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Government activities for the week 16 – 20 September

Location: News

Government activities for the week 16 – 20 September

On Monday, 16 September, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts officially opens the International Solid Waste Association World Congress at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

On Tuesday, 17 September, the Commission for Gender Equality in the Eastern Cape province will hold a stakeholder engagement to discuss findings and recommendations contained in its investigative report on “State of maternity and neonatal healthcare in the Eastern Cape”.

The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo and Air Show takes place from 18 – 22 September.

On Wednesday, 18 September, The Meta for Government Summit, a collaborative endeavour by Meta in partnership with the Ministry in the Presidency and the GCIS, takes place from 9am to 4pm at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg.

Also on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga will deliver the opening remarks at the Eurasian Women’s Forum under the theme: “Women for Strengthening Trust and Global Cooperation”.

On Thursday, 19 September, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga leads a BRICS Ministerial Meeting for Women’s Affairs in Russia.

 

 

Janine
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 12:52

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Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards Ceremony Celebrates Excellence in Tourism

Location: MyPR

Gqeberha, 11 September 2024: The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards ceremony took place at Tramways on 11 September 2024, recognizing and celebrating outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in the region. The event was expertly host by Buli G(MC), and organized by a dedicated team comprising Melissa Palmer, Nqobile Qupe, Wendy Knott-Craig, and Natasha Carmody. …

Read moreNelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards Ceremony Celebrates Excellence in Tourism

Build a Trusted Brand: Key Principles for Eastern Cape Businesses

Location: MyPR

Build a Trusted Brand: Key Principles for Eastern Cape Businesses Branding builds Trust and Credibility with Customers Small Businesses in the Eastern Cape Face Growth Challenges Without Branding Small businesses in the Eastern Cape will continue to struggle with growth if branding is not included as a key element of their marketing strategy. It is …

Read moreBuild a Trusted Brand: Key Principles for Eastern Cape Businesses

Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector

Location: News

Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector

Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, says the province has adopted the Agriculture Investment Framework to revitalise the agriculture sector.

Commenting on the commercialisation of Eastern Cape’s agriculture, Kontsiwe noted that despite having the highest livestock population, the province only contributes 8% to the country's livestock Gross Domestic Product.

There are over 10 000 hectares of irrigable land with water rights in irrigation schemes that have the potential to produce dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, and fodder.

“However, this land is not fully utilised, and optimising its use could greatly enhance sector performance in terms of growth and employment,” Kontsiwe said.

She said commercial farmers constitute 9% of the farming population, generating 71% of the income and employing 60% of the agricultural labour force, significantly driving the agricultural sector's performance.

On the other hand, she said, smallholder producers, representing 91% of the farming population, generate 29% of the income and provide 40% of the jobs.

“The growth of smallholder farmers is impeded by high barriers to entry, including high fixed costs (land, equipment, and operations), inadequate on and off-farm infrastructure, limited funding options tailored to their needs, rising input costs, and poor logistics.

“The challenge is how to effectively commercialise land owned by Black farmers to enhance the economic performance of the agricultural sector to build industries for inclusive growth,” the MEC said. 

Policy

Kontsiwe said government has approved a progressive State Land Lease and Disposal Policy, aimed at releasing land to land reform beneficiaries to attract investment, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness on their farms.

She reported that out of all the farms distributed in the Eastern Cape, 100 were classified as commercially viable in various agricultural sectors.

These include citrus in Amathole and Sarah Baartman; deciduous in Sarah Baartman; wool and beef across the province; and grain in OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, and Amathole.

The department’s strategy for commercialising 100 farms involves repurposing the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) to serve as a trade and business aggregator for various commodities.

“The ECRDA will be empowered to enter into 10-year commercial agreements with all 100 farms to provide holistic support to them and provide them with offtake contracts to supply their produce to ECRDA processors, which are planned to be located in RED Hubs and industrial parks such as Queens Industrial, Butterworth Industrial Park, Fort Jackson, and Dimbaza.

“These processors will process primary produce into food and feed products for domestic markets. For export-oriented products, the ECRDA, supported by the ECDC, will aggregate produce from these farms and explore trade opportunities in African, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets,” Kontsiwe explained.

The MEC added that the department will partner with other sector departments to facilitate private sector investment by securing water rights for irrigation, obtaining environmental authorisation, acquiring title deeds, or securing long-term land use rights.

The department will also work towards consolidating and coordinating government investments towards land reform farms.

The targeted departments include Agriculture; Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; Water and Sanitation and Economic Development, Environment Affairs and Tourism.

“The department will collaborate with the Regional Land Claims Commission to secure Land Development Grants for 38 properties in land claims settlements [and] this will benefit communities in areas like Ncora, Magwa, Dwesa-Cwebe, Mkhambathi, and more. 

“The department will develop an infrastructure business plan to access funding and unlock R220 million from the Land Development Grant,” Kontsiwe said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:19

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Police to intensify operations to root out crime

Location: News

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

The police will intensify compliance inspections at all police stations and service points in a bid to continuously improve service offering to communities, said the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

“Our responsibility as a police service is to keep all people living in South Africa safe and as the South African Police Service we will continue to act without fear, favour and prejudice to realise this vision,” said Masemola.

The Commissioner addressed the media in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“The SAPS remains at the coalface of the criminal justice system, and it is upon our members to ensure that the work that they do continues to inspire confidence in the system,” he said, adding that the police’s ongoing operations are yielding the desired results.

This as the police is continuously implementing an “all hands-on deck approach” that leaves no one behind.

“It is a joint effort working closely with other law enforcement agencies, other government departments, the business sector, our community police forum structures and private security.

“At the heart of it all, lies our communities. Through community participation and through the tip-offs that we continue to receive, criminals are feeling the heat. There is no longer much room and space for criminals in all provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape and [the] Eastern Cape to operate because that space has been squeezed,” Masemola said.

According to the Commissioner, ongoing takedowns and the arrests of wanted suspects is sending a firm and stern warning to all criminals that police are hitting the ground running and that the men and women in blue will continue to sniff out criminals.

“We do believe that we are registering progress in destabilising the work of organised crime syndicates as well as ruthless criminals in all forms and shape.

“Since our last briefing four weeks ago, 85 000 more suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder to rape, kidnapping and extortion. This brings the total number of suspects arrested since the launch of Operation Shanela to 850 375.

“During this period, 824 illegal and unlicensed firearms with more than 17 282 rounds of ammunition [were] seized,” the Commissioner said.

Extortions

Regarding extortions, the SAPS is working hard to bring an end to extortion related crimes.

He added that communities should report these crimes to police.

“We have developed an Extortion Action Plan and thus far, we are pleased with the manner in which this plan is being implemented throughout the country. As management, we are particularly encouraged with how our police officers are addressing the crime of extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots. 

“We are following up on tip-offs and information shared through our hotlines and crime stop number. We are fetching each of these extortionists, one by one,” he said.

In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were shot and killed during confrontation with police in various provinces.

The most brazen of these alleged extortionists were in the Eastern Cape in Mthatha where three followed and tailed the National Intervention Unit (NIU) members to their base.

“Our members had been conducting stop and searches in Mthatha during tracing operations and had earlier confiscated firearms from these alleged extortionists. These extortionists indeed got what they were looking for. They shot at our police officers who were ready to defend and assert the authority of the state.”

READ | SAPS  to 'deal decisively' with extortionists

Masemola said the crime of extortion requires a specialised investigative capacity and that is why police have deployed specialist teams led by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), crime intelligence and organised crime units to lead these investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:11

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Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change 

Location: News

Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change 

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Mayor, Gary van Niekerk has emphasised the need to advance understanding of climate change to mitigate the challenges the country faces, including floods and drought.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a stark reality that we face, with daily struggles such as floods and droughts that threatens the livelihoods of millions as agriculture is affected by this.

“We must advance our understanding of climate change in agriculture to ensure that we mitigate these challenges. Together we can build a resilient and prosperous future for South Africa,” Van Niekerk said.

The mayor made these remarks at the 61st Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference that was held at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha.

Held under the theme “Agricultural Economics Research for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Africa”, the three-day annual conference concluded on Wednesday.

The conference which got underway on Monday, was aimed at promoting training and research which will encourage advancements in agricultural economics research and education, among others.

The conference showcased cutting-edge research work on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on Southern Africa, as well as research on other topics of vital interest to agricultural economists, farmers, and relevant policymakers in the region.

Van Niekerk added that hosting the AEASA conference lines up with Eastern Cape metro’s broader goals to promote sustainable economic development as well as showcasing the metro’s business tourism infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, as well as NMBM Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe and Council Speaker, Eugene Johnson attended the third and final day of the conference. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:18

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Peace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

Location: News

Peace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

With the country commemorating Tourism Month in September, peace and safety have been highlighted as catalysts to grow the tourism sector, says Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe.

At an event to celebrate Tourism Month which is commemorated annually in September, Lobishe called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring peace and safety. 

Tourism Month promotes domestic travel, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings, and to highlight the sector's significant contribution to the South African economy.

This year’s Tourism Month is celebrated under the theme: "Tourism and Peace-30 years of connecting people and cultures”.

Lobishe said the metro’s focus area for this year is not only tourism safety but also diversification of tourism products to bring about memorable experiences for tourists.

"We have a past where there was no peace and safety was only for a few. Some people were not allowed to travel freely and be tourists in their own country.

“In recognising our past and embracing our future, we need to work collaboratively to create a conducive environment for the world to come to our city and celebrate with us,” Lobishe said.
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To deliver a memorable Tourism Month, Lobishe said the metro has mobilised critical stakeholders in the areas of business, and these include safety and security such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security, the tourism industry like the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, and relevant government entities and local based tourism practitioners.

Lobishe said the municipality prides itself as the best in delivering cultural experiences, “an element that sets the metro apart from its competitors.”

She highlighted another positive addition to the metro tourism offerings, the booming cruise industry. Last year, the metro received 36 cruise vessels with a 45 80 0 combined number of passengers, with an estimated economic impact of R77 million.

This year, the metro expects a slight increase of 40 cruise vessels.

“We also want to improve on the number of days these cruise vessels spend in our metro so that more jobs can be created. It then becomes important that we improve on our offerings,” Lobishe said.

Tourism ambassadors

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Shuling Lindoor said that as part of the metro’s efforts to improve on tourism safety, the directorate has hired more tourism ambassadors to work with the security cluster.

"Our primary focus is safety. We have put resources to complement the Tourism Month Safety Plan that is already in place, led by SAPS and the metro police. For tourists to have a memorable experience, safety is paramount,” Lindoor said.

Events

Meanwhile, as part of this year’s Tourism Month celebrations, the metro will host a National Cruise liner workshop to build relations and engage tourism operators on some of the metro’s unique tourism offerings.

The workshop will be held from 26-27 September and the Green Flag Trials - an offering that seeks to promote sustainable tourism - will be held on 28 September at the Van Stadens Reserve. 

“Nelson Mandela Bay tourism offering would not be complete without good traditional food and heritage. Kasi Food Festival will give tourists that special experience that will also offer a good platform for township tourism to benefit.

“This event will be held in Zwide Township on 28-29 September 2024. The month will be closed on a high note at the Mendi Arts Centre through an interactive of the story of New Brighton,” the municipality said.

In between the planned major events and programmes, the metro will be partnering with different entities to deliver an exciting Tourism Month, and these include Tourism Awards, Premier Soccer League games and cultural events. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:26

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Read morePeace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

UIF announces extended operating hours

Location: News

UIF announces extended operating hours

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that selected service points will be open on Saturdays to render services to clients and employers during the month of September.

“A decision to extend operating hours at UIF service points and to ramp up capacity was taken in anticipation of increased demand for real-time services, after the Pretoria High Court at the end of August 2024 issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from implementing a new contract for support and maintenance services to the uFiling platform,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement. 

uFiling is an online platform used by clients and employers to apply for UIF benefits or to register companies with the UIF, declare employees and pay over contributions to the Fund.

The platform is not connected to the main UIF system used to adjudicate and process claims. 

“Due to the uFiling platform not having any support or maintenance at this time, its services was suspended. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since the suspension of uFiling processed more than 181 000 claims at service points around the country, totalling a pay out of R419 607 185,” the department said. 

Extended operating hours will be rendered from 07:30 until 16:00 at UIF service points within labour centres during September month as follows:
•    In Gqeberha, East London and Qonce in the Eastern Cape province.
•    At the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay labour centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    At the Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane and Mbombela labour centres in Mpumalanga province.
•    At Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung and Rustenburg labour centre in the North West province.
•    Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain and Bellville in the Western Cape.

Registration of employers

New employer registrations can be done through BizPortal, available on https://www.bizportal.gov.za/services.aspx.

The department has urged its clients to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and will not be able to register employees. Employee registration can be undertaken at a nearby labour centre.

Registration can also be done by downloading UI.8 and UI.19 forms from www.labour.gov.za and submitting the completed forms to e-mail address newui8registrations@labour.gov.za.

Declaration of employees

Employers with electronic payroll systems may declare their employees by sending live payroll files to e-mail address Declarations@labour.gov.za or by visiting a nearby labour centre for services. 

In case of a manual declarations an employer can download a UI.19 form from www.labour.gov.za and submit a completed form via email to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za.

Regarding contributions, the department said an employer pays contributions to the UIF before the 7th day of each month. Where the 7th day is not a “business day” such as a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments must be made on or before the last business day. 

“UIF contributions are made up of 2% of an employee’s salary. 1% is deducted from the salary of an employee and 1% contributed by the employer.

“Employers who are registered for tax purposes and/or the Skills Development Levy (SDL), must pay their contributions directly to the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the department said. 

Employers can also pay contributions using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour website www.labour.gov.za and use their UIF reference number as the reference for payment. 

“Through queue management, monitoring of operations and staff repurposing the UIF has been able to adequately handle claim volumes around the country. The Fund is confident that by extending working hours it will be able to maintain the status quo whilst developing alternative online solutions for clients and employers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:51

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Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

Location: News

Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) plans to establish food hubs in rural areas, which will enable subsistence and home-based vegetable producers to collect, store and process their produce for the local market.

Unpacking the department’s food security plans for this term on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department will support communities to grow their own food through home-based gardens and improving food access and income.

“This initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. Investing in our people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency, thus community resilience,” she said.

Kontsiwe noted that the department is part of a coordinated effort by the provincial government to contribute to eradicating poverty and malnutrition in the province.

She acknowledged that the department alone cannot solve the food security issue, noting that despite having various programs and initiatives, the lack of a unified strategy has led to a fragmented and less effective approach.

The Office of the Premier has coordinated government departments and agencies to develop a Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan, and the department’s primary goal is to guarantee food security in the province.

The MEC said the department is committed to support people to cultivate the land, regardless of its size, and produce their own food.

She said the initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas.

According to Kontsiwe, investing in people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency  and community resilience.

The department is planning to expand household food production in rural and peri-urban areas on a large scale.

She said the initiative will include establishing small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings, which will reduce production costs.

“DRDAR and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) are collaborating to support 42 000 households (30 000 from the Siyazondla Program and 12 000 from PES3) in growing their own food in the 2024/25 financial year.

“We invite all sectors of society to join us in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in districts, metros, local municipalities, and wards. We are fast-tracking the spring water protection program to ensure villages have access to water for food production,” the MEC said.

For the 2024-25 financial year, the department plans to implement 10 spring water projects in five districts, including two in Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo.

The MEC highlighted that in the previous 2023/24 financial year, the department successfully completed 10 projects, installing 290 taps in 12 villages, benefiting 2 263 households and creating 729 jobs.

Embracing innovation and technology

Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of embracing innovation and technology to reduce production costs and mitigate the impact of climate change.

She said the department will this financial year launch a pilot program, which will see the installation of 14 tunnels with 3 720 climate-smart boxes in all districts and colleges.

The MEC said this initiative will allow vegetable producers to cultivate crops throughout the year in a controlled environment.

“We anticipate that this project will encourage more young people and women to engage in agriculture in our province. We invite people of all ages, including elders, churches, schools, health facilities, and traditional leaders, to support and promote community food production.

“We will collaborate with the private sector to assist households in growing their own food. These initiatives will be carefully planned, organised into projects, and implemented gradually with available resources,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:36

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DPWI rejects report on Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance

Location: News

DPWI rejects report on Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has rejected a joint report by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on the completion of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey, Eastern Cape.

The report was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday morning. 

According to the department, Macpherson will soon be meeting with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to establish a way forward. 

The Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance has been plagued by delays since a tender for its construction was issued in April 2014, and to date millions have been spent on the project, but construction remains 37% completed. 

“In my discussions with Minister McKenzie, we both agree that the progress which has been achieved in the centre remains wholly inadequate and that serious action needs to be taken to limit any further wastage of taxpayer money.

“Not only have both departments failed to brief the Ministers on the report presented to Parliament, but it furthermore is simply unacceptable that despite three contractors being involved in the project over a period of 10 years, construction has not even been halfway completed with further delays expected,” Macpherson said.

He said the life of Sarah Baartman “remains an important reminder of our painful past, and it is therefore imperative that we give her the respect and dignity she deserves”. 

“However, the work which has been done at the Remembrance Centre thus far fails to honour her memory and has instead become a problem which continues to cost taxpayers millions. This simply must end,” the Minister said.

Macpherson emphasised that a meeting with Minister McKenzie will help to resolve any concerns while developing a joint vision of how the construction of the project can be completed in the shortest timeframe possible, thereby possibly providing solutions that can be replicated at other memorial projects across South Africa. 

“For too long, the South African State and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as implementing agents have spent millions on memorial projects just for the projects to remain incomplete or fall into a state of disrepair. 

“This era of this fruitless expenditure has to come to an end, and I know that both Minister McKenzie and I are committed to achieving this goal. Let us Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:36

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RTMC probes two deadly accidents

Location: News

RTMC probes two deadly accidents

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has assigned a team of investigators to investigate the cause of a crash that has claimed five lives and left 12 others injured when a minibus taxi overturned in Mgwenyane, Libode, in the Eastern Cape.

“The RTMC is also investigating the crash that occurred on Saturday 31 August 2024 on the R723 between Parys and Koppies in the Free State. The crash occurred when the driver of a vehicle lost control and the vehicle overturned resulting in five fatalities and six others injured,” RTMC said.

The corporation extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the heartbreaking accidents.

“We also send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the individuals currently hospitalised with injuries. RTMC officials are working closely with local authorities to assess the cause of both accidents. The RTMC will also examine whether factors such as vehicle roadworthiness, driver behaviour, or road conditions played a role in the crashes.” -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 08:59

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SAPS  to ‘deal decisively’ with extortionists

Location: News

SAPS  to 'deal decisively' with extortionists

National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has warned would be criminals that attacks on police officials will not be tolerated.

This after an attack on a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the base of the unit in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who are investigating allegations of extortion in the area.

During a media briefing following a visit to the NIU base in Mthatha on Sunday, Masemola said police bare the duty to protect.

“[We] are not going to fold our arms and allow a situation where our dedicated and hardworking police officers who are entrusted with investigating and tracing hardened criminals are targeted. 

“We will not tolerate attacks on our men and women in blue who are doing all they can to put a stop to incidents of extortion and all other crimes. We continue to urge our members to act decisively when faced with danger.

“Our members have a duty to protect themselves and also protect the communities which they serve,” he said.
The National Commissioner expressed concern that extortion cases in the area are “under-reported” but added that at least 38 cases had been reported since the set-up of an extortion hotline some two weeks ago.

“We are assuring communities that a dedicated team of investigators and members of specialised units that are attached to the task team dealing with extortion are working on this information with a view to build up cases and bring those responsible to book.

“[From] mid-August, we have deployed additional members to support and augment the available capacities in this province to deal with extortion decisively. To date, a lot of work has been put in through intelligence gathering on suspected syndicates linked to extortion and protection fees. Tracing operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points and searching of persons have been conducted.

“[We] are sending a strong message out there to those who are involved in all forms of crime and especially those gangs, criminals and syndicates involved in extortion. We are going to deal decisively with you. We will not hesitate to assert the authority of the state where necessary,” Masemola vowed. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 15:54

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Police making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile

Location: News

Police making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken significant steps to deal with construction mafia through a coordinated and multi-disciplinary response to criminal activities. 

“Investigative capacity has been established to address extortion and violence at construction sites across the country, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and other areas where similar problems have been reported,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile. 

The Deputy President was engaging Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on matters related to his delegated responsibilities.

In March this year, the Deputy President addressed the Criminal Justice System Review Conference where, amongst other important matters, criminality in the construction sector was highlighted. 

“When delivering the keynote address, I stated the following: ‘Murderous construction mafia have brought many companies to their knees, and we must fight back to safeguard this industry’.” 

Mashatile believes that a concerted effort from all is necessary to unravel the complex web of construction site disruptions, which endanger lives and impede government’s objectives of transforming the nation into a massive construction site that generates employment and expands the economy. 

He told MPs that the police have partnered with various stakeholders, including State-owned entities (SOEs), government departments, private security companies and civil society to enhance their efforts in combating these criminal networks.

Mashatile reiterated government's, commitment to addressing this challenge through the introduction of policies that will curtail and eliminate mafia in the construction sector. 

These include the National Infrastructure Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the Social Facilitation Programme, and the Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum. 

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF), the Deputy President said, was another intervention that is yielding positive results in stopping criminal activities by the so-called “construction mafia”. 

He explained that the IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption. 

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment, and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). 

In addition, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, through the application of the Social Facilitation Concept which was approved by Cabinet in 2021 is conducting pilot projects like the Salvokop Precinct Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP), which serves as a test case for integrating social facilitation into construction practices. 

He explained that lessons learned will help further calibrate the framework.

“Given all the interventions I have outlined above, the challenge remains that the actual number of crimes committed by these mafias may be underreported, as witnesses and victims are often reluctant to come forward.

“It is crucial for communities, organisations, and businesses to work together with the South African Police Service to bring these criminals to justice.”

Meanwhile, he said top-class detective and crime intelligence work must be intensified to produce airtight prosecutions and see these crime bosses evicted, locked up and their proceeds of crime seized.

“The impact of these construction mafia on our nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The existence and activities of construction mafia significantly undermine the concept of a developmental State, as envisioned in the National Development Plan 2030.” 

The Deputy President told Parliamentarians that these criminal organisations pose serious threats to public safety and the integrity of construction projects, which are essential for driving economic growth and development. 

“As government, at all levels, we are committed to addressing this issue through independent investigations and partnerships with organisations like Business Against Crime South Africa, but most importantly with civil society organisations who live around and know these criminals.

“Let us stand together in the fight against these criminal organisations and work towards a safer and more prosperous South Africa for all living in it.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:58

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Read morePolice making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile

Cabinet commends efforts to fight crime

Location: News

Cabinet commends efforts to fight crime

Cabinet has commended the signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in the Western Cape.

The agreement enhances collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to address safety and security concerns.

Signed last Friday, the agreement paves the way for sharing technology and resources, information, and best practice to improve the state of public policing.

“Through community-driven initiatives, the integration of resources and the development of innovative strategies, the agreement allows for a united front between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the province and communities to combat crime and promote public safety,”acting Minister in The Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa said during a post Cabinet media briefing.

Ramokgopa reiterated government’s warning against crime, fraud and corruption.

“Government has zero-tolerance for crime, fraud and corruption; and will hold those who violate the laws of the country accountable. Cabinet remains determined to ensure that South Africa is a society where all people feel safe; and the recent arrests and conviction of suspects involved in various serious crimes demonstrates the commitment to push back against crime,” Ramokgopa said at the briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday.

READ | Criminals will face full might of the law - President Ramaphosa

Quarterly crime statistics 

Cabinet also noted the increase in contact crimes in the latest quarterly crime statistics for the first quarter from April to June 2024, which indicated that more still needs to be done to ensure every citizen feels safe.

Ramokgopa said the SAPS, led by the Ministry of Police, is actively fighting these crimes through recent operations, including a confrontation with suspects in Milnerton, Cape Town, resulting in fatalities and arrests and operations in the Eastern Cape focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay. Arrests related to extortion activities have also been made in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State. 

“Government is implementing a whole government approach, including signing cooperative agreements with provincial and local governments; rolling out operational plans in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, with plans to replicate in all metros; [and] engaging with sister departments to improve collaboration against crime.”

READ | SA's crime figures "tell sobering story"

National Policing Policy
The Minister also announced that the National Policing Policy is set to be completed and adopted by the end of October 2024. It will address issues such as police stations and infrastructure based on norms and standards. 

The policy will serve as an overarching framework for policing and will accommodate the provincial needs and priorities in line with section 206 (1) and (2) of the Constitution. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:12

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Tugboats to improve services at Transnet’s Port of East London 

Location: News

Tugboats to improve services at Transnet’s Port of East London 

The Port of East London on Thursday received the two last tugboats marking the completion of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1billion investment towards the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme.

The programme is aimed at boosting tugboat availability and enhancing shipping operations.

The programme is a key element of the Transnet Recovery Plan which is critical in driving shipping efficiencies and reliability, whilst also positioning the ports as competitive and a catalyst for economic growth. 

The tugboats are designed to provide marine services including the safe navigation of vessels, pilotage, towage and waterside pollution combat.

The two tugs delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) replace the existing tug fleet that has reached its operational lifespan at the Port of East London in the Eastern Cape.

The latest tugs comprising modern technology solutions are built with an azimuth stern drive and have an improved bollard pull of 60-tonnes compared to the 43-tonnes bollard pull on the existing tugs.
The procurement of the tugs serves as a catalyst for the port’s expansion plan.

The plan also includes the deepening and strengthening of the port’s automotive berth to address berthing challenges. 

The project hit a significant milestone in November 2023 with the commencement of the concrete works package. 

Also included in the river port’s expansion plan is the delivery of two jib cranes for the port's dry dock facility, which will increase the ship repair facility’s capacity and volume throughput in the 2024/25 financial year.

Strategic projects

The advanced features of the two new tugs will enable the port to respond to the anticipated shipping and volume demands.

“The journey towards the full recovery of Transnet lies in our commitment to growth and investing in fit-for-purpose equipment,” said Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu who spoke during the tug naming and christening ceremony held at the port.

“This acquisition is a crucial investment towards creating a sustainable port system and will enable the execution of strategic projects currently underway at the Port of East London,” Sangqu said.

Recovery Plan

Sangqu said Transnet is currently executing a number of actionable steps to halt the decline in operational and financial performance through the Transnet Recovery Plan launched in October 2023.

“The Recovery Plan directs us to prioritise revitalising our ageing marine assets in order to improve operational efficiency and serve our customers better. Investing in port infrastructure to drive efficiency and reliability is a catalyst for improved economic competitiveness. 

“Ports are the lifeblood of trade, the gateways through which goods flow in and out of our economy,” Sangqu said.  

Lentswe and Kganya

At the christening ceremony, tug Lentswe meaning “the voice of sailors” was unveiled by Transnet Board Member, Boitumelo Sedupane in her role as the tug’s Lady Sponsor, while tug Kganya meaning “light” and symbolising guidance in safe navigation of vessels, was revealed and christened by TNPA Board Member Valda Gossman. 

The names of the tugs were chosen through a naming competition run among TNPA employees.

The two tugs are in addition to the five tugs which were delivered at the Port of Durban last month.

“We are proud to have delivered these tugboats for TNPA. The vessels represent a substantial investment in our maritime infrastructure and will contribute to local job creation and skills development as DSCT will provide all operational support, including spares, repairs, and services,” said Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town.

“Through a centralised system, the vessel will provide data-driven insight for timely information on ship operations,” she said. 

Attracting investors

 Eastern Cape acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko said the acquisition of the two tugboats is part of enhancing operations at the Port of East London.

“Today’s milestone aligns with our strategic view that our ports are the biggest instruments for attracting investors in the province,” Mvoko said.

Mvoko said the province is pleased with TNPA’s investment in boosting tugboat availability and shipping efficiencies at the port.

“Our customers in this port are set to benefit from the improved capacity in the new tugboats when compared to the existing maritime crafts that have reached their lifespan. We believe that this will have positive impact on the container vessel turnaround time and ultimately increase efficiencies and productivity at the port. 

“It is these efficiencies that we will leverage on to increase our economic activities in areas of the automotive sector and agriculture, our two main economic drivers in the Eastern Cape.

“We are trying very hard to lure as many investors to the province as we can. It is the only way we can deal with the high rate of unemployment. All customers in this port are set to benefit from the improved capacity in the new tugboats when compared to the existing maritime crafts that have reached their lifespan,” the acting Premier said.

The delivery of the fleet is part of TNPA’s R1 billion investment in boosting tugboat availability and shipping efficiencies in the South African seaports.

From the acquisition, the Port of Durban has been allocated five tugboats while two tugs have been allocated to the Port of East London. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:29

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Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

Location: News

Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window. 

The window opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025.

The GTIP was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to enable and encourage tourism enterprises to improve efficiency in the utilisation of energy and water resources in their operations. 

In this way, the programme not only promotes compliance with responsible tourism principles, but also offers a mechanism for enterprises to reduce operational costs so they can operate in a sustainable and competitive manner.

The GTIP has enjoyed much success from tourism enterprises who applied for support. 

Mokgaetji Flora Phala from Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo said: “I was spending R2 500 on electricity costs per month. I now spend R500 a month, saving between R1 500 to R2000 a month following the installation of energy solutions. The GTIP is a great initiative that helps a lot and can be recommended to other businesses.”

Chris de Vries from Maribelle's B&B in Pretoria, Gauteng, said the amount spent on electricity was high before the installations, but it has gone down significantly. 

“It is still too early to tell the exact amounts, but I have noticed a significant saving from the installations. I would definitely recommend other business to get access to this programme; it is very beneficial,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Gugulethu Nogaya from Imvomvo Country Lodge in MaXesibeni, Eastern Cape, said energy consumption prior to the installation of energy solutions averaged at 24 000 kWh per month. 

“Since the installation it has reduced our monthly energy consumption by half. We were spending approximately R60 000.00 on diesel during peak load shedding, but that has now dropped to less than R5 000 per month only when there are power outages. I would highly recommend the GTIP programme for all lodges, B&B’s and other businesses as it significantly improves margins by reducing cost and increases customer satisfactions,” he said.

The GTIP offers partial grant funding on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems. The application process to access the GTIP is done through two phases:
• Phase 1: The applying Tourism enterprises undergoes a resource efficiency audit during which appropriate efficiency measures and solutions are recommended. The cost of this audit is fully covered under the GTIP programme.
• Phase 2: Eligible applicants (who completed phase 1) are able to apply for grant funding support of between 50% and 90% on the cost of installing relevant technologies and equipment recommended during the Phase 1 (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant).

The GTIP is administered by the IDC and all applications are received, processed and managed by the IDC on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

Since inception in November 2017 and June 2024, the GTIP has had nine application windows from which 216 applications were approved at a total grant value of more than R140 million.

Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said initiatives such as the GTIP are contributing immensely to greening the tourism sector and in the process helping to sustain the future of this sector.

“Conserving our scarce natural resource is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism sector. As we work towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), programmes such as the GTIP become critical in reinforcing and supporting tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices.

“Accordingly, the GTIP aims to support tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities with green technologies such as solar PV panels and water saving measures. I therefore encourage businesses to apply for funding support under the GTIP,” the Minister said. 

Tourism enterprises can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to read more on the requirements, eligibility and qualifying criteria and the application processes for the GTIP. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:33

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Collaborative effort uncovers rare meteorite in the Eastern Cape

Location: News

Collaborative effort uncovers rare meteorite in the Eastern Cape

A significant meteorite that fell in the Eastern Cape last month has sparked a collaborative scientific investigation involving several leading universities.

The event, witnessed by residents from different locations, has led to the recovery of a rare meteorite fragment, provisionally named the “Nqweba Meteorite” after the nearby town of its discovery.

On 25 August 2024, residents from Garden Route, the Karoo, and provinces of the Western Cape and Free State observed a bright blue-white and orange streak of light in the sky. 

“The meteorite, after splitting into several smaller fragments, disappeared. Shortly after, witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and sensing vibrations,” a statement by the universities read.

Namely these institutions are: Rhodes University, Nelson Mandela University and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Little did they know that nine-year-old Eli-zé du Toit, while sitting on her grandparents’ porch in Nqweba formerly known as Kirkwood, would see a dark rock fall from the sky before landing near a Wild Fig tree in the garden. 

She recalled that the rock – black and shiny on the outside with a light grey, concrete-like interior – was still warm when she picked it up.

The probe into the meteorite has since involved a coordinated effort between scientists from the three institutions.

The researchers have been working around the clock to establish various facts about the meteorite, including the probable origin, size and trajectory, and speed as it entered the Earth’s atmosphere as well as the possible fall area. 

Dr Carla Dodd from Nelson Mandela University, immediately secured the sample collected by the youngster when the news broke, recognising the rarity and importance of such a find.

Meanwhile, Rhodes University’s Dr Deon van Niekerk obtained a permit from the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority to recover all fragments from this meteor for scientific analysis.

According to Wits University’s Professor Roger Gibson, the response time was critical if they were going to collect valuable scientific data and meteorite fragments. 

He believes this was also crucial to explain to the local public that this was a natural event and how the individual parts linked together.

“Events such as these are incredible and are very exciting, both for the public who witness these falls and the scientists who gain invaluable information from studying the bolides and rocks,” said Gibson’s colleague, Dr Leonidas Vonopartis. 

Nqweba Meteorite

The Nqweba Meteorite is believed to be an achondritic meteorite, specifically a rare type within the Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite (HED) group. 

It weighs less than 90g and has a pre-fragmentation diameter of less than 5cm.

According to scientists, the specimens have a dark black glassy coating with a light grey interior, peppered with dark green and light green grains and clasts. 

“Such meteorites provide valuable insights into the inner workings of other planetary bodies, offering scientists a glimpse into processes like those that formed Earth’s rocks.” 

Collaborative effort

“We are grateful that Eli-zé’s family immediately thought to contact us at Mandela University’s Geosciences Department upon making this rare find, effectively setting off this collaborative effort to study the meteorite and preserve it as part of the Eastern Cape heritage,” Dodd stated. 

Meanwhile, Van Niekerk is of the view that it was fitting for Rhodes University, being in the Eastern Cape, to be involved in science regarding such a historic heritage event that's already touched the lives of so many eyewitnesses in the province. 

The initial scientific focus will involve microscopic and geochemical analysis of the recovered meteorite fragment to fully classify it and understand its origin. 

This investigation could provide insights into the meteorite’s source region in space and possibly identify its parent body. 

“The discovery of the Nqweba Meteorite represents a significant opportunity for South African scientists to study a rare and valuable specimen from space, advancing our understanding of meteorites and their role in the broader context of planetary science.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 13:06

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