PRASA has failed to fix East Rand train stations
From Boksburg to Springs, stations remain in ruins
Boksburg
Nzimande commends SETAs role in facilitating skills development
Nzimande commends SETAs role in facilitating skills development
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has commended the crucial role played by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the country’s skills development.
“As the Department of Higher Education and Training, we are proud to state that while we provide the overall strategic and policy direction, our SETAs continue to play a crucial role in implementing and facilitating skills development within their respective sectors,” Nzimande said.
Speaking at the SETA Skills Summit currently underway in Boksburg, Gauteng, Nzimande said through their sector-specific focus and experts, SETAs contribute significantly to addressing skills gaps, skills mismatches, promoting employment and enhancing productivity within their respective industries.
“Our SETAs also play a crucial role in aligning training and development efforts with the needs of employers and the labour market, thus ensuring the development of a skilled and capable workforce that can become a catalyst for economic growth and development.
“The policy context for the work that is done by our various SETAs derives from such critical policy instruments as our country’s Master Skills Plan, the White Paper for Post School Education and Training, the National Skills Development Plan, and the National Development Plan 2030,” Nzimande said.
The Minister reiterated that the policy instruments are not only critical for enabling the country to articulate and implement a coherent human resource development plan, but it also ensures that "we embrace a skills development approach that is collaborative and sustainable, as opposed to a piecemeal and competition-driven approach”.
Held under the theme, “Together, Skilling the Nation", the two-day summit aims to provide an opportunity for the sector to reflect on its execution of the mandate of skills development.
Nzimande said the collaborative approach is important, considering the unacceptably high number of unemployed young people in the country, and the urgent challenge of people who are 'Not in any formal Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)'.
“It is estimated that more than 3.3 million young people in our country between the ages of 15-24 are not in employment, education, and training and unemployed. This is something that must concern all of us.
“It is therefore understood that a collaborative approach will ensure a coordinated and targeted approach to skills planning, funding, quality assurance, and monitoring, resulting in a skilled and competitive workforce that contributes to economic growth and social development,” Nzimande said.
The Minister also encouraged SETAs to focus on high impact areas, including infrastructure development for the provision of service delivery; significant reduction in unemployment including graduates; sustainable entrepreneurship and cooperatives which promote elf employment; and fundamental rural development.
He also urged them to focus on digitisation and the advancement of technological infrastructure and development to benefit the country, and effective and efficient shared services on information and communications technology. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:08
111 views
Call for inclusivity in efforts to grow biodiversity economy
Call for inclusivity in efforts to grow biodiversity economy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that previously disadvantaged individuals and communities must be at the centre of efforts to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy.
“We must put rural communities at the centre of every decision making process, and ensure we are empowering and equipping them for the new opportunities in the biodiversity sector,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday in Boksburg.
Addressing the Inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba, the President called on industry, finance institutions, philanthropies, civil society and traditional leaders, healers and practitioners to collectively embrace government’s vision for a transformed biodiversity economy.
“For us to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy, we have to understand its scope and breadth. Work is underway to develop Natural Capital Accounting for the biodiversity sector.
“This is being done through a partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Statistics South Africa and the South African National Biodiversity Institute. This initiative will ensure that the contribution of the biodiversity sector, including its entire value chain, is formally recognised.”
He said today, sustainable use of biodiversity is a pillar of rural economies across South Africa, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Beneficiation
“Sustainable biodiversity use also contributes to urban economies. For example, traditional medicine markets exist in nearly every major urban centre in South Africa.
“The trade in indigenous medicine plants is a multi-million-rand industry that supports jobs and livelihoods across the value chain. As a country, we have been firm that communities must benefit in a tangible manner when plant and animal species are harvested for commercial gain,” the President said.
He mentioned that Rooibos as a product is popular not just in South Africa but around the world.
“Four years ago, the first industry-wide benefits sharing agreement was launched between the South African Rooibos Industry and the Khoi and San Councils.
“This agreement has to date distributed a total amount of R28 million to the two councils in recognition of the communities’ indigenous knowledge of the Rooibos species.”
There must be tangible beneficiation in communities when indigenous plant species are harvested for commercial benefit, whether it is for medicine, cosmetics or other purposes.
“Sustainable mass cultivation of indigenous plant species must support the creation of businesses, factories and value chains that allow for end products to be exported to the rest of the continent and abroad.
“This mass cultivation can also assist land restoration and rehabilitation, as well as carbon sequestration, which is important in the context of climate change. To ensure a more holistic approach to access and benefit sharing, we are developing nurseries for the production of indigenous species, so these can be cultivated for medicinal and cosmetic purposes,” Ramaphosa said.
There are already a number of commercially successful game meat production facilities in several parts of the country.
“For many decades, fishing was the preserve of commercial enterprises only. This is something we are working hard to change. In January this year, we allocated 15-year fishing rights to the small-scale fishing sector in the four coastal provinces. We must build on this,” said the President.
Job creation
“Job creation must be at the centre of our efforts. As with our mineral resources, we cannot simply be mere exporters of raw materials so that jobs and industries can be created elsewhere. Jobs and opportunities must remain here, in South Africa, in our communities. This is what the revised Biodiversity Economy Strategy aims to address,” the President said.
He said when it comes to animal species, beneficiation must result in the establishment of community-run businesses, be they lodges or game meat butcheries and production facilities.
“We have a Game Meat Strategy that is focused on scaling economic enterprises for communities and previously disadvantaged individuals and providing land use patterns that are compatible with conservation.
“It aims to synergise our economic and conservation objectives by emphasising that a successful biodiversity economy must be linked to the restoration of ecosystems. It broadens the existing terrestrial goals and adds marine, coastal, estuarine and freshwater opportunities,” the President said.
Transformation
This strategy places the transformation of the biodiversity sector at the centre of efforts to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy.
“Rural communities, disadvantaged individuals and traditional leaders must be part of devising new approaches to investment in community-owned land for biodiversity-based enterprises.
“The work to conserve and restore our biodiversity takes place as the world is experiencing the increasingly destructive effects of climate change. African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate. They have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and severely limited capacity,” the President said.
The Climate Change Bill, which is currently before the National Council of Provinces, seeks to enable a just transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient society.
“This just transition must contribute toward the creation of decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty. A just transition puts people at the centre of decision making, especially those most affected by the transition, by empowering and equipping them for new opportunities of the future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:08
329 views
Government activities for the week 25 to 29 March 2024
Government activities for the week 25 to 29 March 2024
On Monday, 25 March, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy will lead the inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Also on Monday, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, will officially launch the Higher Education Innovation Fund.
Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, will hold a media briefing to outline the accelerated security control measures at the ports of entry during Easter period on 25 March.
On Tuesday, 26 March, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, will host a Tourism Imbizo to discuss issues affecting the tourism sector in the WC with stakeholders at the Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit.
Also, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday address the Inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.
On Wednesday, 27 March, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will host a Policy Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence Prevention.
Janine
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:50
127 views
President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration
President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration
President Cyril Ramaphosa will join His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini who will be leading the Royal family and amabutho at the 110th anniversary commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo at KwaCeza in Zululand on Saturday.
According to Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the President will commence the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial at Ebukhosini, where he will lay a wreath in honour of the late Ingonyama.
“King Dinuzulu was a symbol of resistance against colonialism as he confronted various onslaughts which included imprisonment from colonial government which disregarded the institutions of traditional authority.
“He succeeded his father King Cetshwayo as king of the Zulu nation. The commemoration is a stark reminder of the untold sufferings and humiliation in the struggle journey which our forebears confronted that led to the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” Magwenya said on Friday.
In a collaboration with the Royal Household, academics, historians, and cultural groups, various activities are underway, among them the King Dinuzulu Commemorative Conference, Choral Music festival, research and publication on the role of King Dinuzulu and notable Traditional leaders in influencing South Africa's trajectory towards democracy.
“This commemoration serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Dinuzulu and the continued importance of acknowledging shared history.
“The commemoration event will take place at KwaCeza, a venue of historical significance where King Dinuzulu launched a decisive attack against colonial forces, emerging victorious in the eastern parts of the town of Nongoma.”
State of Human Rights in SA Conference
Updating the nation on the President’s diary, Magwenya said the first citizen will on Monday, 18 March 2024, address the National Conference on the State of Human Rights Conference marking the 30th anniversary of constitutional democracy and human rights in South Africa.
The conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from 18-20 March 2024 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg under the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
The Conference is premised on the department’s mandate which is the custodian of the Constitution and effective administration of the law.
The Conference will also assess the institutions that are meant to uphold Constitutional democracy in South Africa.
The outcome of the conference is envisaged to be the baseline for benchmarking government’s implementation of the social contract.
Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly
Meanwhile, the President will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 officially attend to the call by the National Assembly to respond to Questions for Oral Reply.
The President’s appearance in the National Assembly will complete the Fourth Term Parliamentary Programme cycle.
“This is in accordance with the President’s obligation in terms of the Rules of the National Assembly. The President will reflect on questions ranging from the land reform programme in the agricultural sector, lifestyle audits will be done starting with Members of the Executive and Presidential Employment Stimulus amongst the some of the questions,” Magwenya said.
Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA)
Magwenya also announced that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 host the third instalment of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa.
The symposium will provide visibility of the infrastructure project pipeline and focus on closing the infrastructure investment gap.
It will be a platform where the public sector will engage with the private sector. Amongst the issues that will be unveiled is the new pipeline of economic infrastructure project that will receive projects preparations from infrastructure South Africa.
There will also be the launch of the inaugural 2024/25 construction book. There will be about 22 Ministers that deal with infrastructures in their respective countries across the African continent.
Black Industrialists Summit
President Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, deliver the keynote address at the Second Black Industrialists and Exporters conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
President Ramaphosa participated in the inaugural conference in 2022.
“The President will acknowledge the contribution made by Black Industrialists to the South African economy, while reflecting on the progress made in advancing redress and transforming a skewed racialized economy while discussing further initiatives to strengthen economic transformation in support of greater diversity in the ownership of the economy,” Magwenya said.
The intended second Black Industrialist Conference will among others celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003.
It will further showcase the success of transformation policies including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and the Black Industrialist programme.
More than 600 firms supported by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the DTIC) showed a turnover of about R80 billion during the 2023/24 financial year, illustrating the tangible results of drawing more black entrepreneurs into the industrial economy.
Human Rights Day
The President will address this year Human Rights commemoration which coincides with significant milestones of the 30 year anniversary of freedom and democracy on Thursday, 21 March 2024.
This year’s official commemoration will take place in Sharpeville, Gauteng under the theme “Three decades of respect for and promotion of Human Rights”.
This day remains a fundamental landmark in our history and the reminder of those who fought against apartheid and colonialism. The United Nations has also declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit
Lastly on 26 March, the President will address the Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit.
The gathering will bring together stakeholders ranging from all spheres of government, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, communities, people and youth among others. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:29
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Concern over learner dropouts and repetition
Concern over learner dropouts and repetition
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the persistently high rates of learner dropouts and repetition urging stakeholders within the education sector to intensify their efforts in tackling these issues.
The President addressed the opening of the 2024 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla Conference taking place at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg on Thursday.
Taking place under the theme "Equipping learners with knowledge and skills for a changing world," the 2024 Basic Education Sector Lekgotla aims to deepen the understanding of advancements made within the sector with a special focus on developments achieved over the last decade.
“With a sense of achievement, we report our progress towards universal access to basic education, which currently stands at an impressive 98 %.
“However, dropout and repetition rates are still unacceptably high. I have spoken about this to you all in the past and I have urged all of us to work hard to reduce the dropout rates as well as to attend to the repetition rates,” the President said in his virtual address.
The President highlighted that poverty, youth criminality, teenage pregnancy, and general violence in some communities as some of the reasons for these high rates.
He added that the burden placed on young people to look after their aged parents and grandparents was also contributing to learner dropout and repetition.
The President told the Lekgotla that government is actively pursuing policies to try to address the obstacles hindering progress in basic education.
“As the Government, we have continued to pursue pro-poor policies to systematically tackle the multifaceted factors impeding progress in basic education. These policies encompass the establishment of non-fee-paying schools; indeed, 80% of schools in our country do not require fees.
“Moreover, more than 9.6 million children benefit from the national school nutrition programme, free textbooks, scholar transport, and child support grants provided by the Department of Social Development.”
President Ramaphosa commended numerous efforts aimed at offering educational assistance in areas with the highest need.
He said these concerted efforts signify government’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape of South Africa, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their background.
“By addressing these challenges head-on, we reaffirm our dedication to fulfilling Mandela’s vision of education as the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.
“We aim to prepare every child in our country for success in a rapidly evolving global context.
“Our commitment is demonstrated through the Three-Stream Curriculum Model, which incorporates technical, vocational and occupational subjects into basic education. This aligns with the nation’s skill requirements and economic objectives, moving beyond traditional academic subjects to expand learners’ prospects,” he said.
The President highlighted that in the coming year, government is poised to expand the occupational stream into the Further Education and Training Phase. He said this expansion is a testament to government’s resolve to ensure that no learner is left behind.
Early Childhood Development
He further emphasised that Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a key priority for government.
Consequently, government has developed the 2030 Strategy for Early Childhood Development Programmes. The strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to achieve universal access to quality ECD programmes by 2030.
“To ensure that we reach universal access to ECD programmes for children aged 3-5, we will need to provide quality access to an additional 830,000 children. This is over and above the 2.2 million children in this age group who are already accessing ECD programmes.
“We can agree that the essence of a quality education system lies in the professionalism and quality of teachers, who are fundamental at the school level. They are crucial for developing the skills, knowledge and competencies our country needs for faster economic growth,” he said.
Investing in teachers
Last week, South Africa hosted the 14th International Teacher Task Force Policy Dialogue Forum which emphasised the need for qualified teachers to achieve sustainable development goals and support the Africa Agenda 2063.
The forum concluded that global investment in teachers is essential to ensuring their competence, professionalism and support.
“We will do everything possible to continue supporting our teachers, who are the combatants for the silent revolution happening in basic education.”
Mother tongue instruction
Turning his attention to the importance of mother tongue instruction, he said it is the cornerstone of the “essential reforms we undertake in basic education and speaks to the broader imperative of decolonising education.”
The President said this goes beyond merely ensuring that children can read with comprehension and that it is a vital component of government’s commitment to educational transformation.
He further expressed his deep support for this development, acknowledging its significance in the journey towards basic education reforms.
He said the country’s history reminds one of the profound impact of language as a tool of subjugation and oppression.
In recognising this, the country’s commitment to decolonisation and transformation becomes even more urgent, ensuring that language is a bridge to knowledge and empowerment rather than a barrier.
The President further highlighted that today, all national African Union Agenda 2063 frameworks and international organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) endorse the implementation of mother tongue instruction as a pivotal strategy for addressing literacy challenges.
“This widespread support recognises the fundamental role of education in one's first language in enhancing learning outcomes and improving literacy rates.
“In conclusion, let us double our efforts to ensure our children stand on equal footing. This means all shall have access to public schools, the assurance of being taught by a qualified teacher, and the provision of ample workbooks, textbooks and stationery.
“It also means having the necessary learning tools, dignified sanitation facilities, clean running water, basic electricity, and a clean, welcoming environment that guarantees safety for both learners and teachers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 14:29
165 views
New reservoir to enhance water supply to Boksburg community
New reservoir to enhance water supply to Boksburg community
The City of Ekurhuleni has commissioned a new 30 megalitre (ML) water reservoir to benefit communities and businesses in Rondebult, Mapleton, Roodekop Industries and Klippoortjie in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Thembi Msane, announced the launch of the new Cossins mega reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni on Friday.
Msane said a total of 21 983 residential and business stands will be supplied by the reservoir.
“The Cossins reservoir zone has the potential to supply an additional 53 606 stands when linked to the Dawn Park supply zone. This is part of the flagship initiative by the City of Ekurhuleni aimed at providing security of water supply to residents and businesses,” Msane said.
Msane said the project comprised the construction of the new 30ML Cossins Reservoir, with associated pipe work on site and the upgrading of the supply pipe from a Rand Water connection (RW4529).
“Before the commissioning of the reservoir, the available storage on the site comprised a single 8ML reservoir supplied from the RW1461 connection via a bulk supply pipeline that ran on the right-hand side of Rondebult Road towards the South,” Msane said.
The scope of the work done included the construction of concrete chambers, complete with the required meters, pipe specials, control and isolation valves to ensure effective operation of the system, a paved access road and clear view fencing.
Msane said the project has created a total of 43 job opportunities and sub-contracting opportunities for four local small, medium and micro enterprises. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 12/10/2023 - 09:11
109 views
Swarts calls for inclusion of people with disabilities in built environment
Swarts calls for inclusion of people with disabilities in built environment
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Bernice Swarts, has called on the department’s entities to play their part in ensuring that people with disabilities are trained and get work and business opportunities in the built environment.
“Often people living with disabilities are overlooked in built industry work and business opportunities because of the assumption that they would not be able to do physical duties associated with the industry,” Swarts said.
Swarts was speaking at the inaugural Council for the Built Environment (CBE) colloquium on persons with disability in the built environment, held this week in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Held under the theme “Co-creation of spaces which entrench universal access”, the conference aimed to consolidate and accelerate the rights of people with disabilities.
Swarts noted some of the challenges still facing people with disabilities in the built environment, including physical access to many buildings which do not have ramps, hand rails, heavy doors that are hard to open and close, narrow doorways and hallways, and poor signage that does not cater for the visually impaired.
The Deputy Minister called for people with disabilities to be offered job opportunities in project management and owning businesses in the built industry.
She also called on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to ensure that people with disabilities receive training in built industry qualifications in order for them to be more employable in the sector.
The DHET's Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the Post-School Education and Training System is one instrument that aims to create an enabling environment for inclusion and mainstreaming of people with disabilities in the post-school education and training system, which seeks to ensure that disability-related policies and guidelines are implemented and monitored.
“While there have been positive gains in the fight for the inclusivity of people with disabilities in the country, like the inclusion of the South African Sign Language as the 12th official language, the country is still lagging in reaching minimum targets for the employment of people with disabilities,” the Deputy Minister said.
Swarts also advised the CBE to invite stakeholders outside the built industry sector to next year’s colloquium, including education stakeholders, in order to have a more holistic approach in resolving the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the built industry.
Built Environment Recognition Awards
Meanwhile, Swarts will this evening deliver a keynote address at the Built Environment Recognition Awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations, who are shaping the future of the built environment.
The awards recognise outstanding contributions to the industry and encourages professional registration.
The inaugural awards -- hosted by the CBE -- will take place in Durban. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 12/07/2023 - 10:26
232 views
Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023
Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023
On Monday, 04 December, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will host the 28th session of the African commission on agricultural statistics at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.
On Tuesday, 05 December, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will release the Drop Reports on drinking water quality, provision and waste water management in the country.
On Wednesday, 06 December, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters will officially launch the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility project and hand over business equipment to over 70 beneficiaries who are operating around Mangaung, Free State.
On Thursday, 07 December, the Presidential District Development Model Oversight Imbizo will be taking place in the Matjhabeng Municipality in the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province.
Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:09
77 views
Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing
Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has commended the long history of community-based organisations (CBOs) in advocating for people-centred and community-driven approaches to development.
“These organisations have played an important role in facilitating community participation in the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements,” Kubayi said.
The Minister was speaking at the Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations Summit, currently underway in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
The two-day summit, which kicked off on Thursday, is convened in the spirit of forging closer partnerships between the government and various stakeholders in the sector to accelerate sustainable and integrated human settlements.
The summit is being held under the theme: Strengthening Partnership to Deliver Better, Safer and Secure Sustainable Human Settlements.
Government alone cannot resolve all the housing challenges, said the Minister, emphasising the importance of including civil society and community-based organisations in the development and review of human settlements policy.
“They should not be excluded from being service-delivery agents in the implementation of sustainable and integrated human settlements programmes. NGOs and CSOs have the immense potential to contribute to the acceleration and delivery sustainable and integrated human settlements to the vulnerable groups in society,” Kubayi said.
She said the summit provides an important opportunity for government and organisations to reflect on where they have come from and where they still need to go.
“We firmly believe that community driven programmes cannot be only about housing and top structures but must also ensure participative planning and engagement with housing support. The approach must be incremental with the full range of functions ultimately delivered, including community facilities.”
Kubayi acknowledged that at times non-governmental and civil society organisations have had to use the courts as an avenue through which to make their voices heard.
“It is unfortunate that government and NGOs and CSOs, while seeking to achieve the same goal, have to interact through the courts on matters of human rights and basic service delivery issues.
“Overall, NGOs and CSOs have done a sterling job in holding government accountable [and] I wish to assure you that as government, our actions are driven by the desire to change our society for the better.
“This desire, which I believe we all share, should act as a centripetal force that brings us closer together to collaborate and engage constructively in a manner that reduces litigation,” the Minister said.
She further noted the demand for adequate housing is still huge and includes households in informal settlements and backyard shacks that are dependent on the intervention of government for housing.
According to Census 2022, published by Statistics South Africa, the number of households who reside in informal dwellings has declined from 13.6% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2022, and households residing in formal dwelling units increased to 88.5%, an increase from the 65.1% recorded in 1996.
Kubayi said the decrease in the number of informal dwellings has been happening despite a marked increase in the number of informal settlements.
“This means that the provision of formal housing is increasing at a faster rate than that of informal settlements,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:36
265 views
Small Business Development Committee Set to Conduct Last Leg of Public Hearings on National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill in Gauteng
The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development will from tomorrow, 21 November 2023, conduct three public hearings on the National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill [B16-2023] in Gauteng.
The first public hearings will be held at the Fochville Civic Centre in West Rand District from 10 am to 2 pm. The second public hearing will be held at the South Rand Recreation Centre in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and third will be conducted at the Boksburg City Hall in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
The committee has already covered eight other provinces. These public hearings are conducted in line with section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which requires the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the Assembly and its committees.
The NSEA Bill seeks to, amongst other things, provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency and the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
National summit to address substance abuse, illicit trafficking
National summit to address substance abuse, illicit trafficking
The Social Development Department in partnership with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) will host the 3rd National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking from 14 - 16 November at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg.
Given the high prevalence of substance abuse and illicit trafficking, which negatively affects the wellbeing of the country’s population, the Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu is expected to address the summit.
Zulu will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and the Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Towards sustainable, coordinated and impactful strategies for national drug and substance use in South Africa”.
“The summit will unfold on the premise of the need to realise a South Africa free of substance abuse through capacity building sessions on collaborative and coordinated evidence based and sustainable socio-economic interventions.
“Civil society organisations together with experts and leaders in government attending the summit are expected to deliberate on drug demand reduction, drug supply reduction, access to medicines and prevention of NPS [new psychoactive substances] diversion, governance, accountability and leadership, research development, monitoring and evaluation, and economic development, as key thematic areas of the summit,” the department said in a statement.
Setting the scene and sharing lived experiences, affected and infected persons from various provinces across South Africa will be speaking at the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates player, Junaid Hartley, now a recovered substance user, will be sharing his fourteen-year battle with addiction and sleeping on the streets of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:03
385 views
Serco powers ahead with Solar Energy for Boksburg facility
Leading South African truck and trailer body building company Serco’s premises in Gauteng are now fully powered by solar energy! The company’s ongoing commitment to green initiatives have seen a state-of-the-art 150kW hybrid solar system introduced with 370 x 405Watt panels, and the latest high voltage inverters coupled with 320kW’s of batteries, installed at the …
Madeira Fest: Dates Announced for the Hottest Portuguese Festival of Summer 2023
Get ready to experience the magic of Madeiran culture as the second Madeira Fest descends upon Casa dos Poveiros in Boksburg from November 3rd to 5th, 2023. Expect non-stop, eat-till-you-pop, dance-till-you-drop food and entertainment for the entire family – the best Portuguese Festival of Summer 2023! Sink your teeth into an endless array of mouth-watering …
Eskom Expo honours young scientists with bursaries, cash prizes, and tech rewards
At this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair, young scientists have reaped the benefits of their hard work and ingenuity, receiving full- and partial bursaries, cash prizes, laptops, tablet computers, and opportunities for work-based exposure during their school holidays. The fair was held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from …
Rising to the challenge of mental health, one step at a time
In an era increasingly attuned to the significance of mental health and hospice care, the Pineapple Walk, hosted by Club 100, emerges as a beacon of hope, unity, and the collective strength of action. This annual 5-kilometer walk unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging, all while championing two critical …
Young scientists to compete for top honours at Eskom Expo International Science Honest
This year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) is set to be a global showcase of talent, featuring participants from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside international learners from 10 countries. From 3 to 6 October 2023, a total of 330 local young scientists and 20 participants from Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, …
Court grants Benoni company final interdict against EFF
Last year an armed group wearing EFF regalia blocked the entrance to Gas Giants after demanding it fire immigrant workers and pay protection money
At least five injured in Braamfontein fire
At least five injured in Braamfontein fire
An explosion from a gas pipeline in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, has left at least five people injured, while a truck and a building close to the Nelson Mandela Bridge caught fire.
According to a statement released on the City of Johannesburg’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda explained that the incident occurred while maintenance was being carried out on an Egoli Gas pipeline.
“The explosion is confirmed to be a gas explosion from an Egoli Gas pipeline that was undergoing maintenance.
“Following the Bree Street incident, the City has placed pressure on eGoli and other service providers to test and maintain their systems to prevent future accidents and minimise the risk to leaks and explosions. Sadly, this explosion occurred during the course of such maintenance.
“Residents in the area are advised that they may experience a strong gas scent and mustn’t be concerned as the gas is being released into the atmosphere and poses no risk to health and life,” Gwamanda said.
Since July, at least two major incidents have rocked the area, namely, a methane gas pipeline explosion at Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street, which killed one person and caused serious infrastructure damage, and last week’s Usindiso Building fire, which claimed at least 74 lives.
Gwamanda warned residents to stay clear of disaster areas for their own safety.
“We must, however, also decry a growing tendency where people converge around a scene of disaster, taking pictures and videos, as opposed to evacuating and moving away from such scenes. The Boksburg explosion must be a lesson that scenes of disaster must be cleared immediately by all,” said Gwamanda.
In a statement, Egoli Gas confirmed that the pipeline belongs to it and said the fire was “contained within 15 minutes”.
The company said it has been working closely with the City of Johannesburg since the Lillian Ngoyi Street explosion in July “to make the city safe”.
“This involves exposing sections of pipeline and sleeving to ensure integrity of the network. This process of making the city safe is being rolled out in phases, following the explosion in Bree Street in July and possible damages to the Egoli infrastructure due to that incident.
“A root cause analysis will be concluded and agreement has been reached with the executive team of Johannesburg that JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] and EMS [Emergency Medical Services] will be informed of future work to assist with the management of traffic and public movement in areas where work is planned,” Egoli gas concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:37
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Ramaphosa saddened by tragic loss of life at Angelo informal settlement
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness to the devastating and tragic loss of innocent lives at the Angelo Informal Settlement, in Boksburg.
A gas accident which happened last night has claimed the lives of 17 residents of the squatter camp.
The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones.
President Ramaphosa has described this as a very sad morning.
He further urges investigators to get to the bottom of what may have caused this accident to avoid similar disasters in future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.