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The GOOD Party is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic drive-by shooting in Reiger Park, Boksburg, in which six people were reportedly killed and three others wounded.
The post THE GOOD PARTY MOURNS REIGER PARK SHOOTING VICTIMS AND CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE appeared first on For Good.
Jabulani Hall has broken windows and collapsing ceilings and its dilapidated offices are occupied by people who say they were displaced by floods in 2022
uMzinyathi District Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal is failing to supply water
Terminally ill inmates have died behind bars because the parole process is cumbersome, expensive and inconsistent between prisons
NPA and SAPS have failed to explain why two cases were enrolled related to the same crime
A recently approved drug for malaria treatment offers hope to millions of children who suffer from the disease in Africa.
The SANDF has denied claims that it did not offer alternative accommodation
The widespread support from across the political spectrum for the Freedom Front Plus’s (VF Plus) proposal, during today’s debate in the Mpumalanga Legislature, to utilise pebble bed modular reactors (PBMR) means there is hope for a cleaner province. While the ANC supported the motion, the party expressed concerns about potential job losses in the coal […]
The post Widespread support for small modular reactors creates hope for a cleaner Mpumalanga appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Substance use disorder programme decimated by 2024 funding cuts
Residents of Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape stage series of protests over treatment at hospital
Still no arrests after mob displaces hundreds of immigrant families
GOOD Statement by Siyabulela Mamkeli,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 10 June 2025 The GOOD Party is appalled by the inhumane and unsanitary conditions witnessed at Heideveld Hospital. A symptom of a public healthcare system that is broken, underfunded, and in desperate need of urgent intervention. GOOD has seen deeply disturbing footage of a young […]
The post GOOD SHOCKED BY DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS AT HEIDEVELD HOSPITAL appeared first on For Good.
The GOOD Party is calling for urgent action against an allegedly irregular and unqualified medical practice exploiting the healthcare vacuum in Atlantis, putting lives at risk and undermining trust in the health system. A chronic lack of access to adequate provincial healthcare has left the community of Atlantis vulnerable, and into that void stepped Sister […]
The post HEALTHCARE HIJACKED: GOOD PARTY DEMANDS CRACKDOWN ON UNQUALIFIED PRACTITIONER EXPLOITING ATLANTIS COMMUNITY appeared first on For Good.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed accomplished business leader and former Director-General of the Department of Trade and Industry, Dr Alistair Ruiters, as Special Advisor: Investment Promotion.
Dr Ruiters will advise President Ramaphosa on South Africa's continuing investment drive which is a principal component of the 7th Administration's focus on inclusive economic growth and job creation.
Government is implementing a broad range of economic reforms aimed at rendering South Africa more attractive and rewarding for domestic and international investors; advancing greater diversification of the economy, and broadening South Africa's integration into continental and global supply chains.
Dr Ruiters held the position of Director-General of Trade and Industry for five years until April 2005, which followed 11 years of service in the Department.
He holds a D Philosophy degree from Oxford University and a BA Honours from the University of Cape Town, among other qualifications.
Dr Ruiters is a former Commissioner of the Competition Commission who, as an entrepreneur, established a number of businesses, and served as Chief Executive and Chairperson of diverse institutions and enterprises, including the National Empowerment Fund, Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and the Afarak Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Government to recruit 1 200 new doctors
In a significant move to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the public healthcare system, the National Health Council has announced the approval of 1 200 new positions for doctors.
The decision comes after years of budgetary constraints that hindered the employment of medical professionals despite dissatisfaction and urgent need.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement follows the presentation of a new budget by the Finance Minister on 12 March 2025, which allocated R1.78 billion to fund the recruitment of healthcare workers.
In addition to the 1 200 doctors, Motsoaledi said the Council has approved the hiring of 200 nurses and 250 other healthcare professionals.
He told journalists that the Human Resources units will soon commence with recruitment processes once all logistics have been finalised.
“Early this year, the country woke up to widespread dissatisfaction about the employment of healthcare professionals, especially doctors amid [a] shortage in the public healthcare system,” he said.
However, Motsoaledi believes that this development marks a turning point for the public healthcare sector, which has been struggling to meet the demands of a growing population.
The Council’s decision is expected to alleviate pressure on existing healthcare facilities and improve access to quality medical care for citizens.
Meanwhile, he said the Council emphasised its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the system and ensuring that the sector is adequately staffed to deliver essential services.
The Council is a statutory body consisting of the Minister of Health, all nine Health MECs, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Surgeon General of South African Military Health Services.
Addressing shortages
“One of the most embarrassing experiences the public health sector had to endure is the shortage of simple things that will make the stay of patients a worthwhile experience.
“In fact, one of the biggest differences between the public and private sectors are the hotelling services characterised by the issues we have just mentioned,” said Motsoaledi.
He said the Council has decided to purchase 25 000 beds, 80 000 mattresses, 7 655 bassinets for new babies, and 1 250 million linens, including bed sheets and pillows, for a total of R1.346 billion.
“It is for that reason that we wish to announce that we have checked province by province what that need [is] in the form of hospital beds and bassinet for newborn babies. We remember with a sense of shame how babies were put in cardboard boxes in Mahikeng hospital in the North West province.”
Review of human resources policies
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said that during the Council meeting held in November last year, a decision was taken for the review of some of the “outdated” human resources policies.
“There are lot of health policies adopted at the dawn of democracy which we believe are now obsolete or do no longer serve the purpose they were intended for. Some of them have created unnecessary costs without any tangible benefits. We can even say some have contributed to the undermining of the public sector’s ability to deliver quality services.”
Four health policies are currently under review, including the policy on remunerative work outside the public service, which outlines the regulations for employees wishing to obtain permission for paid work beyond their regular responsibilities.
A committee that has been set up, in terms of section 91 (1) of the National Health Act of 2003 (Act no 61 of 2003) read with sections 91 (2) of the same Act, will also look into the overtime policy, which pertains to established fixed payment for overtime hours worked by healthcare professionals, aimed at meeting operational demands and addressing skill shortages.
In addition, the community service policy, which focuses on the deployment of medical practitioners and the rural allowance policy, designed for medical practitioners serving in remote rural locations, will also be looked into.
The committee members include Dr Cassius Lubisi, Sibongile Mchunu, Professor Laetitia Rispel, Professor Eric Buch, Dr Terence Carter, Dr Rajen Morar, Professor Binu Luke, Nomvula Marawa, Professor Busisiwe Ncama and Professor Somadoda Fikeni. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 09:52
114 views
President pays tribute to gender activist Pamela Mabini
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the family, friends and fellow activists of Gqeberha-based whistleblower and gender activist Pamela Mabini.
Mabini played a vital role in supporting victims in the Timothy Omotoso alleged rape and trafficking case.
The 46-year-old woman was shot outside her home on Friday, 7 March 2025.
The President paid tribute to Mabini for standing up for women who experienced gender-based violence.
“…[Mabini] made it her mission to ensure the police and our courts brought perpetrators to justice. The brutality inflicted on Dr Gomolemo Mokae and Pam Mabini – and recently, Imam Muhsin Hendricks – demonstrate that violent criminals have no regard for the lives of South Africans, including selfless and caring citizens who become known publicly for the contributions they make to the upliftment and protection of fellow citizens.
“Their deaths and those of all victims of violence must move communities to work together more closely as citizens and in partnership with the police to prevent violence and to identify perpetrators in instances where attacks result.
“I call on anyone who has information about any criminal activity – including these current cases – to play your role in making South Africa safer by sharing information with the police or community police forums. All of us look forward to law enforcement agencies playing their role in bringing violent criminals to book,” the President said on Sunday.
Mokae, 61, was found dead in his Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, home on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, after he had last been seen on 28 February 2025. He had spent many years caring for patients in Ga-Rankuwa and was experiencing health problems of his own when he was shot in his bed.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, joined the President in extending her heartfelt condolences and expressed deep sadness over the tragic murder of Mabini.
“The department of Justice and Constitutional Development remains committed to ensuring the safety of court users, court officials, presiding officers, community activists, witnesses, and whistleblowers.
“Efforts are underway to strengthen legal protections, including reviewing legislation to close loopholes that hinder these safeguards,” the Minister said.
She emphasised that serving as a friend of the court is not only an act of bravery but also essential for fostering a safer society.
While respecting the independence of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, the Minister Kubayi urged for a swift and thorough investigation into this tragic loss.
She called on all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to combat gender-based violence and ensure safer communities.
Furthermore, the Minister encouraged whistleblowers not to be deterred by this act and urged anyone with information that could assist in solving this case to come forward. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 03/09/2025 - 14:49
221 views
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been saddened by the violent death of renowned medical doctor, author and black consciousness intellectual and activist Dr Gomolemo Mokae.
Dr Mokae, 61, was found dead in his Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, home on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, after he had last been seen on February 28.
President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends, neighbours, patients and comrades of Dr Mokae who was a former national spokesperson of the Azanian People's Organisation and a founder member of the Socialist Party of Azania.
In addition to his medical practice, Dr Mokae published several books and wrote for television as a proud exponent of his mother tongue, Setswana.
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences as well to the family, friends and fellow activists of Gqeberha-based whistleblower and gender activist Ms Pamela Mabini, 46, who was shot outside her home on Friday, 7 March.
President Ramaphosa said: “The brutality inflicted on Dr Mokae and Pam Mabini – and recently, Imam Muhsin Hendricks – demonstrate that violent criminals have no regard for the lives of South Africans, including selfless and caring citizens who become known publicly for the contributions they make to the upliftment and protection of fellow citizens.
Dr Mokae, who had spent many years caring for patients in Ga-Rankuwa was experiencing health problems of his own when he was shot in his bed.
Pam Mabini stood up for women who experienced gender-based violence and made her mission to ensure the police and our courts brought perpetrators to justice.
Their deaths and those of all victims of violence must move communities to work together more closely as citizens and in partnership with the police to prevent violence and to identify perpetrators in instances where attacks result.
I call on anyone who has information about any criminal activity – including these current cases – to play your role in making South Africa safer by sharing information with the police or community police forums.
All of us look forward to law enforcement agencies playing their role in bringing violent criminals to book.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to Dr Gomolemo Mokae
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the brutal killing of medical doctor, author and black consciousness intellectual Dr Gomolemo Mokae.
“The brutality inflicted on Dr Gomolemo Mokae and Pam Mabini – and recently, Imam Muhsin Hendricks – demonstrate that violent criminals have no regard for the lives of South Africans, including selfless and caring citizens who become known publicly for the contributions they make to the upliftment and protection of fellow citizens,” the President said on Sunday.
Mokae, 61, was found dead in his Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, home on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, after he had last been seen on 28 February 2025.
He had spent many years caring for patients in Ga-Rankuwa and was experiencing health problems of his own when he was shot in his bed.
“President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family, friends, neighbours, patients and comrades of Dr Mokae who was a former national spokesperson of the Azanian People’s Organisation and a founder member of the Socialist Party of Azania,” the Presidency said.
In addition to his medical practice, Dr Mokae published several books and wrote for television as a proud exponent of his mother tongue, Setswana.
Mabini stood up for women who experienced gender-based violence and made it her mission to ensure the police and courts brought perpetrators to justice. She played a vital role in supporting victims in the Timothy Omotoso alleged rape and trafficking case.
She was shot outside her home on Friday, 7 March, in Gqeberha.
“Their deaths and those of all victims of violence must move communities to work together more closely as citizens and in partnership with the police to prevent violence and to identify perpetrators in instances where attacks result.
“I call on anyone who has information about any criminal activity – including these current cases – to play your role in making South Africa safer by sharing information with the police or community police forums. All of us look forward to law enforcement agencies playing their role in bringing violent criminals to book,” the President said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 03/09/2025 - 14:42
8 views
Eden Sleep Innovation takes home first place at furniture awards
Eden Sleep Innovation, a bed-making company, is celebrating after winning first place in the manufacturing category at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s annual Furniture Design Competition.
The award was presented to the company for their innovative hybrid flatpack bed base design.
The creative design, known as Unibase, is engineered and manufactured locally and combines sustainable wood and recycled plastic.
It is a compact ‘carry and go’ bed base that can easily fit into a car or taxi, as well as through doorways and staircases. It also saves up to 85 % in space throughout the supply chain, including warehousing and transportation.
The Managing Director of Eden Sleep Innovation, Aldrin John, said they are honoured to have won the award as a testament to the vision of the company.
“Our vision as a company is to revolutionise sleep and furniture solutions with innovative, high-quality, and affordable products. This annual initiative, led by the dtic, now in its 10th year, plays a crucial role in showcasing the capabilities of local young talent and seasoned professionals in the furniture industry.
“We encourage more industry stakeholders to get involved in future initiatives, as they are essential for fostering innovation and growth within the South African furniture sector,” John said.
Chief Director of Agro-processing and Forestry Based Industries at the dtic, Ncumisa Mcata-Mhlauli, said the competition was established by the department to promote innovation in the development of new, competitive furniture products, and to contribute towards skills development initiatives.
READ | May the best furniture win
“The Furniture Industry Masterplan adopted in 2021 identifies the shortage of high-level skills in the furniture industry, such as design and skilled artisans in furniture manufacturing, as a major concern,” Mhlauli said in a statement on Wednesday.
She said the competition is an instrument the department is using to promote and encourage interest in the furniture industry and to entice upcoming designers into the industry.
“We want to raise and nurture design capabilities in the country, raise the image ofthe furniture manufacturing industry in South Africa, improve the industry’s competitiveness and reposition the industry for high value-added products,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:47
206 views
CPUT students have been sleeping outside and in hallways
Hendricks commends engagement on sustainable food security
Social Development Deputy Minister, Ganief Hendricks, has expressed his satisfaction at the success of the stakeholder engagement on sustainable livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.
The inaugural engagement, held in Pietermaritzburg, in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders from all three spheres of government, including local councillors, representatives from the national department, business leaders and members of the public.
The event marked a major step in fostering collaboration between government, business and communities to ensure that South Africa’s food security and poverty eradication goals are met effectively.
It was aimed at informing the community about the role of the department’s directorate and the ways it can assist those it serves.
In his address, Hendricks emphasised the importance of food security, underscoring the goal that “no child should ever go to bed hungry”.
Hendricks stressed the need for stakeholders to work together, not just to alleviate poverty, but to completely eradicate it - especially food poverty.
“The community-based initiatives and collaborative efforts play a critical role in ensuring the success of these objectives.”
Officials from both the national and provincial department in attendance committed to the visions outlined by the Deputy Minister, which reinforces shared determination to fight food insecurity, poverty, and to support sustainable livelihoods across the country.
The engagement concluded with an in-loco inspection of a farming blueprint in Hardingdale, Msunduzi.
The blueprint, which showcases a successful model for food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable livelihoods, is being presented as a model that other communities can adopt and replicate for their benefit. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 11:32
Deadline looms for unconventional gas regulations inputs
Interested parties have one week left to submit written comments or make inputs on the proposed Unconventional Gas Regulations.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has made provisions for a second round of public consultations and comments on the proposed Unconventional Gas Regulations.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, published the Gazette Notice 51642 on 22 November 2024, and granted the sector key stakeholders and the public sector 30 days to make representations on the proposed regulations.
The regulations include fracking, coal bed methane and underground coal gasification.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the stakeholder engagements started early in December 2024 and were put on hold on 15 December 2024 to accommodate the holiday season.
“A new round of public consultations has since resumed on Monday, 6 January 2025, and members of the public can make written submissions, or attend stakeholder engagements to be announced in due course in order to make contributions.
“Interested parties have until 15 January 2025 to submit written comments or make input during stakeholder engagement processes,” Mavasa said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has been tasked with the responsibility of formulating regulations that will oversee the use of water for exploration and production of onshore naturally occurring hydrocarbons that require stimulation, including hydraulic fracturing and underground coal gasification, to extract, commonly known as “fracking”, which is an activity of drilling underground to extract gas by the gas industries.
“These activities were announced in Parliament but were found to have adverse impact on the environment due to the chemicals used during fracking. As the department is mandated to protect, manage, control, and develop water resources, regulations guiding the activities of fracking were developed.
“The regulations will manage these activities as they have a possibility of contaminating the water resources, particularly groundwater. The department formulated these regulations as mandated by the National Water Act,” Mavasa said.
Mavasa explained that the first notice was published on 07 May 2021 and had provided a period of 60 days for the public to make written inputs on the regulations. However, it was extended by another 30 days following requests from affected stakeholders.
After considering the comments received and ensuring alignment with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Mavasa said the department has decided to regazette for public comments.
Members of the public are urged to send written submissions to unconventionalgas@dws.gov.za by 15 January 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 10:46
Harm reduction centre succeeds where rehabs often fail
Nearly five years later there has been no justice