Eastern Cape traders shut down by municipality over festive season
More than 40 stalls and containers were demolished and removed from main road in Cacadu
Eastern Cape
Work experience opportunities for Western and Eastern Cape youth now open
Work experience opportunities for Western and Eastern Cape youth now open
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, through its Youth and After School Programme, is calling for unemployed youth, aged between 18 and 25, to apply to be part of the Year Beyond Youth Service Programme for 2024.
Applications for the education programmes are now open for youth living in the Western and Eastern Cape who meet the criteria.
All the education programmes require a matric certificate and some require minimum marks for language or maths.
The Year Beyond platform offers young people the opportunity to get a year of hands on working experience and build their work readiness competencies, while also giving back to their communities.
Commonly known as YeBoneers, successful applicants will be placed either at a school or community hub where they will assist learners and parents.
The Eastern Cape programme is run with funding from the national government and facilitated by the Western Cape Year Beyond team.
“The opportunity to provide youth in the Eastern Cape with this experience is an important part of skills development beyond the Western Cape,” the statement read.
According to the provincial department, the success of the programme is evident as seen from the feedback received from previous years.
Citing the data, the department said 96% of participants believe the experience helped them to get to know themselves better and 95% feel the programme prepared them better for the world of work and study.
Meanwhile, between 75% and 78% of YeBoneers have progressed to becoming economically active in the world of employment or study, or a combination of the two, upon finishing the programme.
“I encourage our young people to apply for this opportunity. It is a great programme for our youth which equips them with skills for entering the world of work or study. We want to give our youth a hand up to become successful and active members of society who contribute not only to the economy but also serve their communities,” said Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais.
Applications and further information on the education streams are now open via the website: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply.
Applications close on 18 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 14:36
107 views
RAPT Creative makes stellar debut in SCOPEN’s 2023/24 AGENCY SCOPE
RAPT Creative has taken SCOPEN’s 2023/24 AGENCY SCOPE South Africa by storm to rank 4th on its Agency Performance Table, scoop up four 1st place or tied 1st place results, achieve a top 10 ranking in 9 out of the 11 categories SCOPEN deems most important to agency performance, and rank 7th on the Overall …
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Naspers Labs-backed SA Harvest Programme Empowers Youth with Agriculture Skills
Ten post-graduate students who were previously unemployed recently embarked on a remarkable journey from Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, to Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, as part of the SA Harvest entrepreneurial incubator initiative. Supported by Naspers Labs, this programme aims to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become self-sufficient agri-food entrepreneurs. These ten students …
Eastern Cape mother arrested for allegedly murdering baby
Eastern Cape mother arrested for allegedly murdering baby
Police have arrested a 27-year-old woman for allegedly murdering her 11-month-old baby girl in the Eastern Cape.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 5 January 2024, a man went into the bushes at the Nonyevu locality in Port St Johns to urinate when he found the baby in a refuse bag. He alerted the members of the community, and the mother was traced,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.
According to police information, on 29 December 2023 the infant got sick and passed away at about 5am on 1 January 2024.
It is believed that the mother wrapped the child with a towel, put her in a plastic bag and threw her in the bushes at Nonyevu locality where she was living at the time.
“The mother was assaulted by the community and is hospitalised. She faces a charge for murder and will appear in the Port St Johns Magistrate Court. A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:36
475 views
Three women raped, one dead in Recent Years Day attack
Three women raped, one dead in New Years Day attack
Police have launched a manhunt for two suspects who allegedly raped three women and fatally stabbed one of them on New Year's Day in Tsolo in the Eastern Cape.
“It is alleged that on Monday evening, 01 January 2024, at about 7pm two unknown men accosted three women who were walking in between the grazing fields. The two were armed with knives and started threatening their victims and demanded cash and cellphones. The women, aged between 18 and 19, were robbed of their cellphones and then raped,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Thursday.
It is further alleged that when one of the victims tried to resist with some of her belongings, she was stabbed on her upper body.
“The two men tied up two of the victims before throwing them into a nearby stream. Moments later, the victims managed to free themselves and went to their relatives to report the incident. The third victim was later found dead at the scene. A case of murder was opened with three additional counts of rape for further investigation,” SAPS said.
Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the nearest police station.
The information may also be shared via the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed her deepest condolences to the family of the deceased teenager.
She further expressed her concern on the increase in reported rape cases during this festive period. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/04/2024 - 10:32
452 views
Memorial service held for the tardy Dr Ngema
Memorial service held for the late Dr Ngema
A memorial service reflecting on the life of the late legendary playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, was held at the Playhouse Theatre in Durban on Wednesday.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who attended the service, highlighted Ngema's contributions to the region and the world. The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, underscored Ngema's influence on economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, saying his work had a "multidimensional impact" on many of his work.
Ngema was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, 27 December on his way to KwaZulu-Natal after attending a funeral in the Eastern Cape.
“The Playhouse Theatre, a cultural hub in Durban, became a solemn space to pay tribute to Mbongeni Ngema, an internationally acclaimed playwright, director, singer and author. Ngema's impact on the arts and his role in shaping the cultural landscape were evident in the distinguished attendees who came to honour his legacy,” said the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government in a statement.
Bishop Vusi Dube, a Member of Provincial Legislature, shared reflections on the profound spiritual and societal dimensions of Ngema's creations, emphasising their resonance in the hearts of the people.
The memorial service was not only a gathering of political and cultural figures but also a reflection of Mbongeni Ngema's diverse and far-reaching influence.
On Monday, Dube-Ncube has expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting the composer, director and theatre producer a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2.
The Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2, which includes elements of police ceremonial honours, is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province.
Dube-Ncube said Ngema distinguished himself as a true South African legend, who used creative art and theatre to contribute to the fight for freedom the country is enjoying today.
In his tribute to Ngema last month, President Ramaphosa said his “masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime”.
“The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans, and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes and consciousness of millions of people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Ramaphosa at the time.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, 5 January. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 01/04/2024 - 11:00
246 views
Special Provincial Official Funeral for Dr Ngema
Special Provincial Official Funeral for Dr Ngema
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting the legendary and internationally acclaimed playwright, composer, director and theatre producer, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2.
In a statement on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said the Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2, which includes elements of police ceremonial honours, is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province.
Dube-Ncube said Ngema distinguished himself as a true South African legend, who used creative art and theatre to contribute to the fight for freedom the country is enjoying today.
“We made the request to the President to declare Dr Ngema’s send-off a Special Provincial Official Funeral primarily to recognise his contribution to our long and painful journey to freedom.”
The Premier said while Ngema has passed away, this noble gesture by the President will give the family and many South Africans some comfort that he received a send-off befitting his stature.
“We welcome the respect bestowed upon Dr Ngema by the President. This is indeed a befitting honour to Madlokovu, who worked tirelessly for many decades to put South Africa on the global pedestal through art.
“Armed only with his creativity and theatre, he confronted the brutal apartheid regime, in the process conscientising the world about the ruthless and dehumanising nature of apartheid. Madlokovu used his vast networks abroad to focus the attention of the world to the suffering of our people in this country under apartheid. He pencilled an indelible mark on our journey towards freedom,” said the Premier.
Ngema was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, 27 December on his way to KwaZulu-Natal after attending a funeral in the Eastern Cape.
“Madlokovu was a passionate and true ambassador of the theatre and music art form. He worked hard to unearth, develop and nurture talent from our townships and rural areas. Many practitioners today owe their success to Madlokovu.
“As we mourn his passing and send our condolences to his family, we expressed our gratitude that he lived during our lifetime,” said Dube-Ncube.
The provincial government, together with the family, will in due course communicate further details with regards to the funeral service.
In his tribute to Ngema last month, President Ramaphosa said his “masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime”.
“The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans, and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes and consciousness of millions of people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Ramaphosa at the time. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 01/02/2024 - 13:25
299 views
Bavuma Ruled Out Of Second Betway Test Against India Hamza Added To Squad
CENTURION: Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the second Betway Test against India due to a left hamstring...
Transport Minister leads traffic law enforcement operations in Mthatha
Transport Minister leads traffic law enforcement operations in Mthatha
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, will today lead traffic law enforcement activations in Mthatha.
The aim of the operations is to check the fitness of drivers and roadworthiness of vehicles on the N2 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
The operations, which are coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), are intended to improve safety and ensure compliance with the law by road users.
Already, more than 4160 motorists have been arrested for drunken driving, while others have been detained for producing false documents and driving public transport without valid documents.
Provincial, metro and municipal traffic authorities have been given instructions to be strict with law enforcement.
Last year’s statistics showed that road traffic crashes decreased during the six weeks of the festive season, from the previous year, dropping by 7% from 1395 crashes to 1299. On the other hand, fatalities decreased from 1808 to 1560.
“Everyone is called upon to put shoulders to the wheel to ensure a better outcome this season and throughout our 365 Day Road Safety Campaign. It is against this backdrop that we will be intensifying our efforts and interventions in the five provinces that contribute more than 80% of road crashes and fatalities,” the Minister said last week.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga will receive focused attention this year with nighttime deployment of traffic officers and road safety activations that are intended to improve pedestrian safety. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Fri, 12/29/2023 - 08:55
315 views
Wildside Times Magazine Issue Seven – Read It Online Or Pick Up A Copy
29 December 2023: St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape – Issue Seven of the local magazine Wildside Times is free from various outlets. You can find your copy at the SUPERSPAR Village Square in St Francis Bay, The Bakery in the old village, and Blue Bottle Store. Alternatively, you can read it online at issuu.com In a time …
Public urged to hold precautions in severe weather
Public urged to take precautions in severe weather
Government has urged residents in various provinces to take precautions and follow instructions from respective Disaster Management Centres to keep safe.
This as the South African Weather Service has issued severe weather alerts, including severe thunderstorms, damaging and strong winds, and disruptive rains in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Free State.
“Government has noted the damages already caused by the inclement weather and the responses of first responders in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
“The National Disaster Management Centre is supporting all Provincial and Municipal Disaster Management Centres to assist the affected communities.
“We all have the responsibility to assist government and disaster managers to keep us safe,” said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System.
Weather warnings are available at https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/warnings.
The contact numbers of the relevant Provincial Disaster Management Centres are:
- Eastern Cape: 071 604 3160
- Northern Cape: 083 390 2920
- Western Cape: 082 550 6770
- KwaZulu-Natal: 066 475 2308
- North West: 066 030 8026
- Free State: 066 487 4896
The contact number for the National Disaster Management Centre is Dr Elias Sithole on 082 490 9825. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 12/29/2023 - 08:39
53 views
1708 healthy Christmas babies delivered this year
1708 healthy Christmas babies delivered this year
The country’s public health facilities safely delivered 1708 healthy babies on Christmas Day this year as compared to 1414 delivered in 2022, says the Department of Health.
This number consists of 840 baby boys and 868 baby girls.
“The Department of Health congratulates the health workers, especially the midwives, for the successful and safe delivery of these bundles of joy, and wishes all parents, including more than 145 teen mothers all the best throughout parenting journey,” said the department in a statement.
The department is currently scaling up human milk banking for the survival and healthy growth of babies born to mothers who are unable to breastfeed to ensure no baby is deprived of nutritious breastmilk.
The number of newborns per province is as follows:
Eastern Cape - 221
North West - 121
KwaZulu-Natal - 255
Limpopo - 209
Mpumalanga - 161
Free State - 76
Western Cape - 231
Northern Cape - 47
Gauteng – 387
- SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 12/28/2023 - 10:58
14 views
Over The Lesotho Mountains To Raise Funds For Children’s Home
King’s Children’s Home just outside East London is a safe house that provides a temporary home and place of safety for abused and abandoned babies and young children. Founded in 2008 by Tracy and Jonathan King, who run the local Crossways church in the area, King’s Children’s Home has positively impacted the lives of many …
Tourism monitors deployed to Table Mountain
Tourism monitors deployed to Table Mountain
The deployment of 40 tourism monitors at the Table Mountain National Park has been welcomed by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.
The Tourism Monitors Programme is an initiative by the Department of Tourism to supplement safety and security measures by the South African Police Service to enhance the safety of tourists.
“The department has set aside R174.5 million from this year’s budget to deploy around 2 300 tourism monitors at key tourist attractions,” said the department.
The 2 305 tourism monitors will be deployed as follows:
Eastern Cape - 150
Free State - 150
Western Cape - 250
Gauteng - 100
Limpopo - 100
KwaZulu-Natal - 200
Mpumalanga - 220
North West - 100
Northern Cape - 70
iSimangaliso Wetland Park - 200
Ezemvelo nature Reserve - 150
SANBI Gardens - 130
ACSA Airports - 135
SANParks - 350
Out of the 350 monitors deployed to SANParks, 70 were allocated to Table Mountain National Park, of which 40 were deployed last week. The balance will be deployed in the New Year.
“Our national parks are key tourism attractions and remain top of our list for key source markets. The safety of all tourists remains paramount and we are determined to do all we can to ensure that all tourists have a safe and memorable experience.” – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 10:24
418 views
Nguni cattle handover boosts commercialisation efforts
Nguni cattle handover boosts commercialisation efforts
Farmers in the Eastern Cape have welcomed the handover of 17 Nguni cattle bulls as part of the Livestock Production Improvement Scheme (LPIS).
The handover was recently officiated by the Eastern Cape MEC of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonkqubela Pieters.
The provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is driving the commercialisation of livestock development in communal and smallholder farming communities in order to increase red meat production in the Eastern Cape.
Through partnerships with the private and public sector, the department continues to support farmers to participate in the agricultural value chain, contribute to the economy and create jobs.
The livestock was handed over to farmers in the Sarah Baartman, Amathole and OR Tambo Districts. The initiative was made possible by the department in partnership with the East Cape Nguni Club and the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute.
“…These cattle [are beautiful] and they are given to [the farmers] so that they can make money. I’m giving [them] a responsibility to guard their money.
“Our aim is to develop farmers to become commercial, hence this programme and we encourage farmers to guard and use these animals wisely for the benefit of their businesses,” Pieters said.
Farmers expressed their gratitude, saying the bulls will improve the quality of their livestock and fetch good prices at the market.
Ntombomzi Qeqe-Lwana, of Die Vlagte farm in Somerset East, hailed the department’s endeavours to ensure communal farmers are given resources and investments that will help them produce quality meat and get profits.
“I thank the department very much for these Nguni bulls because it will assist me to change my flock and my customers will get satisfaction. This handover came at a good time. When we start the new year, we will know we have quality breeds to develop our cattle.
“It’s a good programme as it assists us to venture into markets and get profits so that we can fend for our families and create employment,” Qeqe-Lwana said.
Sicelo Rozani from Libode said he was farming with both cattle and sheep. He applied for assistance from the department and was elated to get two bulls.
“We are very grateful to the department for this gift. It will assist us in growing our enterprises in the rural space,” Rozani said.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the department set aside a budget of R12.8 million to support communal and smallholder farmers with 250 cattle, 500 sheep and 200 goats to enhance red meat and animal fibre development in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 11:09
148 views
Ravi Shastri, Stuart Broad and AB de Villiers headline stellar cast of Betway SA20 on-air talent
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Over 900 Tourism Equity Fund applications initiated
Over 900 Tourism Equity Fund applications initiated
A total of 985 applications for the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) have been initiated by prospective applicants with 131 completed applications submitted that meet all application requirements.
This follows the opening of the TEF application process for businesses on 6 November 2023.
The Department of Tourism, together with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), an agency within the Department of Small Business Development, announced the opening of the application process for TEF on 2 November 2023, after Cabinet’s approval in September 2023 for the revised TEF implementation in September 2023.
The R1.2 billion fund aims to increase growth, transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the targets of the Tourism Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Sector Codes.
The TEF is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector.
According to a Sefa report, the 131 submitted applications represent a combined investment value of just over R2 billion.
Sefa reported that some of the 131 applications formally submitted have already been pre-screened, while pre-screening for the remaining applications will be completed by the end of the year.
Although no specific information is available yet on the type of enterprises, or the nature of projects for which TEF support have been applied for, Sefa’s preliminary report that 45 of the registered applications originated from Gauteng, 21 from KwaZulu-Natal, while between 10 and 14 applications were submitted between Limpopo, North West, Western Cape and Eastern Cape and with only one from the Free State.
Subsequent to basic or pre-screening, Sefa explained that the applications are subjected to a due diligence process, which includes a more detailed assessment of financial viability, Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) compliance and reporting, credit and legal checks before preparation for presentation to the relevant investment committee for final adjudication.
“Depending on the readiness of projects, the applications may potentially be presented at upcoming committee meetings that Sefa has provisionally scheduled in Quarter 4 between January and March 2024,” the agency explained.
Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said the department is encouraged by the level of interest and applications to the Tourism Equity Fund, which is aimed at driving empowerment and transformation to support the growth of new and emerging enterprises in the tourism sector.
“This is in line with our aims as government to support investment by the private sector to grow an inclusive tourism sector that can continue to contribute to the country’s economy and job creation. We will continue to keep businesses and the public updated on this important project in the coming weeks and months,” de Lille said.
The TEF will be implemented by:
• Assessing and scoring applications against jobs to be sustained and/or jobs to be created, location and geographic spread, and targeted groups (youth, women, and people with disabilities).
• Department of Tourism and Sefa in partnership with banking and/or financial institutions in the Republic of South Africa, which includes, amongst others, banks and developmental finance institutions that will offer affordable and tailor-made financial solutions, in an attempt to close funding gaps in the market, through the provision of a blended finance solution.
• Disbursing a total of 80% of the TEF funds to existing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in the market to enable these businesses to grow. The remaining allocation of 20% of the funds will be disbursed to new businesses.
The Minister said Sefa will implement, execute, and manage the fund through a fund management agreement signed with the Department of Tourism. The department will support and monitor the implementation of the TEF on a monthly basis.
“The funding structure comprises grant funding, and debt financing, to meet the distinct needs of tourism enterprises that are either seeking equity acquisition, investment in new developments, or expansion of their existing businesses.
“The fund will focus on tourism enterprises in the accommodation, hospitality and related sectors-, and travel and related services-subsectors. The TEF will consider applications for start-ups, acquisitions, expansion and development projects in line with the Tourism B-BBEE sector codes,” de Lille said.
With consideration of Regulation Gazette No 11067, Volume 697, No 49018 published on 25 July 2023, withdrawing Regulation Gazette No 11241, Volume 668 of 19 February 2021. No 44172, all applicants (including previous applicants) are encouraged to submit new applications that will align with the new qualifying criteria of TEF.
For more information on the Tourism Equity Fund and the application process visit: https://www.tourism.gov.za/CurrentProjects/Tourism_Equity_Fund/Pages/Tourism_Equity_Fund.aspx. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 12/22/2023 - 08:12
353 views
Law enforcement out in numbers to ensure compliance
Law enforcement out in numbers to ensure compliance
With traffic volumes expected to increase as holidaymakers travel to and from their destinations, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says law enforcement officials will be out in full force to ensure the roads are safe.
Authorities will be using technology to ensure compliance with the law on the roads.
“Over this period, we are deploying personnel and technologies across the country, especially in high-risk accident-prone areas to prevent incidents and accidents by ensuring all road users interact safely with the road,” Chikunga said.
The Department of Transport, together with provincial and municipal traffic departments, transport agencies such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency, the Cross-Border Road Traffic Agency as well the South African Police Service will conduct road safety operations.
“Heightened operations are to be undertaken from Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Corridor operations will be undertaken during peak travel periods linking at provinces that share borders. Twenty-Four routes, which have recorded a high number of crashes and fatalities in the past will be prioritised,” the Minister said.
In an effort to improve compliance on the roads, law enforcement will deal with motorists who drive without number plates.
“This is generally done by speedsters and people who want to avoid detection by speed cameras. This is defeating the ends of justice, and such vehicles will be stopped and impounded until plates are properly attached.
“We know that our borders have been very busy during the festive seasons in the past and the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency has geared itself to ensure that vehicles coming into and out of our country are compliant with all requirements,” the Minister said.
The following ports of entry will be monitored: Beitbridge in Limpopo, Lebombo in Mpumalanga, Ficksburg in Free State and Golela in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our relentless commitment to deal with corruption and bribery continues over this period. Our own assessment tells us that corruption relating to the issuing of learner’s licenses and bribery increase around this time.
“We warn officials and members of the public to desist from corrupt behaviour, which is a major damper to our efforts of maintaining safer roads. Our anti-corruption agents will be deployed and the instruction to them is to show no mercy and arrest both corruptor and corruptee,” she said.
Last year’s crash statistics showed that road traffic crashes decreased during the six weeks of the festive season.
They dropped by 7% from 1395 crashes to 1 299. On the other hand, fatalities decreased from 1 808 to 1 560.
“Therefore, everyone is called upon to put shoulders to the wheel to ensure a better outcome this season and throughout our 365 Day Road Safety Campaign. It is against the backdrop that we will be intensifying our efforts and interventions in the five province that contribute more than 80% of road crashes and fatalities,” the Minister said.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga will receive focused attention this year with nighttime deployment of traffic officers and road safety activations that are intended to improve pedestrian safety.
“Our interventions will be based on a six-point strategy that will guide all provinces in their operations this year. The strategy calls for interventions to deal with pedestrian safety, vehicle roadworthiness, public transport overloading, drunken driving, speeding and execution of warrants.
“Special instructions have been issued for all provincial authorities to conduct public transport inspections of buses and taxis at ranks before they join the freeways, weighbridges to remain open, to ensure height and load compliance.
“Heightened operations are to be undertaken from Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Corridor operations will be undertaken during peak travel periods linking at provinces that share borders,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 12/22/2023 - 08:55
106 views
SANRAL to inject billions into construction industry in 2024
SANRAL to inject billions into construction industry in 2024
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has started adjudicating tenders worth R6.43 billion that will be awarded early in 2024 to boost the construction industry.
SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana, said the 77 tenders for various road construction projects were advertised at the end of November 2023 under the road agency’s Interim Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP) and submission closed on 14 December.
“SANRAL is currently adjudicating 77 tenders which will give the construction industry a good start in the New Year, helping to create thousands of jobs and inject billions of rands into the economy.
“While the rest of South Africa is winding down for the festive season, SANRAL is working hard to get South Africa’s construction industry off to a flying start in the New Year. The fact that our officials are working through the holidays to adjudicate these tenders is an indication of our commitment to fulfilling the promises we made to the South African public and it shows that we are getting back to business as soon as possible.
“We understand the role that construction and infrastructure development plays in the construction industry and we are determined to overcome the disruptions which resulted from court challenges to our PPP adopted in May 2023.
“We are squarely focussed on developing, maintaining and improving the national road network in line with our mandate from government,” Demana said on Wednesday.
After several court challenges launched by construction companies, SANRAL announced on 24 October that it was withdrawing the PPP adopted in May 2023 and embarked on a countrywide consultation process with interested and affected parties to adopt an interim PPP.
The 77 tenders, which are currently being adjudicated, were advertised in line with the interim policy.
Demana stressed that SANRAL was making every effort to catch up on time that the industry had lost by putting out 86 of the less complex consulting and construction tenders that were cancelled and subsequently re-advertised at the end of November.
The CEO said 1 040 bids were received for the 77 tenders and this illustrated the significance of SANRAL projects in the construction industry.
The breakdown of the 1 040 bids is as follows:
- 124 bids for national contracts with an estimated value of R350 million;
- 279 received for the Northern Region (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West) with an estimated value of R548 million;
- 247 received for the Eastern Region (Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) with an estimated value of R2.1 billion;
- 240 received for the Southern Region (Eastern Cape) with an estimated value of R2.83 billion, and;
- 150 for the Western Region (Northern Cape and Western Cape) with an estimated value of R600 million.
“We are encouraged and at the same time humbled by this overwhelming response. It also tells us that the numerous engagements we had with interested and affected parties across the country has paved the way for more effective collaboration with all our stakeholders in the industry,” Demana said.
The official shutdown period for the construction sector commenced on 14 December 2023 and will end on 9 January 2024.
While all conventional road construction will be suspended during this time, SANRAL’s Routine Road Maintenance teams remain on standby to respond to any incident on the national road network.
“We wish to thank all our consultants and contractors for working around the clock to keep our projects on track and within budget. May you all have a well-deserved break with your loved ones and stay safe wherever you may travel,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:00
481 views
Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season
Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season
The Department of Health has announced that it has intensified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with over 1 540 ambulances deployed across the country’s major routes and strategic points and hotspots.
According to the department, this move aims to accelerate a turnaround time for emergency medical response during the festive season, a period associated with a high demand for emergency medical services.
“This number will be complemented by private sector ambulances as part of existing service level agreements entered with provinces to beef up EMS to ensure quick response to major accidents and to prevent avoidable loss of lives resulting from accidents,” the department explained.
The department is appealing to communities to join hands with government and law enforcement agencies during this period to create an enabling environment for frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses and paramedics to perform their lifesaving duties freely without fear of both verbal and physical violence and aggression.
“Health workers have fallen victims of violence and crime in the line of duty over the months and recent years in the country and this can only be stopped if communities become protectors than by-standers.
“Violence against health workers is unacceptable because it does not only negatively impact on their psychological and physical well-being, but also affects their job motivation and has potential to compromise the quality of care and puts health-care provision at risk.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines attacks against health care as any act of verbal or physical violence or obstruction or threat of violence that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and preventive health services during emergencies.
The department said emergency medical personnel play an essential role in the health system by providing timely and appropriate medical care to patients in need.
“They respond to emergencies to save lives and risk theirs. It is not possible to have ambulances accompanied by police or armed private security, hence communities need to play a role in ending attacks against paramedics and other health workers.”
According to the WHO, health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world with between 8% and 38% of health workers suffering physical violence at some point in their careers.
Some of the associated risks during the festive season include vehicle accidents, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and drowning.
In a life threatening emergency, people must dial 112 from a landline or a cellphone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.
Important details that will be required when you make the call include name, phone number, address, nearest landmark and the patient's current medical status.
“Ensure that you get a call reference number before the end of the call to be used when you follow up on the progress of the call.”
All health facilities will remain open to enable South Africans to access health services.
Some of the major routes to be prioritised for ambulances in provinces include:
- The N2, N10, R61 and R72 in the Eastern Cape.
- The N1, N3, N5, N6 and N8 in the Free State.
- The N1, N3, N4, N12, N17, R21, R59 and R101 in Gauteng.
- The N2, N3 and R56 in KwaZulu-Natal.
- The N1, N11, R36, R37, R71, R101, R518, R524, R528 and R579 in Limpopo.
- The N2, N3, N4, N11, N12, N17, R23, R38, R40 and R573 in Mpumalanga.
- The N4, N14, N12, N18 and R30 in the North West.
- The N1, N7, N8, N10, N12, N14, N18, R31 and R382 in the Northern Cape.
- The N1, N2, N7, R27 and R62 in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:52
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