights of the girl child, among others. 

Dlamini-Zuma also emphasised the need for coordinating and redirecting efforts to the hardest hit areas, with a specific focus towards prevention, early intervention, and impactful evidence-based programmatic interventions. 

Comprehensive gender-based violence prevention strategy

Dlamini-Zuma said government has developed a Programme of Action (POA) aimed at tackling the issue of teenage pregnancy by implementing a Comprehensive National Gender-Based Violence Prevention Strategy (CNPS).

Through consistent outreach programmes focusing on young mothers, Dlamini-Zuma said government, working with stakeholders, has put together tailor-made stakeholder programmes that are focused on the prevention of teenage pregnancy.

These include Ezabasha Dialogues and Risiha-Community Based Prevention, and social behavioural change programmes, which include ChommY and You Only Live Once (YOLO) programmes, which educate young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years about HIV and Aids, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and being agents of social change. 

READ | Zulu to relaunch SheDecides Movement

Dlamini-Zuma reiterated government’s calls on families, communities, religious and traditional leaders to support the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) of teenagers to prevent unintended/unwanted pregnancies. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:18

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SIU probes to be launched at Tokologo and Sol Plaatje municipalities

Location: News

SIU probes to be launched at Tokologo and Sol Plaatje municipalities

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the Tokologo Local Municipality in the Free State province and the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the Northern Cape.

According to the SIU, the proclamation authorises the corruption busting unit to, in the main, probe street lights and electrification projects at both the municipalities.

“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public. Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 April 2015 and 05 April 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 April 2015 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, and incidental to the matters or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated,” the SIU said.

The unit said it will refer any potential criminality uncovered during the investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority.

“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the NPA for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 04/08/2024 - 12:55

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SIU obtains interdict to stop sale of farm linked to former NLC exec

Location: News

SIU obtains interdict to stop sale of farm linked to former NLC exec

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an interdict from the Special Tribunal to stop the sale of a farm in Limpopo that is linked to the former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Chief Operations Officer, Phillemon Letwaba and his brother, Johannes Letwaba.

The farm was listed for R7 million last year and is currently under offer for R5 million.

In an order dated 28 March 2024, the Special Tribunal prohibited the Letwaba brothers and any other person with knowledge of the order from selling, disposing, leasing, transferring, donating, or dealing with the farm in any manner.

The 3 426 128-hectares farm is registered under the Mosokoti Business Trust, whose trustees are the Letwaba brothers.

The funds that were used to purchase the farm emanate from the NLC. The farm is now preserved pending the final determination of civil action to be brought by the SIU within 60 days.

The SIU received a tip-off from a whistleblower about the sale of the farm and its potential link to NLC funds.

Following the tip-off, the SIU found that the farm was purchased using NLC funds siphoned through two organisations, which include organisation one -- Lulamisa Community Development Organisation NPO.

The SIU’s investigation revealed that in July 2015, an application for grant funding for Lulamisa Community Development Organisation (Lulamisa) was submitted to the NLC.

On the application form, the NPO was requesting an amount of R85 million for “hosting the Commonwealth Games, which would benefit the people of South Africa and boost the economy of the city of Durban”.

The NLC granted Lulamisa R80 million in two tranches of R64 million and R16 million, respectively.

Between 1 and 31 March 2016, Lulamisa made various payments to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency totalling R2 712 269.77. Phillemon Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane, owns Iron Bridge Travelling Agency.

In April 2016, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R1 000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys, which went towards purchasing the farm.

Organisation number two is Tshikovha Graduate Academy.

On 11 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre applied for grant funding to the NLC for R49 935 697.52. The request aimed to assist Tshikovha Graduate Academy, an NPC, in drilling 200 boreholes in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces.

On 19 February 2016, NLC awarded Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre grant funding of R55 463 735.

On 22 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo and Tshikovha signed a memorandum that the grant will be transferred to Tshikovha within two working days upon receipt thereof. After Konani Pfunzo received grand funding from the NLC, an amount of R55 250 000 was transferred to the bank account of Tshikovha Graduate Academy.

Two days after receiving these funds, Tshikovha Graduate Academy transferred R4 800 000.00 to a private company named Redtaq (pty) LTD. Karabo Charles Sithole, Phillemon Ledwaba's cousin, is the sole director of Redtaq.

On 01 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R600 000.00 to Iron Bridge Travelling and Events. On 03 March 2016, Tshikovha further transferred R4 500 000.00 to Redtaq.

On 23 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R2 4000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys. On the same day, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R66 009.83 and R300 000.00 to the same attorneys.

On 30 March 2016, Tshikovha transferred R8 000 000.00 to Mshandukani Holdings's bank account. Mshandukani Holdings is a private company with the company and Mr Mashudu Shandukani is the sole director.

On 05 April 2016, Mshandukani Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to Ndzhuku Holdings' bank account. On the same day, Ndzhuku Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to the same aforementioned attorneys.

The farm was purchased for a total of R4 766 003.83. The SIU’s evidence shows that Letwaba contravened the NLC's conflict of interest clause. He also used the funds received from NLC-funded NPOs for his gain.

The interdict is part of implementing the SIU’s investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover cash and assets lost by State institutions due to alleged corruption or negligence.

Acting on the tip-off is part of fighting corruption as a whole of society, as envisioned in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

The SIU was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation.

The SIU has referred the evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. -  SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:53

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NCC investigates virtual pig farming enterprise

Location: News

NCC investigates virtual pig farming enterprise

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is investigating the affairs of Piggy Farm Trading, an entity that promotes and sells “virtual pigs".

This was after the Commission received complaints that Piggy Trading Farm might be a multiplication scheme.

Promoted on its website and various social media platforms, Piggy Farm Trading provides potential buyers with two options, buying from the farm and virtual buying and owning.

The second option is processed through what is called digital Metaverse Farming. The entity claims that this option is ‘risk-free’, as they farm on behalf of the participants. This includes feeding, insurance of the pigs, vaccination, and regular cleaning of pigs.

According to Piggy Farm Trading, participants can purchase between one and 50 pigs per  annum at R2 200 per pig. Each pig gives its owner a minimum of R500 per month over a year as profit.

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) describes a multiplication scheme as a scheme that promises or guarantees participants an effective annual interest rate, as calculated in the prescribed manner that is at least 20% above the repo rate.

The Commission has warned consumers to exercise caution when dealing with this entity.

“Consumers must be honest with their dealings, as the CPA prohibits any participation, recruitment, joining or promoting a multiplication scheme and other schemes.

“The NCC has noticed a spike in agricultural schemes like this one, which lure participants into joining the scheme and promise high returns. If a consumer buys livestock, they should be able to take possession of that livestock,” said the NCC’s Acting Commissioner.

The latest trends of pyramid schemes, multiplication schemes, and chain letters indicate that the owners have designed these schemes to buy into the idea of “investing” while they (consumers) are participating in prohibited conduct. Consumers are reminded of the dangers of joining, promoting and recruiting others into such schemes. These schemes always collapse and leave consumers out of pocket. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 13:06

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COGTA Minister to release details of disaster funds disbursed to municipalities

Location: News

COGTA Minister to release details of disaster funds disbursed to municipalities

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng will on Tuesday release the details of funds disbursed to municipalities and provinces for disaster interventions.

This follows the classification and declaration of particular occurrences as national disasters, in terms of Section 23(3) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002), by the Minister of COGTA.

This disbursement of funds is in accordance with section 25(3)(a) of the Division of Revenue Act, 2023 (Act No. 5 of 2023), as amended by the Division of Revenue Amendment Act, 2023 (Act No. 24 of 2023).

Following the release of the details of the funds, Nkadimeng, joined by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC of COGTA, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, will also hand over the rectification of sewer reticulation and construction of the Wastewater Treatment Works in Ward 5 of the Abaqulusi Local Municipality in the Zululand District.

The life-changing project was constructed by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), which is the implementing agent of the Department of Cooperative Governance.

Prior to the implementation of this project, communities in Bhokwe village and hostels, grappled with an outdated and dilapidated waterborne sewer system, initially provide by Anglo-American coal mine over 50 years ago. 

Characterised by frequent bursts, blockages and overflowing manholes, the aging infrastructure posed challenges to the residents' health and well-being.

Added to this, other areas within Bhokwe settlement relied on VIP [ventilated improved pit] toilets, further highlighting the disparity in sanitation infrastructure.

This project is estimated to be benefitting a population of 1 715 individuals across 245 households by ensuring that the community and other stakeholders in Bhokwe have access to, and are using an adequate and reliable functioning sewer system. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 13:50

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Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects

Police Minister Bheki Cele says 551 506 suspects have been arrested for various crimes across the country since May 2023 when Operation Shanela was introduced.

“Over 500 000 suspected criminals have been removed from society  and brought before the courts to answer for their alleged crimes,” Cele said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Sunday on the Police Take Down Successes of Police Counter Operations , Cele said police on the ground are each week pushing back on crime through high density operations in identified high crime areas across the country through Operation Shanela.

“Officers in all nine provinces, led by the respective Provincial Commissioners, have conducted almost 70 000 (69 468) high density crime prevention and combating operations in the last 11 months,” Cele said.

The countrywide high-density operations have resulted in the arrest of 8 563 suspected rapists and 6 045 murder suspects.

“[A total of] 4 410 suspects have been arrested for attempted murder. Police officers have arrested 63 573 assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] suspects and 37 333 suspects accused of common assault.

“[A total of] 41 191 suspects have been arrested for the Contravention of the Immigration Act and were found to be in the country illegally, [while] 16 073 drunk drivers were taken off our roads and arrested through various roadblocks and stop-and-searches during simultaneous countrywide operations.

 “[A total of] 2 819 illegal miners involved in illicit mining were also caught and taken through the court processes,” Cele said.

Under operation ‘Vala umgodi’, a multidisciplinary operation involving various government departments such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, 3 298 illegal miners were arrested.

Cele said 1 028 hijacking suspects have been arrested over the past 11 months and 3 670 suspects were nabbed and face business burglary charges, while a further 10 743 suspects were arrested for breaking and entering into houses.  

“Working jointly with local, provincial and national traffic police and other sister departments, the focus of Operation Shanela remains the prevention of crime,” the Minister said.

Over 150 suspects shot and killed by police

Cele said over 150 suspects were shot and killed from April 2023 to date.

This figure, according to Cele, includes the September 2023 fatal shooting of 19 cash-in-transit (CIT) suspects in Makhado, Limpopo, who engaged in a gun battle with police instead of surrendering.

Cele said while it is the aim of the police to arrest suspects, some heavily armed suspected criminals choose to engage the police in a gun battle and police respond accordingly.

“Police have and will come out on top during these takedowns. In April 2023, 10 heavily armed CIT-related robbers were shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Sebokeng in Gauteng province,” Cele said.

He noted that the kidnapping of members of the public and influential individuals, as well as businesspersons, remains a concern.

“The responses by the police to this crime is, however, encouraging and sizable inroads are being made,” he said.

The Minister said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested 62 suspects involved in kidnappings for ransom from April to date.

“Police operations have also led to the arrest of 55 suspects for the kidnapping of Chinese nationals in the country. Five suspects have been arrested for their role in the kidnapping of Mozambican nationals.

“The DPCI has also undertaken significant takedown operations targeting various criminal syndicates in the past 11 months.

“These operations have resulted in the interception of 14 identified targets across a range of illicit activities including theft, fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering and contraventions of financial regulations.”

Assets, with an estimated value of R6.2 million, were seized from April 2023 to date. Sixteen drug labs, with drugs valued over R161 million, were also shut down during this time.

Additionally, 20 suspects were apprehended in connection with drug-related offences.

Cele said in separate operations targeting narcotics, led by the DPCI, drugs valued at over R506 million were taken out of circulation and 148 suspects were apprehended through policing operations.

“Added to the work of the DPCI, the Organised Crime Unit -- within the Detectives of the SAPS -- conducted numerous multi-disciplinary takedown operations focusing on drugs. Illicit substances such as mandrax, cocaine, heroin and magic mushrooms, with an estimated street value of R121 700 000, were seized,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:16

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Read moreOperation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects

The Power of Branded Jackets in Corporate Clothing

Location: MyPR

Introduction In the dynamic world of business, establishing a distinct and cohesive brand image transcends beyond logos and slogans to encompass every aspect of an organisation, including the attire its team wears. Branded corporate clothing is a testament to a company’s identity, ethos, and professionalism. It embeds itself as an integral part of the brand’s …

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The Arts & Culture Trust Invites Applications For Four Board Portfolios

Location: Entertainment

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), South Africa’s premier independent development, art capacitator, and art investment organisation, is excited to announce an open call for applications to fill three essential positions on its Board of Trustees. The application process commences on 2 April 2024 and closes on 30 April 2024. ACT is seeking qualified candidates …

Read moreThe Arts & Culture Trust Invites Applications For Four Board Portfolios

UK Driving Test Cancellations Insights

Location: MyPR

Navigating the process of obtaining a driving license in the UK can often feel like a marathon rather than a sprint, particularly when it comes to securing a test date. With wait times extending for weeks or even months, understanding the dynamics of driving test cancellations becomes crucial. This comprehensive guide explores why cancellations occur and how …

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Gauteng SMMEs Offered Vital Growth Opportunity through Exporter Competitiveness Programme

Location: MyPR

Gauteng’s Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are receiving vital support to boost their businesses through a transformative six-month Exporter Competitiveness Programme (ECP) initiative introduced by the government, aimed at propelling them forward. SMMEs that have been operational for a minimum of two years within the manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing sectors, are urged to seize …

Read moreGauteng SMMEs Offered Vital Growth Opportunity through Exporter Competitiveness Programme

Snagging Driving Test Cancellations

Location: MyPR

In the UK, securing a driving test slot can feel like a game of patience and luck, especially with the notorious wait times that can extend for months. However, there’s a strategy to bypass the wait: driving test cancellations. This guide will walk you through how to find these elusive driving test cancellations and book your test …

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President Cyril Ramaphosa assents bills in forestry, agricultural and correctional services sectors

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill, the Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Bill, 2023 and the Correctional Services Amendment Act.

National Veldfire Act

The amended National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998, will amongst other key provisions;  

  • Provide for the facilitation of the formation of fire protection associations by a municipality and a traditional council; 
  • Compel a municipality, state-owned enterprise, public entity or other organ of state which owns land to join the fire protection associations; 
  • Extend the powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest to peace officers and traditional leaders; 
  • Amend the title of the Act to the National Veldfire Act.

The Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Act, 2023

The amended Act, will amongst other provisions, empower the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to designate a person, an entity, undertaking, body, institution, association or board, who or which, as the case may be, has particular knowledge of the product concerned, or particular knowledge of the relevant management control systems, with no direct or indirect personal or financial interest, as an assignee to inspect the commodity for quality control and audit management control system. 

The Correctional Services Amendment Act

The amended Act complies with the 2020 Sonke judgement of the Constitutional Court, in providing for an adequate level of independence of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS).

The amendments include changes to section 30(7) to provide for an inmate that is subjected to solitary confinement, to be informed of their right to appeal. 

The amended section further provides that the Head of the Correctional or Remand Detention Facility must, upon request provide all relevant information relating to an appeal to the Inspecting Judge within 24 hours of receiving such information. 

The amended act further provides for;

  • The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the JICS by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services instead of the National Commissioner of Correctional Services. 
  • The expenses incurred by the Judicial Inspectorate will be covered from budgets appropriated by Parliament. These costs were previously covered from the Department of Justice and Correctional Services budget. 
  • Mandatory reporting obligations by the Department to the Inspecting Judge.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Cyril Ramaphosa assents bills in forestry, agricultural and correctional services sectors

Judicial Matters Amendment Act signed into law

Location: News

Judicial Matters Amendment Act signed into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act of 2023.

According to the Presidency, the amendment bill aims to “amend numerous Acts which are administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and are intended to address mostly practical and technical changes in various pieces of legislation”.

Some of the notable amendments to the act include:

  • Amendments which provide for the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Master, some of which were not part of the legislation before. These changes will allow the Chief Master to play a greater supervisory role over the Masters of the High Court and will lead to improved service delivery to the public and to legal practitioners.
  • A provision that allows the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, after due consultation, to determine certain categories of offences which, if the accused pays or has paid an admission of guilt fine, would not result in the accused receiving a criminal record. 

The Presidency explained that following the Minister’s determination, “persons who already have received a criminal record for the identified categories of offences will have their offences expunged”.

Other areas that the Amendment Act speak to include:

  • A provision for the expungement of the criminal record of a person who paid an admission of guilt fine for violating the State of Disaster Regulations which were imposed during the COVID pandemic;
  • A new mechanism to fight corruption, by creating an additional offence to be included in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) regarding the failure of members of the private sector or state-owned entities to prevent corrupt activities.  This is in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission).
  • A provision that  relates to when a person willfully makes a false declaration in support of an application for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998). The new provision penalises the making of such a false declaration and such a person will have committed an offence. The amendment also   enables applications for a protection order to be made without an affidavit.
  • A repeals of common law relating to the crime of defamation. Various international and local stakeholders and interested parties have expressed concerns about the alarming effect of such offences on journalists and have advocated for their abolition. The crime of crimen injuria and civil remedies for defamation however continue to be applicable.

“Whilst the amendments may appear to be minor and technical in nature, they will significantly improve service delivery and the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system in the related matters,” the Presidency said. -  SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 04/03/2024 - 14:01

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President assents to Correctional Services, Forestry and Agriculture Bills

Location: News

President assents to Correctional Services, Forestry and Agriculture Bills

The Correctional Services Amendment Act, National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill and the Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Bill, 2023 have been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Correctional Services Amendment Act

According to the Presidency, the Correctional Services Amendment Act “complies with the 2020 Sonke judgment of the Constitutional Court, in providing for an adequate level of independence of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS)”.

“The amendments include changes to section 30(7) to provide for an inmate that is subjected to solitary confinement, to be informed of their right to appeal.

“The amended section further provides that the Head of the Correctional or Remand Detention Facility must, upon request, provide all relevant information relating to an appeal to the Inspecting Judge within 24 hours of receiving such information,” the Presidency said.

The amended act further provides for:

  • The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the JICS by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services instead of the National Commissioner of Correctional Services.
  • The expenses incurred by the Judicial Inspectorate will be covered from budgets appropriated by Parliament. These costs were previously covered from the Department of Justice and Correctional Services budget.
  • Mandatory reporting obligations by the Department to the Inspecting Judge.

National Veldfire Act

The amended act provides for provisions, including:

  • The facilitation of the formation of fire protection associations by a municipality and a traditional council.
  • Compel a municipality, state-owned enterprise, public entity or other organ of State which owns land to join the fire protection associations.
  • Extend the powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest to peace officers and traditional leaders.
  • Amend the title of the Act to the National Veldfire Act.

Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Act

“The Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Act, will, amongst other provisions, empower the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to designate a person, an entity, undertaking, body, institution, association or board, who or which, as the case may be, has particular knowledge of the product concerned, or particular knowledge of the relevant management control systems, with no direct or indirect personal or financial interest, as an assignee to inspect the commodity for quality control and audit management control system,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 14:20

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President Ramaphosa assents to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act, 2023. The Judicial Matters Amendment Bills aim to amend numerous Acts which are administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and are intended to address mostly practical and technical changes in various pieces of legislation. 

Some of the notable amendments include amongst others:

•    Amendments which provide for the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Master, some of which were not part of the legislation before. These changes will allow the Chief Master to play a greater supervisory role over the Masters of the High Court and will lead to improved service delivery to the public and to legal practitioners.

•    A provision that allows the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, after due consultation, to determine certain categories of offences which, if the accused pays or has paid an admission of guilt fine, would not result in the accused receiving a criminal record.  

Following the Minister's determination, persons who already have received a criminal record for the identified categories of offences will have their offences expunged.

•    A provision for the expungement of the criminal record of a person who paid an admission of guilt fine for violating the State of Disaster Regulations which were imposed during the COVID pandemic;

•    A new mechanism to fight corruption, by creating an additional offence to be included in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) regarding the failure of members of the private sector or state-owned entities to prevent corrupt activities.  This is in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission).

•    A provision that  relates to when a person willfully makes a false declaration in support of an application for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998). The new provision penalises the making of such a false declaration and such a person will have committed an offence. The amendment also   enables applications for a protection order to be made without an affidavit.

•    A repeals of common law relating to the crime of defamation. Various international and local stakeholders and interested parties have expressed concerns about the alarming effect of such offences on journalists and have advocated for their abolition. (The crime of crimen injuria and civil remedies for defamation however continue to be applicable.)

Whilst the amendments may appear to be minor and technical in nature, they will significantly improve service delivery and the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system in the related matters.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa assents to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act

Probe into corruption at KZN Sports, Arts and Culture department launched

Location: News

Probe into corruption at KZN Sports, Arts and Culture department launched

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to commence an investigation into the affairs of the KwaZulu-Natal Sports, Arts and Culture department.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to probe allegations of serious maladministration and corruption in that department that took place between 1 January 2020 and 28 March 2024.

“Proclamation 160 of 2024 authorises the SIU to probe the procurement of and contracting for serious maladministration for the construction of nine libraries and the panel of suppliers for the supply of books.

“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State,” the SIU said.

According to the unit, the investigation will also delve into the conduct of officials and contractors.

“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.

“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money,” the unit said.

Furthermore, the SIU will look into any systemic failures in the department to prevent any future transgressions.

“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] for further action.

“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 04/02/2024 - 13:02

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R300 000 Arts Scholarship Applications End Soon

Location: Entertainment

The Arts & Culture Trust Nyoloha Scholarship Programme applications will close on 5 April. Young, talented and dedicated South African artists wishing to apply for a coveted spot in the 2024 Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) are urgently reminded to apply now via the ACT website www.act.org.za/nyoloha before applications close on …

Read moreR300 000 Arts Scholarship Applications End Soon