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Consumers can now file complaints with NCC online

Location: News

Consumers can now file complaints with NCC online

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that consumers can now file their complaints online using the e-Service portal.

Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, said consumers often complain about the manual process when they file complaints with the NCC.

“As South Africans are now accustomed to online transactions, we want to make it easier and more convenient for them to file complaints from the comfort of their homes or on the spot. The portal also makes it easy and possible for consumers to log in and view the status of their complaints without contacting the NCC,” she said on Monday.

The NCC is rolling out its first phase of the digitised complaint handling process.

The https://eservice.thencc.org.za portal is live and is replacing the manual complaint form.

The Commission said the portal is a seamless consumer complaint-handling process empowered by workflows in the back end and instant notifications to the consumers.

Consumer registration is verified through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and as such, consumers are urged to use correct names and ID numbers as they appear in their ID books.

“Consumers may experience intermittent connectivity during the verification process due to interface with DHA and are therefore advised to be patient with the process. The NCC is on the other hand enhancing the registration process to take the burden of ID verification from the consumer,” the Commission said.

Consumers can follow these easy steps to create a profile online:

  • Consumers should be in passion of an ID/Passport number, email address, and mobile number.
  • Visit www.thencc.org.za/complaints or select the e-Service & OORs tab on the home page.
  • The page will take you to the e-services portal to create a profile.
  • When creating a profile, make that your names appear as they are on the ID or Passport (if you are a non-South African consumer).
  • The ID or passport number will be verified with the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Once your profile is verified and approved, you will receive confirmation with your login details via email.
  • Only then can you log into your profile, change your password, and file a complaint. You can lodge as many complaints using the same login details.

The Commission has arranged to accommodate consumers who do not have access to the Internet or an email address.

Mabuza said these consumers can still contact the Commission.

“To ensure that consumers enjoy their right to be heard, we encourage consumers who do not have access to the internet to utilise our contact centre for assistance. Our agents will create a profile on behalf of the consumer and file the complaint,” she said.

The complaints handling process is explained further on the website: www.thencc.org.za/complaints or contact our contact centre at 012 428 7000. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 09:00

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Read moreConsumers can now file complaints with NCC online

Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation

Location: News

Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation

Gauteng police started Operation Safer Festive Season on a high note when they recorded arrests of more than 140 suspects and recovered rifles, including an AK-47, from a man suspected to be a kingpin of illegal mining in the West Rand.

“Police received information about a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal, West Rand District. The information was operationalised on the day of Operation Safer Festive Season, 21 October 2023. Upon searching the premises, police from Crime intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed firearms (R5 rifle and AK47 rifle) and dagga,” said the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Sunday.

The incident saw a 36-year-old suspect being arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in dagga.

Furthermore, detectives went on to trace wanted suspects and arrested 56 of them for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela joined the police at a roadblock and illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort.

The operation resulted in more than 85 suspects being arrested for offences that include possession of suspected stolen goods and contravening the Immigration Act.

Generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners were seized as the police dismantled and disrupted their operation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 08:46

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Read moreOver 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation

Inter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities

Location: News

Inter-faith community called on to help crime afflicted communities

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.

“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.

The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.

“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry. 

“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.

The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.

“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.

“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.

She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:51

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Read moreInter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities

KZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!

Location: MyPR

Tourism on the KZN South Coast has received another boost with the announcement on Friday (20 October 2023) that the region has retained its position as having the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. “We are delighted that the KZN South Coast has, once again, shown it’s a premier seaside destination that …

Read moreKZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!

Zahir Vallie’s Z-Prop Plans to Invest Bigger in South Africa Real Estate

Location: MyPR

Zahir Vallie’s Z-PROP plans to go aggressive on the South African real estate market. While capitalizing on current conditions, it has decided to offer personalized services and a wide range of properties. Cape Town, SA, October 13, 2023 – Zahir Vallie, founder of Z-PROP, has made a distinctive name in the South African real estate …

Read moreZahir Vallie’s Z-Prop Plans to Invest Bigger in South Africa Real Estate

Green shoots in resolving the energy crisis

Location: News

Green shoots in resolving the energy crisis

South Africa is beginning to turn the corner in resolving the energy crisis.

This according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was briefing the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan in Pretoria on Monday.

Improved performance of Eskom’s generating fleet meant the suspension of load shedding over the past weekend and much lower stages of the planned power outages during the week.

“We have turned the corner, although we are not out of the woods yet. We are beginning to show sustained improved performance over an extended period of time and this is good news in that it’s an affirmation and validation of the work that the team is doing at Eskom,” he said.

The Minister said the intensification of maintenance plans at Eskom are beginning to have a positive impact despite a difficult period in September when load shedding was intensified as a result of maintenance outages.

These maintenance outages are aimed at reducing the incidence of generating units tripping on their own and improving performance.

“These plans that have been put into motion are beginning to bear fruit. I did indicate some time ago when we were experiencing heightened levels of load shedding Stage 6, that essentially what we are dealing with is short term pain which is going to result in long term gain and we are beginning to see the kinds of gains that I was referring to.

“Our actions are deliberate. We are going to invest a lot of our efforts to ensure that we are able to maintain the units,” he said.

Ramokgopa insisted that both Eskom and the department will not show any signs of complacency going forward.

“It’s important that we shouldn’t be complacent and we have never been complacent…even when are beginning to see … green shoots. I think what that does is just bolster and raise the morale of the team to ensure that we even achieved greater results and we are able to save the South African economy.

“We introduced these interventions when we came into office, after the President appointed and sat with the team and thought the best way of getting out of this situation is to ensure that we make these investments into these units. What are the results - when the units come back, they remain on load for the longest period of hours.

“Essentially we have undermined the rate and frequency of failure of these units. We have improved on their efficiency. They are beginning to produce more… closer to their design capacity. This is not by accident. It’s not some intervention that comes from a place that is unknown. It is simple engineering and we really want to commend the team,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 11:10

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Read moreGreen shoots in resolving the energy crisis

Co-cultivating Excellence in Agricultural Firefighting

Location: MyPR

Veld fires pose a great threat to farmers as uncontrolled blazes can quickly engulf vast stretches of farmland, consuming crops, livestock and essential infrastructure, wiping out years of hard work in mere minutes. However, the future of farming preparation against veld fires has had a major boost with a proudly South African pioneering solution. Husqvarna …

Read moreCo-cultivating Excellence in Agricultural Firefighting

Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

Location: News

Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

With preparations for the summer tourism season underway, the Western Cape province will - for the first time ever - have more than one million in-bound international seats, breaking the record for travellers during the festive season.

“Looking ahead, Cape Town International Airport’s seat capacity for summer 2023/24 is estimated to increase by an impressive 25%, compared to the same period last year. This means that inbound international seats this summer will exceed 1 million, for the first time ever,” the MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said on Sunday.

She said the province is pleased with the significant progress made over the past year in bringing the private and public sectors together to implement practical solutions to combat and pre-empt safety risks for visitors.

"Over the 2023/24 season, 250 tourism monitors will be deployed across the Western Cape to identified hotspots, and will be trained and equipped with mobile apps to link them to critical security services,” she said.

 In addition, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Cape Town Tourism will implement tourist-in-distress programmes, which ensure that visitors have professional support available when they most need it.

“I am also pleased that the Department of Tourism has secured a commitment from South African Police Service (SAPS) that police reservists will be available during the summer season to assist with tourism safety,” she said.

 The MEC said work is being prioritised to ensure a successful upcoming season, as well as future seasons.

“At the top of my list is making it as easy as possible for international visitors to holiday in the Western Cape and South Africa. I am determined to work with our national government partners to fix the inefficiencies. I therefore welcome the commitment from the Department of Home Affairs that the long overdue Remote or Digital Nomad Visa will be live by the end of March 2024,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:38

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Read moreWestern Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

Police seize cocaine worth millions in Durban

Location: News

Police seize cocaine worth millions in Durban

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized cocaine with a street value of R80 million following another intelligence-driven operation at the Dube Trade Port within the King Shaka International Airport.

Members had been tracking various containers, which arrived intosaps the country via the Durban Harbour from Brazil.

“On Friday afternoon, members tracked a certain container to the Dube Trade Port, in which 228 blocks of cocaine were seized. The cocaine was found concealed in meat boxes and disguised as such. This is the second drug bust in the last two days, this after R70 million worth of cocaine was also seized from a container at the Durban Harbour,” the SAPS said.

Police are investigating a case of trafficking of drugs. Investigations are underway to establish the final destination of these drugs.

National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has commended the team for the disruption of transnational crimes, in relation to the movement of drugs.

“The SAPS is hard at work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to the communities that we serve. We continue to intensify and strengthen the detection of drug trafficking and associated organised crime.

“We are intensifying our safer festive operations and there are more takedowns to come from the SAPS, we are warning those who are involved in such activities to either surrender or we will continue to sniff them out,” Masemola said.

SAPS said it continues to enhance cooperation with other law enforcement agencies across the world in a bid to clamp down on these illicit activities.

The case will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) for investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 11:15

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Read morePolice seize cocaine worth millions in Durban

Recreational Fishing Permit Application goes online

Location: News

Recreational Fishing Permit Application goes online

Recreational fishers can now apply for their Monthly and Annual Recreational Fishing Permits on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)’s online Recreational Fishing Permit Application.

In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said the online permitting system will enable enthusiastic recreational fishers and members of the public to easily access a recreational permit without having to travel distances to find a Post Office.

“Applicants will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” Creecy said.

The development of the solution came about as a result of the challenges faced by the department in issuing recreational fishing permits to the public through the South African Post Office (SAPO).

“Given the recent closure of a number of the SAPO branches, the department embarked on a process to develop an in-house online platform to ensure accessibility for the public to purchase the recreational fishing permits electronically. 

“The solution provides applicants with functional options to register, apply and obtain permits for recreational fishing in South African waters. Fishers will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” the Minister said.

The online solution is complimentary to the SAPO issued permits, so members of the public that have no internet access, can still use the nearest SAPO branch.

The online solution can be accessed using the link below.

https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za

A detailed user guide explaining how to go navigate the platform is accessible on the platform and on the DFFE website. –SANews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 12:24

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Calling All KZN Entrepreneurs! Play Your Fraction Ignite is here to give your business conceit a boost!

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg 20 October 2023 – Sometimes, all a great idea needs is a little fine-tuning to give it the confidence and gravitas it needs to succeed. A nudge in the right direction can be life-changing for many aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Brand South Africa, through their Play Your Part Ignite roadshow, have been travelling …

Read moreCalling All KZN Entrepreneurs! Play Your Fraction Ignite is here to give your business conceit a boost!

Global Conflict Threatens Local War On Hunger Warns Development Group

Location: MyPR

Agripreneurship: a solution to enhance food security as global conflict proves a recurring threat to SA’s vulnerable food supply chain. 19 October 2023: Recent global conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia War continue to send shockwaves throughout the world. Their impact has laid bare the critical need for developing African markets, such as South Africa (SA), …

Read moreGlobal Conflict Threatens Local War On Hunger Warns Development Group

Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Victory: Message from Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to South Africa’s Springboks

Location: Sport
Rugby Africa

Celebrating South Africa's victory against England in the semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):

Dearest Mark, My Brother

Congratulations to YOU, Mark. Congratulations to the Springboks. In a tournament that began back in September, dedication and unity of the Springboks have been nothing short of extraordinary.

The path you've walked is not a sprint but a steady and relentless race. YOU have faced the world's best with unparalleled speed, tenacity and power.

The Springboks move as one, whether on the field with seven, fifteen or twenty-three players, or behind the scenes with the dedicated staff and medics.

Your achievements have not only left us in awe but have ignited a curiosity to the power of the Springboks. The greatest moments of rugby history have featured the Springboks, and now YOU have reached the final. Our pride in YOU knows no bounds.

From the very beginning to the end, it is the enduring spirit of positivity that will see us through. Mark, YOU and your team have embodied that spirit.

In all our languages, with all our spirits and power, we say congratulations to YOU and wish YOU the very best of luck in the final.

Go Springboks, go! 

Herbert Mensah, 

President, Rugby Africa.

Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.info/4070l7N

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

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Gianni Infantino attends opening match of the African Football League in Tanzania

Location: Sport

FIFA
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FIFA President (www.FIFA.com) watched Simba Sports Club play Al Ahly FC in Dar es Salaam; The new competition is set to transform African club football; Gianni Infantino laid the foundation stone for second stage of development at the Kigamboni Technical Centre.

The FIFA President has visited Tanzania where he attended the opening ceremony and inaugural match of the African League Football (AFL), the new competition which is set to transform club football on the continent. Gianni Infantino watched home side Simba Sports Club face Egyptian club Al Ahly FC in the company of the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia. The quarter-final first leg match ended 2-2.

“I am pleased to be in Dar es Salaam for the launch of the new African Football League. I am also discussing football development with the Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, who is welcoming us so well here, and other African Federations presidents,” Mr Infantino said.

The AFL is the latest result of the fruitful partnership between CAF and FIFA, and its debut format will bring together eight of Africa's most famous and successful teams -- increasing to 24 in 2024 -- with the aim of highlighting the quality of the game on the continent. 

The other ties are: Tout Puissant Mazembe (Congo DR) v Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Enyimba Football Club (Nigeria) v Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola) v Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa).

“I want to thank the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the whole of African football for their initiatives in constantly developing football in Africa,” said Mr Infantino, who took part in the unveiling of the trophy before the match. He added that the AFL would herald the start of a new era of increased spotlight, accelerated growth, and development for African football.

The FIFA President also laid the foundation stone for second stage of construction of the TFF's Kigamboni Technical Centre in Dar es Salaam which, like the Tanga Technical Centre on the north coast, is a FIFA Forward project. The FIFA Forward development programme (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) is available to all 211 member associations to fund projects such as the building of pitches, technical centres and the organisation of competitions.

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and Chairman of FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina were also part of the FIFA delegation.

Mr Wenger said the centre would play a key role in helping Tanzania identify and develop talented players. “We have four to five years in front of us and, if we do it well, I'm sure that we'll have good players everywhere in Tanzania,” he said. 

Mr Infantino said he was delighted to lay the foundation stone and that the centre was “sure to be an excellent facility for helping to develop local football talent.”

He added: “Many congratulations to CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, for the initiatives undertaken in giving opportunities to young girls and boys to live their football dreams.”

“The development of our beautiful game is a symbol of hope and I am looking forward to continuing our good work together.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media: 
AfricanMedia@fifa.org 

Read moreGianni Infantino attends opening match of the African Football League in Tanzania

Advocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector

Location: News

Advocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector

The National Assembly (NA) has voted to recommend to President Cyril Ramaphosa that he appoint Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as South Africa’s new Public Protector (PP).

Gcaleka has served as Deputy Public Protector since February 2020, before acting as head of the institution when Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was suspended in June 2022.

As set out in the Constitution, the PP’s office is a Chapter 9 institution with powers to, amongst others, investigate “any conduct in State affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice”.

The NA’s process to nominate a new PP began in May this year with the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector.

The committee issued a call for nominations or applications from the public in accordance with Section 59(1) of the Constitution, which obligates public participation in processes of the NA.

“Broadly, the provision states that the NA must facilitate public involvement in its legislative and other processes, and conduct its business in an open manner and hold its sittings, and those of its committees, in public. The Committee accordingly conducted its business in an open and transparent manner,” Parliament said in a statement.

Some 53 nominations and 17 applications were received as a result.

“Of the 53 nominations, 32 did not meet the nomination requirements as set out in the advertisement and two candidates subsequently withdrew from the process. Eight candidates were shortlisted for interviews and underwent reference checks and verification of qualifications.

“Following the rigorous interview process, the Committee met on 29 August to deliberate and agreed to recommend to the NA that it nominate Advocate Gcaleka for appointment as Public Protector,” the statement read.

Parliament explained the requirements that have to be met in order to be appointed as head of the Chapter 9 institution.

“The person must be a South African citizen, who is fit and proper to hold such office, and who is a Judge of a High Court or is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or an attorney; or is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university, or has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance,” Parliament said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 10:42

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Read moreAdvocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector