No, we won’t move, say Butterworth shack dwellers
Residents of Sikiti informal settlement fear they’ll be forgotten if they agree to move to serviced sites nearby
Eastern Cape
Transnet monitoring port operations as adverse weather continues
Transnet monitoring port operations as adverse weather continues
Transnet says it is continuously monitoring operations at the ports of Cape Town, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura amid adverse weather conditions in parts of the country.
In a statement, Transnet explained that strong winds have led to high wave swells that have led to shipping movements being suspended at some ports for safety reasons.
However, no major incidents have been reported thus far.
“The strong winds, which have created high swell conditions, must subside before vessel movements can resume.
“Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) marine operations are currently on standby to assist vessels where required. Industry stakeholders are being kept updated on the situation,” the State-owned company said.
Transnet noted the following:
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The Cape Town Container Terminal, which is experiencing high swells until Saturday, has three vessels on berth that are unable to work due to the terminal’s wind-bound status. Another four vessels are planned to arrive by Thursday.
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In Gqeberha, the Ngqura Container Terminal had its last vessel finish in the early hours of Sunday. The port authority resolved on not berthing any more vessels until Wednesday and port terminal gates have been closed since. The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal is also wind-bound, with one vessel on berth.
“The floods experienced in the Eastern Cape in June, along with current weather disruptions, have resulted in vessel congestion at the Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal where manganese is handled. This has slowed down the progress. Despite this, vessel nominations continue.
“Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is confident of managing the resulting vessel backlog with the recent acquisition of new cargo handling equipment across some of its terminals, as well as the support of contracted original equipment manufacturers supplying spares in the case of breakdowns.
“TNPA is taking appropriate measures to ensure safety of life, protection of the environment and prevention of damage to property,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:52
437 views
Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front
Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front
As an intense cold front moves away from most parts of the country, the Western Cape is still at risk as it prepares for a second cold front, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“The Western Cape faces another cold front as the rest of the country gets a bit of a break from the hectic weather we've faced over the past few days. Strong interior winds are still forecast,” the SAWS said.
The Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape interior and Western Cape have been experiencing wet, cold, and windy conditions with light snow.
The series of cold fronts hitting the country also brought widespread and disruptive snowfall over the southern and western high ground.
This was accompanied by damaging winds over the interior and the coastline as well as high seas along coastal areas.
The Western Cape saw severe disruptions and damage, including loss of shelter in informal settlements, fallen trees, electricity outages and road closures due to snow or flooding.
The weather services has since upgraded the Western Cape’s weather warning from level 6 to 8.
According to reports, the inclement weather in the Western Cape affected 7 000 structures in informal settlements across Cape Town after 70 neighbourhoods were flooded.
The Liesbeek, Lotus and Eerste rivers in Cape Town have all begun to burst their banks.
“We’re still expecting a lot of strong wind and rain this week. Please stay safe. City teams are addressing each localised flooding situation,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the wet and cold conditions prevented five schools from re-opening yesterday as public schools began their third term across the country.
According to the WCED, the schools were closed due to either flooding, inaccessibility to access routes or damage to the school building.
In addition, 82 schools have reported damages, of which most cases were minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious.
“This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off,” the provincial department said, adding that repair work has already begun on some projects.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed his gratitude to the province’s disaster management teams and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly throughout this difficult period.
“Your steadfast dedication to serving the residents of this province is deeply appreciated,” said Winde.
KwaZulu-Natal
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal has been dealing with extremely high fire danger conditions.
The KwaZulu-Natal department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed veld fires in uMlalazi Local Municipality in Eshowe where a 67-year-old was burnt to death when his house caught fire.
King Cetshwayo District is said to be one of the most affected areas, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities.
According to the provincial department, 144 people in the district were affected, leaving 53 people homeless after 48 homes were partially damaged and 27 destroyed.
“The department is working closely with the municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.”
Eastern Cape
Strong winds continue to wreak havoc in the Eastern Cape, damaging houses and disrupting the flow of traffic on the roads as vehicles have been toppled over, on the N2 near Dutywa.
“Road users, motorists in particular, are urged to be extra cautious or avoid being on the road completely if their travelling is not essential,” the Eastern Cape Transport Department said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the provincial department finally reopened the Barkly Pass on the R58 Road between Barkly East and Elliot to traffic, after it was closed for 30 hours, due to heavy snowfall, on the morning of Monday.
“Graders had to be used to clear off the thick blanket of snow that stubbornly covered the road surface.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:58
506 views
Western Cape storms: “worse is still to come”
Schools to close across the province as another storm hits, with about 15,000 people already severely affected by floods and damaging winds
Illegal connections, criminality leads to load reduction in some areas
Illegal connections, criminality leads to load reduction in some areas
Eskom has announced that it will resume load reduction in some areas due to network overloading with the onset of winter.
Load reduction is implemented in areas when the demand is higher than the infrastructure - such as transformers - is able to handle. It is not load shedding.
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, explained that overloaded transformers can leave customers without electricity supply for an extended period.
“Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life. We only implement load reduction as a very last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted.
“A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months, protecting Eskom’s assets is in the best interest of all South Africans,” Bala said.
The power utility said the challenge is particularly prevalent in supply areas in Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.
According to Eskom, overloading mainly occurs during peak morning and evening times.
“About 94% of the total overloaded transformers are in these areas as a result of electricity theft and indiscriminate use of electricity.
“Despite continued public information campaigns to customers about the implications of electricity theft activities, Eskom has no other option but to implement load reduction to protect its assets from repeated failures and explosions, which pose a risk to human live,” Eskom said.
Mitigating risk
Eskom revealed that some 2111 transformers across the country are “frequently overloaded” and are at risk of damage with a further 900 already awaiting replacement.
The power utility called on consumers to heed warnings regarding the risks of overloading.
“Eskom’s electricity infrastructure is designed to handle loads based on known demand, which is legally connected customers and actual sales for specific areas.
“Exceeding these loads through electricity theft can overload the equipment, potentially causing explosions that may lead to electrical fires in the surrounding areas. Thus, overloading presents a serious risk to lives and equipment, particularly mini-substations and transformers.
“To prevent load reduction and abrupt loss of supply, Eskom has launched the ‘Save Your Transformers, Save Lives’ campaign that urges customers to reduce their consumption, ensure that the electricity they consume is legally connected, paid for, purchased from legal vendors, and to report illegal activities,” Eskom said.
According to Eskom, the winter season presents a particular challenge due to “exponential increase in energy demand in areas prone to electricity theft, as electricity is often used indiscriminately, leading to network failure due to extreme overloading”.
“Over time, Eskom has invested resources and increased capacity to meet the exponential demand in these areas prone to overloading. Despite these investments, the demand has continued to grow, rendering the situation unsustainable.
“Eskom has been engaging with various communities, educating them on the safe and efficient use of electricity. In some areas, Eskom has removed illegal connections; however, network overloading persists,” the power utility said.
The electricity supplier explained that, regretfully, paying customers cannot be excluded from load reduction.
“While Eskom aims to exclude paying customers from load reduction, the network’s configuration does not allow for dedicated supply lines to paying customers, making it impractical to service them separately.
“To prevent load reduction and abrupt loss of supply, customers are urged to reduce their consumption, ensure that the electricity they consume is legally connected, paid for, and purchased from legal vendors, and to report illegal activities. Additionally, customers are encouraged to switch off non-essential appliances, such as heaters and geysers, and use alternative heating methods,” the power utility said.
To report criminal activities such as illegal connections, theft and vandalism that can damage transformers, mini-substations and other electricity infrastructure contact the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:01
281 views
Butterworth families evicted by chiefs in 2011 are still waiting for promised houses
People of Bhungeni were moved to make way for a mall which has still not been built
Western Cape prepares for inclement weather
Western Cape prepares for inclement weather
The Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department says the province is expecting a series of cold fronts with adverse weather conditions starting this weekend and continuing into most of next week.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) was briefed on Saturday by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on the approaching weather systems.
The weather service has since issued several warnings for heavy rains and rains:
- A level 4 warning for heavy rain and potential flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
- A level 6 warning for high winds of between 80 and 90km/h over the western and south-western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
- A level 4 warning for winds of between 50 and 70km/h for the Namakwa district as well as the central and eastern parts of the province.
- A level 6 warning for waves between 6 and 8 metres along the coastline between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas from Sunday, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon.
- A level 4 warning for disruptive snowfall over the mountains of the Western Cape as well as the southern high ground of the Namakwa District on Sunday.
Bredell said the PDMC is on standby and the various municipal district disaster centres are ready to be activated if needed.
“Emergency, rescue and social services are prepared to respond to any eventualities,” the department said in a statement.
Ready to assist
Meanwhile, provincial departments are represented at the PDMC and will be ready to provide support if needed.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation said catchments and dam levels are being monitored closely and regular updates will be made to the PDMC as the weather systems develop.”
According to Bredell, strong winds, combined with rain-saturated soil increase the risks of trees and tall structures being toppled.
In addition, the provincial department said various government services may be affected by the inclement weather and residents are asked to stay informed by monitoring the latest weather reports through trusted local news platforms and the local municipality’s social media pages.
“Services are also being activated to support the vulnerable and those impacted by the inclement weather,” the MEC added.
Other provinces
According to the SAWS, very wet, cold and windy conditions associated with an intense cold front and steepening upper-air trough are expected to start affecting the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, the North West and Free State, spreading along the Lesotho border on Monday.
“The public and small stock farmers are advised that very cold conditions and snowfalls are expected,” the statement read.
The SAWS also issued a warning about high fire danger conditions that are expected over theFree State, eastern parts of the Northern Cape, western parts of North West, Eastern Cape, south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Call for caution
In the meantime, residents have been urged to stay warm and safe.
“With the end of the school holidays, many people may be travelling home. We ask residents to please be extremely cautious on the roads.
“Due to the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and snowfalls over high mountains expected, we urge residents to please reconsider travel and outdoor activities next week and avoid unnecessary travel,” the MEC cautioned. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:44
98 views
NHI Bill Highlights The Crucial Role Of Proper Maintenance In Healthcare Facilities
With the signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year, the spotlight on South Africa’s healthcare system has never been more intense. Amidst fears that this bill could precipitate a mass exodus of healthcare professionals and potentially threaten the stability of the healthcare system, there is a renewed …
Crucial penguin conservation plan heads to court
Minister accused of placing fishing industry interests above the survival of penguins
Take a walk on the wild side at Lalibela Game Reserve
Step out the vehicle and into the embodiment of a safari! Walking safaris elevate the traditional safari experience by placing travellers directly in the middle of the action. Unlike conventional game drives, walking safaris invite you to become part of the landscape, as one weaves through the wilderness on foot, igniting all the senses. Guests …
Top contenders announced for the Engen Ballito Downwind surfski race
The return of the Engen Ballito Downwind to the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill brings with it some serious competition as top paddlers from the Eastern Cape, brothers Matthew (22) and Joshua (24) Fenn, take on the top local competitors this Sunday, 7 July. This doubles surfski race, from Blythedale to Tiffany’s beaches, forms part …
Water restored after Sundays River Canal rehabilitation
Water restored after Sundays River Canal rehabilitation
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) says a number of areas have started receiving water from Wednesday morning following the completion of repairs to the Sundays River Canal, with water being subsequently pumped back into the system.
The municipality embarked on a 10-day rehabilitation project for the Sundays River Canal, which commenced on 24 June 2024.
Led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the project aimed to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the water supply to Nelson Mandela Bay residents.
The Lower Sundays River Canal repairs have led to added pressure on the municipality’s water reticulation system, with more areas identified as high risk.
The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).
The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80km Orange-Fish Tunnel.
The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon.
The Department of Water and Sanitation then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.
The work on the canal included the demolition of the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections.
The municipality said the production at Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works is averaging 120 megalitres per day, with the Motherwell Reservoir at 27% and Grassridge and Oliphant Kop seeing increases to 23% and 32%, respectively.
“Most low-lying areas are receiving water, with the exception of high-lying areas around NU 8, 9, 10, and 11. Water trucks will remain in the Motherwell area.
“Bloemendal and Bethelsdorp reservoirs are also increasing, with average levels of 9%. This indicates that the system is full and that the affected areas in the Northern regions will also begin to receive water, starting with low-lying areas,” the municipality said in a statement on Wednesday.
Planned water shutdown
Meanwhile, the municipality announced that a water shutdown is planned for Thursday, 4 July 2024, for maintenance on the water pipe network to be carried out.
“Areas that will be affected include South End, and Forest Hill. Water supply will be shut off from 8am to 5pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 10:36
121 views
Musicians in “Little Jazz Town” want Gayton McKenzie to fix their broken arts centre
Komani jazz legend Mlungisi Gegana blames the Eastern Cape arts department for the collapse of the centre
Bold and colourful designs at Khayelitsha Fashion Week
Designers from across the Cape Flats showed their creations at Artscape
Court asked to stop Shell’s seismic tests once and for all
Wild Coast communities and environmental organisations have now approached the Constitutional Court
Bafana draw with Botswana in Cosafa Cup clash
Bafana draw with Botswana in Cosafa Cup clash
Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw in the group stages of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup on Saturday.
This as national football side took on Botswana at the at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The Group A match ended in a 0-0 stalemate just days after the 1-1 draw against Mozambique in the opening match of the regional tournament.
“Coach Helman Mkhalele’s team had multiple chances to win the match, but just as they did against Mozambique, the home side was unable to make full use of the opportunities and find the breakthrough they needed against a solid Botswana,” said the South African Football Association (SAFA) in a statement.
Mkhalele said his charges should have done better than the final score suggests as they were in control for long periods of Saturday’s encounter.
“We were not in command of the ball, especially in the final third. We looked like we didn’t have the confidence. But again, we were not giving the early support or were unable to read the game to support Thabang Sibanyoni, who was dominating the aerial balls.
“We lacked that confidence. Yes, we did get those half chances, but we were not taking them or we were not approaching them with aggression. We were just more comfortable in dominating the possession in our own half. But we lacked the speed and the penetration to the middle,” said the coach.
Botswana coach Didier da Rosa was very proud of his players, even though they could not find the back of the net.
“It was a second draw (of the tournament after the 0-0 outcome against Eswatini), but at least we didn’t concede any goal. I’m proud of my players today because they followed the plan we worked on. It was very interesting for me as a coach to see these young players so disciplined”.
Mkhalele has a few days to regroup before his charges face Eswatini in the last match of Group A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3pm on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:49
186 views
Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high
Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high
A Sara Baartman District Women Entrepreneurs Awards (WEA) winner aspires to be a fabric design factory owner who will in turn be able to employ the local people of Makhanda.
Kholiswa Seti of Kholi Designs was named the best smallholder in the rural development category, during the WEA ceremony hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the Sarah Baartman and Amathole districts.
As part of the annual Women Entrepreneur Awards, the provincial department has been recognising top performing women who are contributing to economic development and job creation through the agricultural sector.
The objective of the awards is to empower and honour women in agriculture and agro-processing sectors by recognising their contributions.
The awards are an instrument through which the contribution of women in the fight against poverty, hunger and joblessness is recognised to increase participation and visibility of women in the sector.
Expressing her joy in winning the award, Seti--who was displaying her products at the National Arts Festival held this week--said her win happened at the time when she “just identified my niche market.”
She said it was only on Monday when she got great reviews about the quality of her work when she decided to have two pop-ups stalls to showcase her products in a solo marketing venture.
Government assistance
“Just when the excitement got the better of me about this idea, the question was ‘where are you going to get the money girl?’ So, this prize money (R20 000) will make me pull-off this idea of pop-up stalls and I am grateful. Slowly but surely my dreams are coming true [and] soon I will be able to employ more people and have a factory, thanks to the government,” an elated Seti said.
Seti, who received an overlocker and straight industrial sewing machines last year from DRDAR, said before the assistance, she only had one domestic machine and was working alone. Now, she has been able to hire someone on a full-time basis and another part-time.
“I call the industrial machine I received from the department ‘magic machine’ because it is fast and delivers great quality while the overlocker is doing wonders,” she explained.
Kholi Designs produce traditional wear, smart to causal wear, as well as matric dance attire. She said the designs catered for specific seasons, adding that she is currently displaying and selling winter wear at the festival.
Seti is not new to winning awards having won the Best Designer range at the 2017 Nelson Mandela Bay Fashion Week.
Farming for the future
Another winner, Bongeka Gebuza from Khanyisa Agro-organics in Ngqeberha, was awarded the Youth Special Award for her sterling work in her rabbit farming enterprise.
Speaking about her love for rabbits and organic farming, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture student at Nelson Mandela University, said she was “always interested” in rabbits, especially their nutritional value and how to take care of them.
“When I was gifted three rabbits, I managed to breed them until I had 72,” Gebuza said.
The 34-year-old Gebuza is currently busy with her honours degree research on rabbit manure.
She said her research seeks to look at the soil nutrition where she is planting spinach, using rabbit manure on one side and chemical on the other one.
Gebuza, who casually eats and sells her rabbits, said the prize money will assist her with buying the expensive rabbit feed and improve their cages.
She said she will continue with farming.
“One day I want to be the supplier of rabbit manure. I do not have interest in working as I am more interested in entrepreneurship, but we need funding for that as young people,” an optimistic Gebuza said.
Gebuza encouraged the youth to look into the farming sector, as it has more job opportunities.
“They need to explore and start small while looking for funding,” she said.
The district winners will compete for silverware at the provincial awards ceremony to be awarded by new DRDAR MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe. The contestants will later represent the province nationally at the awards ceremony to be held in August. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:33
995 views
NCOP constitutes key committees
NCOP constitutes key committees
The Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has appointed members to constitute the Select Committees, Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and the Programming Committee of the seventh Parliament.
During its first meeting held on Wednesday, the Committee also agreed to reduce the number of its Select Committees to 10 instead of the previous 11 of the sixth Parliament.
“These Select Committees are the engine room of the NCOP, as they are responsible for overseeing the performance of various government departments. Select committees are also crucial in ensuring consistent focus on provincial issues,” the Committee said in a statement.
The Rules Committee said the decision to reduce the number of Select Committees to 10 will now mean that the Social Cluster will have two committees.
“The Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture will oversee the Departments of Basic Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Technologies, and Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The Select Committee on Social Services will oversee the Departments of Health, Social Development, Women, Youth Development and Persons with Disabilities, and Statistics South Africa,” the Committee explained.
The Committee also announced that Governance Cluster will comprise two committees, including the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure, overseeing the work of the Departments of Public Works and Infrastructure, Transport, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration.
The committees will also overseeing the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Service and Administration, Human Settlements, and Water and Sanitation.
“The Security Cluster has two committees, namely, the Select Committee on Security and Justice, overseeing the Departments of Police, Justice and Correctional Services, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs, State Security, and International Relations and Co-operation, and the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings,” the Committee said.
The Economic Cluster will include the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, overseeing the Departments of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Competition, Small Business Development and Tourism, Employment and Labour, and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Mineral Resources, overseeing the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Electricity.
The Finance Cluster has the Select Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Appropriations to oversee the Treasury.
Elections on four NCOP vacancies scheduled for next week
Meanwhile, the elections to fill the four vacancies in the NCOP for Permanent Deputy Chairperson, House Chairperson for Committees, House Chairperson for Members Support and International Relations, and the Programming Whip of the NCOP have been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2 July 2024.
The Rules Committee comprises 20 Council members, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip Kenneth Mmoiemang, the House Chairpersons, the Programming Whip, and the Provincial Whips. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who is the Chairperson of the NCOP, chairs the Committee.
The Committee noted that NCOP Rule 133 provides that parties represented in the NCOP that do not have a Provincial Whip, are entitled to be represented in the Rules Committee.
“The parties without provincial whips are the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF+); uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the United Democratic Alliance (UDM). The EFF will be represented by Mandisa Makesini, FF+ by Tamarin Breedt, MKP by Seeng Mokoena, PA by Bino Farmer, and the UDM by Mandla Peter.
“The NCOP Provincial Whips are Advocate Mwelo Nonkonyana (Eastern Cape), Mapule Dhlamini (Free State), Mpho Modise (Gauteng), Poobalan Govender (KwaZulu-Natal), Regina Molokomme (Limpopo), Sylvia Nxumalo (Mpumalanga), Solomon Mabilo (Northern Cape), Sylvia Sithole (North West), and Frederik Badenhorst (Western Cape),” the Committee said.
The Committee also noted Rule 137 of the NCOP Rules, which states that the Rules Committee may establish a Subcommittee that can make recommendations on the Council Rules, Orders, proceedings, procedures, and practices.
For the current purposes, the Committee said the five-member Subcommittee includes the NCOP Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip, and Bhekizizwe Radebe from the African National Congress; Badenhorst from the Democratic Alliance and Makesini from the EFF.
“The NCOP Programming Committee, in terms of Rule 143, has the same members as the NCOP Rules Committee.” - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:14
631 views
Suspect accused of tampering with Eskom infrastructure gets five-year sentence
Suspect accused of tampering with Eskom infrastructure gets five-year sentence
The Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court has sentenced John Tazvivinga to five years for tampering with Eskom infrastructure.
According to Eskom, the conviction stems from an incident, which occurred between 2015 and 2016, where Tazvivinga falsely represented himself as an Eskom contractor to Marhambeni residents in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
“Under this pretence, he was hired by residents to connect electricity, for which he received R120 000.
“Tazvivinga unlawfully and intentionally tampered with essential infrastructure by illegally connecting electricity without authorisation from Eskom between 20 January 2016 and 15 April 2016,” an Eskom statement read.
The power utility said it suffered financial prejudice amounting to R231 000 as a result.
On Wednesday, the court found Tazvivinga guilty of contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.
Tazvivinga, who is a former consultant at Inkitha Royal Empire Construction, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence wholly suspended for five years, provided he did not commit a similar offence during the suspension.
The company was ordered to pay a R10 000 fine.
Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, said the organisation strongly condemns and will not tolerate any impersonation of its business and staff by anyone.
“We are thankful to the internal security investigations and the Specialised Commercial Crime Investigation teams for their collaborative efforts over the years.
“While the sentence may not be as severe as Eskom had hoped, it serves as a reminder to potential criminals contemplating tampering with critical infrastructure and stealing electricity, contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, which could lead to a maximum prison term of 30 years,” said Sikhwitshi.
Sikhwitshi said the conviction contributes to the gradual improvement of convictions, which have doubled in the financial year 2023/24 compared to the financial year 2022/23, increasing from 11 to 22 recorded convictions.
Eskom encourages members of the public to report unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales and connections, fraud, and theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and copper cables.
Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 15:22
36 views
The Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations
Johannesburg, 27 June 2024: The natural environment is the foundation upon which our societies are built, providing us with essential resources such as clean air, water, and food. It is a source of beauty and inspiration, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance necessary for all life forms to thrive. However, …
Eastern Cape MECs to shape strategic direction of the province
Eastern Cape MECs to shape strategic direction of the province
The Eastern Cape provincial government says the diverse expertise and leadership of the new Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the provincial government.
The provincial government recently welcomed the new MECs announced by Premier Oscar Mabuyane as part of the seventh administration, after he was sworn in as Eastern Cape Premier.
Mabuyane has made two adjustments to the executive council. These include the appointment of the new Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Sibulele Ngongo.
Capa replaced Nomakhosazana Meth, who is now a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, while Ngongo took over the reins from Nonceba Kontsiwe, who has been moved to the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform.
Mabuyane also announced part of the new changes, which include the separation of the Finance Department from the Department of Economic Development, Environment Affairs, and Tourism.
Mlungisi Mvoko has been appointed as the new Finance MEC, while Nonkqubela Pieters will be the MEC of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The Human Settlements Department has also been merged with the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, to be led by former Human Settlement MEC, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi.
Mabuyane said the new MECs will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the government.
“Their contributions will drive the Eastern Cape forward and enhance the province’s ability to deliver. Through transparent and accountable governance, the province strives to improve the quality of life for all its residents,” Mabuyane said, reiterating the provincial government’s commitment to fostering a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable province. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:36
36 views
Sunny skies predicted for SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees
Perfect weather is predicted for the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, which runs from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30. Visitors to the Eastern Cape’s favourite family festival will be enthralled by the selection of over 300 selected stalls, will be shouting “yee haw!” during high-energy horse shows, and inspired by the conservation theme in the …
Marketer Turned Property Entrepreneur Yonwaba Pangeni is innovating outdoor Media in the Eastern Cape
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Eastern Cape government to ensure faster service delivery
Eastern Cape government to ensure faster service delivery
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured the people of the province that the provincial government will do more, better and faster, to ensure that it delivers on its 2024 manifesto commitments.
Announcing the province’s new Members of the Executive Council on Friday, Mabuyane said: “I wish to inform the people of our province that we have reconfigured government departments by separating Finance and the Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs, and Tourism.
He explained that the reconfiguration was done to ensure that economic development matters receive special attention to build an economy that creates new jobs.
“We want to ensure that special focus is paid to retaining and attracting new investments into our province. After all, it is the investors that will create the much-needed jobs in our province,” Mabuyane said.
He announced that the Departments of Public Works and Human Settlements have been combined.
“These two departments are mainly about the built environment which is critical for the development of our province and communities. It makes sense to place the under one Executing Authority for seamless planning and execution of projects,” the Premier said.
Mabuyane announced the Members of the Executive Council as follows:
• MEC for Finance is Mlungisi Mvoko
• MEC for Education is Fundile Gade
• MEC for Health is Ntandokazi Capa
• MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Zolile Williams
• MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism is Nonkqubela Peters
• MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is Sibulele Ngongo
• MEC for Social Development is Bukiwe Fanta
• MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements is Mani-Lusithi
• MEC for Transport and Community Safety is Xolile Nqatha
• MEC for Agriculture is Nonceba Kontsiwe
Mabuyane said the MECs would be heading stable portfolios with experienced HODs, established CEOs of public entities and highly skilled employees.
“They will be supported by their administrative teams to build on the progress of the past five years.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 11:56
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