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Department prepares for Pongolapoort Dam water release

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Department prepares for Pongolapoort Dam water release

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is preparing for the imminent release of water from the Pongolapoort Dam in Jozini, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

This follows weeks of heavy rainfall that have caused several dams in the region to exceed their capacity.

The department issued a statement this week, noting that the Pongolapoort Dam has reached 90.8% of its capacity due to continuous inflows, prompting it to implement the standard operating rule of the dam safety protocol.

“This decision [to release the water] underscores the critical importance to maintain dam safety and prevent potential risks associated with overcapacity. Water release is a necessary measure to ensure the structural integrity of the dam and safeguard surrounding communities from the dangers of uncontrolled spillage or dam failure,” the department said.

If the current inflows persist, the department said it may be required to activate releases by Friday, 14 March 2025.

It also noted that the inflows are unpredictable and may change at any time.

“For instance, current inflows may significantly increase, requiring the department to release water before the anticipated time. On the contrary, inflows may significantly reduce, necessitating a halt to the release.

“Currently, the inflow slightly exceeds the outflow, and the dam level continues to rise steadily. It is for this reason that communities are notified of the imminent release to ensure preparedness and safety,” the department said.

Communities in and around Jozini, and Makhathini Flats (Welcome, Hlazane, Mboza, KwaShukela, Mzinyeni, Skhemelele, KwaLulwane, Bhekabantu, Mamfene, Shemula, Hlokohloko, Madonela, and Ndumo), have been urged to exercise extreme caution during and after the water release.

Additionally, the department is continuously engaging with the Lower Pongola Water User Association, representing water users and communities in the riparian of the river, to keep stakeholders informed on the department’s emergency preparedness plan.

The increased flow into the Pongola River will raise water levels, potentially affecting low-lying areas, floodplains, low-level bridges, and agricultural activities.

Residents downstream have been advised to remain vigilant, as the release may lead to localised flooding.

The department emphasised that the Pongolapoort Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water management and flood control.

The department will continue to monitor the dam’s performance, including inflow rates, to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the dam.

It emphasised that the proactive approach highlights the importance of balancing water storage with safety, ensuring the well-being of communities and the environment, while maintaining the dam’s functionality.

“The DWS follows operating rules and procedures when releasing water from dams necessitated by floods as a result of heavy rains and will gradually implement the releases in line with the established flood management protocols in coordination with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMCs), and affected local municipalities.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 14:43
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Read moreDepartment prepares for Pongolapoort Dam water release

Deadline for comments into CPA discussion papers looms 

Location: News

Deadline for comments into CPA discussion papers looms 

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) is appealing to citizens to make their voices heard as the deadline for comments into the discussion papers for the review of the Criminal Procedure Act draws closer. 

Last month, the Deputy Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster welcomed the publication of the discussion papers on the review of the Act which were released by the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC).

The review seeks to address systemic challenges in the Act, particularly in relation to provisions that deal with arrest, bail, alternative dispute resolution, and victim participation in the criminal justice process.

In an interview with SAnews, the Deputy Director-General for Court Administration at the DOJ&CD Lucky Mohalaba said the Act was outdated.

“It’s a pre-1994 piece of legislation and one of the key areas which the department and the [JCPS] cluster is faced with, is how do we ensure that important legislation like the Criminal Procedure Act [CPA] is reviewed to be in line with the Constitution? Our Constitution actually was signed into law after the Criminal Procedure Act,” he remarked of the 1977 legislation.

The act makes provision for procedures and related matters in criminal proceedings.

“This initiative from the department as led by Deputy Minister [Andries] Nel is really a milestone. Firstly to ensure that we comply and are in line with the constitutional imperatives including the issues that relate to equality [and] transparency.  
“The work that the Law Reform Commission has undertaken is going to result in the reform of legislation, including the Criminal Procedure Act,” said Mohalaba.

The SALRC released the discussion papers covering the pre-trial stage on the Bail System Reform, Arrest Dispensation Reform, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Criminal Matters and the Non-Trial Resolutions (NTRs): Deferred Prosecution, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Non-Prosecution.

“In the main, there are components where the issue of the bail dispensation is going to be looked at. Secondly, the issues that relate to the arrest dispensation is going to be looked at. Part of the issues raised there is [that] should people be arrested for having committed certain crimes or should they be given dates to come to court and appear in court for those crimes? 

“Are we not increasing the numbers in our correctional centres by arresting everyone? So those are the areas that the research papers are looking at,” the DDG said of the four papers that were first published on 20 February 2025.

This as the comment period into the documents will close on 31 March 2025.

Content of the documents

The Bail System Reform discussion document speaks to ensuring a balanced approach that upholds the rights of accused persons while addressing public safety concerns, reducing lengthy pre-trial detention, and easing overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Chapter 1 of the Review of South Africa’s Bail System document, states that the country’s bail law forms an “integral part of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 a law of apartheid extraction which has been in existence for almost five decades.” 

It further states that it is “also probable that the relevant provisions have become obsolete and redundant.”

South Africa’s bail system is regulated under Chapter 9 of the CPA with the review aiming to align bail laws with constitutional principles while also tackling inefficiencies.

Challenges with bail for foreign nationals, limited police powers in the granting of bail, the strict verification of accused persons’ residential addresses as well as affordability issues that prevent accused individuals from securing bail are some of the deficiencies identified in the current bail system according to Chapter 2 of the document.

The proposals for reform include enhancing victim rights where courts should consider victim safety when granting bail as well as that victims should be informed of bail proceedings and allowed to express their concerns. 

The proposals for reform in the document also talks to reducing delays and overcrowding where automatic bail reviews to avoid unnecessary detentions is introduced while revising bail conditions. The proposal is that alternative measures be found for those who can’t afford bail.

The document states that in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Commission “lamented the failure of the law to cater specifically for victims of crime. It argued, at the time, that if the position of victims was not drastically reformed in the criminal justice system, it would lead to a legitimacy crisis.”

The Arrest Dispensation Reform speaks to promoting alternative measures, such as summons, to secure court attendance and reduce unlawful and unnecessary arrests. 

Chapter 3 of this discussion paper states that the CPA outlines the methods for securing the court attendance of accused persons. This as Section 38 of the legislation “provides that the methods of securing the court appearance of accused persons are arrest, written notice, summons and indictment.” 

However, the CPA doesn’t specify which of the measures should be used in “certain situations, nor does it mandate the utilisation of the least intrusive measure.”

The paper notes that arrest should only be used as a last resort when other methods (summons, written notices) are inadequate and that police discretion in arrest decisions is broad, often leading to unnecessary detentions and overcrowding in prisons. 

The paper proposes the amendment of Section 39 of the CPA to define the purpose of arrest, preventing misuse as well as the amendment of Section 40 to restrict arrests without warrants, ensuring judicial oversight.

Section 39 of the Act states that an arrest can be effected with or without a warrant and, unless the person to be arrested submits to custody, by actually touching his body or, if the circumstances so require, by forcibly confining his body.

It also states that at the time of effecting the arrest or immediately after effecting the arrest, the person effecting it should inform the arrested person of the cause of the arrest. It adds that in an arrest effected by virtue of a warrant, upon demand of the person arrested, a copy of the warrant must be given.

Meanwhile, section 40 of the Act talks to the arrest by peace officers. This is whereby a peace officer may without  a warrant arrest any person who commits or attempts to commit any offence in his presence or a person who has escaped or who attempts to escape from lawful custody, among others.

According to the CPA, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has the power to declare by notice in the Government Gazette any category of persons, by virtue of their office, as peace officers for specific purposes.
This as peace officers are not police officials. 

The proposal made in the document speaks to clarifying the powers of peace officers as well as creating an oversight mechanism. It also notes that electronic summons and written notice could replace many physical arrests among others.

The third document which is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Criminal Matters, speaks to challenges in the criminal justice system such as the over-reliance on imprisonment leading to overcrowding and the high costs of traditional prosecution among others.

The document notes that the country’s “legal system does not make provision for the coherent and unified regulation of ADR in criminal matters, a concept which, in foreign jurisdictions may be referred to in a number of ways, including discretionary prosecution, waiver of prosecution and out of court settlements.”

The proposed reforms it makes include the expanded use of ADR for minor offenses. This includes conditional withdrawals of prosecution, greater victim participation in ADR processes as well as focussing on restorative justice that includes victim-offender mediation. This also includes community-based sentencing alternatives such as rehabilitation programmes and community service.

The fourth discussion document known as the Non-Trial Resolutions (NTRs): Deferred Prosecution, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Non-Prosecution explores NTRs as an alternative to traditional criminal prosecutions. 

It focuses on Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and Non-Prosecution Agreements (NPAs), particularly in corruption and financial crime cases.

It states that traditional criminal trials for corporate and economic crimes are slow, costly, and complex adding that NTRs encourage self-reporting, corporate reform, and financial restitution without lengthy trials.

It states that the country lacks a structured legal framework for non-trial resolutions, unlike countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The document adds that the Zondo Commission recommends the proposed introduction of   Deferred Prosecution Agreements for companies implicated in corruption.  Appointed by the President, The Zondo Commission was a commission of inquiry that investigated state capture in South Africa.

The DPAs allow companies to admit wrongdoing, pay fines, and commit to reforms in exchange for prosecutorial leniency.
The benefits of NTRs are that they encourage companies to cooperate with law enforcement and also reduces court backlogs while prioritising serious cases for trial.

The recommendation is that NTRs should be legislated to provide clear guidelines for corporate settlements as well as ensure judicial oversight to prevent abuse among others.

In November 2023, former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola appointed an Advisory Committee consisting of eight experts chaired by the former Judge President of Mpumalanga, Justice Francis Legodi to advise the Law Reform Commission on the review of the Criminal Justice System. 

The Law Reform Commission is currently chaired by former Constitutional Court judge, Justice Chris Jafta.

Reforming SA’s laws 

At the release of the discussion papers, Deputy Minister Nel spoke of the need to transform the justice system.
The DDG said discussion documents provide an opportunity for citizens to debate the proposals.

“I’m quite certain that given the launch of the discussion documents these then will present an opportunity for South Africans to debate the proposals made in the documents which will ultimately result in the Criminal Procedure Bill which will replace the current Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 so that we are more aligned to our constitutional values as a country.

“We really wish to welcome members of the public, NGOs [non-government organisations], community organisations to make sure that they make inputs into the discussion papers. This is quite an important area for us as a country going forward to reform and modernise the laws that are applicable currently,” he said.

The discussion papers which were released at a media briefing in Pretoria 20 February, can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov.za/salrc/dpapers.htm .  
-SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 12:44
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Read moreDeadline for comments into CPA discussion papers looms 

UN Torture Prevention Body Welcomes Establishment of National Preventive Mechanisms in Benin, Madagascar, Nigeria, and South Africa

Location: News

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) hails the setting up of the national preventive mechanisms (NPMs) in Benin, Madagascar, Nigeria, and South Africa as a significant step in advancing and fulfilling their obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).

“The OPCAT's torture prevention architecture is built on the partnership between the SPT, the international body designated by the treaty, and the NPMs, our national counterparts. These national partners play a crucial role in making the system work effectively. Today, we are delighted to welcome the NPMs of Benin, Madagascar, Nigeria, and South Africa to the global family of nearly 80 NPMs,” said María Luisa Romero, the SPT Chair.

“They now have the demanding tasks of ensuring their independence and effectiveness, as outlined in the OPCAT. At the same time, the authorities also have a duty to respect the NPMs' independence, provide financial resources to support their mandate, and implement their recommendations in good faith. The SPT stands ready to assist, advise and support these four new NPMs,” she added.

Under the OPCAT, the SPT monitors treatment and conditions for people deprived of liberty by conducting unannounced visits to police stations, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, immigration detention centres, drug rehabilitation centres and other places of deprivation of liberty. In this task, the SPT works closely with government authorities, the NPMs, other domestic monitoring bodies, as well as human rights institutions, and civil society to strengthen torture preventive measures.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Read moreUN Torture Prevention Body Welcomes Establishment of National Preventive Mechanisms in Benin, Madagascar, Nigeria, and South Africa

Condolences for R21 bus crash victims

Location: News

Condolences for R21 bus crash victims

President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in a bus crash on the R21 highway, near the OR Tambo International Airport, in Gauteng.

"The President offers his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes survivors of the incident a speedy and full recovery,” the Presidency said in a statement.

As of today, the death toll from the bus crash has risen to 16. Initially, 12 passengers were declared dead at the scene, with four additional fatalities occurring in the hospital.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the crash involved a passenger bus owned by the City of Ekurhuleni and a light motor vehicle (LMV). The bus was carrying passengers from Katlehong to Pomona.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said preliminary reports suggest that both vehicles were travelling in the third lane (from the right) of the R21.

"It is alleged that the LMV suddenly applied brakes after missing the off-ramp exit lane.

"In an attempt to avoid a collision, the bus driver also braked and swerved, resulting in the bus losing control, rotating clockwise, overturning, and coming to a rest in the off-ramp lane, facing south," Zwane said.

The injured were transported to OR Tambo, Tembisa and Edenvale hospitals.

The President said the country must reflect on driver behaviour.

“Incidents such as these impact on people’s ability to earn a living; they impact on our health and emergency services; they drive up insurance and result in expensive vehicle repairs, and they affect business who lose personnel in this process.

“As we reflect on the lives that have been lost, we must also reflect on the responsibility and conduct of everyone who gets in behind the wheel of a vehicle, big and small, in our country,” said the President.

He further added that “when we ask how safe our roads are, we actually need to ask how safe we are as drivers and pedestrians. The biggest factor in crashes is human error, not law enforcement or road conditions.”

“Drivers must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and must obey the rules of the road. They are there to keep us safe. Where drivers ignore these rules, they stand a chance of losing their lives or being critically injured. And where they survive, they will end up in our courts and correctional centres,” the President said.

Call for caution 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and her Deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa have joined the President in expressing their condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in Tuesday’s crash.

The Minister and Deputy Minister expressed deep concern over the spate of recent road crashes involving passenger busses where lives were lost.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have called for heightened caution and vigilance from all motorists and road users to ensure they stay safe on the roads at all times.

They also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

In his statement, President Ramaphosa said his thoughts were also with the families of at least nine bus passengers who lost their lives in an incident in KwaZulu-Natal at this past weekend, in which 39 people were injured as well.

“While the causes of these recent incidents are still under investigation, we are reminded that tragedies such as these leave more than physical scars, as they cause trauma that affects family relationships and the lives of survivors,” he said.

The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a bus, transporting members of the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity from Richards Bay to Shakaskraal, near KwaDukuza, experienced a tyre burst.

READ | Condolences following N2 bus crash

The incident caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Additionally, Minister Creecy has also expressed her concern at the spate of bus accidents.

“The Minister is extremely concerned that this is the third serious bus accident in the past week. Accordingly, she has instructed the RTMC to convene a meeting with all bus operators within the next week to discuss ways to enhance passenger safety in the bus industry,” said the department.

READ | RTMC to convene bus stakeholder engagement
-SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 17:14
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Read moreCondolences for R21 bus crash victims

President Saddened by Loss of 16 Lives in Ekurhuleni Bus Crash

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the reported deaths of 16 persons  in a bus crash on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport earlier today, Tuesday 11 March 2025.

The President offers his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes survivors of the incident a speedy and full recovery.

President Ramaphosa's thoughts are also with the families of at least nine bus passengers who lost their lives in an incident in KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend, in which 39 people were injured as well.

The President said: “While the causes of these recent incidents are still under investigation, we are reminded that tragedies such as these leave more than physical scars, as they cause trauma that affects family relationships and the lives of survivors.

Incidents such as these impact on people's ability to earn a living; they impact in our health and emergency services; they drive up insurance and result in expensive vehicle repairs, and they affect business who lose personnel in this process.

As we reflect on the lives that have been lost, we must also reflect on the responsibility and conduct of everyone who gets in behind the wheel of a vehicle, big and small, in our country.

When we ask how safe our roads are, we actually need to ask how safe we are as drivers and pedestrians. The biggest factor in crashes is human error, not law enforcement or road conditions.

Drivers must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and must obey the rules of the road. They are there to keep us safe.

Where drivers ignore these rules, they stand a chance of losing their lives or being critically injured. And where they survive, they will end up in our courts and correctional centres.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Saddened by Loss of 16 Lives in Ekurhuleni Bus Crash

KZN unveils women empowerment initiatives

Location: News

KZN unveils women empowerment initiatives

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled new initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and economic empowerment for women.

Ntuli announced several government interventions on Saturday when he led the province’s International Women’s Day celebrations at KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, north of Durban.

Held under the theme, “Accelerate Action: Collectively, We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”, the event highlighted the need for urgent and practical interventions to support women in various sectors. 

Ntuli addressed the pressing challenges women face, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), economic exclusion, and limited access to resources, while recognising their invaluable contributions to KwaZulu-Natal’s development.

Tackling gender-based violence

The Premier reflected on the disturbing statistics of gender-based violence and femicide in the province, particularly in eThekwini, where 2 252 cases were reported between October and December 2024. 

“These figures are a national crisis that demands urgent and collective action,” the Premier said.

To combat this, the Premier announced government interventions, including:

  • The launch of a GBVF mobile app, developed in partnership with the private sector, to provide real-time emergency assistance and access to support services.
  • The construction of a new Thuthuzela Care Centre in Jozini, in collaboration with the Spar Group Ltd, to provide support for GBV survivors.
  • The fast-tracking of the establishment of a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in eThekwini, ensuring better access to critical GBV services.
  • The strengthening of psycho-social care and support through 21 shelters and 31 White Door Centres, offering emergency accommodation and victim assistance.

Women advancement fund

Recognising the link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, Ntuli also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to empowering women financially. 

He highlighted the R200 million Women Advancement Fund, launched in August 2024, which provides funding for women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses, mentorship and skills development programmes to ensure long-term business success, and access to markets and resources, enabling women to fully participate in the province’s economic activities.

The Premier announced that district-wide roadshows will be conducted shortly to assist women in applying for funding and accessing business development support.

Call for collective action

Ntuli urged all sectors of society, including government, business, community leaders and traditional authorities, to unite in the fight for gender equality. 

He emphasised that gender justice is not just a women's issue, but a societal responsibility.

“We must commit to accelerating action and move beyond words and implement real, measurable interventions that bring lasting change. Women are the backbone of our communities, and we must ensure they live in a world where they are safe, empowered, and given equal opportunities,” the Premier said.

The International Women’s Day celebrations concluded with stories of resilience and success from women across various industries, inspiring others to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the provincial government. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 11:47
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Read moreKZN unveils women empowerment initiatives

Vaal Dam water levels monitoring continues amid torrential rains

Location: News

Vaal Dam water levels monitoring continues amid torrential rains

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is actively monitoring inflow water levels at Vaal Dam amid torrential rains to ensure full storage capacity and safety of infrastructure.

In a statement on Thursday, department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa, said the necessary precautions are in place, in line with dam safety standards, hydrological monitoring systems to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the water resource infrastructure, as well as reduce flood conditions, while keeping the dam at full capacity.

Mavasa said the Vaal Dam is currently at 98.99% full.

In line with the DWS flood management plan, Mavasa said the department is currently releasing at 61.2 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s), using five valves at the dam, to ensure that there is balance between the inflows and outflows at the dam.

“These releases, while they are meant to ensure that the dam’s capacity stays within the range of 100% - 103% at the current inflow levels, the water flow is insignificant, in that they will not make the river overtop the banks.

“The Vaal Dam has eight valves in total that are used for river releases. On normal day-to-day releases, [it uses two valves ranging from 16.8 mᵌ/s to 17.6 mᵌ/s], in order to keep a natural flow in the river,” Mavasa explained.

Bloemhof Dam, located downstream of the Vaal River catchment, is currently sitting at 100.94%, and has an additional 16% flood absorption capacity.

Due to increased river inflows from the upper catchments and recent rainfall in the Bloemhof catchment area, Mavasa said controlled outflow releases have also been activated at the dam, and water is currently released at 320 mᵌ/s through outlet pipes.

“These releases are meant to facilitate the proper management of water levels and to keep the dam at or below its full supply capacity of 100%,” Mavasa said, adding there are currently no sluice gates open at both dams.

According to hydrological monitoring and forecasting systems, the Vaal Dam may reach 100% in the next few days as torrential rainfall continues in the catchment, and increased releases may be required on both dams should the need arise to safeguard to prevent dam failures and major disasters.

The DWS noted that along the Vaal River and downstream the Vaal Dam, water levels may rise as a result of inflows from Suikerboschrand, Klip and Rietspruit tributaries over the high flow period due to the heavy rains in the catchments of these rivers.

Mavasa said the department follows operating rules and procedures when releasing water from the dams necessitated by floods as a result of heavy rains and will gradually implement the releases in line with the established flood management protocols, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMCs), and affected local municipalities.

Through various platforms, the department will continue to engage, share hydrology reports and updates on a regular basis on the water levels in both dams, with recommendations, in order to send early warnings, and activate evacuation plans in cases of flooding.

The stakeholders include the Disaster Management operations in the affected municipalities, including local police services (the Police Water Wing), farmers and locals upstream and downstream along the Vaal River System.

The heavy rains in most parts of the country have necessitated the DWS to implement dam releases according to its safety protocols in all its major dams to prevent dam failures and major disasters in the country.

As part of the flood management plan, dam safety protocols are activated when dams breach the full capacity mark and overflow to prevent the infrastructure from failing, which may lead to a dam bursting and causing a disaster of great magnitude and also leave the areas it supplies without sources of water. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 13:42
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Read moreVaal Dam water levels monitoring continues amid torrential rains

Govt workshops evolving needs of children in conflict with the law

Location: News

Govt workshops evolving needs of children in conflict with the law

The Department of Social Development is reinforcing its commitment to protecting children in conflict with the law.

This as it holds a two-day workshop on the regulations of norms and standards for secure care centres. Secure care centres are facilities where children in conflict with the law are placed for holistic intervention and as required by legislation.

The workshop, currently taking place in Pretoria, brings together a diverse panel of experts and practitioners dedicated to enhancing policies and ensuring these facilities evolve to meet the changing needs of children.

This workshop builds on the initial consultations held in August 2024, where provincial and national role players gathered, particularly social workers, secure care centre managers, and coordinators who provided vital insights based on their on-the-ground experiences.

The objective was to assess the Department of Social Development’s blueprint, norms, and standards for secure care centres to improve service delivery and ensure facilities operate at optimal levels.

The recommendations from those engagements are now being carefully examined by experts, including legal specialists, child protection officers, and policymakers. This process ensures that the revised norms and standards are comprehensive, evidence-based, and responsive to the real challenges faced in secure care centres nationwide.

Identifying gaps and strengthening policy

The current norms, formulated in 2010, were designed to address challenges identified at the time, alongside amendments to the Children’s Act (2007). However, as social dynamics change, so do the needs of children in secure care.

Linda Makhathini from the Department of Social Development emphasised the urgent need to update these policies. 

“The landscape has changed, and we need to identify gaps in the current norms and craft solutions that address today’s children’s needs.

“The policies of 2010 have served their purpose, and we must now develop new plans that reflect current realities,” Makhathini said. 

The workshop is focused on finalising the recommendations and addressing critical gaps in secure care centres, with key areas including:

  • Children with disabilities: ensuring facilities and services are adequately equipped.
  • Expanding multidisciplinary teams: some facilities are run primarily by social workers, child and youth care workers, and social auxiliary workers. However, additional professionals such as nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists, among others, are needed.
  • Legislative review: considering amendments to the Child Justice Act and the Children’s Act based on identified gaps. The Children’s Act, the Child Justice Act and international instruments are important pieces of legislation that complement and protect children in conflict with the law. International Instruments include the United Convention on the Rights of the Child and the optional protocol to the Convention against Torture, Cruel, Inhuman, Degrading Treatment, or Punishment.
  • Infrastructure and operational improvements: addressing the tools of the trade, facility infrastructure, and service delivery enhancements.
  • Provision for children with special needs: ensuring inclusivity and adequate resources for all children.
  • Infrastructure compliance: ensuring facilities meet legal and operational standards.
  • Safety protocols and crisis preparedness: ensuring facilities are ready to handle pandemics and other emergencies.

At the heart of the discussions is the principle that children’s rights include the right to basic care and safety.

The consultations have produced insights from experts across various fields, shaping recommendations for policy revisions.

One such policy revision focuses on managing challenging behaviour. The current norms allow for a child to be placed in isolation for up to two hours. However, in secure care settings, a child may only be separated from others if they pose a danger to themselves or others and for no longer than 24 hours.

During this time, the child must be under the direct supervision of a child and youth care worker, consulted by a social worker to provide support and help them regain control and dignity and lastly be provided with their basic needs, as overseen by the centre manager.

To ensure compliance with human rights standards, a new policy will replace the term “isolation”, which is often associated with solitary confinement, with a different term such as “separation”.

Makhathini also highlighted a benchmarking exercise, led by the Organisational Development Directorate, that will assess best and worst-performing centres to gather insights for future improvements.

A collaborative approach for effective change

Recognising the need for a holistic, multi-sectoral approach, the Social Crime Prevention Directorate has brought together 11 directorates to contribute to these discussions.

Participants include representatives from service standards, child protection, legal services, anti-substance abuse, security, organisational development, and persons with disabilities.

“We cannot take a unilateral approach or work in silos. It is crucial that all these directorates collaborate to ensure every aspect of secure care is addressed,” Makhathini said.

She emphasised the role social workers play in shaping policies, citing that their first experiences within these facilities are informing legislative drafting and shaping the next phase of reforms.

Towards a stronger, more inclusive secure care system

By updating the norms and standards, the Department of Social Development is reaffirming its commitment to protecting and rehabilitating children in conflict with the law.

This process ensures that secure care centres evolve to meet modern challenges, provide essential services, and uphold the rights of every child in need.

With meaningful engagement and collaboration, these reforms will strengthen South Africa’s child protection framework and create a more effective, compassionate system for children in secure care.

The workshop continues today, with recommendations set to be finalised and gazetted for public consultation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:52
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Read moreGovt workshops evolving needs of children in conflict with the law

Experts work to strengthen security and information management in secure care centres

Location: News

Experts work to strengthen security and information management in secure care centres

Experts are continuing to refine the norms and standards for secure care centres, taking into account both the importance of physical safety within the facilities and the protection of sensitive information.

The Department of Social Development is currently hosting a two-day workshop in Pretoria focusing on strengthening standards in secure care centres. These care centres are specialised child and youth care facilities designed to provide structured interventions for children in conflict with the law. 

Unlike conventional correctional facilities, these centres prioritise rehabilitation, education and therapeutic support, ensuring that children are reintegrated into society with improved life skills and a renewed sense of responsibility. 

Speaking at the workshop aimed at strengthening policies that uphold the children's rights and dignity, Social Development’s Security Manager, Len Esterhuizen, stressed the urgent need for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to play an active role in shaping security protocols for secure care centres. 

“Secure care centres must align with national security standards to protect children, staff and sensitive data from breaches or potential threats,” Esterhuizen said on Tuesday.

Secure care across the board

A major component of helping secure care centres to align with national security standards is the Integrated Justice System (IJS), which has provided the Department of Social Development with a critical tool for managing children in conflict with the law.

The Probation Case Management System enables probation officers to track, assess and manage cases efficiently, ensuring appropriate intervention and placement.

Given the interconnected nature of child justice processes, the integration of the South African Police Service (SAPS) into these policy discussions has become essential.

The IJS’s mandate is part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster’s broader mission to enhance the safety and security of all South Africans. The cluster also works to protect against cybercrime and identity theft, improve access to civil justice, combat corruption and strengthen the process for issuing enabling documents. 

Esterhuizen explained that SAPS operates under minimum physical security standards, which outline baseline requirements for facility security. 

Within the IJS, the State Security Agency provides oversight on national information security policies, which regulate the classification, handling and storage of sensitive records, including ID documentation, criminal records and case files. 

The minimum information security standards, enforced by the State Security Agency and SAPS’s minimum physical security standards provide an important framework for safeguarding both information and operations within secure care facilities.

Esterhuizen further explained that secure information storage is non-negotiable, as mandatory policies dictate how children’s records must be handled and protected.

Experts also highlighted the importance of confidentiality and strict security protocols in preventing criminal activities, security breaches and potential risks to children in secure care centres.

The department’s Social Work Policy Manager, Linda Makhathini, commended the progressive discussions, emphasising their critical role in ensuring full compliance for secure care centres.

She noted that security experts will contribute to developing a unified security framework, which will define minimum requirements for facility security, staff protocols, and information protection. 

A national security framework for secure care

As discussions progress, the goal is to develop a national security framework that ensures compliance with both physical and information security regulations.

By combining the IJS, SAPS, and the State Security Agency and the Department of Social Development aim to establish a safer, more efficient system that upholds the rights and dignity of children in secure care.

“This work will form a legal document that will be officially published once authorised by the Minister [of Social Development]. It will then be gazetted for public comment before final implementation,” Senior Legal Officer, Advocate Luyanda Mtshotshisa, said. 

Bridging gaps in secure care services

Chief Director of Social Welfare and Restorative Services in the Western Cape, Leana Goosen, who is part of the task team, highlighted the significance of these evolving norms and standards. 

“Secure care is one of the most critical services rendered by the Department of Social Development, yet it has lacked extensive legislative guidance. These new norms and standards will fill that gap and empower staff in secure care to deliver better services. We are pleased to be part of this essential development,” she said.

As South Africa moves forward in modernising its child justice system, these reforms will ensure that secure care centres operate effectively, securely and in full alignment with national policies, creating a safer and more rehabilitative environment for children. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 03/05/2025 - 12:12
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KwaMagxaki customer care centre reopens after four-year closure

Location: News

KwaMagxaki customer care centre reopens after four-year closure

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s KwaMagxaki customer care centre has officially reopened its doors following a four-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During its non-operational period, the centre suffered significant damage from vandalism, which affected the building structure, including electrical cables and other vital equipment.

This forced ratepayers from KwaMagxaki, KwaDwesi, Veeplas, Zwide, Joe Slovo and KwaDwesi Extension to travel to other areas for assistance with their accounts, assistance with applications and general inquiries.

Speaking at the official re-opening of the centre on Monday, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the current administration is committed to ensuring efficient service delivery.

"We are happy that the people will no longer have to pay for transport to go pay their rates or inquire about our services, especially the indigent and the elderly. We have brought the service to their doorstep,” Lobishe said.

Lobishe said the metro is making it easier for residents to receive services and pay for them. 

"For us to balance the service we offer and the payment of such service, it is critical that the centres... are where people are. We call upon our people to work with us in protecting this centre against vandals.”

Services to be offered at the centre include 'assistance to the poor (ATTP)' applications, debt repayment arrangements, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) registration, water rebate applications, Estate Late Project (free property transfer for surviving ATTP beneficiaries) and opening of service accounts.

The centre will also assist with property valuation certificates, copies of municipal statements, and account balance enquiries.

Mayoral Committee Member for Budget and Treasury, Khanya Ngqisha, said the directorate is working towards providing a hassle-free service that is cost effective for ratepayers.

"We are excited, as this will serve our residents efficiently. We encourage our people to come and receive the services that have been tailor-made for them,” Ngqisha said. 

One of the residents from KwaMaxgaki, Zoleka Jonas, said she was pleased that the centre has been opened.

"We will no longer spend money to go to town for services. It will just be a walk-in, and your enquiries will be solved. We are grateful to our ward councillor and the mayor for this service,” said Jonas. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 14:07
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KFC Celebrates Inspirational African Women Accelerating Action Towards Equality

Location: Business
KFC Africa

Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.

To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster. 

KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before. 

The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.  

The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender. 

They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code. 

Gender gap 

“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after  the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa. 

The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later. 

“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.” 

In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment. 

Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa. 

In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%. 

Transforming franchising 

Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent. 

“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies. 

“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.” 

KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it. 

“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.” 

“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.” 

“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.” 

“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.” 

Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.” 

Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM  

To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.

For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane: 
Elmarie Swart 
Phone number:  
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649 
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429 
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za 

KFC Socials: 
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap 
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl 
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx 
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX 
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica 

About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.  

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Department to meet NGOs impacted by freeze on US funding

Location: News

Department to meet NGOs impacted by freeze on US funding

The Department of Health will initiate a consultative process this week with various organisations impacted by the decision of the United States government to freeze and reduce donor funding for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) response programmes. 

This follows the announcement by the United States President Donald Trump’s administration about significant cuts to foreign aid.

Until recently the United States government’s AIDS fund, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), supported numerous nonprofits in South Africa. 

These organisations assisted provincial health departments in getting people tested for HIV and ensuring they received treatment.

While the government provided the medication, Pepfar funded the salaries of essential health workers, including nurses, pharmacists, data clerks, and community health workers, who were responsible for administering the drugs and supporting patients.

According to the department, the meeting with non-government organisations (NGOs) aims to receive first-hand information to understand the extent of the impact of funding cuts to make informed decisions on the proper interventions by government.

“The department values the contribution made by these organisations in the country’s response to HIV/AIDS and TB, hence we remain committed to working with them to develop short-medium to long-term interventions,” said the department.

Meanwhile, the department has urged all people living with HIV who were receiving their life-saving HIV treatment from the sites and centres funded by the United States government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Pepfar to continue their treatment at their nearest public health facilities. 

“In the meantime, South Africans are also urged to go for regular health screening and testing to know their health status, and prevention measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“The department has already communicated with provinces to make necessary preparations and adjustments to accommodate new patients in the treatment programmes in accordance with relevant standard operating guidelines,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:57
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Renewed focus on ECD a critical investment in SA’s future

Location: News

Renewed focus on ECD a critical investment in SA’s future

An increased focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) is critical for the future of South Africa.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.

“Better educational outcomes in basic education are linked to broader social and economic development. Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, to uplift individuals and communities, and to bringing about a more equitable society.

“As was evident from the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla [held last week], all stakeholders in the education space are committed to prioritising foundational learning as the most effective means to enable young South Africans to succeed and thrive far into the future,” he said on Monday.

The President highlighted that government has spent the last 30 years “trying to correct” the devastating impact that Bantu Education under Apartheid had on foundational learning.

“This effort has now received greater impetus with the passage of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. This Act makes Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, compulsory.

“Through an enhanced focus on ECD, the Act will help ensure that young children are better prepared for formal schooling. Early Childhood Development plays a critical role in developing early literacy, early numeracy and social-emotional skills during an important time in a child’s cognitive development,” he said.

READ | Call to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning 

In the State of the Nation Address in February, President Ramaphosa committed to expanding access to ECD for all children through “registering and formalising existing ECD centres and ensuring that they have the facilities, training and material that they need to provide quality early learning”.

Now, the President reiterated the importance of making ECD more accessible. 

“Children who attend quality pre-primary programmes tend to have larger vocabularies, better number awareness, stronger perceptual skills, improved social skills and greater curiosity.

“Quality ECD provision promotes social equality. Children from poor families benefit most from access to ECD. As the learning journey progresses, quality ECD is also linked to better transitions into high school, lower repetition and dropout rates, and better academic performance overall.

“The Basic Education Sector Lekgotla discussed how best to realign the existing education curriculum to strengthen foundational learning, including through ongoing assessments, scaling up teacher training and development, and expanding the provision of ECD learning and teacher support material,” President Ramaphosa emphasised.

The President highlighted that further down the line, basic education must also produce learners who can find work in an evolving world. 

“A recent report by the World Economic Forum on the future of jobs shows that the need for science, technology, engineering and mathematics related jobs are fast outstripping ‘traditional’ occupations, which are on the decline in the face of technological advances.

“Our basic education system has to produce learners that are able to find work in an ever-changing knowledge and technology based global economy.

“The efforts of the Department of Basic Education to strengthen the provision of technical and vocational pathways to learners in high school are therefore to be welcomed. Even in more industrialised economies than ours, technical and vocational training is recognised as a solid pathway to employment and entrepreneurship,” President Ramaphosa explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 09:20
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Spaza shops who met registration deadline to receive support

Location: News

Spaza shops who met registration deadline to receive support

Spaza shop and food handling businesses that applied to register their businesses with their local municipalities but were awaiting their registration outcomes will not be penalised, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni said.

“We know the process had challenges, with many municipalities not having electronic business registration systems. All those that have applied are within their constitutional rights to do business but still await the registration outcomes will not be penalised. 

She revealed that only 60 out of the municipalities in the country had a digital registration system.

Additionally, 135 registration centres were visited to gain firsthand experience of the challenges. 

“We understand the difficulties and costs associated with becoming compliant and this is why over the next six months we will be supporting these spaza shops who applied but are not yet compliant with non-financial support to enable their successful registration and compliance,” the Minister said on Sunday.

Ndabeni was addressing media in Pretoria on the on Friday’s the spaza shop and food outlet registration deadline.
This as the deadline for registration was on Friday, 28 February 2025.

“This is the developmental approach to compliance we have adopted, offering assistance to those seeking to comply through training programs provided by our agency, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). We already have a spaza shop support programme that we are running including with the Wholesale and Retail SETA and others partners where we train spaza shops on inventory management and assist with essential equipment such as point-of-sale systems as well as financial support for stock. 

“This is our proof of concept which we will improve and scale going forward. We also have a range of other interventions and offerings to support township and rural enterprises, including asset assist, business infrastructure support, as well as wholesale and direct lending, as well as credit guarantees we offer to banks to get them to lend to township and rural enterprises,” the Minister explained.

She said that Friday’s deadline does not necessarily mean that the problems and challenges of compliance by spaza shops and food handling outlets are over.

“The aim of the registration drive was two-fold, to ensure compliance with all food safety standards and to rebuild a more competitive and compliant business in our country,” Ndabeni said.

Ndabeni said the registration of spaza shops is but one of the interventions in a multi-disciplinary approach to curbing foodborne illnesses.

Sunday marked exactly 107 days since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the registration of all spaza shops and food handling outlets. The announcement came after several incidents of food poisoning and deaths related to foodborne illnesses that were reported in different parts of the country.

The initial 21 days registration period, which would have ended in December last year, was subsequently extended by the President to 28 February as part of accommodating all eligible businesses to comply with the directive. 

After the announcement by the President, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), seven workstreams were established with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) leading the economic workstream focussing more on interventions to build capacity in township and rural spaza shops and food convenience stores. 

“We have supported the registration process which the Minister of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] will speak to in the NATJOINT briefing in two weeks’ time,” she said. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 15:08
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Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface

Location: News

Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface

The Department of Health has issued a call for heightened awareness among the public as three new laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox have been detected. 

According to the department, the first case, identified on 21 February 2025, involves a 30-year-old male residing in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, who recently travelled to Kampala, Uganda. 

“The patient was diagnosed with Grade I Mpox virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and has been reported in travellers returning to many locations around the globe,” the statement read. 

The other two confirmed cases - a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, both from Ekurhuleni, were identified through thorough contact tracing and monitoring efforts led by outbreak response teams.

The department believes this development highlights the vital importance of open communication from primary cases to facilitate effective contact tracing. 

“All three cases are now recovering and self-isolating at home,” said the department.

The latest statistics bring the total cumulative number of positive cases from 25 to 28 cases, including three deaths since the outbreak in May last year.

Meanwhile, these are the first positive cases of Mpox recorded in South Africa this year after the last infection was reported in September 2024. 

Globally, Mpox continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as per the declarations by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in August 2024.

While the department assures that there is no need for public alarm, it stressed the importance of remaining vigilant regarding the transmission of Mpox. 

Symptoms to watch for include a rash lasting two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen glands. 

Generally, Mpox presents as a mild, self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate. 

The risk of widespread transmission in South Africa at this time is considered low; however, the department said the disease can affect individuals across all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and races.

“The department urges all people experiencing any of the symptoms, with or without travel history to countries and regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks, or who had close contact with known Mpox patients to seek medical care.

“Although, the country has a limited stock of Mpox-specific vaccines for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of this disease,” it said.

Residents were also reminded to practice handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers, especially before eating or after using the restroom, to help mitigate the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 16:06
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South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy

Location: News

Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa
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On Tuesday, 18 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, supported by Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Ms. Maggie Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Tourism, led the presentation of South Africa's National Astro-Tourism Strategy to Parliament.

Last year, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia De Lille, tabled the National Astro-Tourism Strategy in Cabinet. Subsequent to this, in September last year, Cabinet approved this Strategy and in the same month, Minister De Lille and Minister Nzimande presided over the launch of this Strategy in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

This past Tuesday, this Strategy was presented at a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committees of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism.

In highlighting the strategic importance of astronomy and tourism to South Africa, Minister Nzimande stated that “South Africa is fast becoming one of the leading nations in the discipline of astronomy and this is why in August last year, we hosted the prestigious General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. This was first time this prestigious gathering was hosted on the African continent.

Equally, we also have a very robust tourism sector as a country, which is a major contributor to GDP and is expected to grow significantly over the next 5 to 10 years.”

Minister Nzimande also used the briefing to highlight some of South Africa's most notable investments in astronomy infrastructure, during the democratic era, which include the 10-metre Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland, which is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

The MeerKAT telescope in Carnarvon, which is a precursor to the SKA project, which he said was “going to be South Africa's single biggest scientific infrastructure.”

Outlining the benefits of these investments, Minister Nzimande indicated that "the investments in these high calibre scientific instruments in astronomy enabled an exponential increase in the number of South African astronomers from 60 (only 5 of them were radio astronomers) to about 300 in the last 30 years.”

The Minister Nzimande also used the opportunity to explain what astro-tourism was and further outlined the objectives of South Africa's Astro-Tourism Strategy.

The Minister stated that “… science tourism involves experiences enjoyed when visiting scientific attractions such as scientific landmarks, including museums, laboratories, observatories, and higher educational institutions where research is conducted.

It is also important to realise that astro-tourism is built around the traditions inherited from our ancestors by different ethnic cultures in observing the skies from time immemorial. Astro-tourism therefore draws heavily from the vast and untapped reservoirs of our indigenous knowledge systems.

Astro-tourism also encompasses all offerings such as observatories, telescopes, museums, planetariums, meteorite sites, visitor centres, amateur astronomy clubs, stargazing, tour-guides, astro-routes, and accommodation establishments, etc.”

In outlining the strategic importance of the Astro-Tourism Strategy, Minister Nzimande stated that “We regard science and tourism as mutually reinforcing and therefore building on our competitive advantages in astronomy and tourism, we seek to use the Astro-Tourism Strategy to achieve the following:

  • Enhance the performance of South Africa's astronomy tourism sector through infrastructure developments and improvements, optimal functioning of various streams of astronomy with tourism offerings and boosting transformation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities;
  • Position South Africa as a world class Astro tourism destination that will yield sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities by maximising appropriate investments, improving marketing efforts, and enhancing visitor experience in South Africa;
  • Educate communities about the importance of preserving our dark skies and radio silence as this is a geographic advantage that needs to be protected for astrotourism to thrive; and
  • Most importantly, we also seek to use this strategy to drive meaningful socio-economic development within poor and rural communities, through science tourism.”

The Strategy is anchored on three pillars, which are: indigenous celestial narratives and human capacity development; infrastructure development; and inclusive tourism growth and partnerships – and requires an estimated budget of over R352 million.

The implementation of the Astro-Tourism Strategy is the joint responsibility of the Departments of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism, which have established a Steering Committee that comprises officials from both departments, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The DSTI's entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and its sub entities the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), also form part of this Steering Committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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Civilians at Breaking Point in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Location: News

UN News
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As the Security Council prepared to gather on Wednesday to debate the international community's response to the growing emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN's top aid official there urged all warring parties to allow lifesaving relief supplies to reach the most vulnerable.

“The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population,” said UN humanitarian coordinator for DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. “The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.”

The veteran aid official's appeal came as yet more vulnerable people reportedly fled combat zones amid advancing and heavily armed Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. On Sunday the opposition fighters took control of Bukavu - the second major eastern DRC city to fall, in a matter of weeks.

“It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations” and resume dialogue, Mr. Lemarquis insisted, as he echoed concerns stressed by the UN Secretary-General that the continuing M23 offensive threatens regional stability.

For aid teams who remain committed to helping vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities impacted by the fighting, Mr. Lemarquis signalled that the most urgent priorities include reopening airports for humanitarian flights in Goma – capital of North Kivu and Kavumu in South Kivu, both now controlled by M23.

‘Tense' situation in Bukavu

The security situation in Bukavu remains tense, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which also reported that commercial boats have resumed services on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma.

Humanitarian partners have also reported widespread looting in various part of Bukavu over the weekend, including a UN World Food Programme warehouse containing 7,000 tonnes of supplies.

“Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people,” OCHA noted in an update, adding that humanitarian assessment activities resumed on Tuesday “and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit”.

In addition to the urgent need for humanitarian supply flights, the UN aid coordinator urged respect for international law regarding the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). Just last week, relief agencies expressed concern at a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives to IDPs in Goma who were told to go back to their villages.

“Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles,” Mr. Lemarquis explained.

Neutrality at core of mission

The UN aid coordinator also insisted that relief teams' “sole mission” was to provide vital assistance and protection to the most vulnerable, “wherever they may be...This action is guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without taking sides or engaging in political considerations.”

The DRC emergency is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world; it follows decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-State armed groups, widespread human rights violations and sexual violence.

Humanitarian needs are staggering and not just in eastern DRC, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which noted that seven million people within the country are displaced and more than one million have sought asylum beyond the country's borders.

Most of these refugees are hosted by Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. At the same time, the DRC – a country seven times the size of Germany – also hosts more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers.

This latest crisis in DRC's east has already uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks. Between 10 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days.

“UNHCR urgently calls for increased support to assist refugees and prevent further suffering,” it said in an online appeal. “We also urge an immediate end to hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent more displacement and civilian harm.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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All Beneficiaries Will Continue to Receive Social Grants Beyond the Deadline for Moving to Black Cards

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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Having been briefed on the important matter of moving social grant recipients from the South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA's) Gold Cards to Postbank's Black Cards, the Portfolio Committee on Social Development and the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies welcomed an undertaking that all beneficiaries will continue to receive their grants beyond the new deadline of 20 March 2025.

However, those without Black Cards after the new deadline will only receive their grants at their nearest branches of the South African Post Office, because the Gold Card will be deactivated.

The committees both raised their serious concern about the way in which the project was conceptualised and managed from the start, saying that communication was inadequate. They also expressed displeasure about the inconvenience beneficiaries have suffered due to the long queues and slow services, calling on the Postbank to redouble its efforts to ensure that all beneficiaries are treated with dignity and are helped expeditiously.

The committees advised the Postbank and SASSA to work closely with the Government Communications and Information System to leverage its communication network and specialised competency.

To address the challenge of long queues, the committees called for the introduction of additional service points in the form of mobile offices in rural areas where beneficiaries will be assisted speedily, without relying solely on retail stores often located at big shopping centres and malls.

Lastly, the committees thanked social grant beneficiaries for their patience with the process, which was necessary to ensure the security of the cards used to access social grants.

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

Read moreAll Beneficiaries Will Continue to Receive Social Grants Beyond the Deadline for Moving to Black Cards

Health Department calls for calm amid HFMD outbreak

Location: News

Health Department calls for calm amid HFMD outbreak

The Department of Health has called for calm following an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in KwaZulu-Natal, mostly around the Durban area. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the department assured the public that it was working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, monitoring the situation while providing necessary support to the province to contain the spread.

HFMD is a fairly common viral infection, which mainly affects infants and children under the age of five. 

“There is no need for the public to panic because the outbreak remains under control and at the current moment there is no serious public health threat detected. However, parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant in case their children display common symptoms such as fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands and soles of the feet,” it said. 

The department explained that the infection is usually self-limiting and clears without medication after seven to 10 days. This means that one can recover without taking treatment or medication. 

“Parents are urged to keep symptomatic children at home until they recover to prevent further spread of the disease. 

“Hygiene practices are some of the most effective preventative and control methods to contain the spread of the disease, hence educators and parents are encouraged to promote good hygiene habits at homes and school environment including regular hand-washing, covering mouth when coughing, regularly cleaning surfaces and not sharing eating utensils and stationery.”

The department has been receiving numerous enquiries from the media and community members regarding the outbreak and possible health threat. 

The disease is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, and it mainly occurs in small outbreaks at schools, crèches and day-care centres during the summer and autumn months. 

HFMD spreads from person-to-person by direct contact or by droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person. The virus may also be spread through contaminated objects (e.g. toys, stationery) and faeces. Children under the age of 10 years are at greatest risk of infection.

It is not common in adults, but people with weak immune systems may be prone to infection. 

HFMD affects humans and it is completely different from foot-and-mouth disease, otherwise known as hoof-and-mouth disease which mainly affects farm animals like sheep and cattle. Thus, the two diseases are not related and are caused by different viruses. 

“Although, HFMD is not part of the notifiable medical conditions, the department remains on high alert to monitor the number of cases in KZN and to detect outbreaks, if experienced, in other parts of the country,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 15:07
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Read moreHealth Department calls for calm amid HFMD outbreak