MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape

Social Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs 

Location: News

Social Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs 

The Department of Social Development has issued 41 787 notices of non-compliance to non-profit organisations (NPOs), with a total of 6 221 NPOs deregistered for failure to honour their obligations in terms of the NPO Act. 

In a statement, the department said a total of 203 279 organisations comprising non-profit organisations, voluntary associations and trusts across South Africa face the risk of deregistration. 

This is due to failure to comply with the requirements to submit annual reports as per the provisions of section 18 (1) of the Non-Profit Organisations Act (Act No. 71 of 1997, as amended through the General Laws Amendment Act 22 of 2022).

“The consequences for non-compliant NPOs are severe as they will no longer be able to access certain privileges such as tax exemption, letters of support and funding from government, donors and private institutions that uphold accountability and the rule of law,” the department said. 

The majority of these non-compliant organisations are based in Gauteng at 64 221, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 36 605, Western Cape at 20 371, Limpopo at 19 982, Eastern Cape at 19 202, Mpumalanga at 15 102, North West at 12 363, Free State at 10 661 and Northern Cape at 4 770.

These organisations provide a wide range of services to children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons and humanitarian relief.

“While the department acknowledges the significant contribution of NPOs in providing the much-needed services to the vulnerable, the deregistration of non-compliant NPOs is a regulatory requirement aimed at fostering accountability and transparency within the NPO sector.

“The department remains committed to continue working in partnership with the sector to ensure the integrity and protect the legitimate activities of NPOs that comply with South Africa’s regulatory framework,” it explained.

The commencement of the deregistration process follows a formal notice issued by the department in August 2023.

The notice was followed by a series of targeted workshops and outreach programmes conducted across South Africa to engage NPOs and provide them with the necessary opportunity and support, including capacity building and corrective steps to be taken to address the compliance issues. 

READ | Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

FATF recommendation

In addition to the NPO Act, the deregistration of non-compliant organisations is consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s Recommendation 8 on non-profit organisations and the risk-based approach, which highlights the vulnerability of South Africa’s NPO sector to money laundering and terrorist financing.

The FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 plenary meeting held in Paris.

The FATF is the international standard-setting body that oversees global compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

It developed an Action Plan with 22 Action items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and combating of financial terrorism regime.

In November 2023, the FATF Plenary noted the considerable progress South Africa has made to address the technical compliance deficiencies identified in the mutual evaluation report.

“With South Africa due to report back to FATF on the remaining deficiencies in its fifth round mutual evaluation this year, the department would like to implore all registered NPOs to ensure their operations meet the legal prescripts for compliance without further delay.

Assistance

“In line with its developmental mandate, the department stands ready to assist registered NPOs that are struggling with the process to comply with the requirements of the NPO Act,” the department said. 

To date, the department said it has processed over 18 000 requests through email correspondence, 3 000 telephone enquiries and assisted 4 000 clients through walk-in service.

A total of 3 450 NPOs have updated their details on the NPO register. 

As the registrar and custodian of the NPO Act, the Department of Social Development has a legislative mandate to maintain a reliable database of all non-profit organisations registered in terms of the Act.

“We must once again emphasise that compliance is a regulatory requirement not only to ensure transparency and accountability in the NPO sector, but also to ensure the protection of beneficiary communities in which the registered NPOs operate and render their services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/11/2025 - 10:35

76 views
Read moreSocial Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs 

All eyes on President Ramaphosa

Location: News

All eyes on President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tonight outline the roadmap for the country for the year ahead, as he takes to the Parliamentary podium to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The President will deliver the first SONA of the seventh administration at 7pm tonight, under the theme: “A nation that works for all”.

SONA 2025 takes place as South Africa recently took up the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) – a historical moment, as the country became the first African State to do so.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the address is expected to touch on the past, the present and the future of South Africa. 

“The annual address gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and recommits us to working together to build the country we envisioned at the start of our democracy,” he said.

The address is also expected to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and how it is setting about achieving its objectives.

In his Opening of Parliament Address last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that the GNU will dedicate the next five years to “actions that will advance” inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.

The seventh administration took office last year following the national General Elections in which the South African people did not give a single clear majority to any political party.

“In the address, the President will outline the task of the Government of National Unity in implementing the three strategic priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan, namely, driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” Magwenya said.

Parliamentary process

The SONA represents the official start of Parliament’s programme and is one of the rare occasions when the three arms of the state – the legislature, the judiciary and the executive – gather under one roof.

During a media briefing yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza described SONA as a “crucial event on our national calendar as this Parliament but also as a nation”.

“This occasion is the result of months of meticulous preparation and coordination, which underscores its significance in shaping the national discourse and setting the tone for the year ahead.

“SONA allows the President as the head of state to speak to the nation and reflect on a wide range of matters of national importance, as well as outline the progress on the commitments made by the state. 

“As such, SONA signifies the highest level of the state’s accountability to the citizenry by providing updates on the government programmes, developments in legislation and policies, profiling targets and a programme of action for the new financial year,” she said.

As the moment draws closer, leaders of the three arms of the state will form a procession and will enter the Assembly Chamber through the main entrance of the Cape Town City Hall.

The Speaker explained that SONA 2025 will “retain a full ceremonial format” including that procession.

“[This includes] a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band and procession involving provincial speakers and premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President [Paul Mashatile] and the President,” Didiza said.

Youth involvement

Didiza told the media that although dignitaries from across the world will be in attendance, Parliament has also made special way for the youngest of South Africans to be involved in the day.

“As part of fostering civic awareness and public engagement, SONA… will feature the Junior Guard of Honour, comprising a hundred learners from four Western Cape schools selected in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Education.

“The involvement of these young learners is crucial in educating and exposing them to the workings, roles and functions of State institutions, helping to shape them as the leaders of tomorrow,” Didiza said.

During the media briefing, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, announced that this year’s praise singer, who will usher the President in – a staple of the SONA – will be 19-year-old Inako Mateza, who hails from the Eastern Cape.

“The proceedings of this SONA will once again include praise singing by Imbongi. This practice is managed through rotational language and provincial selection processes, which ensures inclusivity and the promotion of all our official languages. 

“This custom not only adds cultural significance to the event but also provides a platform to showcase grassroots talent on the prominent national stage,” Mtsweni-Tsipane said.

Speaking to SAnews, the award winning Mateza described her selection as an honour.

“Being chosen as an Imbongi to welcome the President in Parliament tomorrow means a lot to me because firstly, I'm a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time where young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music. So, for me being the Imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic.

“This opportunity will encourage me to continue the work I am doing. I've noticed that even people on social media enjoy the imbongi part of SONA. I thought I was doing this for my own enjoyment, but I see now that I have inspired others to walk this path too,” Mateza said.

The SONA will be broadcast live on television, on radio and will also be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament YouTube channels. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:18

58 views
Read moreAll eyes on President Ramaphosa

Young Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025

Location: News

Young Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025

As the nation gears up for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), a 19-year-old imbongi, Inako Mateza, is preparing to take centre stage, embracing a role deeply rooted in tradition.

The esteemed Xhosa-speaking poet has been honoured with one of the important elements of the SONA since the birth of democracy. 

Praise singing gives "Africanness" pride of place – narrating the President’s personal history, clan and family lineage in song, dance and narration.

Speaking to SAnews Mateza said she was ecstatic about being chosen to be the Imbongi at this year’s SONA. 

“Being chosen as an imbongi to welcome the President in Parliament tomorrow means a lot to me because firstly, I'm a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time where young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music. So, for me being the imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic,” she said. 

Born in Ludiza Village, Willowvale, in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape, she founded the Inako Foundation, an initiative dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and educating over 400 young people about their cultures and traditions.

As a passionate praise poet, she has been honing her craft since 2016, participating in poetry, prepared, and unprepared speech competitions, where she consistently claimed first place at both provincial and national levels. 

“I always took first positions in these competitions, provincially and nationally. So since then, I realised that I have the gift and the talent to pursue this. I was born with a gift so it made sense for me to follow my calling,” she reflected.

For this young artist, standing before the President is not just a personal achievement but an opportunity to uplift others. 

"This opportunity will encourage me to continue the work I am doing. I've noticed that even people on social media enjoy the imbongi part of SONA. I thought I was doing this for my own enjoyment, but I see now that I have inspired others to walk this path too,” she beamingly told SAnews.  

Her praise poem will not only honour the President but acknowledge the weight of leadership in challenging times. 

"I want to remind the President that despite the challenges he is facing, such as our brothers and sisters currently in a war zone in the DRC, he must take heart. I want to praise him for his leadership as the country mourns the soldiers that lost their lives. 

“I want to encourage him to keep going and let him know that obstacles will be there; he just needs to take heart and know that there are South Africans who are rallying behind him,” she said. 

Reflecting on where her support system comes from, she said her parents have always supported and encouraged her to reach for the stars and never look back, despite the challenges she may encounter.

As she prepares to perform at one of the country's most significant events, she carries with her the spirit of her ancestors, the encouragement of her family, and the pride of a generation rediscovering the power of their heritage. - SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 16:18

46 views
Read moreYoung Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025

MPs, invited guests encouraged to wear local attire for SONA

Location: News

MPs, invited guests encouraged to wear local attire for SONA

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) and the nearly 2 000 guests attending tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to support local designers.

SONA is an event where President Cyril Ramaphosa provides updates on the government’s programmes and sets the agenda for the new financial year. 

But, it is also where some MPs and bigwigs dress to the nines to make a fashion statement. 

Parliament has since partnered with Proudly South African to support the local fashion industry under the ’Wear Local at SONA’ initiative, said Mtshweni-Tsipane on Wednesday.

“The campaign aims to elevate the local fashion industry calling on the nation’s leaders to showcase South African designed and manufactured fashion at the SONA,” she said. 

In addition, Parliament has partnered with businesses in the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors to support the event.

“Some of these businesses represent the great success of our government in designating South Africa’s products as Geographical Indicators, such as in the case of the Karoo lamb and others. 

“We extend our full gratitude and appreciation to all businesses and persons who continue to sponsor this event,” she told the media.

Mtshweni-Tsipane and the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Thoko Didiza were addressing journalists in Cape Town about Parliament’s preparations for the 2025 SONA.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be ushered by Inako Mateza, a 19-year-old Xhosa praise singer from the Eastern Cape, which aligns with long-standing traditions.

She took a moment to express sincere gratitude to the informal traders for their continued cooperation since Cape Town City Hall became the venue for the SONA after the 2022 fire that damaged the parliamentary complex. 

“While we acknowledge that events of this magnitude inevitably cause some inconveniences within the Central Business District, we also recognise the broader economic value that SONA brings to the city.” 

As a significant national event, the Chairperson said SONA garners both local and international attention, boosting economic activity through increased tourism, hospitality, and business opportunities.

“As with previous SONAs, alternative arrangements have been made, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and the Informal Traders Association, to ensure that affected traders can continue operating at designated alternative venues.”

Post-SONA sittings

After tomorrow’s all-important SONA, the NA and the NCOP will reconvene for a joint session on 11 and 12 February 2025 to debate the President’s address. 

The President will respond to the debate on February 13, while the Minister of Finance is scheduled to deliver the Budget Speech on 19 February. 

“We encourage all South Africans to actively engage with SONA by tuning in and sharing their views across the various communication platforms provided by Parliament, the government, and the media.” 

The SONA will be broadcast live across Parliament TV, mainstream broadcasters, and streaming services. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:52

3 views
Read moreMPs, invited guests encouraged to wear local attire for SONA

SAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations

Location: News

SAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made 244 951 arrests during the festive season, as part of heightened crime-fighting operations aimed at safeguarding communities, holidaymakers, and tourists across the country.

The safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024, and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025.

“From the period 01 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 – a total of 9 908 accused were found guilty and convicted for various crimes, including murder, rape, armed robberies, house breaking and car hijacking,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday.

Masemola held a media briefing to provide an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations.

Masemola announced that a total of 2 198 illegal, and unlicensed firearms were seized and confiscated during operations. These include 1 731 handguns, 154 homemade guns, 211 rifles, and 102 shotguns. 

Masemola said the majority of firearms seized were confiscated in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. 

“Firearms remain a big problem in South Africa as most serious and violent crimes including murders were committed with the use of a firearm,” the National Commissioner said.

In this regard, 37 658 rounds of ammunition were also seized and 1 767 explosives that are mainly used in illegal mining activities and cash in transit armed robberies were also seized.

In addition, the police recovered R4 million in cash and seized 16 293 stolen cell phones, which were either taken during crimes or used in their commission, for further investigation and analysis.

Furthermore, a total of 960 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

During this period, more than two million patrols were conducted, with more than 4 600 roadblocks, 620 000 stop and searches, and more than two million persons were searched in the country.

“Further to that, over 78 000 licensed liquor premises compliance inspections were executed together with more than 12 000 compliance inspections at firearm dealers and private security premises. A total of 6 547 unlicensed liquor premises were shut down throughout the country during this period.

“Through our safer festive season operational concept, which is inclusive of Operation Shanela, we intensified our prevention and combatting strategies on nine focus areas with serious and violent crimes at the centre of attention. 

“From combatting and putting perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence-and Femicide (GBVF), Aggravated robberies, murders, rape and car hijacking in prison– we have been hard at work in asserting and reaffirming the authority of the state,” Masemola said.

The National Commissioner said the intelligence operatives, detectives, including visible policing members and forensic experts worked tirelessly in tracking, tracing and taking down wanted criminals.

“Through intelligence and collaboration with various units within the SAPS, identified crime threats were addressed through conventional methods to identify, neutralise, dislodge, dismantle and takedown organised crime syndicates.

“Crime intelligence continuously monitored various organised crime threats which include theft of motor vehicles, kidnappings for extortion, cash in transit armed robberies, critical infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft – to mention but a few of other key crime categories,” the National Commissioner said.

Gender-based Violence and Femicide 

Between October 2024 and December 2024, a total of 685 Gender-Based Violence and Femicide perpetrators, were convicted to time in prison.

Of these, 110 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to life in prison, 71 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 20 years and above in prison, 174 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 10 years and up to 19 years in prison, while 330 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to a year and up to nine years in prison.

“Our men and women in blue remain relentless in tracking, tracing, apprehending and prosecuting GBVF perpetrators,” Masemola said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:02

104 views
Read moreSAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations

Conserving crop diversity key to food security

Location: News

Conserving crop diversity key to food security

Millions of farmers across Africa play a crucial role in preserving crop diversity by cultivating traditional crop varieties, saving seeds for the next planting season, and exchanging seeds with neighbours and other farmers.

This practice is essential for safeguarding crop production and ensuring food security, as the population continues to grow.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen in a statement said farmers have long been the stewards of crop diversity, helping to secure food production and improve crop yields.

"Farmers have not always been formally recognised for their role in conserving plant genetic resources, but the adoption of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture has changed that," Steenhuisen said on Thursday.

The treaty acknowledges the vital contribution of farmers and indigenous communities in the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, which is key to food security and agricultural biodiversity.

In a significant step for the country’s agricultural and food security landscape, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed that South Africa has ratified the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, making it the 154th Contracting Party to the agreement.

READ | SA signs international treaty to boost food security, biodiversity

This treaty aims to ensure global collaboration in conserving and sustainably using plant genetic resources.

Steenhuisen emphasised that by joining the treaty, South Africa must align its national policies and programmes to recognise farmers’ contributions to the conservation of traditional crops, especially those that are often neglected or underutilised.

Crops such as millets, cowpeas, sorghum and bambara groundnuts play an important role in local food systems but often lack the attention they deserve.

“We must ensure that indigenous farmers are involved in decision-making processes related to plant conservation, the sustainable use of genetic resources, and in the sharing of benefits derived from these crops. Farmers must also be empowered to save, exchange and sell farm-saved seed,” Steenhuisen said.

Supporting community seed banks

To further enhance the conservation of crop diversity, the Minister said the Department of Agriculture is working in partnership with farmers, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and provincial agriculture departments, to support and strengthen community seed banks.

These hubs for the conservation and revitalisation of local seed systems focus on crops suited to local conditions.

“Currently, community seed banks are operational in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the North West provinces. In the 2025/26 financial year, two new community seed banks will be established in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape provinces.

“These seed banks are central to preserving traditional crops, encouraging participatory plant breeding, and facilitating seed exchanges among farmers and communities through traditional food and seed fairs,” Steenhuisen said.

Crop diversity

Conserving crop diversity is integral to building sustainable food systems and advancing food and nutrition security.

According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS), approximately 20 million South Africans face food insecurity, a situation exacerbated by high poverty levels, unemployment, and income inequality.

The report also highlights the adverse impacts of climate change on crop yields, particularly in smallholder and subsistence farming communities.

The Minister said the NFNSS provides valuable insights to guide South Africa’s National Food and Nutrition Security Plan (2024-2029), “a key priority for government”.

Global collaboration and benefits

South Africa’s participation in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture's multilateral system facilitates access to a global pool of genetic resources, benefiting the country’s farmers and researchers.

“This system supports the training, breeding and research needed to strengthen food security and improve crop resilience. Additionally, the treaty’s Benefit-Sharing Fund offers financial support for crop diversity conservation and capacity-building initiatives worldwide,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said the successful implementation of the treaty in South Africa will require strong government support at all levels and collaboration across the public, private and civil sectors.

He called for continued cooperation to ensure that South Africa’s farmers and communities benefit from the country’s participation in the treaty. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 10:47

47 views
Read moreConserving crop diversity key to food security

Health Minister encourages adherence to ARV treatment

Location: News

Health Minister encourages adherence to ARV treatment

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has appealed to people on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to continue taking their medication amid reports that grant funding by the United States of America (USA) is under review.

The review of the grant funding is expected to affect the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme, which is aimed at supporting HIV prevention, care and treatment. The programme supports several countries, including South Africa, to achieve HIV epidemic control.

Addressing members of the media on the sidelines of a two-day Cabinet Lekgotla, Motsoaledi said the country’s ARVs proramme will not be affected, as it is funded by the South African government and the Global Fund.

“For now, all HIV/AIDS programmes continue. As the South African government, we want to ascertain that nobody must stop taking ARVs because that will be devastating,” Motsoaledi said on Wednesday.

South Africa has 52 districts and of those, 27 districts are funded by PEPFAR.

“PEPFAR chose 27 of the most affected districts and these districts are in eight provinces, as they choose districts based on the burden of HIV/AIDS. The only province that is not included is the Northern Cape because it does not have any districts that are highly affected by HIV/AIDS,” the Minister said.

Of the 27 districts, seven of them are in KwaZulu-Natal; five are in the Eastern Cape, four are in Gauteng; three are in Mpumalanga and the North West, respectively; two are in Limpopo and one is in the Western Cape.

“The total number of people on the ground who are dealing with HIV/AIDS in those 27 districts is 271 606. Of the 271 606 people, 256 452 are funded by South Africa from the fiscus. That leaves us with 15 145 people, who will be affected by the withdrawal.

“Our biggest problems will be the salaries and the operational costs. That is what we are looking at with National Treasury,” Motsoaledi said.

Seventy-six percent of the funding for HIV/AIDS programmes is from South Africa. This constitutes 74% of funding from the government and 2% from the private sector.

“That leaves us with a gap that is filled by the Global Fund, which gives 7% and PEPFAR, which accounts for 17%. When you add the funds from the Global Fund and South Africa’s funding, that makes 83% and PEPFAR remains with the 17%. We are buying ARVs, together with the Global Fund,” the Minister said.

With reports indicating changes in the grant funding by the US, Motsoaledi said the government of South Africa has not received any communication on these changes.

“So far, we have not received a letter from the American government. These funds for the HIV/AIDS programmes come through National Treasury and they have not received a letter; the Department of Health and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have also not received a letter.

“We have tried to contact the US embassy and we couldn’t get them. The NGOs and the clinics that are funded by PEPFAR are the ones who have received letters,” the Minister said.

Out of the 63 million people in South Africa, 7.8 million people are HIV positive, with 5.5 million on ARVs.

In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted the strategy of 95-95-95, which sets a target that 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) must know their HIV status; 95% of people diagnosed with HIV must receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of people receiving ART must achieve viral load suppression (VLS).

“We are on 96%. That means 96% of people who have HIV in South Africa know their status but of those, 79% are on treatment and in that 79% who are on ARVs, 94% of them are virally suppressed. It means that they can no longer spread the virus, reducing the number of new infections.

“For us to reach the 95-95-95 targets by 2030 - because we want to eliminate HIV as a threat to human health - we need 1.1million people to be on treatment so we reach the target,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 07:00

85 views
Read moreHealth Minister encourages adherence to ARV treatment

SA film’s Oscar nomination highlights wildlife heroes

Location: News

SA film’s Oscar nomination highlights wildlife heroes

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has congratulated the creators of the short film, The Last Ranger.

The film has been nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category of the 97th Academy Awards. 

George, who recently attended a ranger course at the Southern African Wildlife College in order to better understand the work of rangers, highlighted how timeous the Oscar nomination comes as the department intensifies the fight against wildlife poaching.

“I wish to congratulate the team behind this important body of work on choosing to highlight the plight of our rangers, a community of real-life heroes who are often overlooked. I believe that this film helps tell our rangers’ story and as a result of this nomination, rangers will garner more local and international support for their work,” said the Minister.

The Last Ranger short film explores the theme of rhino poaching and conservation efforts. 

Set against the spectacular landscapes of the Eastern Cape, The Last Ranger tells the story of a young Xhosa girl and a female game ranger who fight to save rhinos from poachers. 

The film exposes both the horrors of rhino poaching and the socio-economic complexities facing local communities. The film was directed by Cindy Lee and was locally produced by Star Films and internationally, by Kindred Films.

The Minister said the film showed the urgent need to address the resource constraints facing local rangers. 

“South Africa’s dedicated rangers are doing incredible work despite being massively under-resourced, and the government is committed to ensure that they have the tools and support needed to carry out their duties effectively.”

George called on the local and international community to come together against poaching criminal syndicates.

"We hope that The Last Ranger not only showcases the high calibre of our South African creatives, but also showcases the beauty of South Africa’s natural heritage, including our wildlife. We will be watching the Oscars with great anticipation on 2 March 2025 in the hopes that they will bring the Oscar home," said the Minister.

He encouraged all South Africans and international supporters of rangers to go out and watch the movie in their multitudes and to also experience the beauty and majesty of South Africa’s national parks by visiting the country's wildlife reserves. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine
Sun, 01/26/2025 - 11:36

69 views
Read moreSA film’s Oscar nomination highlights wildlife heroes

SA film earns Oscar nomination

Location: News

SA film earns Oscar nomination

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says he has received “with great pride and a sense of expectation” news of the Academy Award nomination for the South African film The Last Ranger.

Directed by Cindy Lee, the film has been nominated in the category of Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, to be held in March 2025.

According to the department, this remarkable isiXhosa film, inspired by true events in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, tells the compelling story of Thandi, a rhino that miraculously survived a poaching attack at the Kariega Game Reserve, and the courageous woman who fought to protect these iconic animals against all odds.

“The Last Ranger is a powerful tribute to the resilience of our wildlife and the unwavering dedication of conservationists who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage. Featuring stellar performances by Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza and Makhaola Ndebele, and written by David Lee, Darwin Shaw and Will Hawks, this production stands as a testament to South Africa’s rich storytelling and cinematic excellence,” said the department.

The film’s ongoing success, having already won Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is a clear indication of its impact and brilliance.

The Minister said he was confident that it would continue to make an impact on the global stage, "and we eagerly await the Oscar ceremony on 2 March 2025, hopeful for yet another triumph".

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Last Ranger. Your hard work and dedication have helped to elevate South African cinema to new heights and kept our country in the eye of the world.

“Let us all rally behind this incredible production and showcase our support for local brilliance,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine
Fri, 01/24/2025 - 12:18

84 views
Read moreSA film earns Oscar nomination

Rape accused Pastor Omotoso and co-accused to learn fate in April

Location: News

Rape accused Pastor Omotoso and co-accused to learn fate in April

The racketeering, trafficking in persons, rape, and sexual assault case against controversial televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, has been adjourned to April for judgement.

Judgement is expected to be delivered nearly eight years after the initial arrest of the accused.

According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, Omotoso and his two South African co-accused are facing at least 32 counts in the court.

“It is alleged that Omotoso, who was addressed as ‘the man of God’, was the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church and his co-accused were his assistants. JDI had major branches in South Africa, Nigeria, and Israel, with Durban being its headquarters in the country.

“The complainants were either congregants, employees or persons selected to take part in the activities of the church when they were recruited under the pretext that they would benefit spiritually or improve the quality of their lives. Omotoso allegedly directly or indirectly through his co-accused, paid and arranged for the complainants to travel to his hotel, Durban, Israel, or Nigeria,” Tyali said.

Once at the destination, Tyali explained, the complainants were allegedly instructed to switch off their phones and “told not to contact male companions and were to further abide by his instructions”.

“The complainants and other female church members were allegedly kept in one room where they also slept. Omotoso would allegedly select one of the complainants to go to his private bedroom where he raped or sexually assaulted them,” he added.

Wheels of justice

Omotoso has tried on several occasions to have the case either dismissed or declared a mistrial – causing delays in the carriage of justice.

“The judgement will mark a remarkable milestone the case that has been marred by delays for almost eight years since the arrest of the trio. 

“It follows a decision on previous applications by the televangelist for five special entries for a mistrial. Including an application made on 16 January 2024, where the defence made an application for the judge to reconsider her previous judgment on the application for discharge according to Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“Judge Irma Schoeman had previously dismissed their application for discharge, and the state was ready to proceed with the remaining proceedings in the trial, meaning that the accused must present their case and they will be subject to cross-examination by the state,” Tyali said.

The NPA spokesperson acknowledged that the delays led to some of the complainants choosing to withdraw from the case.

“The numerous delays in the trial since the arrest of the Nigerian national, Omotoso, in April 2017, caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court.

“That has led to the reduction of the charges from 63,” he said.

Despite this, the prosecution remained determined to see the case to finalisation.

“The state remains committed to ensuring that this case is finalised as soon as possible so that justice is served for the victims and believes that even on this case it has presented enough evidence to for the accused persons to be found guilty,” Tyali said.

The three accused are expected back in court for judgement on 2 April. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 01/23/2025 - 09:41

244 views
Read moreRape accused Pastor Omotoso and co-accused to learn fate in April