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There is No 24 Hour Rule With Regards to Reporting a Missing Person

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, is extremely concerned by growing reports of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) turning people away when they try to open a missing person report, on the basis of a non-existent 24-hour rule. The committee has in recent weeks been inundated with reports that SAPS members continue to refuse to open a missing person report before 24 hours has elapsed from the start of the disappearance.

“We must reiterate that there is no 24- or 48-hours rule that precludes members of the public from opening a missing person report. A missing person report must be opened and investigated immediately. The refusal to open a missing person report is irresponsible and runs counter to the directive issued by the National Commissioner of the SAPS. This is serious dereliction of duty and amounts to undermining of the SAPS code of conduct,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The Chairperson also highlighted that the prevention of filing such reports is concerning in the context of the increased prevalence of kidnappings in South Africa. Also, the Chairperson has emphasised that the reporting and investigation of missing person reports might be the difference between life and death. “It is important for station-level leadership to enhance training of members to ensure that they are able to provide adequate service to the people. The people require quality service and this must be provided,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

It is also important, according to the Chairperson, for members of the public to have greater awareness on their rights. The Chairperson also encouraged station-level leadership to have an open-door policy to enable people to escalate matters to them in instances where officers insist on not opening a missing person report,” Mr Cameron said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Petrobras Pursues Strategic Oil & Gas Expansion in Southern Africa

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Brazil's national oil company (NOC), Petrobras, has confirmed it is actively exploring opportunities in South Africa, Namibia and Angola, and it is currently awaiting Galp's decision on its offer to acquire a significant stake in the Mopane block offshore Namibia.

The announcement was made during a pre-conference workshop sponsored by Namibia Energy Corporation (NEC), leading up to the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024: Investing in African Energies conference. Petrobras is widely recognized for its success in the exploration and production of pre-salt oil reserves in the deep waters off the coast of Brazil, which hold close geological similarities to pre-salt areas in southern Africa. 

“As we increase production, we increase the need for reserves. Brazil has a strong correlation with Africa. We feel very comfortable to come back to Africa, and are looking at opportunities in South Africa, Namibia and Angola,” said Sylvia Maria Couto dos Anjos, Executive Officer for Exploration and Production at Petrobras.

The company's technical expertise in pre-salt geology – particularly its ability to extract hydrocarbons from ultra-deep reservoirs beneath thick layers of salt – positions it as a strong contender to unlock frontier acreage in southern Africa. Geological similarities with Angola were highlighted during the workshop, as most of its hydrocarbon discoveries are offshore, with the majority of oil and gas resources located in deepwater reservoirs.

“Both Angola and Brazil have experience in developing deepwater reservoirs,” said Ricardo Van-Deste, CEO – Exploration and Production, Sonangol. “It is very important for us to bring Petrobras back to Angola. They left, but the door is still open.”

Petrobras' deepwater technology, developed over years of working in the Campos and Santos Basins off the shores of Brazil, could also be a game-changer in unlocking South Africa's offshore potential. These include TotalEnergies' Luiperd and Brulpadda discoveries. Earlier this month, the Brazilian NOC announced it had secured approval to acquire a 10% stake in the Deep Water Orange Basin located off the west coast of South Africa.

“Those are challenging operations. With Petrobras' experience and the technologies we have developed over time, this presents a valuable opportunity for us,” said Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC).

In Namibia, Petrobras is currently evaluating entry opportunities as the country has produced a series of world-class discoveries. It is estimated to hold 100 billion barrels of oil equivalent in unrisked resources, with the Deep Water Orange Basin alone accounting for 30 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

“The potential of Namibia is incredible. We have a commitment to fulfill – I guarantee deals will come through,” said Dr. Marcio Rocha Mello, Founder & CEO of Namibia Energy Corporation.

Another key area for potential cooperation is the establishment of a Namibian center of excellence, aimed at enhancing technical capabilities and data analysis to deepen understanding of Namibia's petroleum basins and de-risk prospects for future exploration.

“A center like that in Namibia would enable us to replicate the success of the Orange Basin in the Walvis and Lüderitz basins,” said Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy. “We have blocks that are bigger than some African countries. With such a large volume of available opportunities, we need a diversity of players to fully harness that potential.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Leaders in energy, investors converge for Africa Energy Week

Location: News

Leaders in energy, investors converge for Africa Energy Week

The African continent’s vast energy-related resources have the potential to forge a prosperous path for the continent. 

This is according to Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s written notes for his address at the African Energy Week (AEW), which is underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

AEW brings together Africa’s leaders in energy, investors and executives in the sector.

“Africa’s path forward lies in seizing control of our energy destiny. Our continent’s vast resources, rich potential, and resilience make us capable not just of fueling our homes and industries but of powering a new African century. 

“But this will require unity of purpose, a commitment to innovation, and a collective resolve to harness Africa’s energy to serve African needs,” Ramokgopa said.

Powering the future

The Minister insisted that the continent – despite its challenges, including energy poverty – has the “potential to lead the world in renewable energy and innovative energy solutions”.

“Africa’s potential for renewable energy is unmatched globally. The continent is rich in diverse renewable resources, each offering a path toward sustainable growth that is less dependent on fossil fuels and more aligned with global climate commitments,” Ramokgopa said.

Going further, the Minister cited the number of renewable energy sources available to the continent including solar and wind energy and hydropower.

“With vast stretches of land bathed in sunlight year-round, Africa has some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, especially across regions in the Sahara and Sub-Saharan Africa. Solar energy has the potential to power communities, businesses, and industrial zones, especially in off-grid and rural areas.

“From the coastal winds of Egypt to the strong inland gusts in Kenya and Ethiopia, Africa’s wind corridors hold immense potential for generating clean electricity. Expanding wind energy capacity offers not only a path to sustainability but also an opportunity for job creation in turbine manufacturing and maintenance.

“Africa has significant untapped potential, especially in countries with major rivers, such as the Congo, Nile, and Zambezi. Hydropower projects, when sustainably managed, can provide baseload power to support industrialisation and rural electrification, helping reduce energy costs for industries,” the Minister explained.

African Energy Agenda

Ramokgopa told the conference that as South Africa takes up its leadership of the G20 later this year, it is “positioned to champion Africa’s energy priorities on a global platform”.

“South Africa will advocate for energy policies that bridge the development gap, recognising the continent’s need for clean energy and affordable access. In leading the G20, South Africa will focus on strategic interventions to address Africa’s unique energy needs and support a resilient, inclusive future,” he said.

In relation to this, Ramokgopa emphasised that solutions to Africa’s energy challenges must “accelerate sustainable growth, while considering African economies' unique challenges”. 

“Through our G20 leadership, South Africa is committed to championing an African energy agenda that is bold, just, and rooted in an African value system. Together, let us light up Africa with power and the promise of progress, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity for every African citizen.

“As South Africa leads the G20, we are dedicated to championing an African energy agenda that addresses our challenges, harnesses our resources, and reflects our vision for self-reliance and prosperity.

“Let us seize this moment to build an energy secure Africa, where every community is empowered, every economy is strengthened, and our shared commitment to the future is unwavering. Together, we can light up Africa not just with power, but with the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for all,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 12:33

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Condolences for Prof Noel Chabani Manganyi

Location: News

Condolences for Prof Noel Chabani Manganyi

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed his shock and great sadness at the news of the passing of Professor Noel Chabani Manganyi – a distinguished academic, scholar, intellectual activist, psychologist, and public servant.

Manganyi passed away on Tuesday, 31 October 2024, at the age of 84.

“I knew Prof Manganyi in a number of different respects. Firstly, we both trained in psychology and thus shared many intellectual positions on the importance of mental liberation as a site of struggle, especially for all black people in the face of apartheid colonialism. 

“Secondly, we were both activists in the struggle against apartheid and shared a common vision for a radically transformed post-apartheid South Africa, including challenging dominant intellectual discourses.

“This brought us together in the period immediately after the establishment of democratic rule, working together in the reconstruction and development of South Africa’s post-apartheid education system,” the Minister recalled. 

Manganyi was the first Director-General of the Department of Education after the establishment of democracy and worked with the Minister in his capacity as the first Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Education.

Nzimande has described his fellow former activist as one of the most eloquent and deeply thoughtful intellectuals spawned by the black consciousness movement. 

“His writings are still as relevant as ever,” said the Minister.

According to the Minister, Manganyi’s earlier book, ‘Being Black in the World’ was one of his prescribed texts in his Honours Psychology class in 1980 at the then University of Natal. 

“A fine text indeed in the mould of the black consciousness philosophy, but very well written and well-argued. 

“Prof Manganyi is without doubt one of our country’s most decorated academics.” 

His roles include a Professorship at the then University of Transkei in Mthatha (now Walter Sisulu University), where he established the Department of Psychology and served as its first Chairperson. 

In the 1980s, he was appointed Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand’s African Studies Institute.

He also served as Vice-Principal of the University of Pretoria, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) and as Chairperson of the Council on Higher Education.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Manganyi published a series of monographs, which included ‘Being Black in the World’ and the biographies of E’skia Mphahlele, Gerard Sekoto and Dumile Feni.

Adding to his already vast body of work, in 2016, he published a memoir and autobiography titled ‘Apartheid and the Making of a Black Psychologist’. 

“Through this work, he examines the impact of apartheid underdevelopment, and how it hindered the success prospects of black people.

“Owing to his exceptional and groundbreaking scholarship, he was conferred with a number of prestigious national and international honours.”

These include being an Honorary Fellow of the Psychological Society of South Africa in 2012, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Research Foundation in 2016 and the Humanities Book Award by the Academy of Science of South Africa in 2018.

“Through his life’s work, Prof Manganyi enhanced our understanding of the impact of racism and colonial underdevelopment on the black psyche, identity, and power relations in apartheid South Africa. However, his work also reinforces the honour of fighting for freedom in a context where some chose to be indifferent,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande is of the view that the passing of Manganyi constitutes a monumental loss for the country and its people. 

The Minister believes the Professor represents a rare breed of intellectuals, who concerned themselves with both the oppressive nature of society and the struggle to rid society of oppression. 

“He was endowed with intellectual courage, an irrepressible urge to serve his people and despite his monumental personal achievements, he possessed a disarming humility. We will remember him as an incorruptible public servant and selfless son of the soil,” the Minister said.

He has since conveyed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dr Sekele-Manganyi, their children Nkhensani and Tintswalo, and extended family. 

The memorial service for the late Manganyi will take place at the University of the Witwatersrand on Wednesday, 6 November 2024. 

The funeral service will be held on Friday, 8 November 2024, at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Sandton in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:11

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Govt, private sector urged to prioritise education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Location: News

Govt, private sector urged to prioritise education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

As various government departments work around the clock to put final touches to the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029), individuals and organisations representing persons with disabilities have called on government and the private sector to prioritise education and employment opportunities. 

This, they say, is key to the realisation of the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of South African life.

This emerged on Monday in Cape Town as the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, officially handed over a report of public hearings to the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Jaco Londt. 

The ceremony was attended by over 90 people representing government and civil society organisations in the disability sector. 

The report and the high-level action are a result of extensive consultations with individuals and organisations representing persons with disabilities during the development of the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities. 

The report argues strongly for government to invest in educational, capacity building, skills development, employment and funding opportunities for persons with disabilities. It further calls for the provision of and training on the use of assistive devices, including wheelchairs and hearing aids to ensure independent living. 

The report is structured around the following province-specific thematic areas:

(i) mainstreaming, inclusivity and accessibility—establishment of municipal advice office to promote accessibility and inclusivity at local level.
(ii) education, capacity building, and skills development—scale up training programmes on assistive devices for persons with disabilities and caregivers.
(iii) employment and socio-economic empowerment—proposed tax rebates for assistive devices and financial support for families promoting accessibility.
(iv) social development support services, such as care and access to funding—consider introduction of differentiated disability grants and tailoring financial support to individual needs, ensuring equitable distribution.

The Deputy Minister quoted the 2022 census data, which estimates that there are 3.3 million persons with disabilities, which constitutes 7.5 % of the South African population. 

“The 2022 census data underscore the fact that persons with disabilities are a large part of the South African families, communities and population. 

“Many of us know someone with a disability, which makes it important for all of us to work together to build a caring and inclusive society that enables persons with disabilities to thrive and contribute to our society,” the Deputy Minister said.

Hendricks added that the high-level action, which was presented as part of the report will be monitored regularly to ensure accountability and implementation by all provinces and key stakeholders.

Sharing her personal journey which drew applause and brought tears to many participants, a South African ability activist and the co-founder and global ambassador of The Chaeli Campaign and Chaeli Foundation SA, Chaeli Mycroft highlighted disability-related costs for individuals and families.

“Disability is very costly as there are significant additional costs faced by individuals and families caring and supporting persons with disabilities which are unfortunately currently not met by existing social grants. 

“It is for this reason that persons with disabilities face enormous challenges in living independently and many are condemned to a life of poverty and social exclusion. It is for this reason that government must increase investment in education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities,” Mycroft said. 

Mycroft has cerebral palsy and is well known in the disability sector for her activism which has earned her numerous global recognitions, including the International Children’s Peace Prize (2011) and she was awarded the Peace Summit Medal for Social Activism on behalf of all Nobel Peace Laureates. 

She is the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. 

In true disability rights awareness style, the handover ceremony was officiated in sign language by Jabaar Mohamed, Western Cape Provincial Director of DeafSA. Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa made sign language the 12th official language in South Africa.

This was the first of the nine that the Department of Social Development will be handing over to provinces across the country as part of the National Disability Rights Awareness Month, which is observed annually from 3 November-3 December. 

The objective of this campaign is to educate the public about disability issues, take stock of progress and to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:47

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President Ramaphosa to receive visit from Prince William

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to receive visit from Prince William

President Cyril Ramaphosa is today expected to receive a courtesy call from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Prince William.

Tuesday’s meeting between the President and The Prince of Wales will take place at the Official Residence of the President in Cape Town.

“The President and Prince William will hold discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest.

“The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal Family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Prince William is in South Africa to host the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday.

“The Earthshot Prize is a remarkable initiative that shines a light on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the creative solutions people and communities across the globe generate.

“South Africa is pleased to be the host country for this year’s awards, especially because of the focus this initiative places on the impact climate change and environmental degradation has on the African continent.

“Moreover, the Awards have created local jobs and provided an opportunity for South African artists and designers to showcase their talent,” the President explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 09:07

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Lamola to host UK Foreign Secretary in Cape Town

Location: News

Lamola to host UK Foreign Secretary in Cape Town

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, will host his United Kingdom counterpart, David Lammy, on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, in Cape Town. 

According to the department, the meeting between the Minister and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development will focus on strengthening relations between the two nations. 

“The UK is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

According to Lammy’s office, he began his visit to the continent in Nigeria, his first trip to Africa as Foreign Secretary and the first to visit South Africa since 2013. 

Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, Lammy announced the start of a five-month consultation process to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the United Kingdom’s new approach to the continent.

“Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership,” Lammy's Office said.

Lammy believes Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050. 

“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together,“ he said. 

According to Lammy, growth is the core mission of the UK government and will underpin relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond. 

“This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.” 

In South Africa, Lammy’s Office said he will agree to develop a new United Kingdom-South Africa Growth Plan. 

“South Africa is our largest trading partner on the continent and this plan will allow trade to flourish even more through collaboration on market access, a new UK Trade Partnership programme to boost South Africa exports, and a new programme to increase the number of agricultural jobs in rural South Africa. This will simultaneously boost trade for Brits whilst bolstering opportunities within South Africa.” 

At the biennial United Kingdom-South Africa bilateral forum, the Foreign Secretary and Lamola will refresh the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030 – raising joint ambition on climate, nature, trade and security, and committing to United Kingdom-South Africa cooperation for the next two years on trade and investment, energy transition, and security. 

South African exports to the United Kingdom supported over 137 000 jobs in 2020. The Foreign Secretary will boost this with the renewal of a risk-sharing partnership between British International Investment and Standard Chartered to provide trade finance for SMEs and corporates operating across Africa and Asia. 

“No growth can be truly inclusive or effective unless it is green,” the statement from Lammy's office read. 

While in South Africa, Lammy will celebrate climate innovation at the Earthshot+ thought leadership conference. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:13

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Kubayi leads SA delegation to World Urban Forum in Egypt

Location: News

Kubayi leads SA delegation to World Urban Forum in Egypt

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi is leading a government delegation to the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12)’s Summit taking place from 04-08 November 2024, in Egypt, Cairo.

The 12th World Urban Forum, a high-level forum established by the United Nations (UN) in 2021, is convened by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and hosted by member states every two years on a rotational basis.

Held under the theme: “It All Starts at Home. Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities”, the summit brings together delegates, including Ministers from across the globe to explore how the different spheres of government can work better together to achieve vision 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The summit places particular attention on multilevel governance arrangements and partnerships for adequate housing, climate action, finance systems, digital technology, and urban crises response.

It will seek to address one of the currently pressing issues in the world, rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.

WUF12 aligns with this year's theme, emphasising the vital role local action plays in accelerating urban sustainability.

The department said, while at the summit, the Minister will participate in a number of sessions as a panellist and address a number of other sessions, including the session on localising the Implementation of the Global Action Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of Slum and Informal Settlements.

The Minister will also participate in a number of ministerial sessions and have bilateral meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

“The networking session will create a dialogue space between India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) countries and development partners around the Global Action Plan to share visions and actions for slum transformation, localised prioritisation, and multi-partnership approaches,” the department said in a statement.

The South African delegation includes officials from all spheres of government, Human Settlements entities, Members of the Executive Councils responsible for Human Settlements, representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Mayors and Members of Mayoral Committees of Human Settlements. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:37

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Minister to engage with small-scale growers and Umbumbulu NARYSEC participants

Location: News

Minister to engage with small-scale growers and Umbumbulu NARYSEC participants

The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, together with eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, will this week engage with small-scale growers and supported rural youth enterprises in the Umbumbulu area under eThekwini metro.

The engagement, set to take place at Mpandwini Community Hall in Umbumbulu, forms part of the department’s National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) Programme.

The department said it has invested in production inputs to the value of more than R4 million towards the Ratoon Management Programme, which provides fertiliser and technical assistance to small-scale growers, with over 800 of the small-scale producers being in Umbumbulu.

“The South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) was appointed as an implementing agent to ensure the success of this initiative by guiding farmers on a day-to-day basis,” the department said.

The department said Nyhontso, together with the delegates, will on Wednesday have an opportunity to engage with the community about the challenges they face, including opportunities and success stories of the sugar cane industry from the perspective of a previously disadvantaged emerging farmer.    

“In addition, as part of the build-up activities to the Presidential Imbizo scheduled for 8 November 2024 in eThekwini, the Minister will lead the delegation on a walkabout to three households, whose livelihoods are solely dependent on sugar cane farming within Ward 96 in Umbumbulu in the Mpandwini area of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 14:02

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SIU to probe tender corruption at AEMFC and Dihlabeng Local Municipality

Location: News

SIU to probe tender corruption at AEMFC and Dihlabeng Local Municipality

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to conduct investigations into the affairs of the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) and, in a separate probe, that of the Dihlabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed two proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to conduct the investigations.

At the AEMFC, the SIU will probe allegations of serious maladministration related to six tenders.

“The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to national treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state. 
“The investigation will probe whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by AEMFC or the State, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the AEMFC or any other person or entity,” the SIU said.

The unit added that it will also investigate whether there is “unlawful or improper conduct of the AEMFC employees, officials or agents and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others”.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2016 and 01 November 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 after the date of the Proclamation that is pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” the unit added.

Dihlabeng Local Municipality

The investigation at the Dihlabeng Local Municipality is related to a tender for the supply, delivery and installation of two 40m high-mast lights.

“The SIU probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury.

“This includes the municipality or the state’s unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure. The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated,” the corruption busting unit explained.

This proclamation covers the period from 1 January 2016 to 1 November 2024 “as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts”.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending 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 of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 12:45

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Human Rights Commission appears before Parliament’s justice committee

Location: News

Human Rights Commission appears before Parliament’s justice committee

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has expressed concern over allegations of a “toxic” environment in the office of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). 

This following the suspension of the commission’s CEO Vusumuzi Mkhize as well as other complaints brought before the committee against the SAHRC chairperson Reverend Chris Nissen and Commissioner Philile Ntuli.

In a statement, the committee said calls are mounting for the removal of the three, through Section 194 of the Constitution.
However, committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said issues at the SAHRC had not reached that point.

“We are not there yet, at Section 194. We want to stabilize the institution so that it can focus on its core mandate of service to our people. Now it seems it is rather hamstrung by those opposing the current leadership,” Nqola said.

Further in a statement, the committee said it held a “frank and robust discussion” with the SAHRC on Friday. 

“Rev Nissen told the committee that all the new allegations and information before the committee made no sense as it referred to his former public life, which is well known. He said he was vetted several times by various sectors and twice by Parliament and he was never found wanting. The committee noted that prior to Rev Nissen’s appointment as Chairperson of the SAHRC, Parliament called for public input into his suitability, and none was received.

“The committee expressed its concern over the toxic environment in the office of the SAHRC, stating that the situation is further deteriorating and seemingly it has been like that for some time. 

“The committee has noted utterances Ms Ntuli made that the attack on her is of a political nature accusing senior staff of the Commission and former commissioners of working together to have her and Rev Nissen out. She now fears for her safety and the committee resolved that the SAHRC must request that a risk assessment be done by security agencies,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the committee said it heard allegations that former members of staff were sowing divisions within the commission and “created factions in the SAHRC by having meetings outside the commission”.

On allegations against Mkhize, the committee was told of alleged disparaging remarks he had made during a meeting.
“The committee heard that Mr Mkhize, during a hybrid meeting of the SAHRC, unaware that he was not muted made some remarks about white people and about the Government of National Unity. 

“He allegedly later “unlawfully” instructed a junior official to delete the recording of a meeting, breaking the protocol. 
Furthermore, the SAHRC said other concerns were raised prior to this regarding, amongst others, procurement, consequence management and him only accepting instructions from the interview panel that appointed him.

“The committee further heard that concerns were raised about Mkhize’s appointment process when a report from the Public Protector on the Guptas' citizenships said he violated the Constitution during his employment at the Department of Home Affairs,” the statement read.

The committee chairperson vowed that the commission will be taken to task if any wrongdoing is found.

“We decided to adopt the Commission; we conditionally support it. When it does good work, it will have our support, but when we hear of shenanigans, we will take them to task. 

“We will do unannounced visits to its headquarters as well as to provinces to ascertain the real conditions in the institution,” Nqola said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 10:00

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Let’s ensure a safer festive season

Location: News

Let's ensure a safer festive season

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has called on communities to assist in ensuring a safer festive season for all through Operation Shanela.

The weekly multi-disciplinary, high-density operation, which commenced on Monday, 28 October 2024 until Sunday, 3 November 2024, executed in the five districts of the Northern Cape, resulted in the apprehension and arrest of 334 suspects, and the confiscation of numerous items.

Safer Festive Season Operations are in full swing in all districts throughout this period and beyond, encompassing high-density operations, which include regular roadblocks, stop and searches, the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects and heightened police visibility aimed at preventing and combating serious and violent crimes during the holiday season and beyond.

Numerous vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks were conducted across the province, during which a total of 2 247 vehicles and 4 136 persons were stopped and searched.

Compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, as well as farms were conducted, including community awareness campaigns.

Operational successes achieved include the arrest of 280 suspects for murder, attempted murder, assault, burglary, illegal dealing in liquor, illegal firearm and ammunition, theft of or out of motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, robbery, rape, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, illegal immigrants, stock theft and other crimes.

Police in De Aar tracked down a robbery suspect and recovered stolen property, including bank cards, clothing and traveling bags, and managed to link the suspect to several other cases.

Fifty-four wanted suspects were traced and brought to book by detectives for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons, fuel, copper and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Kholiswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. 

Otola reiterated that no one will be left behind when it comes to fighting crime as it involves the robust involvement and support of community structures.

She urged everyone to be alert and vigilant, and report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or on the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 10:02

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Weather warning for KZN, Eastern Cape

Location: News

Weather warning for KZN, Eastern Cape

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms and snow along the Eastern Cape escarpment from Monday until Tuesday.

“Snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas due to a high-pressure system ridging from far south of the country, with a southerly to south easterly wind, resulting in cold to very cold and wet conditions over the province over the Chris Hani and Joe Ggabi District Municipalities; and Dr Beyers Naude, Blue Crane Route, Matatiele, Umzimvubu, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities,” the weather service said.

These conditions will result in difficult and dangerous driving conditions.

Motorists can expect disruptions to traffic routes, due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, as well as road and pass closures for a short period.

There is a likelihood of loss of crops and livestock and disruption to services.

The Eastern Cape can also expect severe thunderstorms on Monday due to an approaching upper trough combined with a ridging surface high.

There is a possibility that the expected storms can become severe and may result in damaging winds, hail, downpours and excessive lightning.

The affected areas include Senqu, Elundini, Sakhisizwe, Matatiele and the Umzimvubu Local Municipalities. 

The impact of these weather conditions will include localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, localised and short-term disruption to power supply, localised damage to vehicles and falling trees blocking roads.

In KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect widespread showers and thundershowers over most parts of the province but scattered to isolated in the north, except the extreme north-eastern parts on Monday.

“Some of these thunderstorms may become severe over the southern parts of KZN and may be accompanied by strong, damaging winds, excessive lightning, large hail/large amounts of small and heavy downpours,” SAWS said.

As a result of these weather conditions, there could be falling trees blocking major roads, disruption of services due to power surges, danger to life (humans and livestock) due to excessive lighting as well as damage to structures due to hail and wind. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 10:57

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