Education

11 July 2024

More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Location: News

More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Thirteen more National Assembly committees have elected their respective chairpersons on Wednesday.

This followed Tuesday’s committee meetings where 16 committees elected their chairpersons.

The members elected to serve as committee chairpersons include:
• Portfolio Committee on Tourism - Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements - Albert Mammoga Seabi.
• Standing Committee on the Auditor-General - Wouter Wessels.
• Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure - Carol Phiri.
• Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Dr Zweli Mkhize.
• Portfolio Committee on Police - Ian Cameron.
• Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture - Joseph McGluwa.
• Portfolio Committee on Higher Education - Walter Tebogo Letsie.
• Standing Committee on Appropriations - Mmusi Maimane.
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) - Songezo Zibi.
• Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development – Masefako Clarah Dikgale.
• Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition - Mzwandile Masina.
• Portfolio Committee on Agriculture - Dina Pule.
• Portfolio Committee on Land and Rural Development - Tsakani Goodness Shiviti.
• Portfolio Committee on Social Development - Bridget Masango.
• Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy - Nomkhosi Mvana.
• Portfolio Committee on Women - Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa.

The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation postponed its meeting to a later date when it will elect a chairperson.

“The election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for Members of Parliament to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business of Parliament, which requires the attention of committees,” Parliament said.

The National Council of Provinces will elect their respective chairpersons on Thursday and Friday.
National Council of Provinces elects Deputy Chairperson

Meanwhile, during its plenary session on Tuesday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) elected Poobalan Govender to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the Council.

A permanent delegate to the NCOP from KwaZulu-Natal, Poobalan, who is representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, joined the NCOP in the seventh Parliament.

Poobalan has been a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature since 2014 and served on various committees, including Social Development, Economic Development and Tourism.

As NCOP Deputy Chairperson, he will assist the Chairperson in undertaking her duties, providing strategic leadership and will fill in if the Chairperson is unavailable.

This includes representing Parliament in international multilateral forums and the NCOP in international bilateral forums. The Deputy Chairperson also presides over the meetings of the Council when delegated by the Chairperson when she is not available.

During the same sitting, the Council also elected Denis Ryder as the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight and Bhekizizwe Radebe as the House Chairperson for International Relations and Members’ Support.

Kolobe Regina Molokomme who is a Permanent Delegate to the NCOP representing Limpopo, was appointed as the Programming Whip.

The NCOP Programming Whip oversees the programme of the House and works jointly with the Presiding Officers to allocate plenary sessions for debates, consideration of legislation and Select Committee reports.

The Council also designated the NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chief Whip, Kenneth Mmoiemang, and delegates, Advocate Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, and Nicholas Gotsell to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

In terms of the Magistrates Act of 1993, the Council designated the following members to serve on the Magistrates Commission:
• Solomon Patrick Mabilo: (Ms Desery Fienies, alternate);
• Makhi Feni (Ms Mary Ndlangisa-Nodada, alternate); and
• Sylvia Nxumalo (Mr Mtikeni Patrick Sibande, alternate).

Mtshweni-Tsipane was elected as a permanent trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, with Advocate Nonkonyana as an alternate.

The rules of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund require that, following general elections, Permanent Delegates to the NCOP must elect one Permanent Delegate as trustee and one that will serve as an alternate on the Board. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:30

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11 July 2024

Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

Location: News

Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

The Western Cape Education Department has announced its decision to extend the closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts to Friday, following a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).

However, all schools in the other education districts are to re-open tomorrow.

This means that schools in the Cape Town, the West Coast, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will be open tomorrow unless approval has been granted by the Head of Department.

“This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.

The rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes and resulting in the closure of many schools.

According to the provincial department, several schools have also reported flood damage to their premises.

"We have asked that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow.”

These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise.

According to the department, 217 schools across the province have now reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption.

“Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious and require our attention. Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,” Maynier said.

“I am also very appreciative of the support received from school principals and their management teams in implementing the decision to close schools in some of our districts.”

He took the time to thank all parents and caregivers for their support.

“We do not decide to close schools lightly and have the best interests of our learners and teachers at heart when making these decisions,” Maynier added.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rain.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) said the warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.

Parents can use the ‘Find my School’ search finder to confirm if their school falls under these two districts where the schools will be closed by visiting https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:58

434 views

11 July 2024

Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather

Location: News

Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather

The Western Cape Government (WCG) continues to provide shelter, food, and blankets to the homeless as the province faces heavy downpours, resulting in the closure of many schools.

The province announced that schools in the Cape Town metro districts, Cape Winelands and Overberg districts as well as parts of the West Coast district have closed today.

“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain districts in the Western Cape [on Thursday],” Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, said on Wednesday.

According to the MEC, all other schools in the remaining districts will be open unless approval has been granted for closure.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open but are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas.

“So far, 20 schools have been granted permission for closure across the province, the majority of which are in the Cape Winelands district,” the MEC explained.

Over the past few days, 137 schools have reported some form of damage to infrastructure, either because of flooding or heavy winds. Most of the cases are minor, while 49 cases require urgent attention.

Level 8 warning

Meanwhile, a Level 8 warning has been issued by the SAWS for disruptive rain.

This warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.

The province is also expecting strong winds to persist over the interior regions and along the coastal areas of Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas over the next few days.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, the PDMC and other stakeholders are monitoring the series of cold fronts very closely.

“Virtually all WCG departments are working together to mitigate the possible impact of this weather system.

“All stakeholders will remain vigilant, and I urge members of the public to also do so. Disaster management teams are working tirelessly to keep members of the public out of harm’s way. For this, we are very thankful.”

The WCG said they have been working closely with all affected municipalities, national departments, as well as non-government organisations (NGOs), who have been working tirelessly to safeguard lives and assist residents in need during the current floods.

Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner, explained that over the next several days the centre will continue to monitor the situation closely.

He stressed that a critical aspect of the overall response is to ensure all disaster officials and organisations are adequately resourced to keep up the good work they have been doing.

Humanitarian support

Meanwhile, about 4 000 structures have sustained damage across Cape Town, impacting 15 000 people.

“With the help of NGOs, 11 000 hot meals are being provided each day across Cape Town metro to people affected by the weather.”

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is coordinating humanitarian relief efforts for affected communities with partner NGOs like Gift of the Givers Foundation, The Warehouse Foundation, Ashraful Aid, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Islamic Relief SA, and the Community Chest of the Western Cape.

In addition, many rivers are reaching full saturation levels and run-off could increase exponentially. This is being closely monitored by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Dams

Many of the province’s dams are also rising rapidly, with Clanwilliam Dam currently sitting at 90.89%, Berg River Dam increased to 104.06%, the Theewaterskloof Dam at 76%, while Misverstand Dam has risen to 161%.

“A controlled release of water from Wemmershoek Dam into the Berg River was carried out as a precautionary measure. This controlled release is necessary to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.”

Electricity

According to the provincial government, electricity faults are being reduced. However, 11 000 people are still without Eskom power in numerous areas, including Citrusdal, De Doorns and Touwsrivier.

In Delft, around 1 500 Eskom customers are without electricity.

“The power utility is working hard to restore power.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:25

335 views

10 July 2024

Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front

Location: News

Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front

As an intense cold front moves away from most parts of the country, the Western Cape is still at risk as it prepares for a second cold front, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

“The Western Cape faces another cold front as the rest of the country gets a bit of a break from the hectic weather we've faced over the past few days. Strong interior winds are still forecast,” the SAWS said.

The Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape interior and Western Cape have been experiencing wet, cold, and windy conditions with light snow.

The series of cold fronts hitting the country also brought widespread and disruptive snowfall over the southern and western high ground.

This was accompanied by damaging winds over the interior and the coastline as well as high seas along coastal areas.

The Western Cape saw severe disruptions and damage, including loss of shelter in informal settlements, fallen trees, electricity outages and road closures due to snow or flooding.

The weather services has since upgraded the Western Cape’s weather warning from level 6 to 8.

According to reports, the inclement weather in the Western Cape affected 7 000 structures in informal settlements across Cape Town after 70 neighbourhoods were flooded.

The Liesbeek, Lotus and Eerste rivers in Cape Town have all begun to burst their banks.

“We’re still expecting a lot of strong wind and rain this week. Please stay safe. City teams are addressing each localised flooding situation,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the wet and cold conditions prevented five schools from re-opening yesterday as public schools began their third term across the country.

According to the WCED, the schools were closed due to either flooding, inaccessibility to access routes or damage to the school building.

In addition, 82 schools have reported damages, of which most cases were minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious.

“This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off,” the provincial department said, adding that repair work has already begun on some projects.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed his gratitude to the province’s disaster management teams and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly throughout this difficult period.

“Your steadfast dedication to serving the residents of this province is deeply appreciated,” said Winde.

KwaZulu-Natal

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal has been dealing with extremely high fire danger conditions.

The KwaZulu-Natal department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed veld fires in uMlalazi Local Municipality in Eshowe where a 67-year-old was burnt to death when his house caught fire.

King Cetshwayo District is said to be one of the most affected areas, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities.

According to the provincial department, 144 people in the district were affected, leaving 53 people homeless after 48 homes were partially damaged and 27 destroyed.

“The department is working closely with the municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.”

Eastern Cape

Strong winds continue to wreak havoc in the Eastern Cape, damaging houses and disrupting the flow of traffic on the roads as vehicles have been toppled over, on the N2 near Dutywa.

“Road users, motorists in particular, are urged to be extra cautious or avoid being on the road completely if their travelling is not essential,” the Eastern Cape Transport Department said.

On Tuesday afternoon, the provincial department finally reopened the Barkly Pass on the R58 Road between Barkly East and Elliot to traffic, after it was closed for 30 hours, due to heavy snowfall, on the morning of Monday.

“Graders had to be used to clear off the thick blanket of snow that stubbornly covered the road surface.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:58

506 views

10 July 2024

Western Cape storms: “worse is still to come”

Location: News

Schools to close across the province as another storm hits, with about 15,000 people already severely affected by floods and damaging winds

10 July 2024

MEC saddened by deaths of Gauteng learners

Location: News

MEC saddened by deaths of Gauteng learners

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed sadness at the accident that claimed the lives of 11 learners from the Rocklands Primary School and one learner from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.

Wednesday’s accident also claimed the life of the driver.

Early this morning, the department received a distressing report from officials indicating that a private scholar transport mini-bus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver.

Additionally, seven other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.

It is alleged that the learner transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently caught fire.

This horrific accident is alleged to have occurred at around 6:45am and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support team to the schools to provide immediate support and to work closely with the school and affected families.

“Counselling services will be made available to all learners and staff members to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.

"I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both schools’ entire community during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish all injured learners a speedy recovery,” Chiloane said.

MEC Chiloane has visited the scene of the accident and the schools. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 14:49

145 views

10 July 2024

Teaching Kids Nutrition: A Vital Step in Combating Childhood Obesity in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Earlier this year, we launched our Taste Explorers Cookbook in collaboration with renowned registered dietitian Dr. Monique Piderit. Packed with over 25 nutritious recipes, it helps parents create healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their kids. Building on this success and driven by the shocking statistics of childhood obesity in South Africa, B-well …

10 July 2024

National Assembly elects chairpersons of committees

Location: News

National Assembly elects chairpersons of committees

The newly established committees of the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday elected chairpersons of some of the committees.

These committees are the engine rooms of Parliament, where, among others, the work of the executive is scrutinised.

“The elected chairpersons will play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee,” Parliament said in a statement.

They are also responsible for ensuring that committee decisions are compiled into a report and tabled in the respective House.

“The role of committees includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making,” Parliament said.

Committee meetings are generally open to the public, where ordinary South Africans can express their opinions directly and, in this way, influence the outcome of Parliament's decisions.

Portfolio Committees

According to the NA Rules, the Speaker, acting with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, must establish a range of portfolio committees and determine a name for each committee. This was done last week.

There are 30 portfolio committees. Each committee has both full members and several alternate members.

The Speaker may also determine, with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, the size (number of members per party) of the portfolio committee.

Political parties appoint the members that will represent them on a committee and advise the Speaker accordingly. Parties must appoint their members within five working days after the establishment of a committee by the House.

Only 16 of the 30 portfolio committees met to elect chairpersons on Tuesday and the remaining 14 will convene their meetings today.

The elected chairpersons are as follows:

Portfolio Committee on Health – Dr Sibongiseni Dlhomo

Standing Committee on Finance – Dr Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi
Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources - Mr Mikateko Mahlaule
Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation - Mr Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development- Mr Xola Nqola
Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour – Mr Boyce Maneli
Portfolio Committee on Public Administration- Mr Jan Naude De Villiers
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - Mr Leon Basson
Portfolio Committee on Communications and Technologies - Ms Khusela Sangoni
Portfolio Committee on Transport - Mr Selelo Selamolela
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services - Ms Anthea Ramolobeng
Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment - Ms Nqabisa Gantsho
Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans - Mr Dakota Legoete
Portfolio Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation - Ms Teliswa Mgweba
Portfolio Committee on Basic Education - Ms Khomotjo Joy Maimela
Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs - Mr Mosa Chabane

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:06

89 views

10 July 2024

Gauteng online learner registration process to start on Thursday

Location: News

Gauteng online learner registration process to start on Thursday

The Gauteng Department of Education says online registration for the 2025 academic year for Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions will begin on Thursday, 11 July 2024, at 8am and end on Monday, 12 August 2024, at midnight.

The department has stressed that as long as parents apply online and on time, their children are assured to be placed at a school in time for the 2025 academic year.

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona appealed to parents to apply on time.

He said parents are allowed to choose a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools.

Placements for pupils will begin on 16 September.

Mabona said parents who have no access to internet services must use any of the department’s 80 centres across the province, and they will not be charged a fee.

The spokesperson said the online process has improved and is user-friendly.

“Our system has improved and we can assure parents that problems experienced in the past will not happen again,” Mabona said.

In the past, the system had experienced challenges and would remain offline due to high volumesof applications received.

Required documents for online applications

- SA parent ID or passport and child’s birth certificate or passport.

- Refugee permit.

- Asylum seeker permit.

- Permanent residence permit.

- Study permit.

- Proof of home address.

- Proof of work address.

- Latest Grade 7 school report (Grade 8 applicants only).

- Clinic card/immunisation report (Grade 1 applicants only). – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:39

22 views

9 July 2024

Gauteng Education commits to implementing Mayibuye Primary School remedial actions

Location: News

Gauteng Education commits to implementing Mayibuye Primary School remedial actions

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has committed to implementing the remedial actions of a Public Protector report into the construction of Mayibuye Primary School.

The report is a result of an investigation into allegations that the functionaries of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) as well as the province’s education department built the school on an old sewer line without conducting a wetland study and spent millions of Rands on an incomplete project.

According to the report, the original cost of the project stood at just over R80 million. However, the revised contract ballooned the cost to an estimated R106 million.

“This report, issued under Section 182(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 8(1) of the Public Protector Act, scrutinises whether the GDID and GDE adhered to legal prescripts and procedures during the construction of Mayibuye Primary School and whether their actions constituted maladministration and undue delay.

“The investigation found a lack of procedural integrity in the procurement and supply chain management procedures used in building the school. Additionally, the report alleges that a critical wetland study was not conducted before construction began, suggesting further improper conduct and maladministration,” the department said.

The GDE has acknowledged the findings of the report.

“The GDE… is committed to implementing the recommended remedial actions.

“Such implementation includes ensuring continuous compliance and strict monitoring mechanisms of the Project Plan, which was already provided to the Public Protector on 14 June 2024, to ensure that the school is fully operational in line with the efficient and economic management of the working capital in terms of S 38(1)(c)(iii) of the PFMA,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

According to the National School of Government, the intent of the programme is to strengthen governance on the African continent and to professionalise public servants of partner countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, Principal of the National School of Government, Professor Busani Nqcaweni, said he is delighted at the partnership between the NSG and the Tshwane University of Technology.

“We felt we needed to partner with an institution that can share our ideas,” Prof Nqcaweni said.

Prof Nqcaweni explained that the postgraduate Diploma is for African public servants.

“This qualification is the first on the continent and we trust that TUT will be able to deliver the programme,” he said, adding that the signing of the MoU did not come easy for TUT - having been nominated from 26 universities.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at enhancing interaction among African public servants beyond formal high-level meetings which will bring together cohorts of students from across the continent encouraging a trans disciplinary approach to governance challenges.

Prof Mashupye Herbet Maserumule, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at the Tshwane University of Technology, said the relationship between the two institutions was long overdue.

“We are the most affordable and accessible university in South Africa and we attract more than 1000 foreign students,” he said, adding that the institution wants to be ready for the changing world of work.

“We are looking forward to this interesting relationship and partnership, and we as the institution have an obligation to share knowledge and education,” he said.

Professionalising the public service

The target audience for the course is public servants across the African continent but it will also be offered to the general public.

Participants will be expected to spend at least a week at a public service institution in another country in an exchange programme.

The partnership between NSG and TUT is expected to significantly contribute to the professionalisation of the public service across Africa, enhancing governance and aligning with the continent's developmental goals.

The new programme seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate education opportunities in member countries and to offer a regionally recognised qualification.

The conceptualisation and design of this programme is aligned to the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 to implement developmental programmes and to realise the aspiration for good governance in Africa.

Mandate

The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA).

The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems.

The NSG is furthermore expected to ensure service delivery impact by supporting institutional performance.

The work of the NSG has also been enhanced by the decision of government to make building a capable, ethical and developmental state the number one priority among the seven priorities outlined in the 2019-2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase to middle and senior management as well as executive management. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:48

396 views

5 July 2024

South Africans Demand Accountability And Unity From New Government

Location: MyPR

Afrika Tikkun calls for the Government of National Unity to ensure accountability and serve national interests. 03 July 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa: – Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet announcement, South Africans are demanding that the newly established historic coalition government must close the door on exploitation, delivering tangible change to a nation crippled by …

4 July 2024

NSG, TUT to sign MOU

Location: News

NSG, TUT to sign MOU

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to align, accredit, register and deliver a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Affairs and African Governance - a first of its kind in Africa.

The intent of the programme is to strengthen governance on the African continent and to professionalise public servants of partner countries.

The programme seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate education opportunities in member countries and to offer a regionally recognised qualification.

The conceptualisation and design of this programme is aligned to the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 to implement developmental programmes and to realise the aspiration for good governance in Africa.

The National School of Government seeks to build and to locate the strategic and operational capabilities of public service education and training provision within the State.

The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA).

The proclamation made the NSG a national government department under the portfolio of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase to middle and senior management as well as executive management.

Its expanded mandate also includes Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and political office-bearers, where the focus includes building expertise on economic governance, political oversight and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 10:07

611 views

4 July 2024

Lesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet

Location: News

Lesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced his Cabinet that will lead the seventh administration of the provincial government.

The new provincial Cabinet was announced on Wednesday evening.

“Today, we bring to you the new leadership and Members of the Executive Council (MEC), assigned to steer the ship towards a better Gauteng.

“The team, will from this week, start their work of consolidating the election manifestoes of our different parties so that we can develop a shared vision for Gauteng, a shared vision of prosperity, a shared vision of service delivery, a shared vision to eliminate crime, corruption and lawlessness,” he said.

The new MECs are:

MEC for e-Government is Bonginkosi Dlamini.
MEC for Finance and Economic Development is Lebogang Maile.
MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is Matome Chiloane.
MEC for Health and Wellness is Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko.
MEC for Roads and Transport is Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
MEC for Human Settlements is Tasneem Motara.
MEC for Social Development is Faith Mazibuko.
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development is Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Jacob Mamabolo.
MEC for Environment is Sheila Mary Peters.

Lesufi explained that the formerly stand alone Department of Community Safety will now move to the Office of the Premier in a bid to strengthen the fight against crime.

“The fight against crime is going to be the centre of this government. We are migrating this responsibility to the Office of the Premier so that we can lead and champion the fight against crime, corruption and lawlessness.

“We can’t surrender our province to criminals. We can’t be scared of our own shadows and convert our own houses to be prisons because criminals are doing as they wish. We strongly believe the utilisation of creative ways of technology, innovation and the increase of personnel to fight crime in our province must be a priority.

“If there is one priority for the seventh administration and the government of Gauteng in the next five years, it’s our relentless efforts to confront and fight crime head on,” he said.

Government of Provincial Unity

The provincial executive is constituted of members from different political parties – forming a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

The political parties represented in the provincial cabinet are the African National Congress, the Inkatha Freedom Party, Rise Mzansi and the Patriotic Alliance.

According to Lesufi, other political formations party to the GPU “chose to use the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as their terrain of operation”.

The formation of the GPU was necessitated after no political party received an outright majority following the National and Provincial Elections in May.

The Premier emphasised that although the MECs hail from different parties, they remain committed to serving the people of Gauteng.

“We accept, without any conditions the outcome of our elections and the desires of our electorate that all political parties must work together to run our provincial government. In doing so, we must be matured; we must be sober; we must understand each other at all times. These are uncharted waters; these are opportunities that are presented to us by our voters.

“We’ve been asked to work together - to work together we will do. We’ve been asked to combine our thoughts for a better Gauteng - to combine our thoughts, we will do, together. We’ve been asked to leave no one behind. Today, we all declare that no one, will be left behind unless they choose not to be part of the [GPU].

“I want to emphasise this: there is no door that is closed. This door will be permanently open and those that want to join [the GPU] will be free to join it,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 10:13

298 views

4 July 2024

Crown Relocations South Africa Joins the Fight Against Period Poverty by Supporting #GirlDontSkipADay Initiative

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, July 2024 – Leading global relocations company, Crown Relocations South Africa, has taken a crucial step towards ensuring that no girl child is unable to attend school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. Through their Crown Africa Coronets Group, they have donated 230 sanitary pads to the Foundation for Special Needs Children …

3 July 2024

Now the work begins: DP, Ministers and Deputy Ministers sworn in

Location: News

Now the work begins: DP, Ministers and Deputy Ministers sworn in

The new Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the seventh administration have been sworn into office in Cape Town.

The cohort took their oath of office or solemn affirmation in a ceremony officiated by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Wednesday.

WATCH |

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile watched on and congratulated the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers that he appointed in terms of the powers vested in him by the Constitution.

Addressing members of the media following the swearing-in ceremony, President Ramaphosa said the ceremony was a historic moment.

“It has been a very difficult and complicated process. It’s now come to an end and to a start. It’s a fresh start for all of us in South Africa. Today was a historic moment in constituting the Executive of our country in the form of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who have all collectively been assuring me… that they are going to work and they are going to make South Africans proud.

“The trust that our people have invested in all these men and women... We will not waste time. We will work very hard to take our country forward,” he said.

The first to take the oath of office was Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

In taking the oath, the Deputy President said: “In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic; and I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic, and oppose all that may harm it;

be a true and faithful counsellor;
discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience;
do justice to all; and
devote myself to the well-being of the Republic and all of its people

“So help me God."

Then it was the turn of the newly minted executive to take the oath of office or solemn affirmation.

The oath or affirmation compels them – amongst others – to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and to uphold the Constitution and all other laws while in office.

See our Special Feature | Meet the new Cabinet

New path

Unlike previously, the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers are from an array of political parties as a result of the formation of the Government of National Unity.

The cohort boasts some of South Africa’s youngest minds to enter office, including the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, 34; new Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, also 34; Finance Deputy Minister Ashor Sarupen, 36 and 32-year-old Deputy Minister of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi.

On social media platform X, Gwarube said: “Thank you all for the well wishes! Being appointed the Minister of Basic Education is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly. The future of the country rests on how well this department that I lead does its work.”

New faces to the Cabinet include Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi.

In a post on X, Schreiber said: “It is my honour to be appointed as Minister of Home Affairs for the Republic of South Africa. I pledge to serve you to the best of my abilities and in a spirit of collaboration, to demonstrate that South Africans can fix even the most intractable problems when we work together.”

There are some returning faces to South Africa’s Cabinet and deputy ministries.

These include Sihle Zikalala, who will be serving as Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

Zikalala served as Minister of that department during the sixth administration.

“As we continue this work, we do so with a steadfast commitment to put maximum efforts towards bettering the poor and work with all stakeholders.

“Together, we must make relentless strides to address unemployment, poverty and inequality. I congratulate the new Minister of DPWI, Dean MacPherson, and wish him all the best in his new assignment and look forward to working with him,” Zikalala said in a statement.

At the end of the swearing-in ceremony, Director General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, wished the leaders of the seventh administration well.

“Congratulations to the new National Executive and the Deputy Ministers on your appointment. We wish you well in your duties and endeavours to create a better South Africa and a better world,” Baleni said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 07/03/2024 - 14:34

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