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KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation
KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation
Victims of the recent Durban floods have been moved to temporary emergency accommodation, the Ministry of Human Settlements said on Friday.
This as the province of KwaZulu-Natal has been experiencing inclement weather.
A joint operation by the three spheres of government, namely the national and provincial Departments of Human Settlements, and eThekwini Municipality saw 47 households being moved to a temporary emergency accommodation on Thursday.
In its statement, the department said residents were moved from a mass care centre.
Earlier in the week, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane deployed a team of officials with a clear mandate for an urgent temporary solution to be sought to assist the affected households.
READ | Call for urgency in assisting KZN flood victims
Meanwhile, the Minister has noted the scale of the disaster and commended NGOs such as the Red Cross for partnering with the government to assist those in need.
In the new week, (04-05 March 2025), Minister Simelane will evaluate the responses and interventions made thus far to alleviate the situation of the victims of the disaster.
She will be joined by KZN MEC for Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma and Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, in visiting the impacted areas. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:16
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Durban: A Female Deceased, Another Suspected Missing
Police are investigating circumstances at Durban North Beach where an unidentified female succumbed to suspected fatal drowning and an unidentified person may be missing at sea. Roy Wienand, NSRI Durban station commander, said: At 00h01, Friday, 28 February, NSRI Durban duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from Police Search and Rescue, on …
Call for urgency in assisting KZN flood victims
Call for urgency in assisting KZN flood victims
Officials responsible for emergency housing within the Department of Human Settlements have been directed to speed up the process of assisting flood-affected households in KwaZulu Natal.
The areas affected by the inclement weather include eThekwini townships such as Lamontville, Umlazi, uGu and King Cetshwayo District Municipalities.
“We regret that the floods have resulted in the loss of life. Our deepest condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. I have impressed upon our team to work with other spheres of government and relevant institutions to assist the affected households.
“Key to this is the provision of emergency shelter. Our team will conduct the necessary assessment that will inform our intervention in line with our Emergency Housing Policy,” Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said in a statement.
A team from the department is expected to conduct preliminary technical assessments and beneficiary registration.
These will inform possible interventions such as rebuilding the damaged structures, relocating the affected households and providing building materials to enable the affected to restore their damaged houses or structures.
Simelane appealed for maximum cooperation between government and other stakeholders including communities.
“It is only through cooperation that we will be able to effectively respond to housing emergencies such as this one,” the Minister said.
Accordingly, the department is already working with the provincial structures to ensure that affected households are assisted with adequate shelter.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Facebook, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in the province, Siboniso Duma expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones following the adverse weather.
This as he together with the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi and eThekwini Mator Cyril Xaba among others, visited the bereaved families on Wednesday.
“This follows last night's heavy rainfall that resulted in the collapse of houses, destruction of roads and people being washed away.An intergrated approach involving all spheres of government has been adopted to assist affected families,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements.
In addition, the eThekwini Municipality will assist with burials.
“Importantly, a decision has been made to move families living in flood prone areas around Ward 74,” it said.
Duma announced that Temporary Residential Units are being arranged for families whose houses collapsed.
Earlier this week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 2 heavy rain warning for the province following widespread flooding.
READ | Level 2 heavy rain warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal
On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli visited the families of those affected by the recent severe weather conditions in the KwaMakhutha Township, south of Durban. -SAnews.gov.za
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Level 2 heavy rain warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal
Level 2 heavy rain warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 heavy rain warning for KwaZulu-Natal.
This follows widespread flooding that has claimed the lives of nine people.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, the weather service warned of disruptive rainfall leading to localised flooding in susceptible areas, including formal and informal settlements, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure in the province’s extreme northeastern regions.
On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli visited the families of those affected by the recent severe weather conditions in the KwaMakhutha Township, south of Durban.
The floods have claimed the lives of three people, including the families’ graves, which were washed away due to the persistent rainfall in eThekwini and surrounding areas of the province.
The three affected families reside in KwaMakhutha, Mbumbulu, and Folweni.
Premier Ntuli expressed his condolences and reassured the public that the provincial government was taking immediate steps to provide assistance.
Ntuli said the MECs have already visited the area to assess the situation and ensure that those affected are not enduring further hardships.
He said the provincial government was committed to providing the necessary support, including temporary shelter and fixing the stormwater drainage system.
The Premier underscored the importance of allocating people in strategic areas, where they would be less vulnerable to floods.
“We asked the traditional leaders, when they allocate land for building houses, to consider flood-prone areas. Even in informal settlements, people must avoid building on land in floodplains,” Ntuli said.
While the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has a comprehensive disaster response plan in place designed to provide immediate assistance during and after such crises, the Premier stressed that prevention remains a top priority.
“We must prioritise early intervention over waiting until lives are lost. It is essential that people in KwaZulu-Natal observe the warnings given by weather service and CoGTA,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 12:11
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Five eThekwini employees suspended for alleged misuse of municipal resources
Five eThekwini employees suspended for alleged misuse of municipal resources
Five eThekwini Municipality employees have been suspended following their involvement in the alleged misuse of municipal resources.
According to a statement issued by the municipality recently, the employees were caught using municipal equipment to lay asphalt tar at a private residence on Jabu Ndlovu Drive in Verulam, north of Durban.
The suspects allegedly used a municipal truck to transport and lay asphalt tar at the residence. They were spotted and subsequently reported to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit’s Forensic Investigating Team on 17 February 2025.
One of the suspects, a supervisory driver, was arrested, while the other four men fled the scene. The supervisory driver appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025, where he was granted bail.
The remaining four employees who fled the scene have since been suspended.
Head of the City Integrity and Investigations Unit, Jimmy Ngcobo, commended the whistleblower who reported the incident, stressing the importance of standing up against fraud and corruption.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour in the workplace. From the reports received, these employees have been visiting this household frequently to lay asphalt tar,” said Ngcobo.
Ngcobo also emphasised the municipality’s zero-tolerance stance on fraud, corruption, and violations of human rights.
“Ignoring work principles will destroy the operation of the municipality. Stealing is done deliberately, and they knew what they were doing is against the law. Such employees do not deserve to be working for the municipality,” Ngcobo said.
The incident follows the arrest of six municipal employees in November 2024, who were caught stealing asphalt tar in Inanda, north of Durban.
The employees were caught transporting the asphalt tar without a valid job card to justify its movement. These six employees remain suspended.
Ngcobo warned that employees who disregard workplace rules and policies will face severe consequences.
He also reiterated that managers and supervisors must enforce control systems to combat fraud and corruption effectively.
“Let us work together to protect the image and reputation of the municipality by rooting out fraud and corruption whenever it rears its ugly head,” he said.
To report fraud or corruption, please contact the City Integrity and Investigations Unit at 0800 20 20 20 or 031 311 4002, or email: ombuds@durban.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 15:20
183 views
Sustainability of black farmers is crucial for SA’s sugar industry
Sustainability of black farmers is crucial for SA’s sugar industry
Government is committed to ensuring that the more than 24 000 black small-scale sugarcane farmers remain an integral part of the multi-billion-rand sugar industry, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said.
The industry is the bedrock of rural economies in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Steenhuisen met with a number of small-scale growers and the sugar industry leadership at KwaShukela in Mount Edgecombe, Durban.
“The sustainability of the small-scale sugarcane farmers must remain one of the main priorities for both government and the industry. I am passionate about the cause of small-scale farmers to ensure their growth and success. You are part of the agriculture family, and we regard you as very important stakeholders in agriculture," said the Minister on Friday.
The leadership of the sugar industry at the meeting was led by the South African Sugar Association (SASA), the South African Farmers Development Association, SA Canegrowers and South African Sugar Millers’ Association.
SASA has been at the forefront of the efforts aimed at securing the sustainability of the small-scale sugarcane farmers (SSGs).
“The dire situation of SSGs necessitated a decisive intervention by SASA and industry leaders, hence the installation of the billion-rand empowerment plan. An average of 13 349 SSGs per season have benefited from the Transformation Intervention Fund since the 2019/2020 season,” the Ministry of Agriculture said.
It added that SASA has spent R1.09 billion on empowerment interventions/initiatives, especially for the benefit of black small-scale growers.
Of the R1.09 billion, SSGs received R700.55 million (64.27%), black large-scale growers (LSGs) received R254.47 million (25.22%) and the value of other interventions for black beneficiaries amounted to R137.88 million (12.64%).
Furthermore, the extension of empowerment funding (R238.9 million for the current season) will continue to have a positive impact on SSGs and black growers in general. Two major categories of interventions exist – cane delivery-based and non-delivery-based interventions.
“The condition for receiving this cane delivery-based grant funding is for growers to be active farmers who deliver sugarcane.
“Besides the cane delivery-based grant funding to black growers, further funding examples include the R46.5 million infrastructure rehabilitation project in the Nkomazi region, Mpumalanga (which has greatly benefited SSGs and led to 300 hectares of cane being established), the R3.3 million SSG-driven rail siding initiative in Mkhuze, KwaZulu-Natal (making it possible for 70 000 tons of SSG cane to be transported to the Felixton Mill for the Makhathini-based growers at a significantly lower transport cost) and the installation of a dummy spiller (R7.6 million) at the Gledhow Sugar Mill for cane delivery by SSGs, which reduced SSG hauler turnaround times and transport costs.”
Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan
Phase One of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan to 2030 has cemented the foundational role of SSGs.
A minimum of R60 million of the Premium Price Payment (PPP) to SSGs as part of the Master Plan, for a period of three seasons (2021/2022 to 2023/2024), was allocated, escalating annually to R68 051 340 in the 2023/2024 season.
The 2023/2024 season was the last year of the PPP. However, on 20 March 2024, SASA Council approved the extension of PPP to 2024/2025 with an inflationary adjustment, meaning the allocation for this season is R71.08 million.
Through the Master Plan processes, the industry has been able to pinpoint challenges or factors which impede the envisaged growth of SSGs through surveys that engaged more than 2 500 growers. Some of these factors include access to land and capital.
“There are limited opportunities for individual small-scale growers to expand their area under cane due to the lack of access to land and the dispersed distribution of cane farms in the deep rural areas of KZN and Mpumalanga. SASA is focused on ensuring that the lack of economies of scale, long transport distances and high contractor costs, are mitigated by the grants and other support to small-scale growers.”
The Ministry said that the long-term strategy is to ensure that small-scale growers remain in cane farming and are sustainable with improved productivity in the short-term while medium to long-term interventions are being developed.
“The industry is now working on putting together an intervention plan for the improving the livelihoods of SSGs across the industry. This forms part of Phase Two of the Master Plan, which is yet to be signed and implemented, with Phase One having expired on 31 March 2023,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 12:53
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eThekwini Water Rationing
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Hlabisa calls for caution as heavy rains wreak havoc throughout SA
Hlabisa calls for caution as heavy rains wreak havoc throughout SA
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged all South Africans to remain vigilant as heavy rains continue to fall in various parts of the country.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of persistent heavy showers since the weekend, impacting the North West, Gauteng, the northern Free State, the highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo.
Rainfall accumulations of 20 to 50mm are expected, with cooler daytime temperatures prevailing in these regions.
“The continued rainfall poses a risk of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, bridges, and roads,” the department warned.
Reports indicate that numerous residences and businesses in the southern area of Durban experienced flooding on Thursday due to intense rainfall, with the province already reporting fatalities.
This follows the South African Weather Service issuing of a level 5 orange warning for significant rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week.
In the North West province, heavy rainfall has led to the closure of schools, while flooding has occurred in various locations in Gauteng, including Soweto and Centurion.
Hlabisa has emphasised the necessity of exercising caution as disaster response teams remain on high alert, ready to offer emergency assistance as required.
Meanwhile, according to the department, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with provincial and local authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to any emergencies.
Community members are encouraged to quickly report any emergencies and to help those who might need extra support, such as the elderly and children, to stay safe.
The department also urged everyone to keep an eye on news reports, radio updates, and official social media pages for the latest information and alerts.
“While our dedicated teams are on high alert, the first line of defence is always preparedness. We urge South Africans to not take risks, avoid flooded roads, stay informed, and follow official warnings. The safety of all South Africans during this time remains a priority,” said Hlabisa.
Additionally, Minister Hlabisa encourages all communities to delay their trips to areas with heavy rains if those trips are not urgent and can be delayed for safety purposes.
“Stay safe, stay informed, and remain vigilant,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 16:33
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Waste Management Project Is Changing Lives in Rural KwaZulu-Natal
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Human Rights Council to Hold Its Fifty-Eighth Regular Session
The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-eighth regular session from 24 February to 4 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, starting with its high-level segment from 24 to 26 February, when dignitaries representing more than 100 Member States will address the Council.
The session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February under the Presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland. Delivering statements at the opening will be the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; thePresident of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk; as well as the Chief of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis. The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.
On Monday, 3 March, the Council is scheduled to hear a global update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights around the world. The general debate on his global update will start following his presentation of a number of country-specific reports and updates.
During the session, the Council will hold 30 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office and designated experts, with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold five enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates.
The Council will also hold theannual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming with a focus on the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty; panel discussions on early warning and genocide, HIV response and leaving no one behind, and onrights to work and to social security; the annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities; the annual discussion on the rights of the child; and a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Council will examine the situation of human rights in a number of countries under its various agenda items, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Myanmar under agenda item two; in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Belarus, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Myanmar under agenda item four; and in Mali, Haiti, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic under agenda item 10.
The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of14 States will also be considered, namely those of Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua.
Towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-eighth session can be found on the session'swebpage. Reports to be presented are available here.
First Week of the Session
The fifty-eighth regular session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February with a short opening meeting, followed by the start of the high-level segment, which will continue until 26 February, and during which the Council will hear addresses by more than 100 dignitaries. Intervening during the high-level segment will be the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming in the afternoon of 24 February and the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty in the morning of Tuesday, 25 February. The general segment will follow the conclusion of the high-level segment in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 February.
On Thursday, 27 February, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, followed byenhanced interactive dialogues on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan, with the assistance of the designated Expert. Friday, 28 February, will see the conclusion of the discussion on Sudan, followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This will be followed by three interactive dialogues, the first on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the second with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar.
Second Week of the Session
At the beginning of the second week, on the morning of Monday, 3 March, the Council will hear the High Commissioner's global update, then conclude the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar. This will be followed by the presentation of reports on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, and of another report on Cyprus, and oral updates on Sri Lanka and Nicaragua. The Council will then begin the general debate under agenda item two, namely the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, which will conclude on Tuesday, 4 March. The Council will subsequently begin its considerations under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
On the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, the Council will hold a panel on early warning and genocide prevention, then conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on transitional justice. Another panel will be held on Thursday, 6 March on HIV response and leaving no one behind, in addition to two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. A third panel will be held in the morning of Friday, 7 March on rights to work and to social security, followed by two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism.
Third Week of the Session
The Council will start its third week on Monday, 10 March with a focus on disability, beginning with an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, to be followed by the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The day will conclude with aninteractive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt, which will continue in the morning of Tuesday, 11 March. Two moreinteractive dialogues will also be held on Tuesday with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
Wednesday, 12 March will see a further three interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, and the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children and on children and armed conflict, the latter of which will conclude on Thursday, 13 March. The focus on children will continue on Thursday, with the Council also holding its annual discussion on the rights of the child, the theme of which will be early childhood development, and starting an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, which will conclude on Friday, 14 March.
On Friday, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment will precede the presentation of reports by the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and his Office, followed by the start of the general debate on agenda item three.
Fourth Week of the Session
The first day of the Council's fourth week, Monday 17 March, will be devoted to concluding the general debate on agenda item three. From Tuesday, 18 March, consideration of agenda item four, human rights situations that require the Council's attention, will begin. First on the schedule is a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the independent international fact-finding mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, followed by interactive dialogues with the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela and the independent internationalcommission of inquiry on Ukraine.
On Wednesday, 19 March, after the conclusion of the dialogue with the commission of inquiry on Ukraine, three more separate interactive dialogues will be held with the group of independent experts on the situation of human rights inBelarus and with the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.
Thursday, 20 March, will see the Council hear the presentation of the High Commissioner's report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and his oral update of the situation of human rights in Venezuela. This will be followed by the general debate on agenda item four, which will conclude on the morning of Friday, 21 March. On Friday, the Council will also hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, before beginning considerations under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. After hearing the presentation of reports by the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, and the Special Procedures of the Council, it will commence the general debate on agenda item five.
Fifth Week of the Session
The Council will start its fifth week on Monday, 24 March with its consideration under agenda item six of the final outcomes of theUniversal Periodic Reviews of 14 States: Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. This consideration will continue through to the morning of Wednesday, 26 March, after which the Council will hold a general debate on agenda item six. This will be followed by the presentation of the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General under agenda item seven, namely the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and the general debate on this agenda item. The general debate under agenda item eight - follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – is also scheduled to commence on Wednesday afternoon.
Ending racism will be the Council's theme for Thursday, 27 March. After concluding the debate under agenda item eight, it will hear the presentation of the report of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, then hold its general debate on agenda item nine, namely racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Council will also hold a meeting in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Friday, 28 March will begin with the conclusion of the debate under agenda item nine, followed by three interactive dialogues conducted under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building. The first dialogue will be with the Independent Expert onthe situation of human rights in Mali; the second on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, with the participation of the Independent Expert on the subject; and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
Sixth Week of the Session
Monday, 31 March is a United Nations holiday. On Tuesday, 1 April, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on oral updates by the High Commissioner and by the team of international experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan and a high-level dialogue on the Central African Republic. At the end of the day, the Council will hear the annual presentation of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and his oral update on Georgia, and the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, followed by the general debate on agenda item 10.
The general debate will conclude on Wednesday, 2 April, and the Council will then start to act on draft decisions and resolutions, appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopt the report of the fifty-eighth regular session, before closing the session on Friday, 4 April.
The Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.
The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-eighth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d'Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).
The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.
The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland). The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and a fourth Vice-President to be elected later from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. Efambe will also serve as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body.
The dates and venue of the fifty-eighth session are subject to change.
Information on the fifty-eighth session can be foundhere, including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Health Department calls for calm amid HFMD outbreak
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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Over R200m invested in W Cape student accommodation
Over R200m invested in W Cape student accommodation
The Department of Human Settlements -- through the National Housing Finance Cooperation (NHFC) -- has announced its funding support for two 100% black-owned developers to provide student accommodation in the Western Cape.
The funding is meant to alleviate the student accommodation challenge in that province.
Addressing the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Parliament on Wednesday, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane announced that the first project in Belhar has received a funding facility of R40 million to construct accommodation that can host 136 beds.
“The second project in Parrow for a building that started out as an affordable housing development programme, which received a R170 million facility, has since been converted into student accommodation with 927 beds,” Simelane said.
The department, through the National Housing Finance Cooperation, has also partnered with some of the Traditional Authorities in the provinces, with a number of projects currently underway in the eThekwini, Umkhanyakude and Umgungundlovu District Municipalities.
In Inanda, north of Durban, Inkosi Mqiqi Ngcobo is allocating pieces of land to residents to build their homes with support from First Home Finance (FHF), with 59 houses completed, and 60 anticipated by the end of financial year.
In Ndwedwe Local Municipality, under ILembe District Municipality, Ngcobo -- from Umlamula Traditional Council, Ozwathini -- has also allocated pieces of land for households to build their homes with FHF assistance, with nine completed houses and 18 at enrolment stage.
Over 5 000 first time home buyers assisted
The Minister also highlighted progress on the provision of subsidies for first time home buyers, who were proceed out of the market, as per President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call during 2024 State of the Nation Address.
Simelane said the department exceeded all the targets in the 2023/24 financial year, with 5 082 households being assisted through the First Home Finance.
The Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), now known as the First Home Finance (FHF) Programme assists qualifying citizens whose household income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 per month.
The Minister said the outlook for the financial year 2024/25, indicates that the targets will be met in the first six months of the current financial year, with the entire budget used to support the qualifying beneficiaries to own a home for the first time in their lives.
“Going forward, the department plans to disburse 140 000 gap market subsidies through First Home Finance (FHF) and other financial mechanisms, to enable middle-income households to access housing near economic centres. This programme fits in with the future of human settlement policy trajectory in that citizens can buy houses for the first time on their own aided by government,” Simelane said.
Spotlight on provision of title deeds
The Minister announced the department will focus on the provision of title deeds to the citizens by simplifying and streamlining the issuing of title deeds and introducing a special dispensation, where the municipalities could ask the department of Cooperative Governance to exempt specific cases from the provisions of Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), in respect to the undeclared townships.
“This step will assist in the acceleration of land tenure security and enable homeowners to leverage property assets for wealth creation, restoring dignity, the department plans to issue 80 000 title deeds in the five years.
“We will also meet the targets the President spoke about regarding provision of serviced stands by earmarking a portion of funds available in the Human Settlements Grants across all provinces and metros in the coming financial year,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/14/2025 - 10:36
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Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the department has designed a private sector investment instrument to mobilise resources for modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
The minister made the remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, held in Cape Town, on Wednesday.
“We have designed an instrument. We will be introducing that instrument to the country in the next five weeks and we are going to use that instrument as a template. We’ll take it to Transnet…we’ll take it to all [State Owned Enterprises]. So that we are able to drive infrastructure [investment] forward,” he said.
Over the next ten years, South Africa requires approximately R450 billion to expand transmission lines by some 14 000 km.
Ramokgopa pointed out that government will not be able to bear the financial burden on its own.
“We make the point that the state sovereign balance sheet is weak, the Eskom balance sheet has been eroded, [and] we need to design instruments that help us to ensure that there is accelerated private sector investment,” he said.
Another area where the government aims to increase output is in freight logistics.
“We’ve got a baseline of 149 million tonnes per annum and our target for the year is 170 million tonnes and by 2030 we want to reach 250 million tonnes.
“We have decided that we want to target specific corridors. The Northern Cape Saldanha corridor which carries iron ore and manganese, the northern corridor which carries coal and chrome, the Gauteng-Durban corridor which carries automotive and general freight,” he said.
The transformation project
Turning to geopolitical issues arising from the promulgation of the Expropriation Act, Ramokgopa emphasised that government will press ahead with policies aimed at transforming the country.
“We are determined to protect the gains of the democratic project. We will go and explain ourselves to our allies and articulate the vision of a South Africa that we want; that the transformation project is indeed irreversible.
“We are on the correct path…we will not be bullied,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:15
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TNPA signs milestone agreements
TNPA signs milestone agreements
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has achieved a key milestone in the development of the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay by signing two major Terminal Operator Agreements (TOA).
The first agreement for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been signed with Zululand Energy Terminal, while the other agreement is signed with FFS Tank Terminals.
The agreements represent a leap forward in advancing South Africa’s energy and maritime sectors, underscoring TNPA’s strategic objectives to foster sustainable development and investment in critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at South Pier in the South Dunes Precinct at Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, Andile Sangqu, Transnet Board chairperson, said the agreements signify Transnet’s commitment to support South Africa’s crucial pathway to economic growth and industrialisation through energy transformation and enhanced energy security.
“They represent a dual achievement, the introduction of a pioneering LNG import facility and the enhancement of our liquid bulk capacity through the redevelopment of FFS Tank Terminals,” Sagqu said.
Sangqu said the LNG terminal is a critical response to the nation’s energy challenges.
“Overall, the TNPA LNG project is aligned with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) plans to deliver 6 000 MW of Gas-to-Power in South Africa.
“This 6 000 MW is split into 3 000 MW as per Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and 3 000 MW for Eskom new generation in the UMhlathuze region.
“By enabling the importation of Liquefied Natural Gas, we are promoting the development of sustainable source of energy to meet limited and depleting gas supplies,” he said.
Sangqu said the initiative positions Transnet as a key player in South Africa’s nascent LNG market.
Sangqu said with the LNG Import Terminal expected to generate approximately 1 000 jobs and additional opportunities emerging during the construction of berth 207 and the necessary pipeline infrastructure, they are committed to building a sustainable workforce for the future.
In his remarks, Tshokolo Nchocho, TNPA Board Chairperson, said the agreements mark significant progress in advancing the country's energy security, economic growth and the transformation of our port infrastructure.
“The establishment of South Africa’s first LNG Import Terminal represents a strategic response to our nation’s energy challenges,” Nchocho said.
Nchocho said the establishment of South Africa’s first LNG Import Terminal represents a strategic response to the nation’s energy challenges.
“By securing a stable and diversified energy supply, we are ensuring that our industries and communities have the power they need to thrive.
“By modernising existing infrastructure, this project not only enhances maritime fuel services but also plays a critical role in supporting global shipping operations, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness in an evolving energy landscape,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli hailed the signing of the two multibillion rand Terminal Operator Agreements (TOA), saying they will advance South Africa’s energy and maritime sectors and help grow the country’s economy and spur the creation of much-needed jobs.
“As detailed by Transnet already, this is a significant milestone in the development of the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay and is set to support the Gas-to-Power Programme of South Africa,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said the signing ceremony aligns quite solidly with the DMRE’s Strategic Plan (2020-25) that charts ambitions to become a country that is not only energy secure, but one that is unrolling a decarbonisation strategy, as the country steadily transitions towards cleaner energy sources.
“Natural gas is becoming increasingly accepted as a viable alternative or transitional source of power which although not a renewable, is far cleaner and less expensive in capital cost than coal which currently supports our base load,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said the country has learnt that gas can negate pollution output from other fossil fuel sources and at the same time, halve the carbon emissions.
“These two agreements are welcomed, as they are the fruit born out of the Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET), a strategic partnership between Vopak Terminal Durban (PTY) Ltd and Transnet Pipelines to develop, construct and operate a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal in Richards Bay,” the Premier said.
Ntuli said one of the most pleasing aspects of the agreement is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, while also fostering skills development and driving transformation in the maritime and energy sectors.
“In this regard, the projects are expected to generate approximately 1 000 jobs, with additional opportunities created during the construction of berth 207 and pipelines,” he said.
Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, said this milestone underscores the commitment to transforming the country’s logistics sector and being responsive to national energy goals.
Difeto said collectively, the projects contribute to the economic resilience of the uMhlathuze region, with significant job creation in construction, operations and port-related industries.
“These initiatives highlight our commitment to transformation and workforce empowerment,” she said.
The signing of the agreements aligns with Transnet’s strategic pursuit of partnerships with the private sector and signifies a leap towards delivering Transnet's objectives to align its freight logistics business with key commodities of the South African economy.
On 15 December 2022, TNPA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure a terminal operator for the development of a LNG terminal in the South Dunes Precinct.
Following a thorough evaluation process in compliance with Section 56 of the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005), Zululand Energy Terminals was appointed as the preferred bidder.
The project involves the design, development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the LNG terminal over a 25-year concession period.
The initiative supports the Gas to Power Programme of South Africa, aligning with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Strategic Plan (2020-25) to enhance energy security and transition to cleaner energy sources.
TNPA has also finalised a 25-year concession TOA with FFS Tank Terminals for the development and operation of a liquid bulk terminal specialising in bunker fuels at the Port of Richards Bay.
The facility, located at the former Engen bunker terminal, will focus on enhancing the port’s capacity for handling liquid bulk and fostering economic growth.
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa in the cities of Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).
The development of these two terminals is a game changer in the economic landscape of the region.
The LNG terminal alone is projected to create over 1,000 job opportunities during construction, operations including downstream business for communities surrounding the uMhlathuze region, while the bunkering services terminal aims to generate around 50 direct and indirect jobs from the project initiation phase. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 14:48
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