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Murder of Soweto doctor condemned 

Location: News

Murder of Soweto doctor condemned 

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has strongly condemned the recent tragic murder of a medical doctor in Dobsonville, Soweto. 

Well-known Dr Michael Isabelle was tragically shot during an armed robbery at his medical facility and succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital on Saturday. 

“It is deeply troubling that he lost his life simply for refusing to surrender his laptop and phones to the suspects,” the committee said. 

The committee has described the incident as utterly unacceptable and regrettable.

“This heartbreaking incident serves as a sad reminder of the pervasive violence that plagues our communities, with innocent individuals bearing the brunt of heinous crimes. 

“Despite concerted efforts by government and civil society to combat crime in Gauteng and across the nation, criminals continue to wreak havoc and instill fear among South Africans.” 

The committee has urgently called upon law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible for this senseless act of violence and ensure that they are brought to justice.

“It is imperative that we send a resounding message that senseless crimes of this nature have no place in our society and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.”

The committee also extended its heartfelt condolences to Isabelle’s family. 

“We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and recognise doctors' invaluable role in saving lives and providing essential medical care to those in need.

“We urge the entire nation to unite in condemning violence and reaffirming our commitment to building safer communities for all.” 

According to TimesLive Premium, Isabelle was also attacked and shot in the stomach soon after he qualified in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, 20 years ago. 

A family spokesperson who spoke to the publication said Isabelle was a jazz lover, who was generous and principled with an uncompromising work ethic. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:31

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Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school

Location: News

Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has condemned an incident at a school in Ekurhuleni where a teacher was allegedly found in possession of drugs on school premises. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Education said the incident took place on 14 February 2024 at the Thoko Thaba Secondary School.

According to the department’s reports, the educator was allegedly found with a bag and box of drugs inside school premises.

Police were called in and the teacher was arrested. He appeared in court on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

MEC Chiloane said it is also concerning that this matter was not reported to the Department by the School Management Team (SMT) in a timely manner, which led to a planned protest by the community on Wednesday.

The department has launched an investigation, and the educator has been removed from the school as a precaution. 

“We are disappointed about this incident, and vehemently condemn such conduct and we will be acting against it accordingly. We also plead with the community to allow this matter to be handled by the department and relevant law enforcement authorities for appropriate resolution,” Chiloane said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 13:17

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Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

Location: News

Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.

Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.

“Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They work as young black and women engineers at our power stations,” the Minister said.

She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.

The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.

“Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,” she said.

She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which translated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.

“Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,” Ntshavheni said.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.

“Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.

“Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 184 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.

“Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.”

Promoting public employment

She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.

“Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led the establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.

“YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.”

Key achievements in the stimulus include:

  • Employing 1.1 million education and general assistants in 23 000 schools.
  • Providing production input vouchers to 180 000 small-scale farmers.
  • Providing 29 000 opportunities in environmental management and rehabilitation.
  • Employing 107 000 people across 6 500 worksites through the Social Employment Fund.

“The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.

“The National Youth Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,” the Minister said.

She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:12

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Gauteng Health cautions against risky sexual behaviour as STI infection rises

Location: News

Gauteng Health cautions against risky sexual behaviour as STI infection rises

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has cautioned the public against engaging in risky sexual behaviour, as this increases the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection.

Between April and December 2023, 167 109 males presented at public health facilities across the province and 67 400 (40%) were treated for male urethritis syndrome (MUS). 

According to the provincial department, the MUS data accurately reflect newly acquired STIs. 

Symptoms of MUS include discharge from the penis and burning urination. 

If left untreated, complications can include pain and swelling of the testes, while gonorrhoeae and chlamydia are the most predominant cause of MUS in South Africa.

In 2020, the MUS incidence in the province was recorded at 12% and has increased over the years to 15% in 2023. 

The department said it has noticed a peak of STI incidence in sub-districts E (Alexandra and Sandton) and F (Inner City, Braamfontein and Hillbrow) in Johannesburg. 

Some areas include the Merafong sub-district in the West Rand, Katlehong, Ekurhuleni South, Germiston, Katlehong and Vooslorus, Lesedi in Sedibeng and Bronkhorstspruit in Tshwane.

Sub-districts E and F in Johannesburg have tertiary institutions and high-risk individuals such as sex workers and people who inject drugs.

Meanwhile, Merafong is a mining area with a majority male population. Region 7 has farming areas, where cultural norms hinder the uptake of services, especially amongst men.

Ekurhuleni South and Lesedi have technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, informal settlements, truck stops and hostels.

The GDoH has implemented a combination of prevention intervention approaches, which incorporate STI components in these areas such as the promotion of consistent use of male and female condoms, which are free and available in health facilities. 

The interventions also involve encouraging the reduction in the number of sexual partners, increased uptake of HIV counselling and testing, STI screening, delayed sexual debut, as well as the promotion of sexual wellbeing.

The MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged people who are sexually active to use male and female condoms, which they can access free at their local healthcare centres to protect themselves against STIs and HIV.

She said the rise in MUS is attributed to high rates of unsafe behaviour such as non-use of condoms while engaging in vaginal or anal sex, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, high levels of substance use and cultural norms.

“Our clinics provide free condoms and STI and HIV prevention, testing and treatment services. We should not let STIs go untreated, as they increase the risk of HIV infection and transmission, which will hamper the province’s goal to reduce new HIV infections by 2030,” emphasised Nkomo-Ralehoko.

In addition, the MEC encouraged women to start early antenatal care as soon as they realise that they are pregnant for thorough screening of any STI, and appropriate and timely treatment for those who test positive.

Between April and December 2023, she said 1 255 out of 66 377 pregnant women who presented at our facilities for antenatal care for the first time tested positive for syphilis.

“If left untreated in pregnant women, syphilis can have adverse outcomes for the growing baby as well as increased morbidity in the mother. It can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis), leading to stillbirths, health complications, congenital deformities and even infant death,” said the concerned MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC also said that there has been a noticeable increase in women who are presenting at health facilities to be initiated on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which is an antiretroviral drug prescribed for HIV-negative people to prevent them from becoming infected with HIV. 

Between April and November 2023, 38 305 females aged 15 to 49 years were initiated on PrEP, compared to 11 988 males.

“We believe that the high uptake of PrEP among women has led this group to have unprotected sex resulting in a high incidence of MUS. The studies have reported that STI incidence is also high among young women receiving PrEP.

“We would like to encourage more males to get initiated on PrEP to protect themselves against STIs. Additionally, both men and women who are on PrEP should use condoms to protect themselves against STIs, HIV and unwanted pregnancies,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 11:29

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Taking stock of the sixth administration

Location: News

Taking stock of the sixth administration

Thursday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the last one to be made by the sixth administration.

The President - in his capacity as Head of State and government - will deliver the annual SONA at 7pm, before a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Just as individuals usually make a list of their goals at the start of each year, and the steps they need to take to attain them, the SONA similarly sets out government’s key policy objectives as well as deliverables for the year ahead.

The President is expected to reflect on the gains made and the areas that still need attention since the last SONA.

However, having been inaugurated as President on 25 May 2019, President Ramaphosa is also likely to look back on the term of his administration.

According to the Presidency, this administration “took office with a mandate to grow the economy, create employment and reduce poverty.” It was also tasked with putting an end to corruption as well as “restoring the integrity and capability of public institutions.”

Government has over the years made progress in improving the lives of those within the borders of South Africa.

Advancements have been made in the key priorities of growing the economy and job creation, building better lives, making communities safer and fighting crime.

Over the years, irrespective of the administration at the helm, an inclusive economy in which all South Africans can partake in, has and continues to be a top issue for government.

Fixing the economy and load shedding

In order to grow the economy, reliable energy supply is essential and energy security is cited in the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). In July 2022, government launched the Energy Action Plan (EAP). The EAP is a set of steps to be taken to address load shedding.

Government has amended Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to remove the licencing requirement for generation projects to accelerate private investment.

By September 2023, more than 100 projects were at various stages of development, representing over 10 000 megawatts of new generation capacity and over R200 billion in private sector investment.

Other steps taken to reform the electricity sector include the tabling of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill in Parliament.

In addition, progress continues to be made towards the unbundling of Eskom, with the newly established National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) obtaining its operating, trading, and import and export licences from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in September 2023, allowing the company to operate independently from the power utility. This as government works to separate Eskom into the Generation, Distribution and Transmission entities. Last month, Eskom announced the appointment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa board.

This is one of the most important pillars of Eskom’s legal separation which will “create a level playing field to enable competition in electricity generation, as a key step towards energy security,” noted the 'Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five-Year Review', document released by the Presidency earlier this week.

The sixth administration also oversaw the appointment of Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, in March last year as part of efforts to address power cuts and to expedite government’s work to ensure the full implementation of the EAP.

At a recent media briefing on the implementation of the plan, Ramokgopa said that work continues to address partial load losses – that is, when Eskom’s generating units do not produce the full capacity, they were intended to.

In November 2023, South Africa received the first consignment of 450 gasoline generators donated by the People’s Republic of China. The donation formed part of the Technical Assistance Programme that was entered into in August 2023 during China’s Head of State Visit to South Africa.

Jobs and investment

The ERRP was government’s response to the severe health, social and economic effects of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced in 2020, the plan was founded on engagements among social partners, including government, labour, business and community-based organisations.

October 2023 marked three years since government embarked on the plan, which outlined the actions to rebuild the economy and create jobs in the wake of the pandemic.

The 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.

On Tuesday, the President held a presidential youth engagement in Cape Town reflecting on the three years since the initiation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and PYEI.

According to the Presidency, the PES and PYEI programmes have “collectively generated over 1.8 million job opportunities and provided livelihood support, predominantly benefiting young individuals”.

The sixth administration also oversaw the successful raising of the R1.2 trillion worth of investments over five years that President Ramaphosa announced in 2018.

Held annually over the past five years, the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) surpassed the initial R1.2 trillion target to reach R1.51 trillion in investment pledges. To date, there are concrete results of how the pledges made at the conference are changing lives and creating employment.

The review document notes that of the commitments made, over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.

Having made pledges continually at the SAIC, Procter &Gamble in November 2023 launched a state-of-the-art production line of Pampers Premium Care which the President attended in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni.

Another company which pledged R135 million at last year’s SAIC is also making good on its commitment.

In October 2023, energy company, Ener-G-Africa, launched an energy-efficient cook stove manufacturing line in Paarl, and expanded its solar panel production line from 15MW to 500MW capacity.

The company pledged R135 million in the production of small solar PV panels and solar cooking appliances at their women-led production facility in Cape Town.

AfCFTA

President Ramaphosa also oversaw the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as Chairperson of the African Union, which is currently the largest free trade area in the world. The AfCFTA which entered into force in May 2019, is expected to boost trade and economic growth on the continent.

Trading under the AfCFTA regime commenced January 2021 and last month South Africa practically realised the AfCFTA agreement. This as the President officiated the launch of the first export shipment of goods produced by South African companies destined for other African countries from KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban port.

Better lives and education

On building better lives, the current administration introduced the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for the first time in the country’s history, guaranteeing a minimum floor below which no worker may be paid with the coming into effect of the minimum wage on 1 January 2019.

The President had announced its coming into effect in December 2018.

Back in 2019, the minimum wage was set at R20 an hour and has increased over the years. Currently standing at R25,42 the minimum wage will increase to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked with effect from 1 March 2024.

Click here for more on the “National minimum wage increases”.

To ensure healthcare for all, Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill last year after it was introduced in 2019. The Bill aims to provide free health care at the point of care for all South Africans. In preparation for the NHI, Health Patient Registration Systems have been installed in over 3 200 facilities.

Meanwhile, social grants for people most affected by COVID-19 were expanded, including the Special Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which reached around 11 million unemployed people.

On the education front, no-fee schools which government introduced in 2007 have continued to ensure that children get access to schooling. To date, the number of learners that are not required to pay school fees increased from 71% to 75% in 2021.

In addition, the latest matric pass rate, at 82.9%, is the highest ever, up from 78% ten years ago. Learners from no-fee paying schools accounted for more than 65% of the total bachelor passes obtained. The percentage of learners who completed 12 years of education rose from 45% in 2008 to 62% in 2022.

Safer communities

The sixth administration has increased the number of police officers including the recruitment of  20 000 police trainees and  an additional 4 000 public order policing members in 2022 and 2023.

In addition, 20 specialised South African Police Service Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have been established to work with business, private security and state-owned enterprises to tackle illegal mining, construction site extortion, cable theft and vandalism of economic infrastructure.

The review noted that by November 2023, the teams had made over 4 000 arrests for damage of critical infrastructure, 70 arrests for extortion at construction sites and over 3 000 arrests for illegal mining, and confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks and other metals.

Government also launched the Border Management Authority as the third armed force to manage and secure the country’s borders, providing a vital link in government’s efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

On tackling gender-based violence and femicide(GBV), he National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence was developed, together with civil society, as a society-wide response to this national emergency. Around R21 billion has been dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the plan, including the economic empowerment of women.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has achieved an average conviction rate of 94% in femicide prosecutions and 75% in sexual offences prosecutions since 2019.

In addition, the GBVF Response Fund 1 was launched, which raised R200 million from the private sector for community-based organisations combating GBV. In the first year of the Fund’s operation, 53 community-based organisations were funded, reaching 280 000 participants.

Fighting corruption

The NPA Investigating Directorate was established to prosecute state capture and other significant corruption cases.

To date, the Investigating Directorate has taken 34 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 203 accused persons and 65 accused entities. The NPA has also secured the conviction of over 500 government officials and nearly 800 in the private sector on offences related to corruption since 2019.

In addition, a SIU Special Tribunal was appointed to expedite civil claims against corrupt individuals and the recovery of stolen funds. Since its establishment, it has recovered over R8.6 billion.

As the country prepares for its 30 years of freedom celebration, the sixth administration has certainly done its bit in a challenging environment. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 15:11

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New houses for Ekurhuleni senior citizens

Location: News

New houses for Ekurhuleni senior citizens

The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, along with Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Lebohang Maile, have distributed houses to first time homeowners in Clayville in Tembisa.

In a statement released by the office of the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, the project in Clayville will see just under 500 houses handed over to new owners in the future. 

According to the statement, five houses were handed over to senior citizens with the oldest recipient being 91 years old.

“This is the best day of my life. At my age I was even beginning to think that I would die without having had to own a proper house,” said one of the beneficiaries, Christina Ndou.

The leadership later moved to Palm Ridge in Katlehong where 100 title deeds were handed over giving first time homeowners security of tenure. 

Minister Kubayi expressed delight at the rate at which the government was delivering houses around the country.

“We have been crisscrossing the country inspecting and handing out houses, and yes the progress is quite impressive,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ngodwana said that it was ‘very progressive’ that all three spheres of government work together to provide a better life for the people of the Republic. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:11

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Ekurhuleni launches clean up campaign

Location: News

Ekurhuleni launches clean up campaign

The City of Ekurhuleni has launched a clean up campaign aimed at addressing illegal dumping and maintaining green spaces in the municipality – particularly in the township.

The Clean Your Kasi, Manje Namhlanje campaign, was launched in Thembisa.

Addressing the campaign launch, MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management, Leshaka Manamela, said: “It cannot be right that we claim to love cleanliness and the environment yet we do not take care of it. Let us all join forces and look after the environment so it can also look after us. We need the environment for our existence and it must be well looked after.”

The city said it will roll out several activations “focused on cleaning up illegal dumping and maintaining green spaces, mainly in the townships”.

“These initiatives will be complemented by educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”

MMC Manamela emphasised the importance of the campaign in his address, saying it is not just a campaign - it aims to promote greater cooperation with residents and communities to look after their immediate environment.

“We are taking a stand against illegal dumping and unattended grass in our townships. It’s time for action, now and today.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:43

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Ekurhuleni youth urged to sign up for free courses

Location: News

Ekurhuleni youth urged to sign up for free courses

The City of Ekurhuleni is urging the youth, and unemployed residents to take advantage of a series of free online courses tailored to expand one’s knowledge on entrepreneurship and business ventures. 

In a statement on Thursday, the city said the courses are presented by computer information systems company CISCO, an international technology company, in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, the National Library of South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.

Interested candidates can apply online at https://tinyurl.com/ApplyForCiscoCourses. Applications to free online course closes on Friday, 26 January 2024.

The course will be offered as a two-part series, and the first segment is ‘Discovering Entrepreneurship and Creating Compelling Reports’, which sets the foundation for the second part, namely, ‘Launching a Business Venture and Engaging Stakeholders for Success’.

The duration of the series of courses is about three months in total.

“To ensure that we leave no one behind, candidates who have successfully registered can complete these free online courses at any of the city’s 47 libraries which offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi connection.

“However, those who have access to their own devices can access the relevant cites from anywhere,” said the City’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

Applicants are advised to ensure that all fields of the application form are completed and that copies of their ID, proof of residence and highest qualification (National Senior Certificate or any degree) are uploaded.

To qualify, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

•          Applicants must be a resident of the City of Ekurhuleni

•          Applicants must have completed Grade 12;

•          Applicants must not have a formal business or related qualification;

•          Applicants must be committed to completing the courses and should they have passed the current course, they will be given the opportunity to progress to the next group of courses.

The city said that while all Ekurhuleni residents are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to unemployed youth should there be a course with limited capacity. 

Candidates can e-mail their queries or any clarity seeking questions to info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:21

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City of Ekurhuleni warns public of jobs scam

Location: News

City of Ekurhuleni warns public of jobs scam

The City of Ekurhuleni has warned the public to be aware of job scam messages that are being sent through social media purporting to be from the city.

The city said its job application process is not conducted through social media platforms or social media messaging.

“Our positions are strictly advertised on our website: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/vacancies where permanent, temporal and fixed-term vacancies are advertised.

“The city strongly advises the public not to respond to unsolicited offers of employment or those who seek information claiming to work for or to be associated with the City of Ekurhuleni,” the city said in a statement.

The public is urged to note the following to avoid being scammed:

  • All positions are advertised on the city’s website https://www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/residents/careers.html
  • The city would never ask you for money in exchange for a job interview.
  • The city’s email addresses are formatted as name.surname@ekurhuleni.gov.za
  • The city has official office telephone numbers which start with 011 999 xxxx.
  • Any communication and adverts of jobs will carry the City of Ekurhuleni logo and not Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
  • The city does not request any payment to apply for a position.
  • The city only uses approved email and telephonic communications, including face-to-face interviews. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:41

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Police crackdown on illegal mining operations

Location: News

Police crackdown on illegal mining operations

More than 90 people suspected of illegal mining have been arrested in various parts of Gauteng. 

In a statement on Friday, the SAPS in Gauteng said integrated law enforcement operations against disruptive illegal mining are conducted weekly, focusing on districts such as Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the West Rand.

These, it said, continue to yield positive results as “more than 90 undocumented foreign nationals who are suspected to be illegal miners were arrested this week, from Wednesday, 27 December 2023 to date.”

During the operations, police seized illegal mining tools that included generators, gas cylinders, jack hammers, steel balls, gold bearing material, water pump motors and two live ammunition of a rifle.

Illegal mining sites were also disrupted and dismantled.

“The law enforcement agencies will continue with these disruptive operations in the province and members of the community are called on to work together with the police in fighting crime by reporting any criminal activities to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or anonymously give tip-offs on MySapsApp,” said the police.

Safer Festive Season

Meanwhile, police in the North West, together with other law enforcement agencies, are continuing with the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela campaign.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 1 250 suspects between Thursday, 21 and Wednesday, 27 December 2023.

The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, malicious damage to property, burglary of residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Of the 1 250 suspects, 399 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, house robbery and business robbery. Furthermore, 169 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

The arrests were made through the  execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.

The operation also resulted in the confiscation of mandrax tablets, crystal meth, five dangerous weapons and six handguns, among others.

Meanwhile, 52 suspects were also arrested during the illegal mining Operation “Vala Umgodi” campaign, between Monday, 18 December and Sunday, 24 December 2023.

The suspects were nabbed during disruptive operations in Stilfontein and Witrandjie in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala Platinum Districts. The suspects include 18 Lesotho, eight Mozambique, two Malawi and two Bangladesh nationals as well as 16 South Africans.

During the arrest, the police seized gold bearing material, a truck, spade and two cell phones, among others.

North West provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has congratulated the police for their sterling work and dedication they have shown throughout the festive season operations. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 12/29/2023 - 09:07

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90 suspected illegal miners arrested this week

Location: News

90 suspected illegal miners arrested this week

The South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested more than 90 undocumented foreign nationals who are suspected to be illegal miners. 

The police are conducting integrated operations against illegal mining, focusing on affected districts such as Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the West Rand.

These operations continue to yield positive results, the SAPS said.

“During the operations the police seized illegal mining tools that included, pendukas, penduka stands, generators, gas cylinders, jack hammers, steel balls, gold bearing material, a welding machine, water pump motors and two live ammunition of a rifle. Illegal mining sites were also disrupted and dismantled.

“The law enforcement agencies will continue with these operations in the province,” said the police in a statement.

Members of the community are urged to work together with the police in fighting crime by reporting any criminal activities to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or anonymously give tip offs on MySapsApp. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Fri, 12/29/2023 - 09:13

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Read more90 suspected illegal miners arrested this week

City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft

Location: News

City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft

Two City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) municipality officials have been arrested on allegations that they were stealing diesel belonging to the municipality.

According to the CoE, the two were arrested following a sting operation conducted at an agricultural holding by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, various law enforcement agencies and private security stakeholders.

“The first suspect was arrested when he came in to off-load diesel and the rest were nabbed at the Springs Depot. Also arrested were the owner of the private bus fleet company and two of his employees in the facility where the diesel was being off-loaded.

“The arrests followed an ongoing intelligence-driven operation that has been surveilling the city’s vehicles, mainly trucks, which had been spotted on several instances off-loading diesel at the facility, which is a private bus depot. Following weeks of investigations, the private security operators working under supervision with the Multi Dimensional Organised Crime unit, finally pounced on the suspects,” the municipality said.

The CoE said it is unclear how diesel was looted from the resources of the city.

“The modus operandi was that the trucks would fill up at the municipal depots each morning only to go and off load the fuel at the private facility and get paid for this. They would then return the vehicles empty and refill the next morning and do the same thing over,” the municipality said.

The municipality's Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye said more arrests are imminent.

“This seems to have been a well-orchestrated operation that ran for months, and the police working with the fleet management team of the city (EMPD) have been working tirelessly to nail those involved.

“Foul play has always been suspected because of the rate at which some of our vehicles were refilling fuel on a regular basis. Unfortunately for the criminal elements their luck finally ran out.

“We will not rest until all those who are involved in such illicit acts are behind bars. This is public money and money that we desperately need to provide quality and sustainable services to the community of Ekurhuleni,” Mapiyeye vowed. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:58

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Municipal debt a significant challenge, says Eskom

Location: News

Municipal debt a significant challenge, says Eskom

State-owned power utility, Eskom says the mounting debt by the City of Tshwane (CoT) and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) for bulk electricity supply is posing a “significant challenge”.

According to Eskom, the City of Tshwane owes it some R4.2 billion while Ekurhuleni is currently in arrears of some R146 million.

“The accumulating debt not only strains Eskom's financial stability but also threatens the reliability of electricity supply across the province. The impact on Eskom's financial stability is exacerbated by the City of Tshwane's accumulation of unpaid bills and Ekurhuleni Municipality's late payments, and it affects the residents and businesses that rely on a stable power supply.

“If left unaddressed, the situation could lead to service interruptions, hindering economic activities. Despite continuous efforts to address the inconsistent and late payments, the debt, specifically that of the CoT, continues to grow and hinders Eskom's ability to invest in essential infrastructure, maintenance, and the development of sustainable energy solutions,” the power utility said.

The electricity supplier urged municipalities to “prioritise settling current accounts and outstanding electricity payments”.

“Eskom remains committed to working with municipalities to find viable solutions and mitigate the potential repercussions of the mounting debt,” the power utility said.

Meanwhile, an Eskom Tutuka Power Station employee, Katlego Twala, has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment or to pay a fine of R10 000 wholly suspended for five years after he was found guilty of stealing five drums of hydraulic fluid oil.

Eskom acting General Manager for Security Botse Sikhwitshi said: “Eskom has a zero-tolerance stance on acts of dishonesty and views the conduct of the employee as unacceptable. We will continue working on flushing out the minority that cast a shadow on the organisation”.

According to Eskom, the incident occurred in October last year while earlier this year, a contractor at the power station was arrested for fraud and corruption – symbolising a crackdown on illegal activities at the power utility.

“Eskom welcomes the sanction by the court and would like to thank the South African Police Service (SAPS), its own internal investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority for the positive outcome.

“Eskom urges the public to report information regarding illegal electricity sales, fraud, the theft of coal, fuel oil, and diesel and all other electricity-related crimes to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22. Reporting can be done anonymously,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 10:02

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New reservoir to enhance water supply to Boksburg community

Location: News

New reservoir to enhance water supply to Boksburg community

The City of Ekurhuleni has commissioned a new 30 megalitre (ML) water reservoir to benefit communities and businesses in Rondebult, Mapleton, Roodekop Industries and Klippoortjie in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water, Sanitation and Energy, Thembi Msane, announced the launch of the new Cossins mega reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni on Friday.

Msane said a total of 21 983 residential and business stands will be supplied by the reservoir. 

“The Cossins reservoir zone has the potential to supply an additional 53 606 stands when linked to the Dawn Park supply zone. This is part of the flagship initiative by the City of Ekurhuleni aimed at providing security of water supply to residents and businesses,” Msane said.

Msane said the project comprised the construction of the new 30ML Cossins Reservoir, with associated pipe work on site and the upgrading of the supply pipe from a Rand Water connection (RW4529).

“Before the commissioning of the reservoir, the available storage on the site comprised a single 8ML reservoir supplied from the RW1461 connection via a bulk supply pipeline that ran on the right-hand side of Rondebult Road towards the South,” Msane said.

The scope of the work done included the construction of concrete chambers, complete with the required meters, pipe specials, control and isolation valves to ensure effective operation of the system, a paved access road and clear view fencing.

Msane said the project has created a total of 43 job opportunities and sub-contracting opportunities for four local small, medium and micro enterprises. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 12/10/2023 - 09:11

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Mchunu reaffirms commitment to deliver quality water services

Location: News

Mchunu reaffirms commitment to deliver quality water services

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to continue efforts to ensure that citizens receive quality water services.

This comes as the department released the 2023 full Blue Drop and No Drop reports on drinking water quality, provision and wastewater management in the country.

The reports were released simultaneously with the awards for the best performing municipalities ceremony held on Tuesday to recognise the top-performing Water Services Authorities (WSAs) of 2023.

The Blue Drop Report evaluated all 958 water supply systems (WSSs) across 144 water services authorities. The evaluations considered factors such as infrastructure conditions, maintenance, operation, treatment processes, and staff expertise.

The No Drop Report focused on water losses and non-revenue water in all municipalities in the country.

The reports revealed a decline in drinking water quality and an increase in non-revenue water since the last reports issued in 2014.

Decline in water supply systems 

According to the Blue Drop Report, only 26 water supply systems were able to achieve scores above 95% and qualified for the prestigious Blue Drop Certification. This is an overall decline from 2014, where 44 WSSs were awarded Blue Drop status. 

The report revealed that the number of water supply systems in a critical state of performance increased from 174 in 2014 to 277 in 2023, indicating a significant decline in excellence between 2014 and 2023.

Drinking water systems in the major metropolitan areas were found to be generally performing well in terms of the Blue Drop key performance areas, with Gauteng having the highest percentage of drinking water systems with excellent or good performance (62%), followed by the Western Cape (50%).

In Gauteng, three municipalities have received National Blue Drop Certification.

These include Meyerton water supply system (provided by Rand Water Bulk Water Service) in Midvaal Local Municipality; Ekurhuleni water supply systems (provided by Rand Water Bulk Service), and the Greater Johannesburg water supply system (provided by Rand Water Bulk water supply systems).

“The water supply disruptions, which have been experienced in Gauteng in recent months, are caused by the demand for treated water occasionally exceeding the available supply of treated water,” Mchunu said.

The Northern Cape has the highest percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance (87%), and this has deteriorated from 48% in 2014. 

In the Free State, the percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance has also deteriorated markedly between 2014 (31%) and 2023 (59%).

Based on water quality tests carried out by municipalities during the 2021/2022 municipal financial year, the report showed that 54% of water supply systems achieved excellent or good microbiological water quality compliance, while 46% achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance. 

While only 5% of water supply systems achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance in 2014, the report noted a generally good drinking water quality in the major metropolitan areas.

The Blue Drop assessment further found that 85% of drinking water systems were in an average or better infrastructure condition. It noted that Gauteng has the lowest shortfalls of qualified staff, while the Northern Cape has the highest shortfalls of qualified staff.

Increase in non-revenue water 

The 2023 No Drop assessment found that the national non-revenue water (NRW) increased from 37% in 2014 to 47% in 2023. The international average for non-revenue water is 30%.

The report attributed this to physical losses, including water leaking out of pipes above or underground, poorly functioning or non-existent water meters, illegal connections, and poor billing and revenue collection. 

Four WSAs scored more than 90% and qualified for the prestigious No Drop Certification.

In order to reduce non-revenue water, Mchunu said municipalities need to improve the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure; repair leaks; improve metering, billing, revenue collection and debtor management; improve pressure management, and engage in community education and awareness, among other measures.

Mchunu said the department is working collaboratively with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, including the Municipal Infrastructure Agency, Department of Human Settlements and National Treasury to address the findings of the Drop reports, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (SDG6) by 2030.

“Action plans have been developed to address the key findings in the worst performing municipalities. These action plans include the provision of grants worth more than R20 billion per annum to municipalities, technical and engineering support and assistance, capacity building and training, and financial management advice and support,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 10:23

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Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing

Location: News

Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has commended the long history of community-based organisations (CBOs) in advocating for people-centred and community-driven approaches to development. 

“These organisations have played an important role in facilitating community participation in the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements,” Kubayi said.

The Minister was speaking at the Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations Summit, currently underway in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.

The two-day summit, which kicked off on Thursday, is convened in the spirit of forging closer partnerships between the government and various stakeholders in the sector to accelerate sustainable and integrated human settlements.

The summit is being held under the theme: Strengthening Partnership to Deliver Better, Safer and Secure Sustainable Human Settlements.

Government alone cannot resolve all the housing challenges, said the Minister, emphasising the importance of including civil society and community-based organisations in the development and review of human settlements policy.

“They should not be excluded from being service-delivery agents in the implementation of sustainable and integrated human settlements programmes. NGOs and CSOs have the immense potential to contribute to the acceleration and delivery sustainable and integrated human settlements to the vulnerable groups in society,” Kubayi said. 

She said the summit provides an important opportunity for government and organisations to reflect on where they have come from and where they still need to go.

“We firmly believe that community driven programmes cannot be only about housing and top structures but must also ensure participative planning and engagement with housing support. The approach must be incremental with the full range of functions ultimately delivered, including community facilities.”

Kubayi acknowledged that at times non-governmental and civil society organisations have had to use the courts as an avenue through which to make their voices heard.

“It is unfortunate that government and NGOs and CSOs, while seeking to achieve the same goal, have to interact through the courts on matters of human rights and basic service delivery issues. 

“Overall, NGOs and CSOs have done a sterling job in holding government accountable [and] I wish to assure you that as government, our actions are driven by the desire to change our society for the better.

“This desire, which I believe we all share, should act as a centripetal force that brings us closer together to collaborate and engage constructively in a manner that reduces litigation,” the Minister said.

She further noted the demand for adequate housing is still huge and includes households in informal settlements and backyard shacks that are dependent on the intervention of government for housing. 

According to Census 2022, published by Statistics South Africa, the number of households who reside in informal dwellings has declined from 13.6% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2022, and households residing in formal dwelling units increased to 88.5%, an increase from the 65.1% recorded in 1996. 

Kubayi said the decrease in the number of informal dwellings has been happening despite a marked increase in the number of informal settlements. 

“This means that the provision of formal housing is increasing at a faster rate than that of informal settlements,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za  

 

 

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:36

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Fight against GBVF must continue throughout the year

Location: News

Fight against GBVF must continue throughout the year

City of Ekurhuleni Mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana, has called on all of society to fight back against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) every day of the year.

The mayor was speaking during the local launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign held on Saturday.

Ngodwana said GBVF is a “major societal problem that needs the attention of all of us”.

“We have a problem of GBV, and we cannot just pay attention to this problem only during this time of the year. Every day a woman is abused and therefore this calls for a daily programme of activism against GBV, especially in a country where the justice department deals with no less than 50 000 cases related to GBV and almost 1 000 murder cases a year,” he said.

Ngodwana reflected on the toll that such statistics places on not only victims and survivors but also on the state.

“The high rate of GBV continues to place a heavy burden on the health and criminal justice system, as well as rendering many survivors unable to work or move freely in society, and this cannot be allowed to continue.

“This is not right, because men have a critical role to play in the campaign, both as a victim and also as perpetrator,” he said.

The city works with non-governmental and government departments in the fight against GBVF and also offers social services, including:

  • Couples counselling
  • Family preservation and counselling service
  • Individual counselling
  • Shelter placements
  • Victim empowerment counselling

Meanwhile, the City of Ekurhuleni is calling on men who work at the municipality to take an active role in rooting out the scourge.

In a statement, the city said its Men’s Forum is “playing a critical role in encouraging male employees to get involved” in the 16 Days campaign.

“The forum’s main objective is to encourage men to understand the different forms of abuse, expose them and speak out against such.

“[It] focuses on diverse programmes like psychosocial support to all affected while motivating men to engage, and inspire each other to be examples of change in their communities. This also includes creating an environment for men to speak up when they too experience abuse,” the statement read.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). 

The campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide has on women and children, and the social fabric of society. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 09:45

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Read moreFight against GBVF must continue throughout the year

Ekurhuleni calls for active battle against violence

Location: News

Ekurhuleni calls for active fight against violence

As the country prepares to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the City of Ekurhuleni has urged the citizens of the municipality to join hands and actively fight off any form of violence. 

Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana,  said it is an unfortunate well-known fact that violence against women and children has been increasing drastically.

“It has become a trend which we are very ashamed of as a country and even more so as men because majority of the perpetrators of these crimes are males. I am raising my hand to be among those who vigorously fight against this continuing scourge.

“The City of Ekurhuleni stands in solidarity with all the activism taking place across the country during this campaign. It must be a daily fight which is not only comes alive during these 16 days but this period should be about intensifying our commitment to this cause,” Ngodwana said.

Ngodwana also called on everyone to stand up, unite and work hard to end any form of violence against women and children within their communities, schools or workplace. 

The mayor’s call comes a day before the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, scheduled to take place at Nsikazi Stadium in the City of Mbombela in Mpumalanga. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will preside at this year’s launch, which will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide, leaving no one behind”, a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and the entire social fabric.

South Africa will observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children from 25 November until 10 December. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 11:44

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Read moreEkurhuleni calls for active battle against violence