Parliament unimpressed by NSFAS’s turnaround region
Student funding scheme given seven working days to answer portfolio committee’s questions
Education
Pact to fund STEM postgrad students
Pact to fund STEM postgrad students
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Energy Mobility Education Trust have concluded a three-year partnership agreement to fund postgraduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and commerce fields.
The agreement is said to focus on traditionally marginalised groups and contribute to the transformation of the education landscape, with a specific focus on South Africans who are Black, female or people with a disability.
According to the Energy Mobility Education Trust CEO, Vuyo Mwase, the move will promote academic, scientific, and technological cooperation by supporting full-time studies for South African postgraduate students at the Honours level for the first year and Master’s and Doctoral levels from 2024.
“The Energy Mobility Education Trust has championed the attainment of formal qualifications in STEM and commerce for over years,” said Mwase.
The CEO also noted the lack of funding for postgraduate studies.
“As such, this complementary and strategic partnership with the NRF strengthens our position and commitment to narrowing this gap. Additionally, our partnership will augment the much-needed innovation in developing and managing the current and emerging renewable energy systems,” Mwase explained.
The programme will initially provide funding opportunities for 38 Honours students for the 2023 academic year, with an initial investment of R6.8 million, with Master’s and Doctoral programmes to start in 2024.
Funding for postgraduate students will be made available in the STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mathematical science, data science, computer science, green economy, renewable energy and climate change studies.
The first phase of the programme will support students from the Universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo, Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Western Cape and Johannesburg.
The NRF’s Dr Mbulelo Ncango is of the view that the scholarship programme comes at a critical time as South Africa strives to respond to energy and climate change challenges amongst many other national concerns.
“This partnership is aligned with national policy goals on higher education, science, and technology such as the strengthening of human resource development and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 15:00
178 views
Two more children die after consuming sweets, chips from vendor in Westonaria
Two more children die after consuming sweets, chips from vendor in Westonaria
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) announced on Thursday that two toddlers have lost their lives following a food poisoning incident in the West Rand.
This is after four boys aged two, three, four and six allegedly consumed sweets and chips from a vendor at West Deep in Westonaria.
“Sadly, this resulted in two of the boys, aged two and three, being declared dead on arrival at Bekkersdal West Community Health Centre,” the department said.
The other two boys have been transferred to Leratong Hospital for observation and further management and are in stable condition.
The department has offered trauma counselling services to the affected families.
This recent tragedy brings the number of children who have died from food poisoning-related incidents to four.
Neo Khang and Katlego Mbatha, both six years old, lost their lives on Sunday after eating biscuits and juice from a local shop in Naledi, Soweto.
“The GDoH would like to pass its heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones and also wish speedy recovery to those currently admitted at hospitals.”
Meanwhile, outbreak response teams in both Johannesburg and West Rand districts continue to be on the ground in Naledi and West Deep and surrounding areas engaging locals and conducting health education.
The awareness campaign focuses on food handling, preparation, storage and food safety, the importance of checking food expiry labels and hand washing before handling food.
Part of the advocacy work, the department said, includes reaching out to vendors and spaza shops in the area to check compliance in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and food labelling regulations.
“The outbreak response team has visited the affected families to provide support and counselling and to conduct further investigations in the households.”
The department urges the public to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with symptoms such as vomiting, sudden chest pains, body aches, fever or foam in the mouth. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:30
416 views
Eskom Expo honours young scientists with bursaries, cash prizes, and tech rewards
At this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair, young scientists have reaped the benefits of their hard work and ingenuity, receiving full- and partial bursaries, cash prizes, laptops, tablet computers, and opportunities for work-based exposure during their school holidays. The fair was held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from …
Promoting World AIDS Day with Branded Products in 2023
Introduction World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December, is a poignant reminder of the relentless fight against HIV/AIDS. This global day of remembrance and action underscores the critical need for continued awareness and education about this global epidemic. But how can corporations join the cause while also subtly enhancing their brand visibility? Enter the …
University Drop-Out’s Huge Ideas Manufacture Waves In Tech Industry
Born and raised in Thembisa, Johannesburg, young Mongezi Masombuka (30) is the founder and Managing Director of a successful IT and business solutions company and is steadily making waves in the tech industry. Having only recently celebrated his 30th birthday, Masombuka has already conquered a myriad of challenges. Stopping at nothing, his passion for knowledge …
Awareness drive intensified after Soweto poisoning incident
Awareness drive intensified after Soweto poisoning incident
The Gauteng Health Department's Outbreak Response team has committed to intensify its awareness drive following a food poisoning incident in Soweto.
This comes after Neo Khang and Katlego Mbatha, both six years old, lost their lives after they ate biscuits and juice bought from a local shop on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a three-year-old boy is recovering well from home, while two are currently admitted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
“A four-year-old male who is recovering well and is due for discharge and a six-year-old girl who remains critical but stable in ICU.”
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the response team visited the affected families to provide support and counselling and to conduct further investigations.
They also spent time at Naledi and surrounding areas engaging locals and conducting health education about food handling, preparation, storage and food safety.
They also shared the importance of checking food expiry labels, and hand washing before handling food and sensitising them on what to do when presenting with food poisoning symptoms.
These include cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
“The health education also covered spaza shops in the area and includes checking compliance in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and food labelling regulations.”
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has since passed her condolences to the families that have lost their children and wished a speedy recovery to those who are still receiving medical care.
“The tragic incident is another painful reminder that we must do more to ensure greater public awareness and increase the level of alertness when it comes to the foodstuffs communities are exposed to,” she said.
The department is urging the public to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with symptoms such as vomiting, sudden chest pains, body aches, fever or foam in the mouth.
The outbreak response team comprised of health inspectors from the municipality and the province, Ward-Based Outreach Teams, Communicable Disease Control specialists, Surveillance Officers, Infection Control and Health Promoters will continue to conduct awareness campaigns in Naledi and surrounding areas on Thursday and Friday.
“The police have since taken samples for further processing. The source of the food poisoning is not confirmed subject to the police investigation.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 12:38
436 views
Educators honoured at National Teaching Awards
Educators honoured at National Teaching Awards
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to reinforcing teacher support and prioritising the professional growth of those who are the key drivers of basic education.
On behalf of the nation's people, the Deputy President saluted all teachers for their commendable and unparalleled contributions.
“Acknowledging that teaching is a labour of love and passion, as Government we are committed to reinforcing teacher support, and prioritising the professional growth of the women and men who are key drivers of basic education.
“Such a posture is critical in that it boosts their personal prowess and propels our schools towards unparalleled achievements. The wellness of all public servants in the Department of Basic Education must as such remain a priority, " he said.
The Deputy President was delivering remarks at the National Teachers’ Awards, held at the Hatfield Christian Church in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria on Thursday.
This year marks 23 years since the first National Teachers’ Awards took place as spearheaded by the former Minister of Education, the late Professor Kader Asmal.
Mashatile said the awards will always serve as a reminder of the contributions of Professor Asmal to social transformation in South Africa, to the extent that the Lifetime Achievement Award is named after him.
The Deputy President used his address to recognise the daily achievements of teachers who quietly inspire students to overcome obstacles in life by believing in them, igniting a passion for learning in young, bright minds, and quietly planting the seeds of optimism for a better future in the classroom.
He said these are the triumphs that may not always make headlines, but carry children and youth towards the kind of prosperous society that we all envisage.
“In celebrating our teachers today, let us therefore renew our commitment to supporting them in every possible way, for in their success lies the success of our nation,” he said.
The Deputy President highlighted that unemployment, poverty and inequality are the three main challenges that plaque society today, adding that youth, women and other marginalised groups bear the brunt of these.
It is therefore, he said, the government’s responsibility to ensure that its policies are aligned across various departmental priorities.
“Our commitment to building a brighter future for our children is unwavering. We have taken note of the challenges, particularly concerning reports that our young learners struggle to read for meaning. A fundamental aspect of improving our education system hinges upon building robust foundations of literacy and numeracy from the earliest ages,” he said.
Mashatile highlighted that the system shift of Early Childhood Development (ECD) from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education is a testament to governmnet’s dedication to this cause.
He said this offers a ripe opportunity to instil these foundational competencies right from the early stages of education.
Turning to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Mashatile said it presents both challenges and opportunities for us.
With the introduction of avant-garde subjects like Coding, Robotics, Data Analytics, and Science Technology, he said government aims to keep South Africa at the forefront of global innovation.
“Our fervent belief is that by equipping our learners with these competencies, we're not only making them globally competitive but are also paving the way for a technologically advanced and prosperous nation.
“We recognise that our teachers must be equally adept and updated to achieve this. We've begun substantial investments in training programmes to ensure our educators are well-versed with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and others.
“By doing this, we aim to cultivate a symbiotic growth pattern where our educators and learners evolve together, harnessing the boundless potential of the digital age,” he said.
Turning to climate change and the recent climatic disasters, the Deputy President said these events and others highlight the urgent need for environmental education and training in order to equip communities with the requisite skills and capacity to both respond to, and prepare for the inevitability of climate disasters.
He emphasised that education has an important role in raising awareness and changing behaviour. Globally, educators are tasked with the monumental role of raising awareness about climate change and nurturing a proactive generation in finding solutions.
“As we charter our course into this new era, the importance of a well-rounded, technologically adept, and socially responsible education cannot be emphasised enough.
“And at the heart of this mission are all the teachers of our country - those of you honoured today, and those who also dedicate themselves in earnest to the development of our children and youth through education. Let us continue on this journey, hand in hand, as we mould future generations that are equipped, empowered, and enlightened,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:57
389 views
Without Ma Rosey, these children would get nothing all day but sugar water
Mthatha mother battles to feed the children who come to her day care centre
Small-scale farmers suffer devastating losses after Western Cape floods
At a Genadendal farm, nearly 500 chickens drowned, and over 50 pigs are missing
Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock
Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has urged the private sector to continue to work in partnership with government to increase affordable housing stock in the major metropolitan and secondary cities.
This is so as to prevent a repeat of recent disasters.
Kubayi made the call as South Africa joined the global community in celebrating World Habitat Day on Monday.
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
This year's World Habitat Day was commemorated under the theme: “Resilient Urban Economies. Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery.”
Kubayi noted that the metropolitan and intermediary cities have, according to recent figures, experienced rapid urbanisation than major metropolitan cities and therefore putting pressure on infrastructure and the provision of sustainable human settlements.
She reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the upgrading of informal settlements, which was one of the resolutions adopted at the 2023 UN-Habitat Assembly held in June, to “Accelerating the Transformation of Informal Settlements and Slums by 2023”.
“Sustainable human settlements affect every aspect of people’s lives and communities’ development.
“Creating and managing better places to live, not only addresses economic opportunities, poverty and inequality but also fosters inclusion through provision of dignity, access to basic services and transport and creating improved living environments that foster food security, education, health, gender equality, resilience, and the protection of vulnerable groups,” Kubayi said.
The UN-Habitat Assembly adopted numerous critical resolutions to change the trajectory for the achievement of sustainable human settlements and adequate housing, in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
One of the resolutions identifies key actions to be undertaken globally to accelerate the transformation of informal settlements, as a vital entry point and catalyst for sustainable development by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
The Minister highlighted that during 2023/2024 financial year, over R4 billion has been allocated towards the upgrading of informal settlements.
“Additionally, over R7 billion Urban Settlements Development Grant (USGD) has been allocated to Metropolitan Municipalities to increase housing stock and deliver basic services of the cities’ residents,” Kubayi said.
Commenting on the recent fire at Cemetery View in Pretoria East, Tshwane that affected over 2 000 households, the Minister said the location of the informal settlements is an indication that people want to live closer to places of work.
However, she underlined that government initiatives working with the private sector are meant for qualifying beneficiaries.
Title Deeds Friday Campaign
Meanwhile, Kubayi has announced that the department will during the month of October, launch a Title Deeds Friday Campaign, aimed at mobilising the beneficiaries of fully subsidised houses to collect their title deeds at municipality offices.
The campaign, which was part of the outcomes of a recent meeting held between the Minister and MECs responsible for Human Settlements in provinces, will also see the MECs and councillors setting aside part of their Fridays to dispatching and encouraging beneficiaries to collect their title deeds.
“We must never be in a position where we unnecessarily keep people’s title deeds in our buildings. Our aim is to have cleared over 30 000 title deeds currently at our disposal by February 2024,” Kubayi said.
The Title Deeds Friday Campaign is expected to be launched with communities of MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa), north of Tshwane in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 08:56
129 views
Salt River heritage festival: knowing the past to shape a better world
On Saturday new giant murals were unveiled in the historic suburb
Practical partnerships forged for growth and jobs – President Ramaphosa
Practical partnerships forged for growth and jobs – President Ramaphosa
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is forging practical partnerships for growth and job creation.
The President highlighted that he recently met with business leaders and the leadership of the country’s four labour federations respectively, where they agreed to work more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy.
“These efforts are important because an economy that is growing slowly cannot create enough jobs. It can also not generate enough revenue for government to fully implement the programmes needed to improve people’s lives.
“The fact that the country’s debt service costs are the fastest growing budget item means that spending on education, health, social protection and infrastructure come under even greater pressure.
“We are acting with increased focus and effort to remove the most immediate constraints on growth and doing so together with our social partners,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said that the economy is now larger than it was before the pandemic and the two million jobs that were lost have largely been recovered.
Yet, he said, the combination of global economic instability and the effects of the electricity crisis have meant that the economy continues to grow too slowly and is unable to create jobs at the pace needed.
While government has done much to implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which was launched in October 2020, the President said that they have always maintained that the success of its efforts would depend on greater partnership across society.
“Our collaboration with business, for example, has moved far beyond discussions. Since June this year, government has been working closely with Business for South Africa on critical actions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption,” he said.
The President highlighted that last week’s meeting confirmed that good traction has been achieved in these areas, most notably in the work being done by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) to end load shedding and achieve energy security.
He further highlighted that a good example of the work being done is the mobilisation by business of additional capacity and skills to support the recovery of Eskom’s power plants.
This includes the deployment of technical support teams to five power stations, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka, and experts to help speed up the repair of units at Kusile power station that were damaged in November last year. This weekend, he said, Kusile unit 3 was returned to service two months earlier than planned.
“Full implementation of the plan to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations, add new generation capacity and reform the energy sector is expected to result in over 12 000 megawatts of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system by the end of 2024,” the President said.
Turning to the freight rail network, President Ramaphosa said work is underway to improve the operational performance of the bulk freight rail network and port system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC).
“Corridor recovery teams have been established for five strategic rail corridors, comprising Transnet executives, industry representatives and independent experts. They are working to urgently increase the volume of freight traffic on our rail lines,” he said.
Through this collaboration, the President said, business is working with government to build capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the South African Police Service to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
The President said that this work is being made possible by the willingness and determination of all social partners to collaborate on practical actions that make a measurable difference in the performance of the economy.
“While these partnerships may take different forms and may be at different stages of advancement, both business and labour have shown their commitment to work with government to address these challenges.
“It is this kind of cooperation in action, even more so than negotiated agreements, that gives meaning to the concept of a social compact that is based on achievable outcomes.
“Yet, while we have together identified key milestones and timeframes, the success of all these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives of the South African people,” the President said.
From the progress that has been made to date, President Ramaphosa said he is certain that “this is a task at which we will together succeed”. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:21
1494 views
Jabaar Mohamed shines at SAFTAs
Jabaar Mohamed shines at SAFTAs
‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ TV talk show host, Jabaar Mohamed, could hardly believe it when he received news of his SAFTA nomination.
“When I got the email that I had been nominated, I was like, ‘for real? Me Jabaar, a Deaf person in the SAFTAs? Many in our society still see and treat our deafness and disability as a limit,” Mohamed told SAnews a day after being honoured with the Outstanding Person With Disability Contributor Award at the 2023 edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) held in Midrand, Gauteng.
The SAFTAs honour and celebrate excellence, quality and innovation in South African cinema and television.
Mohamed, the Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, was nominated for the award by Cape Town TV, the station that airs ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ (previously called the ‘Disability Show’. He has been with the channel since 2018. During COVID-19, in July 2020, the show’s name was changed to ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’.
Mohamed said in all his time doing the show, he never thought he would one day be at the SAFTAs. He ventured into the TV show because he felt marginalised because of his disability.
“Imagine feeling marginalised because of a disability that you are living with. As unfair as this sounds, it is the reality for many South Africans trying to access opportunities in an environment that doesn’t cater for their special needs.
“People with disabilities constantly have to prove their capabilities to an often prejudiced and ignorant world, leaving many of them feeling that they can’t reach their full potential.
“‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is a talk show that confronts misconceptions about ‘disabilities and the disadvantaged’ community through informative and engaging conversations so that the broader public can see the benefits of having an inclusive society,” Mohamed said.
‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ plays a role in changing the narrative of people with disabilities by highlighting powerful universal stories that make for uplifting content.
“The show plays the role of informing members of the community about opportunities and tips on not only coping with a disability but flourishing with it.
“Guests come into the studio to discuss issues pertaining to disabilities, which also features documentary inserts, where the show gets out into the field to interact with the disability community and uncover the issues that they confront in their daily lives,” Mohamed said.
Opening up views
Mohamed said ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is about being open minded, and educating audiences to avoid the word "shame".
“I have been doing this from 2018 and will continue for life, where my aim is to break the barriers and open more doors... as well to train other people to be producer or TV presenter one day,” he said.
Currently, Mohamed is working as a member of the Deaf Education Task Team for the Western Cape Education Department with the DeafSA expert team, and on a committee for the Provincial Department of Health.
He is also an ambassador for the Universal Accessibility Hub. He serves on many events as Motivational Speaker, Master of Ceremonies (MC) and Guest Speaker.
Mohamed completed his BCom Public Management degree, without the South African Sign Language Interpreter (SASLI), at University of the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:10
499 views
The Mother City Radiates in a Sea of Pink at the Totalsports Women’s Race
On Sunday, 01 October 2023 the streets of the Mother City were immersed in a sea of pink as runners and walkers from all walks of life toed the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What made the day even more special this year was …
Ga-Mothibi clinic brings services to N West community
Ga-Mothibi clinic brings services to N West community
The opening of the community health centre in Ba-Ga Mothibi, North West, is a reaffirmation of the right to human dignity and basic services, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Mashatile on Friday officiated the opening of the Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre.
“The Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre stands amongst the best in our country, and I would even dare to say, on the African continent.
“I am honoured to be part of today’s important gathering in celebrating another milestone in the improvement of service delivery to our people through the official opening of this centre,” said Mashatile.
The launch of the clinic is in line with the Thutsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Sekhing Village, in the greater Taung Local Municipality in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Mashatile commended the North West provincial government for their commitment to focus on job creation and accelerated service delivery, under the umbrella of the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention.
He explained that the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention is aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), which is designed to address problems with service delivery by allowing all spheres of government, from local municipalities to national government, to work together in a more effective and coordinated way.
“The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes. Communities will undoubtedly benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaborations directed by the DDM.
“The backlog in housing delivery remains a challenging issue for the government. Education has always been our top priority for the government. We pledged to improve the quality of education, and achieve universal access and equal opportunities for all,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile said healthcare has been a critical focus for government.
“The promise to provide accessible and quality healthcare to all South Africans led to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.
“The aim was to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, would have access to quality healthcare services.
“However, the introduction of the NHI [National Health Insurance] has been slow, and the healthcare system still grapples with issues such as overburdened public hospitals, a shortage of medical staff, and unequal access to quality care,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said accelerated service delivery, like the Thuntsha Lerole Programme, is not a luxury but a necessity.
“It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 13:22
112 views
F State college agrees to pay back NSFAS money
F State college agrees to pay back NSFAS money
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has signed an Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) agreement with Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the Free State.
This relates to the SIU's National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) investigation.
The institution has agreed to pay R38 686 477.10 back to NSFAS. The monies paid by Motheo TVET College are unallocated funds from 2017 to 2022.
The unallocated funds are monies that were meant for students, who qualified for funding but either changed institutions or deregistered. The funds stayed in the institution's possession for a year and were supposed to return to NSFAS at the end of the period.
Motheo TVET College has agreed to a monthly instalment of R855 679.91 over a period of 60 months. This is the first AoD the SIU has signed with an institution of higher learning since the inception of the investigation.
The SIU has encouraged other institutions of higher learning to come forward and pay back unallocated funds due to NSFAS. The SIU has so far recovered over R421.3 million from institutions of higher learning.
The SIU's preliminary investigation has revealed that more than R5 billion NSFAS money was possibly allocated to students who did not qualify to be funded.
The SIU is, in terms of Proclamation R88 of 2022, authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NSFAS, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State through corruption and negligence.
The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:35
141 views
W Cape calls for caution on the roads
W Cape calls for caution on the roads
The MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, has called for holidaymakers to plan their travels carefully as several roads remain closed following the floods.
“It is the start of the school holidays in the Western Cape, and we are asking people to consider their plans for traveling very carefully, as several roads are still closed, have only limited lane access, or stop-go arrangements in place,” Bredell said at a briefing on Friday.
Bredell said currently, there is a stop-go arrangement on the N1 in De Doorns, which will be in place for at least three months. The N2 is closed outside Botriver; the R43 is closed in the direction towards Villiersdorp; Hemel and Aarde Road is closed towards Hermanus, and the R321 is closed from Molteno in the direction of Villiersdorp.
Updates on road closures can be viewed at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/latest-road-closures.
“Hermanus suffered extensive damages to water supply infrastructure during the floods, and emergency services are currently supplying water with trucks and tankers for the entire community.
“If you are planning to visit, please be considerate to water trucks on the road. Please bring water along for your own needs, and it would be much appreciated if you could also bring a few litres extra for someone in the affected community,” Bredell said.
The City of Cape Town has updated its numbers of communities in need. Bredell said 21 011 people and 6 906 structures have been confirmed as impacted. Assessments are still outstanding for Covid Settlement, LA Burundi, and Strongyard in Mfuleni.
The MEC said relief efforts continue to reach rural communities still cut off due to roads being washed away.
“We are concerned about farm worker families, especially in the Breede River Municipality, and are doing everything in our power to connect and support everybody in need.”
Bredell said the severe storm has kept 16 Western Cape schools closed, down from 39 closed on Tuesday and 21 closed on Wednesday. We are pleased that the recovery effort is proceeding quickly, allowing schools to reopen successfully.
“Our officials are working with schools to ensure that all can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their school for updates regarding closures.
“We thank the emergency services, our government and NGO partners, and our schools for the assistance they are rendering to our teachers, learners, and parents as we recover from this devastating storm,” said David Maynier, the Western Cape MEC for Education.
Bredell thanked Eskom for working 24/7 to rectify faults and repair damaged infrastructure caused by the severe weather.
“We know there are still problems in the system, but we were assured by Eskom that they are working as fast as possible under difficult conditions to address these outstanding problems,” Bredell said.
Local disaster centres
To stay up to date with events in your immediate area, Bredell gave out the following contact details:
Cape Winelands: 021-886-9244 / 021-8874446
Eden District: 044 805 5071
Central Karoo: 023 449 8000
West Coast: 022 433 8700
Overberg: 028 4251690
City of Cape Town: 107 landline or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357 (City of Cape Town Disaster Management Centre).
NGOs, including the SA Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief, and Mustadafin are providing support in the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Breede Valley Municipality, Drakenstein, and towns in the Langeberg Municipality, such as Ashton and McGregor.
This includes support extended to agri-workers and their families:
- 186 families, and 741 individuals in small towns and farms have been reached with aid.
- In the City of Cape Town, 10 282 people were provided with meals.
- Social workers and community development workers are conducting outreaches with local municipality officials.
Donation drop-off points
Donations required include blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food, toiletries and dignity packs.
If you would like to drop off donations, please feel free to contact the following SA Red Cross Society offices:
1.Wynberg Provincial Office
21 Broad Road, Wynberg
021 7975360 / 0609037473
2. Greyton
11 Pointers Weg, Heuwelkroon, Greyton
028 254 9378 / 0761335777
Charanine Cupido
3. Hermanus Office
2A Aberdeen Street,
Hermanus
072 609 8655
Angela Heslop
4. Knysna Office
25 Trotter Street, Knysna
044 382 1244
Tania Cole
- SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:13
258 views
Mashatile calls for accelerated service delivery in communities across SA
Mashatile calls for accelerated service delivery in communities across SA
Accelerated service delivery is not a luxury but a necessity, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come,” he said on Friday.
The Deputy President was speaking in the North West, as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, in Taung.
By adopting modern technologies and employing well-trained personnel, he said government could drastically improve response times and minimise the damage caused by emergencies.
“It is important to recognise that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience, it is about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services and an equal say in how their community is governed and serviced.”
By empowering communities with faster and more efficient services, he said the state could bridge socioeconomic gaps, reduce inequalities, and ensure a better quality of life.
“Achieving accelerated service delivery requires collective effort. Governments, private sector organisations, and civil society must work together to identify and address the key challenges in service delivery.”
He believes that collaboration, innovation and investment in technology and infrastructure are essential to create a robust ecosystem that supports accelerated service delivery.
He took the time to reflect on the Bill of Rights, contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which guarantees all South Africans basic human rights and recognises basic services as a human right.
The Constitution, he said, serves to codify the fundamental entitlements of individuals and communities, while validating the democratic principles of inherent worth, parity, and human dignity.
“Section 10 focuses on human dignity. It specifically states that ‘everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected’.
“If this is the case, a Councillor, MEC or Minister who fails to provide services to the people neither respects nor protects the dignity of the people. As such, when that happens, the Constitution is contravened. And this should never be allowed.”
The country’s second-in-command commended provincial leadership for their commitment to focus on job creation and accelerated service delivery – the Thuntsa Lerole intervention.
The programme, he told the community, is aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), designed to address service delivery.
“The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes,” he explained.
The Deputy President believes that communities will benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaboration directed by the DDM.
“As a party that has been in power for almost three decades in South Africa, we have made commitments to improve the lives of the people of South Africa and deliver essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure to all South Africans…
“It is important to note that we have made significant strides in certain areas of service delivery.”
Access to clean drinking water, he pointed out, has improved for many communities, while social grants have provided a safety net for the most vulnerable.
“However, the overall delivery and implementation of these promises have sometimes fallen short of expectations, with lingering challenges that need urgent attention.”
The Deputy President took time to apologise for the recent technical glitch that led to grant beneficiaries not receiving their critical grant support on time.
Meanwhile, he also touched on public safety, which he is of the view that should be a priority.
“Timely response to emergencies, effective disaster management, and robust law enforcement are all vital components of a safe and secure community,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:40
200 views
CSA And The Sporting Chance Foundation Rally Behind Team Sa For SCCWC
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has shared in the joy to be part of team South Africa (SA) in the Street...
Children in the Eastern Cape are not being fed enough at school
Some schools are not getting even the minimum funding from the National School Nutrition Programme
Addressing the unemployment challenge
Addressing the unemployment challenge
Whether young or old, unemployment is a thorn in the flesh of many South Africans, writes Neo Semono.
Whether in our families or within our circle of friends, many of us know someone who is without a job. The situation is so dire that we may even know more than one individual who does not have a job, and it is not due to the lack of trying nor to the lack of qualifications.
Those who are unemployed want to wake up in the morning to go and make an honest living for themselves and their loved ones. Through their work, they also want to make a difference in the country that they live in.
Recent data has shown that the country’s joblessness rate has come down slightly. Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has shown that the unemployment rate decreased from 32.9% in the first quarter to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
Granted, the figure is marginal - but 154 000 new jobs were created in the second quarter, taking the number of employed persons to 16.3 million - a flicker of hope for those who may have given up on finding work.
Finding a job is hard and is further exacerbated by the costs that job seekers may not be able to cover. In the quest to find jobs, money is borrowed to visit internet cafes to search and apply for work, to printout CVs and to drop off said applications at prospective employer’s offices.
Having altered the CV more times than one can remember, and filing out more online applications and Z83 forms, hope and confidence take a knock when one does not get that invitation to a job interview.
While that hope is sometimes on shaky ground, South Africans don’t quit. Instead, they make a plan, even if it means taking on any job to make ends meet. Some go on to start innovative businesses that change their local landscapes while also giving jobs and training to others in their respective communities.
This speaks to the innate resilience of the people of this country in that individuals not only deviate from their original life plan, but that they also give work opportunities to others who may not have had the opportunity to put a foot in the door of larger establishments minus the required skills.
While one will always find fault with government, it cannot resolve the unemployment challenge on its own. And while it should have done better in tackling it, it is doing something about it.
This includes the employment of people with disabilities. Through the Presidential Working Group on Disability, government is working on increasing funding for disability-related programmes and services. This includes funding for the education, training and employment of people with disabilities.
Well aware of the unemployment problem particularly around the youth, government has put in place the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). Through the initiative announced in 2020, at least 135 000 earning opportunities were secured by young people.
The Department of Employment and Labour--which has labour offices across the country-- offers tips on how to find a job and how to fill out the Z83 form. It also has career counsellors to assist job seekers in preparing for interviews and other career related services for free.
Mobile employment centres are also available to assist work seekers to sign up for the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA) which is a platform where work seekers are matched with available job opportunities for free.
Other government initiatives to get particularly young people into work include the Gauteng government’s Nasi Ispan ("Here is work") mass recruitment programme that aims to get thousands of young people into state jobs.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) which has been in existence for close to two decades continues to make a difference in people’s lives. It provides an important avenue for labour-absorption and income to poor households in the short to medium-term.
The implementation of government plans is also making an impact with the Poultry Masterplan which contributed to the creation of 750 jobs at a Rainbow Chicken facility.
The adoption of the masterplan saw government implement several measures to safeguard the local industry including placing anti-dumping duties on imported poultry.
This is the same Rainbow Chicken which in 2017 closed its operations in Hammarsdale and retrenched over a thousand workers.
The adoption of the plan was also coupled with increased investment and measures to transform the industry has led to success with the company reopening and investing R220 million.
Government is not just talking the talk; it is also putting in the work for its people who have a never say die attitude. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 10:40
60 views
Early Childhood Development Programmes Should Be Free
Only a third of children in SA are enrolled in ECD programmes
Over 20 schools in W Cape closed after severe storm
Over 20 schools in W Cape closed after severe storm
A total of 21 schools affected by the Western Cape storms have been forced to close due to infrastructure and road damages blocking access to schools’ premises.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier said 249 schools in the province have been affected by the storm over the weekend.
“Infrastructure damages were reported by 150 schools out of the 249, ranging from minor leaks to major roof damage, and we are working to assess these damages at present. Thirty-nine schools were closed on Tuesday, and this was reduced to 21 schools on Wednesday, with the vast majority as a result of access roads to school being blocked,” Maynier said.
Briefing the media after visiting Franschhoek High School on Wednesday morning, Maynier said the school has been closed since the weekend’s storms, as it currently has no water and electricity supply, and substantial flooding to the access roads makes it impossible for 650 learners to attend school.
While other schools are open, Maynier said many schools reported low attendance as learners struggle to reach schools in flood-damaged areas.
“The preliminary attendance figures indicates that 30.1% of learners were not able to attend school on Tuesday, and 31.4% were not able to attend on Wednesday. The officials are working with schools to ensure that all schools can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their schools for updates regarding closures.
“The schools will implement catch-up plans to ensure that learners do not fall behind as a result of the school days lost this week. Schools close for the spring holidays this Friday, which will provide some breathing room for repairs and restoration of access,” Maynier said.
Th MEC also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of three learners who passed away over the long weekend due to the storm.
He said counselling support has been provided to families and students who have lost lives.
“We thank the emergency services, our government and NGO partners, and our schools for the assistance they are rendering to our teachers, learners, and parents as we recover from this devastating storm,” Maynier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:01
369 views