The only post office open in Makhanda has not had electricity for nine months
Staff use their cellphones to light their work
Eastern Cape
African Oystercatcher bucks the trend in crashing bird populations
Haematopus moquini has gone from “Near Threatened” to “Least Concern” on the Red Data List
Breetzke Stars In Another Warriors Win
GQEBERHA: A blazing half century by Matthew Breetzke ensured the Dafabet Warriors continued their wonderful run in the CSA T20...
Gqeberha Health Workers March to Demand Permanent Jobs
NUPSAW Eastern Cape secretary Mzi Nkata led a march by Community Health Workers in Gqeberha on Friday. The workers, who also marched in solidarity with health workers in Gaza, are asking to be insourced. About 100 community health workers (CHWs) marched to the Department of Health’s offices in Gqeberha on Friday afternoon. They are demanding …
Maximise Efficiency in Waste Management with the 240l Wheelie Bin
When it comes to managing waste efficiently and sustainably, choosing the right disposal solutions is crucial. Wheelie bins have become an indispensable tool for waste management, offering convenience, mobility, and durability. Among the various sizes available, the 240l wheelie bin stands out as a popular choice for both residential and commercial settings. Wheelie bins are …
In Five Months 131 Schools in Nelson Mandela Bay Have Been Robbed, Mostly at Gunpoint
Many teachers are afraid to report for duty
1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services
1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services
The Department of Correctional Services’ National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has approved the permanent appointment of 1 003 learners as correctional officials for the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the department, the move is a demonstration of government’s foremost priority of creating opportunities for young people and supporting them to access work opportunities.
This means the youngsters, who took part in the 12-month Correctional Services Learnership NQF Level 4 programme in 2022 and were subsequently hired as auxiliary support officials on a contractual basis, have now been offered permanent positions starting from 1 April 2024.
The learnership programme also includes practical training at correctional centres.
As per the statement, 466 correctional officials were appointed in the Western Cape, 214 in KwaZulu-Natal, 107 in the Eastern Cape, 75 each in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, 69 in both Free State and the Northern Cape, 64 in Gauteng and eight at head office.
Thobakgale believes the appointments will strengthen security at correctional facilities.
“These appointments will go a long way to strengthen security in correctional centres and ensure more boots on the ground. This serves as a direct response to contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration, and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:38
108 views
Treasury releases R372 million for municipalities affected by floods
Treasury releases R372 million for municipalities affected by floods
The National Treasury last month released R372 million from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant (MDRG) as an intervention for municipalities affected by floods in recent times.
This is after Treasury approved an allocation of R1.844 billion for the 2023/24 financial year to address the effects of disasters across multiple provinces.
South Africa has been hit by more heavy rain, leading to various floods in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape since April 2022. This week rain caused havoc in the Western Cape with many schools across the province closed on Monday.
According to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, these funds are earmarked to facilitate urgent repairs, reconstruction, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
“The focus is to ensure access to clean, reliable water and essential government facilities for affected communities,” she explained.
The Minister was addressing the media in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, where she released details of the funds disbursed to municipalities and provinces for disaster interventions.
Nkadimeng announced that 199 projects across various municipalities in seven provinces have already been approved, with a total allocation of R372 001 000.
These include 65 projects in KwaZulu-Natal, 36 in the Eastern Cape, 30 in the Western Cape, 29 in Free State, 19 in Mpumalanga, 18 in Limpopo, and two in the North West.
Nkadimeng assured South Africans that the allocation of disaster grants comes with stringent reporting and compliance measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of funds.
“Organs of state are mandated to submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the NDMC [National Disaster Management Centre], covering both financial and non-financial aspects of their disaster management initiatives.”
In addition, to oversee the implementation of projects and ensure adherence to quality standards, the NDMC, Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMC), Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), and relevant sector departments conduct regular site visits to municipalities.
“Through these concerted efforts, we strive to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and that affected communities receive the necessary support to recover and thrive.”
Warning systems
Meanwhile, she said government is continuously improving early warning systems in collaboration with the South African Weather Service and other stakeholders.
“Furthermore, we are dedicated to having greater transparency, accountability, and engagement with our communities.”
The Minister said through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, her department is determined to build a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework that prioritises the needs and concerns of communities and empowers them to weather the storms that may lie ahead.
“I also want to take this opportunity to urge our people to heed the weather-related early warnings provided by disaster personnel and take the necessary preventative action even if it means just staying indoors or away from raging rivers.
“Early warnings are a vital component of disaster preparedness and can save lives by providing crucial information and allowing individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate risks and minimise harm.”
Impact
According to the Minister, the impact of disaster in South Africa is far-reaching.
“It is important that we acknowledge the gravity of the situation we have faced since 2018 as a result of national disasters such as drought and COVID-19.”
She also described the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods as one of the most significant natural disasters in the history of the country.
“These disasters have not only left a trail of destruction in their wake but have also broken family structures, disrupted communities, endangered livelihoods and put a lot of strain on our existing infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, she said the aftermath serves as a reminder of the challenges in the collective pursuit of improving disaster preparedness, response, recovery and moving towards a more resilient state.
“Working through the NDMC, we have managed to allocate funds through the grants to disaster-stricken areas, thereby playing a crucial role in facilitating the recovery and rebuilding process. These funds are not merely financial assistance, but rather they represent hope, resilience, and the promise of a better tomorrow.”
While government strives to accelerate response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters, she acknowledged the frustrations that communities often endure.
“We understand the immense challenges and hardships that accompany such trying times, and we empathise with the uncertainties and anxieties that our fellow South Africans may experience.
“We wish to reassure all South Africans that we are committed to enhancing our systems and processes for disaster response. We recognise the critical importance of continuously improving our capabilities and mechanisms to better serve and support our communities during times of crisis.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 13:03
452 views
SA a better place to live in since 1994
SA a better place to live in since 1994
Marking the historic milestone of South Africa celebrating 30 years of democracy, government has highlighted how the South Africa of 1994 is significantly different to the South Africa of 2024, while also emphasising that it is a better place to live in.
Addressing the launch of Freedom Month, which coincides with the celebration 30 Years of Democracy in the country, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said since 1994, the economy has grown significantly and government has improved the educational prospects for previously disadvantaged communities. It has also supported infrastructure development programmes and social welfare initiatives.
“In 30 years, we have achieved what few dared to dream. We know there are more hills to climb because South Africans aspire for a better future and a prosperous South Africa. The South Africa of today is not only built by government but also built by the private sector, labour and civil society.
"The South Africa of today... is where the size of the economy has more than tripled since 1996, where the collection of revenue from our tax collectors moved from R143 billion in 1996 to over R2.1 trillion last year,” Ntshavheni said on Tuesday.
The Minister said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has played an invaluable role in supporting access to higher education.
“South Africa today is a South Africa where Mam Mkhize’s children can go to a university or a tertiary institution paid for by government, without needing to apply to a Minister for permission to access a university because they were previously excluded to attend universities. South Africa today is where a young child from Soweto can dream to be a pilot or a robotics mechanic.
“The South Africa of today is where children who go to school receive three meals at school because there is a school feeding scheme, which ensures that no child goes to bed hungry,” the Minister said.
Through various initiatives like the National School Nutrition Programme, Early Childhood Development, the SAFE schools sanitation programme and the Second Chance programme for matriculants, government is working to ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right to quality education for all is achieved.
“The South Africa of today is where the women of Bizana in the Eastern Cape know that tomorrow they will be able to trade their goods internationally because they have been supported as Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
“The South Africa that we celebrate embraces not only all in our diversity - but acknowledges the challenges that confront us, which we together as government, business, civil society and our international partners work together to confront on a daily basis,” the Minister said.
This year marks 30 years since millions of South Africans cast their ballot in the first democratic election of 1994 for the first time in their lives.
The 30-year celebration in the country will be premised on celebrating the gains, achievements, and the milestone of 30 years of democratic rule as well as living in a free and democratic society.
Annually, the month of April is designated as Freedom Month in South Africa.
“As we mark these celebrations, which are going to be a yearlong celebration, we are going to be telling stories of the people of South Africa and the narrative of what government has done since 1994.
“We invite all South Africans to join in the national celebration of our 30 years. Let it be a celebration of all of us; a celebration of what we are still to achieve as we work in partnership to grow our country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 14:33
130 views
Exploring the Realm of Electrical Distribution Board Manufacturers
Introduction The manufacturing of electrical distribution boards is a critical aspect of the electrical industry. These boards are essential in managing the distribution of electrical power in both residential and commercial settings. Innovation in Design Manufacturers in this sector are constantly innovating to meet diverse needs. From compact designs for small spaces to large, complex …
Nantsika – A Network For Artists In Gqeberha To Succeed
Nantsika – translated into English – is ‘whatchamacallit’ which describes the house of talent that Nantsika hosts. With each member having a handful of talent in their arsenal you would not know what to call them. Nantsika offers acts a network and a platform to perform on their productions and work in the other mediums …
Indalo Association Reveals Threat to Makhanda and the Eastern Cape’s Socio-Economic Fabric by Albany Wind Farm Project
Makhanda and the Eastern Cape in Peril: Indalo Exposes the Hidden Socio-Economic Impact of Albany Wind Farm [Makhanda], [08 April 2024] — Today, the Indalo Association unveils critical revelations surrounding the proposed Albany Wind Farm, emphasising the profound threat it poses to the socio-economic fabric of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape. In a focused exposé, …
Children have to use an open field as a toilet at Mthatha primary school
Zwelinzima Primary has 200 learners and 13 staff but no toilets
SIU obtains interdict to stop sale of farm linked to former NLC exec
SIU obtains interdict to stop sale of farm linked to former NLC exec
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an interdict from the Special Tribunal to stop the sale of a farm in Limpopo that is linked to the former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Chief Operations Officer, Phillemon Letwaba and his brother, Johannes Letwaba.
The farm was listed for R7 million last year and is currently under offer for R5 million.
In an order dated 28 March 2024, the Special Tribunal prohibited the Letwaba brothers and any other person with knowledge of the order from selling, disposing, leasing, transferring, donating, or dealing with the farm in any manner.
The 3 426 128-hectares farm is registered under the Mosokoti Business Trust, whose trustees are the Letwaba brothers.
The funds that were used to purchase the farm emanate from the NLC. The farm is now preserved pending the final determination of civil action to be brought by the SIU within 60 days.
The SIU received a tip-off from a whistleblower about the sale of the farm and its potential link to NLC funds.
Following the tip-off, the SIU found that the farm was purchased using NLC funds siphoned through two organisations, which include organisation one -- Lulamisa Community Development Organisation NPO.
The SIU’s investigation revealed that in July 2015, an application for grant funding for Lulamisa Community Development Organisation (Lulamisa) was submitted to the NLC.
On the application form, the NPO was requesting an amount of R85 million for “hosting the Commonwealth Games, which would benefit the people of South Africa and boost the economy of the city of Durban”.
The NLC granted Lulamisa R80 million in two tranches of R64 million and R16 million, respectively.
Between 1 and 31 March 2016, Lulamisa made various payments to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency totalling R2 712 269.77. Phillemon Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane, owns Iron Bridge Travelling Agency.
In April 2016, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R1 000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys, which went towards purchasing the farm.
Organisation number two is Tshikovha Graduate Academy.
On 11 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre applied for grant funding to the NLC for R49 935 697.52. The request aimed to assist Tshikovha Graduate Academy, an NPC, in drilling 200 boreholes in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State and Eastern Cape provinces.
On 19 February 2016, NLC awarded Konani Pfunzo Learning Centre grant funding of R55 463 735.
On 22 February 2016, Konani Pfunzo and Tshikovha signed a memorandum that the grant will be transferred to Tshikovha within two working days upon receipt thereof. After Konani Pfunzo received grand funding from the NLC, an amount of R55 250 000 was transferred to the bank account of Tshikovha Graduate Academy.
Two days after receiving these funds, Tshikovha Graduate Academy transferred R4 800 000.00 to a private company named Redtaq (pty) LTD. Karabo Charles Sithole, Phillemon Ledwaba's cousin, is the sole director of Redtaq.
On 01 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R600 000.00 to Iron Bridge Travelling and Events. On 03 March 2016, Tshikovha further transferred R4 500 000.00 to Redtaq.
On 23 March 2016, Redtaq transferred R2 4000 000.00 to conveyancing attorneys. On the same day, Iron Bridge Travelling and Events transferred R66 009.83 and R300 000.00 to the same attorneys.
On 30 March 2016, Tshikovha transferred R8 000 000.00 to Mshandukani Holdings's bank account. Mshandukani Holdings is a private company with the company and Mr Mashudu Shandukani is the sole director.
On 05 April 2016, Mshandukani Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to Ndzhuku Holdings' bank account. On the same day, Ndzhuku Holdings transferred an amount of R1 000 000.00 to the same aforementioned attorneys.
The farm was purchased for a total of R4 766 003.83. The SIU’s evidence shows that Letwaba contravened the NLC's conflict of interest clause. He also used the funds received from NLC-funded NPOs for his gain.
The interdict is part of implementing the SIU’s investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover cash and assets lost by State institutions due to alleged corruption or negligence.
Acting on the tip-off is part of fighting corruption as a whole of society, as envisioned in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The SIU was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 to institute civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation.
The SIU has referred the evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:53
688 views
Labour activation programmes to create job opportunities in Gauteng
Labour activation programmes to create job opportunities in Gauteng
The Department of Employment and Labour, through its entity, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), will enter into partnerships with private business, SETAs and NGOs to create thousands of employment opportunities for residents of Gauteng.
At the launch of labour activation programmes for Gauteng on Saturday, Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said an amount of R8.4 billion has been set aside to implement 105 labour activation programmes over 22 sectors, including agriculture, services, IT, construction, engineering, wholesale and retail, safety and security, hospitality, social services, textile and transport in Gauteng.
The Gauteng launch is part of a R23.8 billion national job creation plan that will be rolled out over the next couple of weeks to create more than 700 000 employment opportunities throughout the country. The opportunities will run between 12 and 36 months.
Nxesi, delivering the keynote address, said that in the face of rising unemployment, all efforts to create employment in South Africa should be welcomed.
“It is very important that we respond to the challenge of unemployment, and plan together to implement strategies to mitigate it on an ongoing basis. We believe that government, working together with all stakeholders, has a major role to play in mitigating unemployment, and creating and preserving jobs,” said the Minister.
Nxesi said that only substantial economic growth and development will rescue the country from the huge unemployment challenge.
The launch was attended by labour activation programme beneficiaries, project owners, various MECs from the provincial government, as well as senior government officials.
Participants that will be hired and trained in the programme will be selected through the Department of Employment and Labour’s Employment Services of South Africa database (ESSA).
For registration as a work seeker, members of the public can register on the database using the link https://essa.labour.gov.za/EssaOnline/WebBeans/?wicket:bookmarkablePage=wicket[1]1:za.gov.labour.essa.web.individual.register.RegIndSearch.
Launches of labour activation programmes for other provinces are scheduled to take place as follows:
- KwaZulu-Natal, 16 April 2024
- Western Cape, 17 April 2024
- Eastern Cape, 19 April 2024
- Free State, 22 April 2024
- North West, 23 April 2024
- Mpumalanga, 24 April 2024
- Limpopo, 30 April 2024
- Northern Cape, 09 May 2024.
– SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 16:19
218 views
Diversifying water resource mix essential for supply security, says Mahlobo
Diversifying water resource mix essential for supply security, says Mahlobo
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has emphasised the importance of diversifying South Africa's water resource mix for water security.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the Inaugural Built Environment Indaba hosted by the Black Business Council in the Built Environment recently, which was held recently in Gauteng.
The Indaba was aimed at promoting collaboration, procurement and skills development in the industry.
Mahlobo confirmed that in terms of water security, the supply of raw water is currently in balance with the existing demand at national level.
Additionally, government has recognised the localised deficit, acknowledging that 98% of the available water is already allocated. Mahlobo said to ensure water security in the future, it is crucial to broaden the water resource mix through sustainable use of groundwater, desalination of seawater (even though technology remains expensive), water reuse from treated wastewater systems, and water reclamation.
While supply-side measures are essential, Mahlobo emphasised the need for water conservation and demand management.
The Deputy Minister warned that water availability in South Africa could decline rapidly due to factors such as economic growth, population growth, urbanisation, inefficient water use, degradation of wetlands, and the impact of climate change.
He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by municipalities, noting that they owe R19 billion to water boards.
According to the Deputy Minister, one of the main issues plaguing the water sector is the poor performance and adherence to standard operating procedures for drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment.
Infrastructure is often left in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance, with municipalities failing to hire qualified personnel to oversee these essential processes.
Additionally, weak billing and revenue collection, as well as inadequate budget prioritisation for maintenance and operations by municipal councils, further exacerbate the challenges faced by the sector.
In terms of support to municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and water boards are supporting many municipalities to implement improved plans that are agreed to by the Ministry and municipal leadership.
DWS, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury allocate water and sanitation infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion to municipalities per annum, and provide technical and engineering support and assistance, capacity building and training and financial management advice and support.
Water projects
Mahlobo highlighted several key water sector projects that are currently in implementation.
These projects aim to address water shortages and improve access to water in various regions across the country.
The R40 billion phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP2) is one of the major projects that is currently in progress.
This project is aimed at delivering approximately 470 million m3 per annum in addition to the 780 million m3 per year which the IVRS currently receives from LHWP1 and will increase the availability of raw water for Gauteng and surrounding areas, which have been experiencing water shortages.
Another project is the R26 billion uMkhomazi Water Project in KwaZulu-Natal. This project was facing an affordability deadlock, but Mahlobo announced that it had been resolved, and the project is now moving forward.
The R4 billion phase 2A of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augment Project (MCWAP) in the North West and Limpopo has also been completed, with funding being raised for phase 2.
In addition to these projects, Mahlobo also highlighted the R12 billion Olifants River Water Resource Development project in Limpopo, the R10 billion Vaal Gamagara project in the Northern Cape, the R8 Billion Mzimvubu Water Project in the Eastern Cape, the R1.2 billion Berg River Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme in the Western Cape and the R4 billion raising of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape.
All these projects are aimed at diversifying the water resource mix to ensure water security for South Africa.
Mahlobo assured that South Africa will not run dry by 2030, but there will be challenges if there is no change in the way of doing things. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 14:16
129 views
Government accelerates programme to connect citizens to internet
Government accelerates programme to connect citizens to internet
Government intends to connect 1.5 million households in rural and township areas by the end of the year to the internet, enabled by Wi-Fi hotspots.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, said government plans to connect 5.5 million households in rural and township areas to Wi-Fi hotspots in the next three to four years.
“We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet. This year, we have connected over 740 000 households to the internet, enabled by the installation of 4 250 Wi-Fi hotspots.
“This work involved the participation of 76 Internet Service Providers, which are Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and resulted in 4 500 direct jobs, and many more indirect jobs and opportunities downstream,” Gungubele said on Thursday.
He said government has made strides in reducing the cost of data.
“Simply put, where our flagship programme, SA Connect, visits, villages are left connected to the internet at an incredibly affordable rate of R5 a day per 1 Gig, and as little as R250 a month on an unlimited package.
“Beyond this infrastructure investment in communities at large, we have also focused our attention on enabling learners in rural schools to be connected to the internet and are equipped with skills to ready them for the future through State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Cyber Labs – a privilege previously reserved for urban schools.
“We have so far launched these smart schools in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, the North West and Northern Cape provinces, with more yet to be established in other parts of the country. In addition to the computer laboratory and equipment that comes with it, learners receive skills training in robotics, coding and digital skills,” Gungubele said.
National Digital Skills Forum
In preparing young people for digital transformation and the digital economy, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies recently launched the national Digital Skills Forum (DSF), which brings together the necessary expertise, financial resources and institutional support as well as to track the performance of the National Digital Skills Programme.
The forum will also provide guidance and oversight on implementation of the National Digital Skills Programme.
“[This] is a ‘Digital Skills Massification Drive’ that empowers youth in particular and offers them an opportunity to become Digital Skills Ambassadors to train their communities in digital skills.
“The programme has been successfully rolled out in the North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Free State provinces. It is currently underway in the Eastern Cape province and is intended to be rolled out to all provinces in South Africa. To date, over 20 000 citizens in these provinces have been successfully trained by ambassadors on basic digital literacy concepts,” the Minister said.
Digitisation of government services
Through the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), the department has developed a National e-Government Portal (www.eservices.gov.za), with 92 digitised government services.
This past year, the digitised services has attracted the utilization of over 899 394 logins, with over 1.4 million registered users.
“In the 2024/25 Financial Year, SITA will ensure 98% core network availability for 7 570 connected government sites cutting across national and provincial departments.
“Complementing the SA Connect programme, SITA will launch a National Broadband Project worth at least R6 billion, that will be awarded per region and ensure that government reduces the cost and duplication of connectivity infrastructure from municipalities up to national government level.
“This project will also ensure that designated groups such as enterprises owned by women and youth are empowered with at least forty percent (40%) value of this project, whilst creating opportunities for innovative locally developed solutions to find traction in our market,” the Minister said.
Work has begun to improve key value chains and processes of SITA towards meeting efficiency expectations in building a resilient modern digital environment for an evolving South Africa.
“To this end, a special directed intervention in the form of, the SITA Ministerial Task Team to fast-track procurement backlogs has commenced work. SITA is in the process of meeting all clusters and provinces to find resolutions to all their urgent Information and communications technology (ICT) challenges,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 04/05/2024 - 10:22
374 views
Nxesi launches skills training programme to assist unemployed citizens
Nxesi launches skills training programme to assist unemployed citizens
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has launched a skills training and entrepreneurship programme designed to benefit the youth and the unemployed in the country.
The programme will afford Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries and unemployed youth with an opportunity to be integrated into the labour market or start their own businesses.
Nxesi announced the launch of the Unemployment Insurance Fund Labour Activation Programme (LAP) during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.
LAP was established within the UIF to enhance the department’s mandate through enhancing the employability of the unemployed through training; enable entrepreneurship through enterprise development; preserve jobs through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and Productivity SA, and collaborate across government departments and entities to massify jobs, skills training and enterprise creation.
Nxesi said an amount of R23.8 billion will be allocated to implement this plan.
“Opportunities will run between 12 and 36 months. The money invested in the plan will be recouped by the UIF through contributions and revenue generated from investments, as has been the sustainability model of the fund.
“The spread of our implementation nationally will be across every province, with 333 recommended projects to provide seven training, small enterprise support and employment opportunities to 704 000 unemployed people,” Nxesi explained.
Nxesi said the department is collaborating across with other government departments and entities to massify jobs.
“As early as next week, we will be talking about a joint programme with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and Small Business, which is also a collaboration with the programme we are talking about today,” Nxesi said.
The Minister assured that the projects have all been subjected to meticulous quality assurance processes to ensure that they are compliant with the policy and legislation.
“There are necessary controls in place, there is capacity and necessary resources in place, and these programmes produce the real outcomes in terms of the jobs and at a perineural scheme or prospect.
“Employability interventions are delivered through contracts with the condition that they guaranteed jobs for beneficiaries with a minimum period of employment of one year post intervention,” Nxesi said.
Nxesi said he hopes the companies and industries will contribute significantly to the sectors, including agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), construction, engineering, manufacturing, education, transport, and mining.
The first roll-out of LAP projects will be launched in Gauteng with the provincial government on 6 April 2024, followed by KwaZulu-Natal on 16 April, Western Cape 17 April, Eastern Cape 19 April, Free State 22 April, North West 23 April, and Mpumalanga on 24 April 2024.
The launch will also move to Limpopo on 30 April, with the last roll-out to take place in the Northern Cape on 9 May 2024.
The programme will be offered to people across all ages. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/05/2024 - 09:54
238 views
Disabled learners turned away from school
Renovations at Mthatha school, closed last year after parents complained of poor conditions, have still not been completed
Pit toilet eradication deadline missed by Limpopo education department
But department says it’s 80% of the way there
Rickelton, Hendricks, Nqaba Seal Big Win For Lions And Impalas Through To CSA T20KO Final
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Police arrest more suspects in UFH murder case
Police arrest more suspects in UFH murder case
The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Task Team, which is assigned with the responsibility of investigating and arresting those responsible for the murder and attempted murder cases at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), has effected 15 more arrests.
This brings the number of those arrested in this case to 25 suspects.
The suspects were arrested in various provinces over the Easter weekend, including in Gauteng, the Eastern and the Western Cape, as well as KwaZulu-Natal.
The 15 suspects face a string of charges ranging from fraud, corruption, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder.
They are expected to make their first court appearance today at the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said the task team will continue to do their work without fear or favour.
“The team has been hard at work in getting to the bottom of who is behind fraud, corruption and the murders at the university. They will continue to investigate and hunt down those who are found to have had a hand in any wrongdoing.
“Our focus is to bring before court a case that will be able to stand in court with all the evidence that has been collected by the team,” said Masemola.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and Masemola are expected to attend court proceedings today. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:01
483 views
Warriors March On As Lions Beat Rocks
PAARL: The Dafabet Warriors continued their remarkable run in the 2023/24 T20 Challenge by winning an incredible eighth match in a...
Warriors Maintain Unbeaten Streak
JOHANNESBURG: The Dafabet Warriors extended their unbeaten run in the 2023/24 CSA T20 Challenge with a two-run victory over the DP...