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BENTELER expansion a boost for automotive manufacturing industry

Location: News

BENTELER expansion a boost for automotive manufacturing industry

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, says the expansion of the BENTELER South Africa plant in Gqeberha represents a significant milestone in South Africa's thriving automotive manufacturing industry.

The Minister has welcomed the investment made by BENTELER, which has resulted in the expansion of the Gqeberha plant by over 9 000m2, positioning it as the third hot forming plant in South Africa. The company started operating in Gqeberha in 2011.

Patel said this development reaffirms the nation's growth trajectory and its status as a hub for automotive production, notably in the Eastern Cape province.

During the construction phase, this expansion generated employment opportunities for 236 individuals and provided business opportunities to 42 different companies.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that an additional 50 skilled jobs will be created, increasing BENTELER's workforce from 697 to 743.

“This investment is significant, as it will achieve an annual import replacement value of an estimated R1 billion,” Patel said in his address via a video message.

“The investment is also a testament to the efficacy of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) and the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), operating within the framework of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).

“It highlights the pivotal role played by component manufacturing, a fundamental element of the APDP's objectives, especially in light of the constant evolution in vehicle technologies and manufacturing processes.” 

The Minister said the investment underscores the growing recognition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the advantages of purchasing from localised suppliers.

“OEMs have seen that through local manufacturing of components, they can mitigate offshore supply chain costs, ultimately resulting in the creation of local jobs.” – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 14:00

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Read moreBENTELER expansion a boost for automotive manufacturing industry

From hardship to hope: Appliance repair programme uplifts unemployed mother in Eastern Cape

Location: MyPR

From Hardship to Hope: Appliance repair programme uplifts unemployed mother in Eastern Cape An appliance repair programme in the Eastern Cape is driving a profound positive change in the lives of unemployed women in local communities, including divorced mother of three children, Nomakosazana Fuzile (46), who says it has brought a ray of light in …

Read moreFrom hardship to hope: Appliance repair programme uplifts unemployed mother in Eastern Cape

New Faces And Trading Places – Celebrating The Women Of Cox Yeats

Location: MyPR

Durban, South Africa – “This year marks 100 years since the promulgation of the Women Legal Practitioners Act 7 of 1923, enabling women to practice law and changing the trajectory of the legal profession for ever,” says Andrew Clark, Managing Partner of Cox Yeats in Durban. “We are thrilled to have welcomed four new female …

Read moreNew Faces And Trading Places – Celebrating The Women Of Cox Yeats

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Location: News

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on social partners to work with government to deal with the country’s pressing issues, especially unemployment and climate change.   

The Deputy President took to the podium at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 28th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said intensified economic setbacks, resulting in high unemployment and loss of jobs.

He also spoke about the current condition of the labour market, which he believes is indicative of the legacy of apartheid. 

“We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates, particularly among Africans,” he told the delegates. 

He welcomed the decline in the unemployment rate to 32.6% in the second quarter of this year, this is down from 32.9% in the first quarter. 

“The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such as job losses in manufacturing remain.  

“In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.” 

Through collective efforts, one purpose and shared values, he said, they hold the power to determine the trajectory of South Africa.  

The Deputy President cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who has called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

He noted that NEDLAC has historically sought to collaborate about the big policy choices that face the country. 

“However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners with respect to the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.

“We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.”

Meanwhile, he said the Presidency and Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with government to focus on energy, logistics and crime. 

“It has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth.” 

He also urged social compacts to avoid being mere “talk shops”.  

“NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.” 

Climate change

He also touched on the impact of climate change whether it is the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, high temperatures in Upington or poor air quality in Mpumalanga.

“[This makes] it impossible to cultivate fields… climate change is here.” 

“Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future.”

He believes it will only be through partnerships that they can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms. 

“If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations.”

In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.

“The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:42

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Read moreDeputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption 

Location: News

Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption 

Two Hawks officials at the rank of a Sergeant and Captain will appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning, 8 September 2023 for allegations of corruption.

This comes after the Mthatha-based Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks arrested them during an undercover operation on Thursday, 7 September 2023. 

“It is alleged that on 31 July 2023, a complainant received a call from the suspect who introduced himself as a Hawks official at the rank of a Captain in Gauteng wanting to meet them because the Department of Labour had opened a case against his company.” 

The following month, it is said that the accuser allegedly received another call from the same official demanding R400 000 which the complainant reportedly indicated not to have.

“The complainant further indicated that on 5 September 2023, he received another call from the very same official securing their meeting in Mthatha to bring an amount of R50 000 for the docket to be destroyed and thus close the case.”

The complainant reported the matter to the Hawks and an undercover operation was conducted wherein the suspects were arrested immediately after the transaction. 

“An amount of R10 000 was found in their possession. The duo will appear in Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning.”

The Eastern Cape Hawks Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya expressed his satisfaction with the swift response of the joint operation. 

“Such conduct by our own bring the name of the Hawks into disrepute,” he said, adding that the Hawks will continue to act without favour, fear or prejudice. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:15

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Read moreHawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption 

Algoa FM Celebrates decades of transforming communities on International Charity Day

Location: MyPR

On International Charity Day on September 5, Algoa FM reflects on more than three decades of dedicated community service. For 35 years, Algoa FM has made a profound impact on the lives of people residing within its broadcast footprint through numerous fund-raising drives. Algoa FM’s broadcast footprint extends from the Garden Route to the Wild …

Read moreAlgoa FM Celebrates decades of transforming communities on International Charity Day

Rhodes University Business School Recognized for its focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Location: News

Rhodes Business School
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Rhodes Business School (www.RU.ac.za/BusinessSchool/) is recognized for its focus on sustainability and ethical leadership, after having placed highest amongst Business Schools in PMR.Africa's 2022 national survey on Corporate Care – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programmes and initiatives in South Africa.

Professor Owen Skae, Director of Rhodes Business School, says “The school is proud of this, especially as this survey is not a ranking, but a recognition of decision-makers as to the contribution that we make achieving our vision of transforming business for a better world”.

Founded in 2000, Rhodes Business School's Mission is to “educate and influence responsible business practice, responsibly”.  Rhodes Business School has been applying its mind to sustainability and leadership for a long time. The reason is twofold. “Back in 2004, when this approach was formalized into our curriculum, we saw huge opportunities for all organizations, whether they are private or public, big or small to change the way they did business as this was the only way to grow the economy and narrow the inequality gap that prevailed, whilst ensuring our planet was preserved for future generations. Secondly, we took the view that it could no longer be ‘business as usual' as, the standard approaches to conducting business, were quite simply, unsustainable”, says Skae. “There were sceptics, as there still are today, but we knew we were right and never deviated from what we believed was right.”

The global momentum for ESG reporting is now beyond the point of turning back, bearing in mind that the first International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards were released at the end of July. This is on the back of global sustainable investment reaching USD35.3 trillion in five major markets in 2020, a 15% increase from two years prior as reported by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance in 2020.  “It begs the question, where are the leaders, managers and auditors to come from?”, asks Skae.

“ESG is experiencing a backlash though. We would be naïve to think that it will just be implemented and that is the end of it. Today ESG is front-of-mind for everybody, but regardless of whether you believe it is real or not, you don't have to find it, it will find you”.

All of Rhodes Business School's programmes, from its Diplomas to its MBA are committed to making sure that ESG is found, for all the right reasons. “Our graduates have confirmed that our programmes are truly transformative”.    

The Rhodes MBA is a coursework degree comprising coursework and a research assignment. The degree is offered on a part-time, modular basis over two years.

The admission requirements are, an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, a minimum of three years' work experience and an admission test such as NMAT, GMAT or GRE. Applications close on 31st October 2023.

Rhodes Business School, Rhodes University is located in the rural city of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Its nearest large city is Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

It is committed to impact beyond the classroom as evidenced by its commitment to collaboration in the Makhanda Schools' Leadership Project, which has seen a remarkable turnaround in matriculation results in Makhanda schools. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rhodes Business School.

For more information on how accessible a Rhodes Business School MBA is, email mba@ru.ac.za or visit www.RU.ac.za/BusinessSchool

Read moreRhodes University Business School Recognized for its focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Expansion project to address DNA backlogs

Location: News

Expansion project to address DNA backlogs

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in the analysis of DNA retrieved from crime scenes.

This, after the President Ramaphosa officially opened the DNA expansion project at the Forensic Science Laboratory at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

With the new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, police can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases.

“The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators,” he said.

He added that people who commit crimes against women and children have no place in society.  

“We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put [in] prison and remain there.

“It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed at six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa used the occasion to commend and appreciate all women in the integrated security and law enforcement agencies across all the ranks.

“It is these women who continue to make significant strides in what was previously considered to be male-dominated environments.

“Women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, tactical response teams, search and rescue teams, flying squads and highway patrol units.

“More and more women are becoming pilots and airborne law enforcement officers; forensic, ballistic and DNA analysts; and crime scene reconstruction experts,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said there should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women and no area where they are not able to excel.

“Let me commend the Ministry of Police and the management of the SAPS, and all the heads of other law enforcement agencies, for ensuring that the goal of gender equality in the workplace is closer to becoming a reality.

“Let me also recognise and commend efforts by other departments like the SANDF, Correctional Services, metros and traffic police who are also working to make sure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement.

“We appreciate the struggles of women over the generations that laid the foundation for these accomplishments. We welcome this kind of integration of multiple forces and capabilities led by women in the security and law enforcement space,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:06

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Read moreExpansion project to address DNA backlogs

SA records more than 4 million tourist arrivals

Location: News

SA records more than 4 million tourist arrivals

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to show strong recovery with the first half of 2023 recording more than four million tourist arrivals.

“Our arrival numbers for 2023 are looking good, demonstrating that South Africa is still a favourable tourist destination and we are eager to welcome more tourists as we head into the busy summer season,” said Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.

She said the arrivals demonstrate that South Africa is still a favourable tourist destination.

“South Africa’s tourism sector continues to exhibit strong recovery with the first half of 2023 recording more than 4 million tourist arrivals, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa [Stats SA]. This is a significant increase from the 2, 3 million tourist arrivals between January and June 2022.

The total number of tourist arrivals to South Africa between January and June 2023 showed a sizable 78.2% surge in the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022.

The Minister on Tuesday held the second National Tourism Safety Forum meeting in Cape Town  with various stakeholders in the tourism sector.

De Lille said South Africa receives millions of tourists per year, and the vast majority of visitors return home without any issues and a memorable experience of the country.

The Africa region continues to bring the largest share of tourist arrivals to South Africa with more than three million arrivals from the rest of the African continent in the first six months of 2023.

“This is a testament to the marketing efforts that we have implemented to attract tourists from this region.  Africa remains a key source market for us, and we are committed to collaborating as a tourism sector to make sure we welcome visitors from this region and that we cater for their needs and preferences.

Beyond the African continent, South Africa has welcomed more visitors from other regions too. The Asia region almost doubled its figures with a 99.5% growth compared to 2022.

“This year, Europe, the largest source of visitors outside Africa, also experienced solid growth of 66.8.1%, when compared to the same period in 2022. These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice.”

North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East also demonstrated strong growth trends with rates of 70.6%, 74.4%, and 75.8% respectively.

“These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice.”

Meanwhile, the department is gearing up for the summer season and will be launching the Summer Campaign in two weeks’ time in the Eastern Cape.

Safety

She said the previous meeting of the forum held in May saw all representatives agreed on clear actions to address tourism safety.

”While the latest statistics from StatsSA reveal an upward trend in tourist arrivals, issues of safety are an obstacle in converting would-be tourists to visit our country. As I said after the previous National Tourism Safety Forum meeting, crime is a matter which affects tourism in many parts of the world.”

This was echoed by several tourism ministers from all over the world.

“South Africa is no different and across the world, countries are grappling with these issues with instability and wars in some countries.  While it is the mandate of the SAPS to keep our citizens and visitors safe, we all have a role to play.”

She said progress was made since the last meeting.

In a bid to ensure the safety of tourists in the country, the Department of Tourism will be deploying tourism monitors to all provinces at top tourist attractions and national parks.

The key responsibilities of the appointed tourism monitors include patrolling within the identified attractions and site/ areas, raising tourism awareness and provide information to tourists and report any crime incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant enforcement agencies.

The monitors will be deployed towards the end of October or early November 2023, in time for the summer tourist season.

The department has reviewed the training curriculum for tourism monitors with the departmental budget at R174.5 million, to train more than 2 200 tourism monitors across the country for this financial year.

The key responsibilities of the appointed Tourism Monitors include patrolling within the identified attractions and site/ areas, raising tourism awareness and provide information to tourists and report any crime incidents to SAPS and other relevant enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, an update from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on the C-More tracking device and how best this technology can be incorporated into the Secura app that has been set up by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, was received.

“Through the use of technology, we are enhancing the tourist experience by offering technology and tourism monitors that assist tourists in various attractions as well as on-demand requests through an app.”

She said the app is now up and running and the operations centre will be launched in Sandton on Thursday.

“The Secura App is already being used by tourists and aims to enhance the visitor experience and assist in many ways including roadside assistance and directing those who are lost,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:11

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Read moreSA records more than 4 million tourist arrivals

Progress made in fighting GBV in higher learning institutions

Location: News

Progress made in fighting GBV in higher learning institutions

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says good progress has been made to implement sustainable and impactful measures to address the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in higher learning institutions.

The country’s Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector is home to more than 2.5 million youth with 51% being females.

According to the Minister, 10% of all reported rape cases originate from young women in the higher education sector and only one in ten women report a rape case.

“My Department of Higher Education and Training through Higher Health, has done so much over the past few years to implement sustainable and impactful systems, controls, infrastructure, and safety nets to address the scourge of GBV within the PSET sector.”

The Minister was speaking during the inaugural Transforming MENtalities Summit, which is aimed at engaging men and boys to address the root causes of violence against women.

He said that since launching the GBV Policy Framework in 2020, Higher Health has been putting systems, controls, capacity in institutions to respond to GBV issues.

Higher Health developed a Technical Task team which various PSET stakeholders as well as technical experts who are together developing a multi-sectoral response to issues of GBV in the PSET system.

 “In 2021, the Task Team released procedural guidelines on how to respond to cases of GBV on campus; protocol on rape; and protocol on code of ethics. As part of our Women’s  Month celebration this month, the Task Team released the Protocol on Campus Safety and Security Minimum Standards; the Protocol on Safety in Private Accommodation, the Protocol on Safety in Residences; and Protocol on Staff-Student Relationships,” he said in his address on Tuesday.

“Higher Health is currently working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in developing Protocols on Statement of Complaint, whistleblowing and other legislature requirements for our system.”

The Minister said that Higher Health is continuing to implement various programmes and support structures for students and frontline staff at institutions of higher learning.  Programmes are offered on 420 campuses across South Africa including urban and rural areas.

Civic and Health Education Skills Programme

Another important achievement in addressing GBV in PSET institutions, include the launch of an online National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 Civic and Health Education Skills Programme in July 2023, which is first of its kind in the Global South.

The programme will cover modules that include gender-based violence, and will be offered in all 12 South African languages. 

The Minister said the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will be one of the institutions that will be playing a pivotal role in the sector’s efforts to deepen the fight against GBV.

He said the HSRC will forge a nexus of academics and researchers from South African public universities and various organisations to harness the power of collective insights, rallying men and boys as “staunch allies in our campaign to reduce violence, bolster human rights, and realise gender parity.”

The council will conduct studies that will pinpoint communities at risk. These studies will examine intricate layers of perception, aspiration, and change across KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo. These provinces bears the brunt of reported rape cases.

“Our journey will not be solitary. It will be a collective effort of research networks, embracing institutions such as Nelson Mandela University, University of the Western Cape, University of Venda, and [the] University of KwaZulu-Natal,” Nzimande explained.

He said, the PSET institutions will also be engaged, through seminars and workshops in order to have inclusivity and impact, and the sector’s outreach programme will sensitise young minds to gender issues.

The Transforming MENtalities Summit is based on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Transforming MENtalities initiative, launched in 2015 in Latin America and the Caribbean, and later spread to a number of other countries.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 12:42

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Read moreProgress made in fighting GBV in higher learning institutions

Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape

Location: News

Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela Bay District  SAPS Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, has commended the men and women in blue following significant arrests and confiscations that were recently made.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape said the relentless crackdown on criminals sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.

This as SAPS Humewood arrested a 20-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a business robbery at 12:06 in Govan Mbeki Street. It is alleged that the complainant was in the shop when the suspect entered and threatened him and demanded money. The complainant scuffled with the suspect and managed to apprehend him and confiscated a replica firearm. The suspect was arrested on charges of business robbery.

In another unrelated matter on Wednesday, near Truckers Inn, Public Order Policing were performing crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspect standing nearby. Upon being searched, the suspect was found in possession of a silver revolver (serial number filed off) with six rounds of ammunition. The 25-year-old was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

On Thursday night, police arrested two suspects involved in a house robbery in Perridgevale. It is alleged that the suspects entered a residence occupied by students in Haven Road and stole four cell phones and fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Golf.   

SAPS Mount Road members received information that the blue VW Golf was driving in Sydenham. Suspects were found in Milner Street. The two suspects aged 21 and 22 years were arrested.

On Friday, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a house in Bowles Street in Bloemenda. A revolver with its serial number filed off and eight rounds of ammunition were found. A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

A firearm of which the serial number was filed off, was found when police responded to a complaint in Chase Street, Walmer Location. In addition, 82 rounds of ammunition were found at the scene and confiscated.

The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and Illegal possession of ammunition.

Some of the suspects that were arrested over the course of last week have already appeared in court while others are expected to appear in various courts today, 28 August 2023.

“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens. Your actions would not go unchecked,” Ncata said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 10:50

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Read moreCrackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape

Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion

Location: MyPR

Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion! Tyron Adams (31) is the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Championship Boerewors competition. The Wellington-born chef was up against nine other finalists from across the country at the grand finale held in Somerset West, Cape Town, on 26 August. “I am ecstatic! This was totally unexpected, …

Read moreWellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion

Case against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October

Location: News

Case against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October

The case against owners of the infamous Enyobeni Tavern is expected to continue at the East London Regional Court in October for the beginning of the defence.

The owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were charged with selling or supplying alcohol to teenagers after some 21 young people – some as young as 15 – died while partying at the tavern in June 2022.

The two also face charges of “responsibility for conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years”.

National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the prosecution has completed presenting its case to the court.

“The state has led its last witness in the case against the Enyobeni Tavern couple, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, in the East London Regional Court. Police Detective Captain Gerhard Swart was the last witness to be led by senior state prosecutor Advocate Tango Pangalele during the trial.

“Among the evidence led was from a neighbour of the Ndevu couple, eyewitnesses who were present at the establishment when the incident occurred, Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials and the CCTV footage taken from the establishment on the fateful night,” he said.

Regarding the main case into the cause of death of the 21 youth, Tyali said an inquest is expected to resume in the East London Regional Court next week Thursday.

“The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate, to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths. At this moment, it is unclear what caused the incident and hence the state declined to prosecute.

“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion. More than 30 witnesses, including experts and eyewitnesses, are expected to give evidence,” Tyali said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 09:12

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Read moreCase against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October

Is Your Web Site on THIS List?

Location: MyPR

Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …

Read moreIs Your Web Site on THIS List?

Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility increases accessibility and retail opportunities for this business hub

Location: MyPR

Port Shepstone continues to drive business and investment on the KZN South Coast with the latest development – the Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility – further entrenching this coastal town’s status as a business hub. The estimated R550-million facility will increase accessibility to this key financial destination while opening up investment opportunities in the retail sector. …

Read morePort Shepstone Intermodal Facility increases accessibility and retail opportunities for this business hub

Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Location: News

Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football.

This follows Banyana Banyana making history as the first senior South African national women or men’s football team to progress beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.

In addition, the SPAR Proteas fought gallantly as the host nation in the first ever Netball World Cup to take place on African soil.

Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women’s Month a memorable one.

“I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sports women,” he said on Thursday.

Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts.

In an effort to honour women in sport, Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams, respectively, to celebrate them for raising South Africa’s flag high.

“While government has supported efforts to boost women and youth sports development in the country, it cannot do it alone. All stakeholders must play a role in realising the aim to professionalise women’s football and netball.

“I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring the as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes,” the Minister said.

South African netball team Captain Bongi Msomi spoke of the challenges experienced by women in sport due to the lack of support and recognition.

“A couple of our players have had the opportunity to play oversees based on their hard work. We take way less than what we deserve as women in sport. It is a shame that we have to go on the court constantly and compete against professional athletes.

“There will always be a gap. It does not matter how much effort we put in. Professionalising women sports is a step we have to take and it has to come with speed,” Msomi said.

Due to Banyana Banyana playing for university teams, Vice-Captain Thembi Kgatlana said their competitors at the World Cup undermined them.

“They couldn’t believe that we didn’t have a professional league. They called us students because the majority of us play in the Hollywoodbets and universities. They undermined us but we had a fighting spirit, which led us to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on the past year, which has been challenging for her due to an injury and losing family members during the World cup, she emphasised that it was important for her to represent her country in the tournament.

“It was very difficult. I had not been with Banyana Banyana for a year because of my torn Achilles tendon that I got in July last year at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The first day I got to camp for the World Cup, I got a call to say my father’s aunt passed away.

“While I wanted to go home, I couldn’t because I was part of the team that was trying to sort out the issues that we had before the World Cup. The next morning, my great grandmother passed away.

“They gave me some time to be at home. Afterwards, I left for New Zealand and three days before the World Cup started, my aunt passed away because of womb cancer,” Kgatlana said.

While she was struggling with the news of her family members, Kgatlana ultimately decided to play in the tournament.

“Two days before the match with Italy, I missed training because I had a breakdown. It was very difficult but when I saw my teammates go to training and come back with smiles, I understood what was at stake, qualifying for the last 16. I got strength from my team. They prayed for me and supported me,” she said.

The Minister announced that his department’s infrastructure team will be hard at work at Cala Senior Secondary School and Mchawula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape, building netball courts.

“What set South Africa’s bid apart to host the 2023 Netball World Cup from the rest was its potential to build a legacy in the country. Government has contributed to this legacy by constructing up to 10 multipurpose sports courts in schools,” the Minister said.

These include schools in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some in the Northern Cape and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:31

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Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Location: News

Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has lifted the Section 63 intervention in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM).

Mchunu, together with the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, announced the closure of the department’s section 23 special intervention in the metro during a meeting with the NMBM Council.

Mchunu visited the province on 15 - 16 August 2023 to receive updates and progress reports on water intervention projects in the region.

The metro was placed under the Section 63 intervention early last year to avert Day Zero after facing a high risk of running out of water due to drought, which would have had a dire effect on livelihoods, jobs, the local economy and investment.  

Section 63 (2)(B) of the Water Services Act of 1997, (read with section 139 of the Constitution), provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to intervene at municipal level and take full control of a service delivery programme in instances were Municipalities fail to provide water services as a basic human right.

Announcing the withdrawal of the intervention programme and exit of the department from the metro, Mchunu said he was satisfied with the progress made in the interventions in the metro to avert Day Zero through various short-, medium- and long-term projects to expand water supply.

However, Mchunu said the current water restrictions imposed on the metro when dams started drying up will remain as gazetted.

He said the municipality is expected, for the next 18 months, to report quarterly to the department on the business transformation progress, with particular focus on water conservation and demand management; improving the level of service, and the implementation of the business turnaround strategy to ensure resilience.

Mchunu lauded the municipality for the progress made in recovering from an imminent Day Zero and addressing all water leaks backlogs.

He further urged the metro to pay more attention to improving their demand and consumption, which has not reduced even during the drought season and "may threaten future water security". 

“We hope that after our exit, the metro does not regress and is able to maintain the status quo with all the interventions that have been put in place,” Mchunu said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said, operations are in place to curb the scourge of vandalism. This includes collaboration with communities, security companies and the South African Police Service.

Van Niekerk said the interventions put in place include emergency water supply and expanding water supply through water tankering, and the new groundwater boreholes constructed and linked to distribution system.

Other interventions include upgrades to the Nooidgedacht Water Treatment Works (Low Level Scheme phase 3), which consist of increasing the supply of treated water from Gariep Dam to a total peak supply capacity of 210 megalitres per day, as well as the desalination of sea water as a long-term goal. 

Kouga Municipality hailed for innovative and technological solutions

Meanwhile, Mchunu has hailed Kouga Local Municipality for finding innovative and technological solutions to ensure water security in the municipality.

Accompanied by Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, provincial government and local government officials, Mchunu’s working visit started at Jeffrey’s Bay Water Treatment Works in Kouga Municipality, to assess progress on the Drought Relief Project. 

The municipality was declared a disaster area in 2016 following severe droughts since 2015. This was after dams, including Kouga, Impofu and Churchill, which supply water to the municipality, were not filling due to lack of rainfall, resulting in the municipality losing most of its water allocation from these dams.

As a response to the drought, the department allocated R57 million to Kouga Municipality from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to implement drought relief projects. 

The municipality drilled nine more boreholes, followed by the construction of water treatment plants in Jeffrey's Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and Hankey. 

The municipality has also constructed one of the biggest processing plants in Africa for water contaminated by iron and manganese within the Jeffrey’s Bay Plant to treat water from the boreholes and make it drinkable quality. 

The municipality said these packages are completed and are currently working to treat water being pumped from the boreholes. 

The four water treatment works will allow Kouga Municipality to supply up to 70% of its own average water consumption and rely on the metro for only 30%.

Mchunu said the forward thinking of Kouga is something that many other municipalities can learn from.  

Williams implored leadership in the municipalities to address non-revenue water, improve billing systems, and he encouraged water users to pay for their use in order to keep the systems well functioning.

“We would like to thank the Minister for the intervention and support you are continuously providing to our municipalities. Now it is up to us keep these systems well maintained to ensure continuous services by ensuring that we bill all the users and collect revenue, which in turn will be used to service these water infrastructure and systems,” Williams said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 09:24

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Read moreSection 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay