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There’s no better place to be in winter than on the sunny KZN South Coast where the slight drop in temperatures makes spending time outdoors that much more enjoyable. For those looking to grab a delicious meal or refreshing beverage, the Fish Eagle Café based in the stunning Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh is well …
Royal St Andrews Hotel and Guido’s Port Alfred Donate R100k To NSRI Station 11 NSRI Station 11 in action during the Rip Curl Cup © Louis Wulff Port Alfred – NSRI Station 11 served as the water safety in very testing conditions during the Rip Curl Cup and the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Sea …
Practising responsible citizenry
Five months into 2024, and many a thing has happened, requiring us to sit down and catch our collective breath.
In the last five months, the country commemorated Human Rights and Freedom Months, experienced tragedy with the recent shooting of a five-year-old boy in a hijacking in Soshanguve as well as a deadly bus crash over the Easter holiday period.
Recently, the country was also on tenterhooks following the Victoria Street multi-storey George building collapse in the Western Cape, which claimed at least 33 lives.
Just as self-care Sundays are necessary to keep one’s wits about oneself, we need to do the same for our beloved country.
That oh so necessary routine of taking care of one’s skin, hair and reflecting on the week that was, accompanied by a delicious, nourishing meal, is the same kind of nurturing we ought to provide for the country on the southernmost tip of the African continent.
Reflection is a powerful tool that one can use to take stock of the goings-on in one’s life and with the country’s upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections, it is a tool that we can use to move the country forward.
The beautiful thing about reflection is that while it can bring back painful memories of the past which was dominated by segregation brought about by the then apartheid regime, it also affords the country time to reflect on pockets of excellence, including the provision of housing; equal education and social grants to assist the less fortunate in our country.
While government has provided clean water, sanitation and continues to provide electricity - and yes, it is intermittent at the best of times - it has not swept the challenges under the rug.
With us approaching the half-year mark – yes can you believe it? - we can start the second part of our journey across the sun having taken action that will guide the future direction of our country.
As responsible citizens who despite our country’s challenges of unemployment, crime and gender-based violence, among others, we have to cast our votes in South Africa’s seventh democratic elections on 29 May 2024.
And as responsible citizens, entrusted with the right to vote through the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, we ought to exercise that right.
Section 19 (3) of the Bill of Rights makes provision to vote in elections and to do so in secret, while also allowing adult citizens to stand for public office and, if elected, to hold office.
This is probably the best and most important self-care routine we cannot afford to miss as a country.
And while others may still be undecided as to who to vote for, the hourglass has not run out of sand yet. You can still make up your mind on who to vote for.
This year’s elections are believed to be the most contested in our history as a democratic dispensation and you don’t want to suffer from a bout of the FOMO (fear of missing out) post the elections that will see the participation of independent candidates for the very first time.
Voting is not a pointless exercise. Many died for the privilege we enjoy today. Additionally, the World Economic Forum reported that 2024 is a historic election with elections being held in 50 countries around the world, including the United States.
Naysayers may say that project democracy has failed. In his Freedom Day speech commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that our democracy is young, highlighting that “most of the world’s most established democracies are over a hundred years old.”
Nobody can say that democracy is perfect at 100 years old, no more so than at 30 years. What we’ve seen over the last three decades as citizens is the growth of a nation that is not without its faults.
We all have faults and what matters most is that we still have the ability to recalibrate and make the necessary changes.
While there are many important issues that rile us up, including crime and corruption, that may fuel voter apathy, we cannot give up on our country.
At a recent District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Northern Cape, the President called on citizens not to throw in the towel as government is committed to delivering services and addressing challenges.
“We don’t want you, our people, to lose hope,” he said.
We should not underestimate the power of a single vote if all 27.79 million of the country’s registered voters make their voices heard as we go to the polls on 29 May 2024. It’s a date.
Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za.
Matona
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:58
Stillwater Sports is thrilled to welcome Castle Lite as the official Beer Partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, one of South Africa’s most iconic road running series. “The partnership between Castle Lite and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series brings together two iconic brands to enhance the experience for participants and spectators alike …
Tuesday, 23 April 2024: Excitement is building as Comic Con Cape Town prepares to make its triumphant return this week, starting on Saturday through to Wednesday, including the public holiday. The festival promises fans an unforgettable experience of all things pop culture and gaming while rubbing shoulders with celebrities who bring this world to life. …
Port Alfred Easter Festival presented by Port Alfred Tourism TV Show Premiers Tonight 23 April Port Alfred—The SuperSport production of the Port Alfred Easter Festival will premiere on TV tonight. It will feature the Rip Curl GromSearch and the Rip Curl Cup, both presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel, the Bands At …
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year.
“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year.
“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.
However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.
Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.
Operations
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.
Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.
The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.
He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.
“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”
In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000.
“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”
The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.
They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry.
In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections.
The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area.
“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.”
In addition, about R641 of dagga with the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.
Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.
Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.
“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17
Over a million travellers processed over Easter period
The Border Management Authority (BMA) facilitated about 1 136 250 travellers across the country’s 71 ports of entry over the Easter period.
This represents a 24% increase or 222 391 more travellers than last year, the BMA announced on Sunday.
This as the BMA’s Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato, announced the results of the 10-day Easter plan implementation that ran from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
Masiapato identified OR Tambo International Airport, the Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique, and Beitbridge port of entry to Zimbabwe as the top three ports that processed the majority of travellers with a total of 528 042 individuals.
“In fact, OR Tambo facilitated the most travellers at 217 855, followed by Lebombo at 157 069 and Beitbridge at 153 118 travellers,” he said at a media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria.
He added that at the Cape Town harbour had seen an increase in the number of holiday makers boarding cruise ships for various destinations, according to border law enforcement officials.
The BMA also processed about 36 675 private vehicles, 1 893 minibus taxis, 1 309 buses and over 2 621 aircrafts at various international airports.
It also handled 252 vessels across seaports of which 119 were for crew changes through the off-port limit mechanism.
“This has to do with the facilitation of crew changes for vessels that have not docked at the port. During the implementation of this plan on people movement, we deployed proactive preventative measures for the speedy detection of non-compliances on the set port protocols.”
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
Of the 3 841, about 2 403 did not have any documents, 1 019 were refused entry for being “undesirable”, while about 419 were found to be “inadmissible” to enter the country due to various reasons.
“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported.”
According to Masiapato, most of the “inadmissible” individuals had invalid passports, fraudulent visas or simply failed to produce relevant documents such as valid yellow fever certificates.
“We would like to indicate that the success of this Easter operations can be attributed to the consistent implementation of all proactive measures and those include effective corridor management which was done in full collaboration with the respective local traffic authorities. As such, none of our key arteries leading to any of the land ports of entry experienced any kind of congestion.”
He also expressed his gratitude to all motorists for observing traffic laws and adhering to the instructions of traffic authorities.
He also applauded the Stockpoort port of entry for processing and recording data of all passengers who were on the bus en route from Botswana to Moria in Limpopo for the Easter pilgrimage.
“Despite our limited resources, our officers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of legitimate travellers while upholding the highest security standards. We are extremely proud and appreciative of the resilience of our border officials in rendering a stable service in very difficult conditions,” he said.
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi visited the site of the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals.
The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child. SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 11:39
Lawyers for Human Rights accuse authorities of violating human rights
Presidents Ramaphosa and Masisi visit Limpopo bus crash site
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the quick and compassionate local response to the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals is a testament of the warm and compassionate relations between the two countries.
The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child.
The President was speaking at the site of the tragic accident at the Mmamatlakala Bridge along the R518 in Limpopo where he was joined by his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
A bus travelling from Molepolole in Botswana to Moria in Limpopo, to celebrate Easter, plunged off the bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass on 28 March 2024.
“We have a horrible accident that has occurred involving Batswana. But no sooner than it occurred, I called President Masisi to inform him that our team consisting of our provincial officials from government from the Premier down to the…police and the immediate responders were immediately on the scene, and we were able to beam information not only to the world but also to the government of Botswana to inform them what was happening.
“That speaks volumes about the relationship between the two countries which is underpinned by compassion, humanness, cooperation and transparency,” he said on Thursday.
At the scene, President Masisi said he was “well received” by South Africa upon his arrival.
“I was thoroughly briefed and impressed by the immaculateness of competence, thoroughness of detail and I visited the site. I go back home completely gratified that the very best was done and I give thanks to South Africa,” said President Masisi. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:37
President Ramaphosa, President Masisi to visit bus accident site in Limpopo
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, will on Thursday visit the site of a bus accident in Limpopo that claimed the lives of 45 people.
A bus travelling from Molepolole in Botswana to Moria in Limpopo, to celebrate Easter, plunged off the bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass on 28 March 2024.
The tragic crash claimed 45 Botswana Easter pilgrims, with an eight-year-old being the sole survivor.
According to the Presidency, the Heads of State and Government will commence the visit in Limpopo with a closed briefing by officials in Mokopane before visiting the accident scene along the R518.
“President Ramaphosa conveyed condolences on behalf of the government of South Africa to Botswana following the tragic accident of a bus transporting Easter pilgrims to Moria,” the statement read.
The closed session briefing by expert officials will take place in Mokopane at 10:30am, followed by a bus accident site visit by the two Presidents at Mmamatlakale Bridge in the afternoon. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 14:24
Johannesburg, 04 April 2024 : Daybreak Farms Pty Ltd, a leading South African poultry producer, is planning a R250-million ($13 million) debt deal to stabilise the company and further optimise its operations and balance sheet. This deal follows the recent and successful restructuring programme and the appointment of the new C-suite. Led by Richard Manzini, …
Daniel Emslie and Louise Lepront Win The Rip Curl Cup, Josh Malherbe and Louise Lepront Take The Honours in the Rip Curl GromSearch Premier U16 Divison. Both events were presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest. These surf tournaments were anchor events in the Port Alfred Easter Festival, presented by …
East Beach, Port Alfred – A decrease in swell and a wind switch to offshore southwest made for some small but clean and highly contestable conditions for the final day of surfing in the Rip GromSearch and the Rip Curl Cup. Both events were presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea …
Arrests for violating traffic laws
More than 1 000 road users have been arrested and 900 vehicles were impounded in law enforcement operations conducted in all nine provinces since the start of the Easter holidays.
The arrests related to various offences, such as drunken driving, producing false driving documentation, driving recklessly, operating on the roads without driving permits and the overloading of both goods and passengers.
Vehicles were impounded mainly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga for violation of public transport operating permits.
A total of 75 961 vehicles were stopped and checked and 916 927 drivers were issued with traffic fines for various infringements.
One of the major concerns during this period was unroadworthy vehicles, and 274 vehicles with defects being discontinued.
“The Easter weekend is associated with increased traffic volumes as pilgrimages and holiday makers take advantage of the public holidays to visit family or go on vacation. However, this surge in traffic poses significant road safety challenges, with authorities often warning motorists to exercise caution due to the high volumes of vehicles on the roads.
“Increased traffic volumes were experienced on Thursday and Friday from approximately 10 am with [the] N1 North and N3 South recording an average of 2 000 vehicles passing through various tollgates per hour. The N4 East recorded 1 900, while N1 South recorded an average of 1 000 vehicles,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Botswana are finalising details to identify and repatriate the 46 victims and human remains of Botswana bus crash fatalities, which happened over the Easter long weekend in Limpopo.
“We will be guided by the people of Botswana, especially the families and the government to say how they prefer this to be done. Post-mortems will be conducted tomorrow. Pathologists will issue a notice then [the Department of] Home Affairs will issue death certificates. Then a funeral parlour will issue a cover letter, requesting the repatriation permit,” Limpopo Health MEC, Doctor Phophi Ramathuba, said on Monday in an interview with the SABC. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:30
Police arrest more suspects in UFH murder case
The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Task Team, which is assigned with the responsibility of investigating and arresting those responsible for the murder and attempted murder cases at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), has effected 15 more arrests.
This brings the number of those arrested in this case to 25 suspects.
The suspects were arrested in various provinces over the Easter weekend, including in Gauteng, the Eastern and the Western Cape, as well as KwaZulu-Natal.
The 15 suspects face a string of charges ranging from fraud, corruption, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder.
They are expected to make their first court appearance today at the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said the task team will continue to do their work without fear or favour.
“The team has been hard at work in getting to the bottom of who is behind fraud, corruption and the murders at the university. They will continue to investigate and hunt down those who are found to have had a hand in any wrongdoing.
“Our focus is to bring before court a case that will be able to stand in court with all the evidence that has been collected by the team,” said Masemola.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and Masemola are expected to attend court proceedings today. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:01
Phaahla visits Limpopo following crash that claimed 45 lives
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, is scheduled to visit Limpopo to oversee the progress of the efforts to identify human remains and repatriate the victims of the Botswana bus crash that happened over the Easter weekend.
This after the bus that was travelling from Molepolole in Botswana to Moria in Limpopo, to celebrate Easter, plunged off the bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass on Thursday last week.
The tragic crash claimed 45 Easter pilgrims, with an eight-year-old being the sole survivor.
According to a statement, the Minister will also interact with the eight-year-old and visit the scene of the incident.
Limpopo MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and other senior officials will join Phaahla.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also conveyed his condolences to Botswana and the family and friends of the deceased.
“President Ramaphosa extended his sympathies in a call to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and pledged the continued support of the South African government during this time of need for the people of Botswana,” a government statement read.
Meanwhile, President Masisi expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as well as from provincial and local government structures. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:51
After a decade of water cuts, wealthier areas have insulated themselves, but poorer areas remain at the mercy of a failing system.
Port Alfred – It was a massive day in Port Alfred as the real action kicked in for many sporting events that make up the Port Alfred Easter Festival. (photos by Ed Gutsche, Sue Maclennan, Louis Wulff, Chantal Emslie and others) In conditions that went from windless to ‘pretty windy, to say the least‘ in …
The Portfolio Committee on Transport is saddened by the bus crash which reportedly took the lives of 45 passengers. The deceased were on a church visit from Gaborone to Moria.
The chairperson of the committee, Ms Mina Lesoma, said the committee sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and fellow congregants.
The bus was reportedly en route to Moira Church in Limpopo when it crashed, killing 45 people. One child survived. The pilgrims travelled from Botswana's capital Gaborone to attend an Easter service in Limpopo.
“This is a bleak Easter not only for religious South Africans but the entire region. People transporting travelling groups, church people, private family campings, and sporting clubs should be vigilant all the time.”
“Road works that are ongoing should be clearly marked and communicated. It is not an ideal situation to be communicating about road fatalities when we should be happy and in a celebratory mood,” said Ms Lesoma.
Easter is a special time in the Christian calendar and serves as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christianity is largely the dominant religion in South Africa and is celebrated by many black families – many of whom also use Easter to celebrate and perform their traditions and sports.
Ms Lesoma wished all Christians a peaceful and blessed Easter. She also urged authorities to expedite the necessary inter-governmental processes to repatriate the deceased and return their remains to their families. “The urgent task now is that families should be assisted, particularly on issues of state protocol,” Ms Lesoma stressed.
“We will never tire as the Portfolio Committee in calling for caution and responsible driving on South Africa's roads.”
Ms Lesoma also noted the announcement of the scrapping of etolling in Gauteng. “The Gauteng government must soon come and make a concrete announcement on how they hope to fund the debt that was incurred as a result of the introduction of the Gauteng Freeways Improvement Project. This is particularly important because the National Treasury announcement was clear earlier in the year.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Call to use child car seats
In anticipation of the increase in traffic volumes this Easter long weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called for an investment in child car seats and restraints to ensure the safety of children in vehicles.
“The RTMC calls for greater cooperation from motorists to reduce the number of children who are injured or killed on the roads,” RTMC Spokesperson Simon Zwane said on Wednesday.
South African regulations state that (a) all adults must use seat belts if available; (b) the driver must ensure a child aged between three to 14 uses a child restraint, if available, or seat belt if available; and (c) infants under three must be strapped into a car seat where possible. Drivers may be held accountable for failure to comply.
“We know that seatbelts save children’s lives, because every day we see children who are severely disabled or who die due to road accidents because they were not wearing a seatbelt.
“Children who are not properly restrained in a car are catapulted out of the car on impact, and the consequences can be devastating; nothing but a seatbelt/car seat can prevent that. Making sure a child is properly restrained is the easiest thing parents can do to ensure their child’s safety,” Associate Professor Ursula Rolhwink of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Neuroscience Institute and spokesperson for the African Brain Child Initiative said.
Executive Director and Spokesperson for ChildSafe South Africa Zaitoon Rabaney said the number of lives lost on the roads, particularly among children, is unacceptable and preventable.
“This Easter, we urge drivers to reflect on their road behaviour and commit to making the necessary changes. By simply buckling up, respecting speed limits, and ensuring our children are safely secured in appropriate car seats, we can dramatically reduce the risk of fatalities and severe injuries,” Rabaney said.
The World Health Organisation Road Traffic Injury fact sheet 2022 shows the use of a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 40 - 50% for drivers and front-seat occupants and by up to 25% for rear-seat occupants.
According to the African Brain Child's report, 96 out of every 100 children who are admitted to ICU because they were involved in a motor crash have a moderate or severe injury to the head because they were not wearing a seat belt. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 08:37
Happy and safe Easter holidays
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the nation a peaceful and safe Easter period.
“The prayers and reflection that define Easter renew the spirit of the nation. This period also allows us to connect with family, friends and the community around us and to explore our most beautiful country.
“We must, however, remain mindful of and reach out to people in our families and communities who are needy and who will appreciate our support,” the President said on Thursday ahead of the Easter long weekend.
In offering his best wishes to South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations for their Easter observances, President Ramaphosa urged the nation to “do our best to make this a safe Easter.”
“Easter does not have to be a time where we sit back and wait to see statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads or at places where people come together in large numbers.
“This should be a time where each of us evaluates our own attitudes and behaviours and conduct ourselves in ways that build our society and make the country safe for everyone. This applies especially to our obligation to end violence against women and children.”
The President urged the country to “make this a time to exercise our spirituality, enjoy our country and care for everyone around us.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:51
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Law enforcement and border security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all this Easter holiday period, Cabinet said on Thursday.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday the outcomes of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet’s best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and Passover holidays this weekend.
“During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes,” said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules, and respect other road users.
“Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds.”
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, she said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reducing congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1 April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance.
“This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness of South Africa’s position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by Hamas.”
According to the Minister, she said these resolutions are binding and that the UNSC should ensure compliance.
“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.
READ | President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, corruption, and municipality officials arrested for corruption were some of the issues discussed by Cabinet.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30 Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in April.
“The occasion forever reverberates in the history of our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with respect,” said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply challenges in Musina.
“There will be further socio-economic benefits from the construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the medium term.”
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:55
Motorists urged to prioritise safety ahead of Easter weekend
As thousands of South Africans are set to hit the country’s freeways for the long Easter weekend on Thursday, Newcastle Local Municipality Mayor Xolani Dube has urged all motorists to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution while traveling.
Dube made the call at the launch of a comprehensive road safety campaign on Wednesday, ahead of the long weekend.
"By working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing road accidents and ensuring a safer community for everyone," Dube said.
The Newcastle Local Municipality, in collaboration with the provincial Health Department and various stakeholders, including Heineken Beverages, the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority, the South African Police Service, and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Amajuba Region, launched the campaign in an effort to curb road accidents during the Easter holidays.
Dube said the main aim of the campaign is to convene important stakeholders to promote safer road usage over the upcoming holidays, with the goal of lowering traffic accidents and encouraging responsible driving behaviour.
During the launch, representatives from the various stakeholders distributed essential road safety paraphernalia to drivers.
Dube said these efforts are focused on fostering a safer road environment for all road users and encouraging responsible driving habits.
Members of the police emphasised the need of vehicle inspections to guarantee the vehicle's roadworthiness and cautioned against driving while intoxicated and speeding.
The police have placed a strong emphasis on the value of vehicle inspections to guarantee roadworthiness and discouraged driving while intoxicated and at high speeds.
“The Easter holiday period often sees a surge in road accidents, and it is imperative that we take proactive measures to prevent unnecessary loss of life and property. Through collaborative efforts with our partners and stakeholders, we are committed to promoting road safety awareness and encouraging responsible driving habits," the police said.
Newcastle Municipality is a local municipality within the Amajuba District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Newcastle is the third largest city in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 09:41