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The Western Cape has faced a tragic week on the roads, with 11 fatalities, including 9 pedestrians, occurring between 17 and 22 December 2024. This heartbreaking loss highlights the urgent need for action to improve road safety. The Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, expressed his deep concern. “Every life lost is a painful reminder …
CAPE TOWN: The hosts, Western Province, dethroned Lions as the champions of the annual Khaya Majola Cricket Week on Friday. WP...
Court tells City to provide Bromwell Street residents with temporary emergency accommodation in the inner city as close to their current homes as possible
CAPE TOWN: Western Province will face the defending champions, Lions, in the final of the annual Khaya Majola Cricket Week in...
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is proud to announce the South Africa Under-19 Women’s squad that will represent the nation...
City of Cape Town calls on residents to make use of e-services this festive season
The City of Cape Town has urged residents to make use of convenient online booking options to pay their municipal accounts and renew their licence discs to save time and get ahead of the queue this busy December.
In a statement on Friday, the city said that its Customer Interaction Centres are usually busier over the festive period as many residents choose this period to pay their municipal accounts, renew licence discs and attend to other urgent business.
The city reminded residents that the upcoming public holidays will impact operating hours, with some of the City’s Customer Interaction Centres, closed during this time.
“As we approach the busier customer office days this December, we remind residents to use our e-Services options and to make an online booking when visiting a Customer Office in person.
“Municipal customer offices, including payment, account enquiries, motor vehicle licensing offices, driving licence testing centres, municipal courts and Human Settlements offices will be closed on several days this festive period.
“Residents are encouraged to check the City's website or to phone before visiting their nearest office,” the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi said.
Mbandezi added that residents can also settle their municipal accounts using one of the convenient online options during this period for an accurate, efficient and secure payment process.
Customer offices and municipal courts will be closed on these days:
• Tuesday, 24 December 2024 (closes at 12:30 pm)
• Wednesday, 25 December 2024
• Thursday, 26 December 2024
• Tuesday, 31 December 2024 (closes at 12:30 pm)
• Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Residents were further urged to note that the Revenue Department’s payment, account enquiries and motor vehicle registration and licensing offices situated at Liberty Promenade Mall, Table Bay Mall and Lansdowne Corner Mall will also be closed on the above dates but will be operational on the weekends.
“Remember you can pay your municipal accounts (excluding motor vehicle licences) at any Shoprite, Checkers, USave, Pick n Pay, PEP, Ackermans, Lewis, Top It Up, Woolworths and Spar shops, online at www.easypay.co.za or www.powertime.co.za as well as via your internet banking facility: select the City of Cape Town as a bank-listed beneficiary on your bank’s website and use only your nine-digit municipal account number as reference,” Mbandezi reminded residents.
Payment for the renewal of motor vehicle licences may be made online at www.capetown.gov.za/vehiclelicensing. Payment of pre-due date traffic fines may be made at selected Spar shops or online at www.paythat.co.za.
For payment arrangements residents can email payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za, for indigent applications they can email indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za.
For more information on QR code payments, residents are urged to check the user’s guide here: https://bit.ly/3MhZXgT - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:19
The City will use the public works programme to employ cleaners after a contractor withdrew due to extortion threats
Metrorail has improved from its worst days but some problems still need to be fixed
Harm reduction centre succeeds where rehabs often fail
CAPE TOWN: The defending champions of the Khaya Majola Cricket Week (for u19 players), Lions, had to wait until the third...
The Office of the Chief Justice has published its reserved judgments list, but only for the first two terms of 2024
JOHANNESBURG: Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 16-player squad for the two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting at...
Work underway to construct new temporary Parliamentary home
The construction of Parliament’s interim home has begun in earnest with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) having conducted the official site handover for the dome installation to the contractor, in Cape Town.
Director-General of the DPWI, Sifiso Mdakane Mdakane, conducted the official site hand over for the Dome installation to the contractor in Cape Town, on Tuesday.
“The Dome will serve as the temporal home for Parliament for the next 24 months, whilst Parliament is being rebuilt, following the fire that gutted it two years ago. The Dome will be set up at the Niewmeester Parking Site within the Parliamentary Precinct,” said the department in a statement.
The project of setting up the dome is expected to take 24 days from the official handover, which will be on time for the 2025 opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation address (SONA).
The project has the blessing of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson.
“The erection of this structure is set to save the state a lot of money in terms of accommodating Parliament in the next two years. Today, eight, twelve metre containers, carrying all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from the Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria, to Cape Town, were handed over to commence construction by Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane,” the department said.
The project is being overseen by the Chief Professional Architect from the Prestige Unit of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and construction experts.
The department said it will provide regular updates until the completion of this project and official handover to Parliament.-SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/18/2024 - 09:20
Museum honours those who were forced out under apartheid
No proof that promised “minstrels museum” ever existed
Parliament highlights progress in first six months of the 7th democratic term
Parliament has celebrated a successful start to its 7th democratic term, highlighting significant achievements since the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
In just six months, Parliament has passed key laws, conducted rigorous oversight, and strengthened public engagement, demonstrating a strong commitment to its constitutional mandate and the people it serves.
In a statement on Saturday, Parliament highlighted that since the establishment of the 7th democratic Parliament, the administration has hit the ground running.
“In this short period, Parliament has successfully convened multiple sittings, engaged in debates, and passed several key pieces of legislation. The various parliamentary committees have been particularly active, conducting oversight visits, holding public hearings, and scrutinising government actions with diligence,” the statement said.
Parliament said that its Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed satisfaction with the milestones achieved by the 7th Parliament so far.
The key achievements of Parliament are:
• Committees and Oversight: Parliamentary committees have held 468 meetings since the start of the 7th democratic Parliament through the end of October. During this period, approximately 24 oversight visits were conducted to various service delivery points across the country.
• Public Engagement: New initiatives, including online streaming of debates and hearings, have made Parliament more accessible and transparent.
• Legislative Work: 20 Bills from the previous term were revived, with 11 already passed. Parliament is currently processing 21 new Bills aimed at addressing national priorities like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
• Clean Audit: Parliament achieved its 10th consecutive clean audit, underscoring sound financial management.
Focus on Provinces
From 16 to 20 September, Permanent delegates to the NCOP undertook the first Provincial Week Programme of the new term of Parliament, an essential initiative aligned with the NCOP's constitutional role as the voice of provinces in the national sphere of government.
The NCOP’s Provincial Week spotlighted delays in critical infrastructure projects, such as schools and health facilities, gathering recommendations to address these issues.
“This effort highlights the NCOP’s commitment to addressing issues that directly impact provinces and communities, ensuring that challenges exposed during the visits are resolved without further delays. Through this programme, the NCOP continues to strengthen accountability and advocate for the effective delivery of services to the people,” Parliament said.
Looking Ahead
Parliament’s official business for the New Year will begin with the State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm at the Cape Town City Hall.
The two-day debates on the President’s Address will take place at a temporary dome structure to be erected at the Nieuwmeester Parking. The debates are scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February, and Wednesday, 12 February, with the President’s reply set for Thursday, 13 February 2025
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver the Budget Speech on Wednesday, 19 February.
Hosting of the Speakers of G20 Nations
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa has proudly announced that, in alignment with South Africa's rotational hosting of the G20 in 2025, it will host the Speakers' Summits (P20) of the G20 national parliaments.
“The P20 Summits play a crucial role in bringing a parliamentary perspective to global governance by raising awareness, building political support for international commitments, and ensuring their effective implementation at the national level,” Parliament said.
These summits also foster inter-parliamentary cooperation, strengthen engagement between governments, parliaments, and stakeholders, and advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“As a longstanding participant in P20 summits, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa looks forward to hosting this prestigious event, advancing parliamentary diplomacy, strengthening democratic governance, and fostering global cooperation,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 12/15/2024 - 12:13
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket fans across South Africa are in for a treat as the ICC Champions Trophy begins its journey through the...
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled to learn that the device placed near the Genocide and Holocaust Centre in Gardens, Cape Town, was indeed an explosive. This failed attack seems to have been targeting South African citizens and their place of worship on the basis of religious affiliation. The DA echoes Mayor Geordin …
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, has advised road users to be aware of a number of road closures, due to upgrades and maintenance work, that will be implemented across parts of the province over the festive season. “The Western Cape has a lot to offer visitors to the province. Therefore, we expect thousands …
Years after the City of Cape Town was ordered to clean it up, the estuary is still polluted
Machinery removed from “minstrel museum”
As the festive season gains momentum, the Western Cape Government calls on all road users to prioritise safety. Between 25 November and 8 December 2024, 114 arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol, and tragically, 33 pedestrians lost their lives on the province’s roads. These numbers are a stark reminder of the …
TEARS is rolling out vehicles that will provide both community education and veterinary services
G20 Africa Expert Panel to support Finance Track
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says a G20 Africa Expert Panel will be established to support the work of the G20 Finance Track.
He was speaking during the first day of the G20 Finance and Central Banks Deputies’ Meeting, held in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
The Minister explained that the panel will consist of leading African economic, development and finance experts from the public sector, think tanks, academia and international financial institutions.
“We intend to use our Presidency to advance an African agenda. To further this agenda and ensure that we strengthen the manner in which the G20 respond to the social and economic needs of our continent, we intend to establish a G20 Africa Expert Panel to support the G20 Finance Track.
“One of the areas we will request the G20 Africa Expert Panel to advise us on is how we can ensure that the various African initiatives, including the compact with Africa, can be strengthened to the benefit of the continent,” Godongwana said.
On the need to reform the international financial architecture, the Minister said focus will now be on implementation on the agreement reached in the previous G20 Summit held in Brazil, last month.
The agreement – included in the G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration – states that the group of countries will accelerate the reform of the international financial architecture “so that it can meet the urgent challenges of sustainable development, climate change and efforts to eradicate poverty”.
“The G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger and More Efficient [Multilateral Development Banks] was a milestone achievement under Brazil’s Presidency. Now the focus turns to implementation and monitoring.
“The discussions under South Africa's G20 Presidency will take place alongside the 5th Finance in Common Summit that will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre… from 26 to 28 February 2025, as well as the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in June 2025.
“Both these events provide a critical opportunity for countries to commit to closing the development financing gap and investing in the [Sustainable Development Goals],” Godongwana said.
Turning to debt sustainability, Godongwana said challenges in this area require a “comprehensive approach”.
“We will also keep our focus on enhancing debt sustainability, through improving the implementation of the Common Framework. We are aware that there are countries whose debt is sustainable, but which are facing acute liquidity challenges, which, if not addressed, could result in solvency challenges.
“These challenges necessitate a comprehensive approach towards debt sustainability, which means there is no one size fits all approach.
“It also forces us to acknowledge that debt sustainability cannot be solved through the Common Framework alone but must be solved through a focus on putting in place the measures for countries to make the right investments and undertake appropriate reforms to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
The Minister said although challenges are “formidable”, he expressed confidence that the G20 has the “will, capacity and determination to address them” if countries work together.
“In 2025 let us execute our work programme with urgency, ambition and confidence. Let us work together to ensure strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.
“And through the G20 Presidency for 2025, and propelled by your support, let us go even further as the G20, by going together,” Godongwana concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 12/12/2024 - 09:48