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Langa residents outline expectations ahead of President Ramaphosa’s SONA

Location: News

Langa residents outline expectations ahead of President Ramaphosa’s SONA

As South Africa prepares for the highly-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, residents of Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township, have voiced their expectations. 

Most of the community members said they hope President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the pressing issues affecting their community. From economic opportunities to service delivery, residents have highlighted key areas they believe government should prioritise to improve their daily lives. 

Many have expressed concerns over rising unemployment, inadequate housing and crime, which they say have hindered progress in their area.

Vuyolwethu Siyaka told SAnews that crime remains a major concern in Langa, so he would like there to be more visible policing and effective crime prevention strategies. 

The 21-year-old expressed that many residents feel unsafe in their own homes due to high levels of gang-related violence and drug abuse in the community.

“I would like to tell President Ramaphosa about the crime situation in our communities and what happens at our local SAPS [South African Police Service]. We ask that government equips our local police station so it can provide more services and employ more officers who can efficiently deal with criminals and keep communities safe,” he said. 

Sanele Sifile, 19, advocated for better opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“We want the President to help kids from poor backgrounds get access to quality education and employment opportunities after completing school. At the moment, the high youth unemployment rate is a major concern, and it often pushes young people toward crime,” he told SAnews. 

Anelisiwe Thembisa, from Bennie Street in Langa, said her burning issue was the allocation of budget for the housing projects in her area. 

“We've been waiting since 2019 for the second phase of the housing project. Phase 1, the Nkandla Housing Project, was completed but Phase 2 has yet to begin. While we've heard that a budget has been allocated, there has been no visible progress. We would appreciate it if the President could address this in his SONA speech and provide clarity on the delays. We will be happy if we can get answers about this issue,” she said. 

Thozama Rhenqe, a pensioner, told SAnews that her expectations for the seventh administration were very high. 

“Our expectations for this administration are high, but my main concern is the SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant for pensioners. As a pensioner, I hope the President increases the grant to R3 000,” she said. 

Meanwhile 85-year-old pensioner, Nomalungelo Peter, expressed her concerns about the pensioners' grant, saying it is too little to cover essential expenses like rent, electricity and municipal rates. 

“I would like President Ramaphosa to speak about the grant for pensioners. It is little because we are renting, paying for electricity, including municipal rates, and sometimes they just estimate, even when you are not home and utilising the services, yet you still have to pay. You can be on holiday, however, they will still add charges for collecting waste. 

“Another one is the issue of housing. I don’t have a house of my own. I have been living in the house I am currently situated at for more than 65 years, but I don’t own it. If the President could increase the grant and assist with housing, it would make a big difference in our lives,” Peter said. 

SAnews also spoke to a local artist, Banzi Tema, who hopes the President will address the challenges faced by creatives. He expressed that many artists struggle financially and die in poverty. 

“Hopefully the President can address the issue of how we look after our creatives because some of them are dying paupers. While government has taken some steps. It is not enough. 

“There is some funding that has been allocated to creatives but there is a lot of red tape, mostly people who are supposed to get the money do not get it, so if the President can include this is his speech, it would make a significant difference,” he said. 

As the nation awaits President Ramaphosa’s SONA, the voices of Langa residents reflect the pressing issues faced by many South Africans, who are looking to the President for decisive action that will bring meaningful change to their communities. 

President Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday at 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:14

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Communities urged to help keep public assets safe

Location: News

Communities urged to help keep public assets safe

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is on a drive to curb the ongoing vandalism crisis that is crippling the metro's electricity infrastructure, which has cost millions of rands in repairs. 

The municipality has now launched an education and awareness campaign aimed at addressing vandalism. The metro’s Electricity and Energy Portfolio Head, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, said after three major incidents of vandalism in January alone, it is evident that the vandalism of the metro’s electricity infrastructure has reached crisis levels, leaving communities severely impacted by the criminal activities.

Mnqokoyi said the most recent incident took place last Tuesday at the Mabandla substation in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, leading to major power outages in the area.

"Such incidents not only disrupt essential services but also pose significant safety hazards for the perpetrators, community members and response teams. The seriousness of these attacks on our infrastructure cannot be ignored, and we cannot fight the scourge alone. We need the residents to work with us.

“Through the enhanced educational programme, we will highlight the dangers of unsafe electricity use and educate our people about the impact of electricity theft. We cannot continue as if it is business as usual.” 

Mnqokoyi urged communities to work with law enforcement agencies and municipal authorities to prevent further vandalism.

She said the investigation and assessment at Mabandla showed that the 66 kilovolts (kV) power cables supplying the substation were damaged due to vandalism, and cutting tools were found at the site. Cables were found burnt and severely damaged, leaving KwaNobuhle without power.

"It was also reported by the community that suspects were seen walking away from the site. Cables were burnt and left on site, which badly damaged two of these 66kV power cables without any possible way of supplying electricity to the residents of KwaNobuhle.

Mnqokoyi said excavation work to expose the damaged cables is underway and material orders have been placed.

Appointment of CFO

Meanwhile, the municipality has appointed Jackson Ngcelwane as the permanent Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The appointment is aimed at improving the financial administration, revenue collection and the audit outcomes of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Ngcelwane has served the municipality for 35 years, with nine of these years as a Senior Director for Budget and Financial Accounting.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed optimism that the appointment will help to address the challenges in administration and finance management, a situation that is "reflected by the latest Auditor-General’s report".

"The immediate assignments are to improve compliance to the MFMA [Municipal Finance Management Act], MSCOA [Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts], our audit outcomes, supply chain management and put systems in place for better financial planning, management and accountability, while improving the revenue of the municipality.

“I am pleased that council has approved the appointment of the disciplinary board that will take those who are found guilty of financial misconduct through a consequence management process. This will also assist the city manager and the new CFO’s office, as they execute their duties of steering the metro’s finances towards the right direction,” Lobishe said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 09:58

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Read moreCommunities urged to help keep public assets safe

SA’s economy on recovery trajectory

Location: News

SA’s economy on recovery trajectory

South Africa’s economic growth prospects are poised to recover in 2025 following a lacklustre economic performance for the past two years.

According to an economic and financial assessments by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output growth is expected to accelerate from an estimated 0.8 percent in 2024 to 1.5 percent in 2025 driven by improved electricity generation, monetary policy easing, and a return of investor and consumer confidence post elections.

On Thursday, the IMF published the findings of its Article IV Consultation with South Africa, which was held from 11-25 November 2024. 

As part of the surveillance role, the IMF conducts periodic economic and financial assessments with each member country.

The IMF acknowledged progress in banking-resolution and safety-net reforms and praised macro-prudential measures to bolster capital buffers. However, it raised concerns on the rising public debt and the challenges South Africa’s faces to meet climate goals.

In addition, the IMF welcomed the ongoing electricity and logistics reforms aimed at alleviating critical supply constraints and called for the ambitious implementation of these reforms. 

The Fund indicated that meeting South Africa’s climate goals requires further efforts to increase effective carbon taxation and accelerate the rollout of renewable energy.

The IMF projects growth to reach 1.8 percent by the end of the decade, supported by ongoing electricity and logistics reforms. 

“Risks are tilted to the downside, related to a possible intensification of geoeconomic fragmentation and protectionist policies in the context of an uncertain global environment.

“With fiscal deficits moderating but still elevated over the medium term, the IMF projects public debt to continue to rise under its baseline scenario, recommending a more-ambitious-than-envisaged fiscal consolidation,” the IMF said.

The IMF expects inflation to stabilise around the midpoint of the central bank’s target range. 

The Fund recommended that the central bank continues to manage the normalization of the policy rate toward the neutral level in a flexible and data-driven manner.

The IMF argues that transitioning from a target band to a lower point target with a well-calibrated tolerance band at an appropriate time can help strengthen macroeconomic stability.

National Treasury’s response

National Treasury noted that the IMF’s concerns are aligned with government’s response to addressing immediate and long-term economic challenges.

“The National Treasury is committed to implementing reforms that will enhance inclusive economic growth, achieve a sustainable public debt level, further repair and strengthen network industries, and strengthen state capacity to support economic activity.”

In its 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), the National Treasury estimated economic growth to increase from 1.1 percent in 2024 to 1.7 percent in 2025.

It attributed the gains in the economy to household consumption gradually increasing, supported by rising purchasing power, employment recovery and wealth gains.

“South Africa is committed to fiscal consolidation and to setting debt on a sustainable path. The fiscal year 2023/24 was a significant success, with the first primary surplus in 15 years being recorded in 2023/24. 

“An overall main budget deficit of 4.7 per cent of GDP is expected for the current fiscal year. This is projected to decline to 4.3 per cent in 2025/26. Meanwhile, debt as a percentage of GDP is expected to stabilize in the 2025/26 financial year, with debt-service costs as a percentage of revenue also peaking at the same time,” National Treasury said.

The current focus of South Africa’s reform agenda includes the stabilisation of the electricity grid, enhancing the efficacy of freight and ports operations, implementing e-Visas, as well as prioritizing the advancement of targeted industries to enhance the business climate and promoting equitable growth. 

Nearly 94 percent of the reforms aimed for implementation by 2024 have been accomplished or are significantly progressing. 

“Following its successful first phase, Operation Vulindlela, will be going into its second phase with new initiatives aimed at reversing local government decline, tackling spatial inequality and advancing a digital government to improve service delivery,” National Treasury said.

These enhance the key focus areas of the first phase  - namely, reducing power cuts, improving the performance of the logistics system, lowering data costs, improving water supply and enabling the country to attract critical skills.

The SARB performed its first stress test of South Africa's key insurance firms during the 2023/24 cycle, of which climate-related risks were prominent. Ongoing efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list during 2025 are well underway, with 16 out of 22 action items having been addressed,” National Treasury said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 09:07

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Community work contracts extended for participants aged 55 and older

Location: News

Community work contracts extended for participants aged 55 and older

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has announced the extension of Community Work Programme (CWP) contracts for participants aged 55 and older. 

This decision follows a bilateral meeting between Hlabisa and the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, regarding the contracts for CWP participants.

According to the department, the meeting was essential in addressing the critical challenge of significant budget cuts to the CWP. 

“These cuts adversely impact participant payments and risk unauthorised expenditure by the Department of Cooperative Governance. It is imperative that we take decisive action to protect the programme’s integrity and ensure that participants receive the support they deserve,” said Hlabisa. 

The department announced in August last year its decision to end the participation of CWP workers who also receive old age grants, aiming to redirect resources to those who rely solely on the programme for their livelihood.

The department stated that the decision followed a thorough verification process conducted in collaboration with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

SAnews reported last year that the final stipend was set to be paid on 25 September 2024.

However, government has since decided to extend the contracts of CWP participants aged 55 years and older until the end of March 2025, while exploring viable and sustainable solutions.

Hlabisa reiterated government’s commitment to safeguarding the programme’s gains.

The programme is a transformative public employment initiative that responds directly to social security by providing temporary employment safety nets. 

The department explained that it was founded on the principle of graduating participants from poverty to sustenance through skilling and community development.

“We are currently engaged in constructive consultations and will provide regular updates as the department works closely with all relevant stakeholders. We aim to address this issue thoughtfully, ensuring a careful balance between financial responsibility and social accountability,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 09:54

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Western Cape to hire 477 teachers for 2025 as number of learners increase

Location: News

Western Cape to hire 477 teachers for 2025 as number of learners increase

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced that the provincial department will fill 477 teaching posts this year to accommodate the increasing number of learners and the new schools opening this year.

“During my Adjustment Budget Speech in December 2024, I said that we would need to make provision for these new schools and new classrooms to have teachers and that we are considering all available options ahead of the 2025 school year. 

“I said that we would fight for our teachers, and we continue to do so,” said Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier. 

Through further budget reprioritisation, Maynier said the provincial department is now able to make up to 477 new “growth posts” available to schools. 

The annual 10th-day snap survey will confirm the number of additional learners in the system, and posts will be allocated to both new and existing schools that have accepted significant numbers of extra learners.

“While this decision will have further implications for our budget deficit, our new and existing schools must have the resources they need to accommodate additional learners in 2025,” Maynier said. 

The MEC stressed that the provincial education system continues to grow and that they are taking steps to accommodate the increase in learner numbers this year, despite severe budget constraints.

To create more space for learners, the provincial department is working to complete nine new schools and 265 additional classrooms in total for learners in the 2025 school year. 

This includes six new schools and 180 classrooms for January 2025.

Meanwhile, the WCED has cut over 2 000 teaching posts due to a R3.8 billion budget shortfall.

First day of school

On Wednesday, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the MEC visited Timour Hall Primary School in Plumstead to welcome learners to the 2025 school year. 

The province has over 1.2 million learners in public schools this year, with 107 000 Grade 1s entering “big school” for the first time, and 100 000 Grade 8s starting their high school career.

Winde told Grade 1s and their loved ones that it was alright to be a bit nervous on their first day of school but assured them that there is always someone to help them. 

“Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you put in the effort, you will reap the rewards. However, at the same time remember to also make time to have some fun too. By creating a balance between your schoolwork and playtime you will be able to achieve so much more.” 

The Premier also thanked the parents and caregivers for prioritising their child’s education. 

“Succeeding at school is not just up to our learners, it is about the community of care that they receive from you, our communities, and of course our dedicated teachers, principals, and the whole team that supports education in this province. This province’s success and our commitment to driving economic prosperity and more jobs in the future continues with these learners who start school today,” he said. 

Admissions

As of 14 January 2025, the province has allocated places for 118 914, or 98%, of the learners for whom applications were received for Grades 1 and 8 for the 2025 school year by 31 December 2024.

Placement is in progress for 2 478, or 2%, of Grade 1 and 8 learners.

However, since the start of the year, new extremely late applications have been received for over 300 Grade 1 and 8 learners for the current school year.

“We understand that this is a stressful and anxious period for parents who are waiting for a place, and we are asking parents to work with us as we try to accommodate their children as soon as possible.

“We urge any parent who has not yet applied for the 2025 school year to do so immediately at their education district office.”

The district office details are available at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 11:27

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