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President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China this week where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
The State Visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.
President Ramaphosa is expected to be flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.
The delegation will also include the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as well as senior government officials.
President Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in Tshwane, cementing 25 years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries have enjoyed since establishing formal diplomatic relations.
“China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Monday, President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.
Ahead of the bilateral engagement, the President will lay a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.
South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
“South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.
“On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa’s economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit,” the Presidency said.
On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.
On Thursday, the President will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.
“The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning, the High-Level Panel Seminar on Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernisation,” the Presidency said.
South Africa’s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa’s position on development as outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.
A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued at the conclusion of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 09:22
Thousands of litres of oil stolen, says municipality
President Cyril Ramaphosa will at the invitation of His Excellency President Xi Jinping undertake a State Visit to the People's Republic of China and participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
The State Visit and FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in the City of Tshwane, cementing twenty five years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries enjoy since establishing formal diplomatic relations.
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China's number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
On Monday, 2 September 2024, President Ramaphosa's State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Ahead of the bilateral engagement, President Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the Monument to the Peoples Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.
South Africa and China's bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) level, underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.
On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa's economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit.
The President will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.
On Thursday, 5, September 2024, President Ramaphosa, will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.
The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning , the High Level Panel Seminar on “Accompanying Africa in Industrialization, Agricultural Modernization and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernization”.
South Africa ‘s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa's position on development as outlined by the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.
A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued as the outcome documents of the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
The Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy ; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education ; Agriculture are accompanying the President to the China State Visit and FOCAC along Premiers of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo province as well as senior government officials.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
SA's crime figures "tell sobering story"
Crime is generally on the increase and crimes that are of concern include murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion.
This is according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who released the crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year and the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year in Cape Town on Friday.
“These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page; they reflect the lived realities of our citizens—their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow.
“The data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We are confronted with a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and undermines the stability of our nation. Contact crimes, in particular, are wreaking havoc and instilling fear,” said the Minister.
South Africa has seen an increase in the number of contact crimes reported at the country’s police stations during this year’s first quarter, from April to June 2024.
Contact crimes increased by 3 831 from 149 806 cases to 153 637 cases reported in the first quarter of 2021-2022 and 2023-2024.
This is followed by assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm with 2 247 cases and common assault with1 339 cases.
Mchunu said the top crime police stations are in four provinces, Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
“It is worth noting that the Limpopo province recorded 3.3% per capita, making it the safest province in as far as murder is concerned,” he said.
The top 30 police stations for murder cases were in four provinces.
“All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape [11 stations], KwaZulu-Natal [eight], Eastern Cape [six] and Gauteng [five]
“The leading stations among them were Nyanga [Western Cape], followed by Inanda [KwaZulu-Natal], Umlazi [KwaZulu-Natal], Khayelitsha [Western Cape] and Harare [Western Cape],” the Minister said.
During the previous quarter, 6 228 cases of murder were reported as compared to the current 6 198 cases.
Mchunu said there has been an increase in rape and extortion cases reported.
“We have been reading about kidnappings and extortion cases in the media; 135 cases of kidnapping for ransom were recorded in the first quarter, with Gauteng and KZN accounting for 81 and 15 cases respectively.”
On the list of the top 30 police stations where rape cases were lodged, Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal is first, followed by Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and third is Thohoyandou police station in Limpopo.
Touching on police murders, Mchunu said 21 police officers were killed in the first quarter (16 off duty and five on duty officers), with the largest number of officers being from the Eastern Cape (five), KZN (four) Western Cape (four).
“We will ensure that our personnel receive the support and resources they need to perform their duties safely and effectively,” he said.
The number of cash-in-transit (CIT) heists in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng are still a concern.
Police would be meeting with various cash in transit companies to discuss measures aimed at curbing this crime.
He said his department’s priorities for the 7th Administration are clear and resolute.
“Bringing crime levels down is our number one priority, to protect the citizens of South Africa and make them feel safe again,” he said.
The Minister explained that elections had resulted in the delay of the release for the last quarter of the previous financial year and that these would be made available on the police’s website at https://www.saps.gov.za/services/downloads/2024/2024-2025_-_1st_Quarter_WEB.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 13:54
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, is of the view that the dire first-quarter (1 April to 30 June 2024) crime statistics point to the need to urgently capacitate the detective and crime intelligence services as a tool to reverse the scourge of crime in South Africa.
Today, the Minister of Police released statistics that revealed a worrying general upwards trajectory of crime. The statistics confirm the recently released 2023/24 Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey by Statistics South Africa that South Africans are not and do not feel safe. “One of the contributing factors to an unsafe country is the inability to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of crime. With enhanced training and capacitation of detectives, crimes will be effectively investigated and perpetrators will be prosecuted,” Mr Cameron said.
The portfolio committee has previously emphasised its belief that South Africa continues to rely heavily on reactive policing due to inadequate intelligence services. “We will not fight crime effectively with a limping intelligence service that is incapable to gather information and prevent crimes from happening,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
While the committee welcomed the steps to increase personnel within the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mr Cameron cautioned that more boots on the ground without investigative capacity will render the increase in police officers pointless.
For the first quarter of 2024, the released statistics indicate a worrying increase in murders, especially in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. “The fact that the top 30 stations with the highest murder cases were in the four provinces, which calls for urgent capacity augmentation in those provinces to investigate and convict perpetrators in those provinces. Furthermore, consideration of devolved powers to local governments will assist the SAPS to investigate those incidents of murder, such as in the City of Cape Town which recorded 234 gang related murders for the quarter,” Mr Cameron said.
The 4th quarter also indicated a 3.9% increase in murder and 19.7% increase in attempted murder. Similar to the first-quarter crime statistics, the top 30 stations with high murder rates were in Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. “It is necessary for these provinces to detail how they will turn around this dire state of affairs as it relates to murder,” Mr Cameron maintained. “It is patently unacceptable that on average at least three people are murdered per hour in South Africa and three kids are murdered in the country per day. The 1st quarter stats also highlight that there was a 7.9% increase in murder of women, 16% in attempted murder and 6.9% in assault with grievous bodily harm. Effective prosecution of these crimes is essential to enhance deterrence against murder and contact crime,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
The 15% increase in attempted murder and 6% increase in assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm is also worrying. While the Chairperson welcomes the 10.5% decrease in sexual assault cases reported, the high number of rape cases reported remains a deep concern, with 9 309 cases reported, an increase of 0.6%. Gender-based violence continues to be a scourge and requires society-centred approaches to reverse, Mr Cameron said.
The Chairperson also highlighted concern with the marked increase in contact crimes over the two quarters, with 171 707 crimes reported in the fourth quarter, an increase of 4.6%. SAPS recorded 153 637 contact crimes during the first quarter of this financial year, an increase of 2.6% in comparison to the same period last year.
Furthermore, it is worrying that the prevalence of illegal firearms on South Africa's streets continues unabated. The SAPS must heighten strategies to remove illegal firearms from our streets as a means of eliminating illegal firearms, which continue to be the weapon of choice in carrying out crime.
Mr Cameron remains concerned about the continuing murder of members of the SAPS. The crime statistics highlighted that 21 police officers were killed during the quarter. “We remain concerned that the people in the service of protecting South Africans are maimed on a daily basis. This is a direct affront to the rule of law and measures are needed to urgently resolve this problem,” said Mr Cameron said.
The Chairperson also welcomed the Minister's commitment to deal with the rise in extortion by deploying specialised units. Nonetheless, the Chairperson called for closer collaboration within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster with the aim of establishing a special court to urgently prosecute perpetrators.
To overturn the scourge of specific crimes, Mr Cameron called for interventions that focus on capacitation of specialised units to ensure that specific areas of concern are addressed systematically.
The Chairperson acknowledged the Minster's assurance that they are revising strategies to intensify the fight against crime by augmenting existing strategies such as Operation Shanela. The committee believes it is important to revitalise collaboration with communities to build the trust necessary to enable information-sharing and reporting of crime.
In line with this, the committee has resolved to ensure that adequate funding is appropriated to enable the SAPS to better capacitate its ranks, especially the detectives and intelligence services.
The committee resolved during its scheduled meeting on Wednesday, 28 August, to schedule an intensive meeting to further interrogate the statistics and find workable short-, medium- and long-term strategies to defeat the scourge of crime.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Experts differ strongly on new plan for no-take zone around six African penguin breeding islands
Department calls for child immunisation against rubella as cases rise
The Department of Health has urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date with vaccination schedules against serious diseases that are prevented by vaccines as the country is experiencing an increase in rubella cases in some provinces.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has alerted the department of the notable rising number of rubella cases in various parts of Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus.
According to the department, it is usually a mild disease in children and adults but can have serious consequences in pregnant women by infecting their unborn babies and causing congenital rubella syndrome.
“The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy.”
The department said it generally causes a mild illness in children and adults, characterised by a low-grade fever, rash, and sometimes joint pain.
It can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus, resulting in death, miscarriages, stillbirth or severe birth defects in infants.
The department explained that the incubation period of rubella ranges from 14 to 21 days.
In recent weeks, the department said it has received enquiries following the closure of schools in the Northern Cape after a rubella case was detected amongst school learners.
“Although proactive and effective measures to prevent further spread of the disease are always recommended, the school closure should only be implemented as the last resort after all measures have been employed.
“Children who develop symptoms including nausea, sore throat, red eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, compatible with rubella should be treated symptomatically and remain away from school until they recover.”
According to the department, all suspected rubella cases should be reported to the nearest health facility or healthcare provider, who will then notify the department using the Notifiable Medical Conditions reporting platforms.
In the meantime, the department is currently rolling out the measles-rubella vaccine as part of the Expanded Programme of Immunisation.
“This combined vaccine replaces the standalone measles vaccine and is administered at six and 12 months of age. In the private sector, rubella protection is included in the MMR [measles, mumps, rubella] vaccine, which is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 14:55
SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally
A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first programme in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the international TB treatment policy of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The principal investigator leading this study, Dr Francesca Conradie, explained that the study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step toward a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for TB.
“The BEAT-Tuberculosis study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology.
“By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics,” said Conradie.
The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB compared with the established standard of care.
The standard treatment consisted of a regimen of seven drugs administered over a minimum of nine months, in comparison to a regimen of four to five medications, which included newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, and was administered over only six months.
The BEAT-Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years.
The study began in 2019 and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in both provinces.
The study’s other objective was to build research capacity for DR-TB in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, through community engagement and training healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.
“This collaborative effort received crucial support from the National and Provincial Departments of Health that provided essential medication and laboratory infrastructure for safety and efficacy assessments,” said Conradie.
The local research study was made possible by the collaboration of the National Department of Health, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand.
The results from the study have influenced the WHO policy on the treatment of TB, and at the same time put the Global South centre stage for driving improved treatment for all.
National Department of Health’s Chief Director of TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, said that in 2022, an estimated 280 000 people developed TB in South Africa, while 54 000 died from the disease.
TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa.
“With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative changes in RR-TB management worldwide.
“While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.”
USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Leslie Marbury, believes that the National Department of Health and his organisation have improved TB patient care worldwide.
Marbury said the organisation celebrates the 400 participants who made this trial possible and brought the world closer to ending TB.
“We also thank all BEAT Tuberculosis stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Health Departments, and local medical facilities, for their dedication and commitment to this globally recognised study,” she added.
TB symptoms
The most common symptoms of TB are a cough that lasts more than two weeks, weight loss, drenching night sweats and a fever.
Anyone with these symptoms is urged to go to their local clinic.
“You will be asked to produce sputum or phlegm which will be tested for TB. If the test is positive, the correct treatment will be started.” – SAnews.go.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:16
Eastern Cape government to embark on veldfire damage tour
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) will next month embark on an across-province tour to engage with farmer associations affected by the ongoing widespread and uncontrolled wildfires.
The fires are destroying pastures, livestock, agricultural infrastructure and livelihoods in the province.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said the tour would be held to gain an understanding of farmers’ challenges and discuss the department’s strategies.
“We want to better understand their challenges and discuss the strategies we have in place to support them,” she said, adding that the DRDAR would also collaborate with the Departments of Education, Social Development and Health, and other relevant bodies to address food insecurity.
She said currently, 414 000 households in the province face food insecurity due to high food prices, unemployment and underutilised land.
“Past efforts have been fragmented and ineffective. That is why the Office of the Premier is leading a coordinated Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan with various departments,” said the MEC.
While the department plans to launch this initiative on World Food Day, on 16 October, the ongoing veldfires pose a significant challenge and are becoming an obstacle to the DRDAR’s efforts.
The latest information indicates the following damage:
The MEC said the situation highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent and control these devastating veldfires.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders to work together to mitigate the impact of these fires and support affected communities,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 12:39
Education department apologises to learner and arranges for the family to get the results
Govt pulling resources together to curb extortion crimes, says Mashatile
Through the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, government is consolidating resources to end extortion and ensure that communities conduct business without fear or intimidation.
“We are also aware of the persistent issues of high levels of extortion crimes, particularly in Mthatha, Eastern Cape,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Eastern Cape town of Mthatha is battling extortion crime by syndicates, which have led to at least one school and several businesses shutting down, according to reports.
Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, was delivering a keynote address during the first Three-Sphere Planning session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) of the seventh Parliament in Cape Town.
He told the Members of the NCOP that the Government of National Unity (GNU), has adopted three priorities, including inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
“We have adopted the above three priorities because whilst we have made significant progress over the 30 years in reducing poverty and inequality, we remain faced with the challenges of a slow-growing economy, high unemployment and poverty rate, high incidence of crime, corruption and lawlessness, and a highly fractured society.”
Mashatile said the seventh administration has decided to invest in the building of a capable, developmental State.
“A developmental State, in our context, is a State that will redirect resources towards job creation and ensure that people have access to asset ownership, economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and other basic services.”
More importantly, in a quest for a developmental State, the Deputy President mentioned that government will continue to invest in building safer communities.
“Building safer communities is not only a police responsibility, but it is a shared responsibility between the police, communities and all sectors of our society.”
He has since urged citizens to hold hands with law enforcement agencies to combat crime in communities.
The planning session is being held under the theme: ‘Establishing an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Defining Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament’.
Parliament‘s strategic innovation emphasises joint and integrated planning, encouraging collaborative work in programme planning and implementation across government.
The session is aimed at ensuring that the NCOP institutionalises and implements a comprehensive Three-Sphere Planning oversight framework and mechanism, in line with the constitutional mandate of promoting the principles of cooperative governance coordination.
Government believes this will enhance the effective implementation of key transformation priorities, in line with National Development Plan Vision 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 14:53
Only 34 out of 257 municipalities receive clean audits for 2022/23
Hawks finally appear to be taking action against some of the fraudsters who ripped off the National Lotteries Commission
Government activities for the week 26 - 30 August 2024
On Monday, 26 August, Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi briefs media on plans to assist the struggling gap market to access affordable housing at Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre.
Also on Monday, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande will open the 7th BIO Africa Convention.
On Tuesday, 27 August, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe will hold a media briefing to provide details of the damage caused by the recent veld fires in the province.
On Wednesday, 28 August, there are no confirmed events.
Thursday, 29 August, is the start of National Arbor Week.
On Friday, 30 August, there are no confirmed events.
Janine
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:40
Hawks committed to fighting serious crime
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has assured South Africans that the Hawks, as the directorate is known, are committed to the mandate of "investigating, preventing and combating national priority offences".
Lebeya was speaking during a media briefing to outline progress and take stock of milestones achieved during the first quarter of financial year 2024/2025.
“...We note that the fight against national priority offences remains an ongoing challenge that requires sustained commitment and collaboration.
“The DPCI recapitulates its commitment to work diligently to address the evolving threat and bring those who engage in criminality to justice. The DPCI shall at all times continue to enforce the law of the Republic without fear, favour or prejudice.
“At the end of the last financial year, the DPCI was carrying 18 461 cases involving 752 712 charges with the value of R1 026 817 012 597.38. Of these cases, 5 616 involving 11 972 accused [natural persons] were serving before the various courts in the country, while 1 788 were receiving attention by the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] in order to decide on prosecution or otherwise,” he said.
Lebeya noted that the DPCI has made “significant inroads in apprehending individuals… thus ensuring accountability and justice for the victims”.
The arrested suspects are alleged to have been involved in crimes including serious corruption; fraud; money laundering; police killings; cash-in-transit robberies; illegal mining; damage to essential infrastructure and crimes against the State.
“A total number of 673 suspects, representing 637 natural persons and 36 juristic persons, were secured before the various courts in the country. Of these natural persons, 489, which is 77%, are South Africans while 148, which is 23%, are foreign nationals.
“Of the 673 suspects, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured 370, the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 234, while the Serious Corruption Investigation secured 69 suspects.
“Most of the arrests were effected in Gauteng province with 167; KwaZulu-Natal province with 114; North West province with 92; Mpumalanga province with 57 and Eastern Cape province with 56 suspects,” Lebeya said.
The DPCI head added that not only were arrests made, convictions were secured against some 506 accused.
“Of these convictions, 262 accused persons, inclusive of 12 juristic persons, were sentenced, while the balance of 244 convicts, inclusive of 15 juristic persons, are to be sentenced on dates after the quarter under review. Of the 262 sentenced natural persons, 173 are South Africans while 77 are foreign nationals.
“To ensure that crime does not pay, 77 court orders were granted in relation to the assets associated with crime. These make the total recorded successes on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets to 1256,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/25/2024 - 11:12
Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners
Unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to swindle billions of rands from the State and embezzled monies from their ill clients through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.
This was revealed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi during a media briefing held on Saturday.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been, through a proclamation, investigating medico-legal claims against the State since 2017, in which allegations of fraudulent claims have been uncovered.
“So far, in the matters completed by the SIU, the sum of [at least] R3 billion has been saved for various Departments of Health. We believe that this amount will increase as the investigations are still ongoing,” Motsoaledi said.
The damning and ongoing investigation by the SIU has revealed that some legal practitioners have been targeting provincial Departments of Health – at times with the help of health practitioners working for the State.
“[The] Department of Health noticed several claims which were completely out of sync and made no sense at all. There were claims that were evidently fraudulent.
“Just as an example, a claim was submitted in which the claimant demanded R70 million for a supposedly botched circumcision by a doctor in a hospital in Limpopo province. On investigation of this claim, it was found out that no such circumcision was ever performed,” Motsoaledi said.
The Minister explained that during the investigation, it was revealed that during 2015, the number of medico-legal claims grew exponentially.
“This explosion happens to have coincided with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) strengthening its systems. It is common cause that RAF had been hollowed out by a multiplicity of claims that brought it to its knees.
“In the aftermath, legal practitioners who used to litigate against RAF seem to have migrated en masse to the health care sector. In response, the Department of Health convened a medico-legal claim summit in 2015,” Motsoaledi said.
In the main, claims against Health institutions were “targeting cerebral palsy, a condition in which babies develop some form of brain damage due to depravation of oxygen during the process of birth”, the Minister said.
Grandparents taking care of children left behind by their parents were also targeted.
“While it is recognised that cerebral palsy is a very debilitating and unfortunate occurrence to come from the health care system, it is a matter of very serious concern that it is abused by legal practitioners, due to sheer greed. The level of abuse was such that the SIU found that some of the claims were made on behalf of patients without their knowledge.
“Elderly people, who are taking care of their grandchildren in the absence of their mothers, were tricked into signing the Power of Attorney to sue, whereas they were told that they were signing SASSA forms for child support grants. This simply means that legal practitioners or their scouts were masquerading as social workers,” the Minister said.
Eating at the trough
The provincial breakdown of medico-legal claims investigations finalised by the SIU is as follows:
Lawyers and advocates who have been found to have been submitting fraudulent claims have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal prosecution and to the Legal Practice Council for violation of the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners and the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) to consider reimbursing claimants whose funds were embezzled by their legal representatives.
“We wish to take this opportunity to make an offer to lawyers, who might have knowingly submitted claims that are fraudulent, to withdraw them within two weeks and there will be no consequences. Failure to withdraw within two weeks would mean that the offer will have lapsed and the SIU will strike,” Motsoaledi warned. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sat, 08/24/2024 - 11:55
Progress made in relocating Lapland flood victims
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, says plans to relocate flood disaster victims from a floodplain area in Lapland, Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, to a safer area in Ward 48 are progressing well.
Van Niekerk said the initial delay was caused by an application for approval by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on the residential usage of the identified land.
The Mayor said the approval, which has since been received from the department, came with conditions.
Among the conditions is that the metro must appoint an environmental specialist to monitor and guide the work to clear the building site, as well as the relocation and erection of temporary housing structures.
"The supply chain process to appoint this specialist started immediately after the go-ahead from the department was received, resulting in the tender process being concluded on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.
"The appointment of the specialist will now follow and should not take longer than the anticipated two weeks,” Van Niekerk said.
Van Niekerk said following the floods, Lapland residents were moved to temporary accommodation in the town of Kariega, but they went back to their area after the floodwater subsided, to wait for imminent relocation.
In Walmer, Van Niekerk said flood victims are waiting for the electrification of temporary housing structures before they can be relocated.
READ | Relocation of Walmer flood victims imminent
“Availability of stock for electrification is causing the delays. Intervention measures have been put in place to speed up the process,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 10:48
SA’s Mpox disease under control, Cabinet
Cabinet has moved to reassure South Africans that the Mpox outbreak is under control.
The disease has now been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Addressing the media during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reported that to date, the total number of positive cases recorded in South Africa stands at 24.
The cases include three deaths, 19 recoveries and two active cases undergoing home isolation.
“Of these, 12 cases were reported in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet has called on members of the public to play their part by supporting the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of Mpox by remaining vigilant and exercising non-pharmaceutical interventions such as heightened personal hygiene to prevent further transmission.
“Cabinet supports the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response for all partners to collaborate closely with the Africa CDC to ensure that there is appropriate support from the international community, guaranteeing equitable access to medical countermeasures, including diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines,” the Minister said.
READ | Mpox is under control: Department of Health
Tackling foot-and-mouth disease
Cabinet has also noted major progress made in tackling foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape, with the last clinical case reported in mid-July.
Ntshavheni said animal movements in and out of the affected regions continues to be monitored to prevent the spread of the disease to unaffected areas, in terms of the Disease Management Area, and the transportation of livestock from one place to another [which] requires a transport permit from a local state veterinary office, to prevent the spread of the disease.
READ | Progress made in management of foot and mouth disease
“The 30 cattle farms that have tested positive for the disease have been placed under quarantine, and vaccination efforts continue to control the spread of infection and reduce the severity of clinical symptoms.
“Additionally, pre-emptive vaccination has been carried out on a further 37 farms identified as high risk due to their proximity to infected areas. In total, over 92 000 cattle and nearly 600 sheep across 67 farms have been vaccinated,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 13:53
President mourns maths and science teacher William Smith
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of maths and science education innovator and Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab, William Smith.
In a statement on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator who passed away at the age of 85.
President Ramaphosa conferred the Order of the Baobab on Smith in 2019.
Born in Makhanda (in the Eastern Cape) to parents who were notable scientists, Smith made mathematics and science accessible to all pupils free, through television, in a groundbreaking 1990s TV programme called the 'Learning Channel' on SABC 2.
During his 25 years as a teacher, he is estimated to have taught close on a million learners.
President Ramaphosa described William Smith as an education and cultural icon for the nation.
“The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, [demonstrated] the place he held in people’s hearts.
“He was synonymous with The Heads of Knysna which was the backdrop to his television presentation decades before we could think of him as the first teacher to teach “remotely,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa stated that Smith made maths and science accessible to a broad audience, reaching not only learners but also their parents and anyone interested in revisiting or further exploring these subjects long after their school years.
“William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 08:07
Tsomo residents march to municipal offices
The Eastern Cape facility’s incinerator room, which was used to store hazardous material, was gutted by fire on Saturday.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on law enforcement agencies to speedily bring to a complete stop the thugs whose actions have closed schools and threatened educators in the Mthatha (OR Tambo District) area.
The committee condemns in the strongest terms the criminal conduct that has led to the closure of Mthatha schools. Mr Feni said: “The people who have decided that schools are soft targets for these nefarious acts are cowards who do not value education whatsoever. They do not have respect for learning time, educators and learners.”
It has been confirmed that Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School, Bambanani Junior Secondary School, Maholweni Junior Secondary School and Laphumikhwezi Junior Secondary School have been all affected by thugs operating in the area who demand money. Teachers from these schools have been threatened and, in one instance, assaulted, and are now not going to work.
Mr Feni said this unacceptable conduct, which has reportedly led to the closure of many businesses in the area, has now gripped the education sector. “This is one area where law enforcements cannot be sluggish or tardy. Surely these thugs are known people. The police should assist before we have a situation of having police and security permanently stationed at schools; that will not be conducive for learning and we do not wish it to happen,” Mr Feni said.
Mr Feni said no man should be allowed to dare the state as these thugs have done and the state must respond to this challenge. “Soon this will extend to clinics, hospitals and homes if no decisive action is taken,” emphasised Mr Feni.
He called on the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to assist schools with recovery and catch-up plans for the affected learners, especially matriculants who will soon be writing trial examinations. “Educators ought to be schools teaching and learners ought to be learning too,” added Mr Feni. The committee also noted with appreciation the imbizo that was led by King Buyelekhaya Dalinyebo on Tuesday.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Syndicate closing down businesses and schools