Ekurhuleni

29 September 2023

Water and Sanitation interacts with political leaders and councilors on water supply issues

Location: News

Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa
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Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, and Rand Water Board Chairperson, Mr Ramateu Monyokolo, yesterday (27 September 2023) interacted with the political leaders and the councilors of City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the City of Tshwane, on ways to resolve water supply issues in the municipalities.

This was a day two of the sites visit by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to assess areas affected by water shortages in the three metros including the City of Johannesburg.

Recent water supply challenges within some municipalities in Gauteng province prompted Minister Senzo Mchunu, together with Deputy Ministers, Mr David Mahlobo and Ms Judith Tshabalala to embark on a two-day fact-finding mission on 26-27 September 2023, the three metros which were the most affected municipalities with water shortages. The main purpose of the visits was to establish the problems and the plans that the municipalities have to remedy the situation.

On Tuesday, Minister Mchunu met the leadership of the City of Johannesburg and the communities of South Hills and Ebony Park. These are some of the areas that were also hardest hit by water shortages in recent weeks. The event led to a meeting that was convened in the evening on the same day with various stakeholders to come up with immediate solutions to the situation.

On Wednesday, Deputy Minister Mahlobo met with the leadership of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and was informed that most areas do not have reliable water supply for a prolonged period. This led to the community of Makause informal settlement in Tsakane, to embark on a protracted protest action about lack of water in the area.

The main cause of lack of water is intermittent power cuts that affect the reservoir pump stations to pump more water and the low water levels of the water storage reservoirs in the City.

Brakpan reservoir, responsible for supplying water to Duduza, KwaThema, and Tsakane, was at a low point of 35% instead of the required 60%-70%. The low levels of the reservoirs affected water supply to most high lying areas in the area.

Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala also had an engagement with the councillors of Etwatwa Township, in Ekurhuleni. She has reiterated the problem of high percentages of water loss and sewer spillages in the municipality. She urged the councilors to prioritise issues of water and sanitation because when neglected, they amount to a violation of human rights to the community members of Ekurhuleni.

The entourage proceeded to Soshanguve and Waterkloof in the City of Tshwane, which were also experiencing supply challenges as a result of low capacity in reservoirs.

Deputy Minister Mahlobo also encouraged the municipalities to impose Level 1 water restrictions, especially on water consumers who use water for gardening and irrigation.

In as much as there was water supply challenges in some municipalities of Gauteng, Deputy Minister Mahlobo highlighted that there was a high availability of water in the province's Integrated Vaal River System. He said the bulk supplier of water to municipalities, Rand Water, is treating and supplying more water to municipalities than it used to.

“There should not be a problem of water availability in Gauteng because some of the municipalities get more water than they are licensed to have. Rand Water is also abstracting and treating more water supplied to Gauteng municipalities than it used to. However, there are high percentages of loss of water (Non-Revenue Water) due to water leaks, illegal connections, ageing and vandalism of water infrastructure in municipalities. Water is therefore being lost before it can even reach the communities,” said Deputy Minister Mahlobo.

Following the two days engagements, Rand Water and the Municipalities have committed to work on an immediate water management plan including implementing water-shifting, as an interim measure to stabilise the system of the storage reservoirs that are currently low.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.

29 September 2023

Gauteng urged to improve water supply management

Location: News

Gauteng urged to improve water supply management

The Water and Sanitation Ministry has called for improved water supply and management of water resources to ensure provision and reliability of supply in Gauteng.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, said in as much as there are water supply challenges in some municipalities in Gauteng, there is a high availability of water in the province’s Integrated Vaal River System.

Mahlobo said the bulk supplier of water to municipalities, Rand Water, is treating and supplying more water to municipalities than it used to.

“However, there are high percentages of loss of water (non-revenue water) due to water leaks, illegal connections, ageing and vandalism of water infrastructure in municipalities. Water is therefore being lost before it can even reach the communities,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo also encouraged the municipalities to impose Level 1 water restrictions, especially on water consumers who use water for gardening and irrigation.

Deputy Ministers, Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, and Rand Water Board Chairperson, Ramateu Monyokolo, this week interacted with the political leaders and councillors of the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and City of Tshwane, on ways to resolve water supply issues in the municipalities.

The two-day site visits by the ministry were aimed at assessing areas affected by water shortages in Gauteng metros.

The recent water supply challenges within some municipalities in Gauteng Province prompted Minister Senzo Mchunu, together with his two Deputy Ministers, to embark on a fact-finding mission on the three metros, including the City of Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane and City of Johannesburg, which are the most affected municipalities with water shortages.

The department said the main purpose of the visits was to establish the problems and the plans that the municipalities have to remedy the situation.

On Tuesday, Mchunu met with the leadership of the City of Johannesburg and the communities of South Hills and Ebony Park, which are some of the areas that are also hardest hit by water shortages in recent weeks.

The event led to a meeting held in the evening with various stakeholders to come up with immediate solutions to the situation.

On Wednesday, Mahlobo met with the leadership of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and was informed that most areas do not have reliable water supply for a prolonged period. This led to the community of Makause informal settlement in Tsakane, to embark on a protracted protest action about lack of water in the area.

The department noted that lack of water is mainly due to intermittent power cuts that affect the reservoir pump stations to pump more water, and the low water levels of the water storage reservoirs in the city.

“Brakpan reservoir, responsible for supplying water to Duduza, KwaThema and Tsakane, is at a low point of 35% instead of the required 60% - 70%. The low levels of the reservoirs affected water supply to most high-lying areas in the area,” the department said.

During a meeting with the councillors of Etwatwa Township in Ekurhuleni, Tshabalala also reiterated the problem of high percentages of water loss and sewer spillages in the municipality.

She urged the councillors to prioritise issues of water and sanitation, warning that “when neglected, they amount to a violation of human rights to the community members of Ekurhuleni.”

Rand Water and the Municipalities have committed to work on an immediate water management plan, including implementing water-shifting, as an interim measure to stabilise the system of the storage reservoirs that are currently low. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 10:27

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29 September 2023

Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes

Location: News

Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes

The commuter rail service from Pretoria to Kempton Park has resumed its commercial service, bringing the number of recovered lines by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to 20.

Commuters can now save on their travel costs, as a trip from Pretoria to Kempton Park costs just R9.50, while Pretoria to Germiston is R11.50, and Pretoria to Olifanstfontein at R8.50.

“The resumption of this service takes us a step closer towards running the service between the three big metros in Gauteng. Soon, trains will be running from Pretoria to Ekurhuleni, and all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, reflecting the interconnectedness between our metros,” PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, said.

Thursday’s resumption of the commercial service followed the necessary permit from the Railway Safety Regulator. The agency introduced the service with the new modern high-tech trains from Pretoria to Kempton Park, with a service available from Kempton Park to Germiston station at both peak and off-peak.

The affordable services are expected to ease the burden of travel costs on commuters, many of whom are from the lower LSM groups, spending up to 40% of their household income on transport.

PRASA said it has gained ground in its efforts to rebuild passenger rail corridors and move commuters on the new blue modern trains, Isitimela Sabantu.

To date, 20 lines have been recovered out of 40, with trains now running on 26 operational lines in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The organisation has made significant progress in rehabilitating vandalised stations, with a total of 230 stations refurbished to basic functionality.

“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the future backbone of public transport. By the end of this financial year, PRASA will have recovered 80% of the passenger rail corridors and lines, while bringing to our people a modernized passenger train experience,” Emeran said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:27

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28 September 2023

9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (PF) Converges to Foster Multilateralism, Cooperation, and Collaboration

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF) got off to a remarkable start today as approximately 250 delegates from about 15 countries across different continents converged for discussions that reinforced the BRICS Parliaments' commitment to multilateralism, cooperation, and collaboration.

The BRICS PF is an interparliamentary forum composed of presiding officers of Parliaments from BRICS Member States - the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of South Africa, whose aim is to deepen collaboration, partnership, and progress.

The 9th BRICS PF is hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng Province under the theme: "Harnessing inclusive Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership for Accelerated Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement."

Today's debate centred around the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its potential impact on BRICS nations – as well as the crucial role that parliaments can play in maximizing its benefits. "This agreement presents BRICS nations with a significant opportunity by granting them improved access to the African market, creating new avenues for trade, and opening up possibilities for expanded investments," said National Assembly Speaker Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula said that by collaborating closely with one another, BRICS nations can utilize their collective influence to promote fairer trade, alleviate trade barriers, and address existing imbalances. "This partnership offers an ideal platform to not only strengthen economic ties with Africa but also stimulate Africa's economic transformation process," she added.

Speaking during his keynote address, Deputy President Mr. Paul Mashatile said the BRICS PF has the potential to effect change on a global and unprecedented scale. "For starters, BRICS has focused the imagination of the world's population beyond the citizens of its member states. In and of itself, this is a good thing. However, we should not be surprised when this success factor attracts negative responses from some actors in the world despite the fact that BRICS is not opposed to any state parties or groups. Instead, we seek a peaceful and just world of equitable resource distribution."

National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr. Amos Masondo, said the discussions on the opening day were "characterized by a fruitful exchange of perspectives and expertise. They have enhanced our collective understanding and reinforced our commitment to our common objectives."

Chairperson Masondo said multilateralism is the cornerstone for BRICS. The BRICS countries have shown greater resolve to pursue multilateralism with the aim of creating a fairer, peaceful, and secure world. Consistent with the understanding that multilateralism is key to containing international rivalries, BRICS has expressed its commitment to multilateralism through upholding international law.

Also speaking on the opening day, former National Assembly Speaker Ms. Baleka Mbete reminisced about the formative years of the BRICS PF. Ms. Mbete, who is also a former Deputy President of the Republic, said that by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, "BRICS parliaments are establishing a platform that seeks to streamline and coordinate our parliamentary contributions to the vision of BRICS."

It is all systems go for tomorrow as the delegates to the BRICS PF are expected to sign a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will define the general cooperative strategy of the legislative organs of the BRICS Member States. The MoU will enable the members of the BRICS PF to coordinate efforts aimed at developing and strengthening the inter-parliamentary relations of BRICS Member States concerning issues of common interest.

The format of tomorrow's session, which starts at 09:30am, will include breakaways into commissions which will discuss four broad themes as follows:

i). BRICS and Africa Partnership – Promotion and Acceleration of Regional Integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);

ii). BRICS Energy Issues – Just transition of Coal to Hydrogen Energy;

iii). Climate change and Legislative mobilization in BRICS countries; and

iv). BRICS Peace and Security: Can Multilateralism Restore Peace and Security?

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

19 September 2023

Young scientists to compete for top honours at Eskom Expo International Science Honest

Location: MyPR

This year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) is set to be a global showcase of talent, featuring participants from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside international learners from 10 countries. From 3 to 6 October 2023, a total of 330 local young scientists and 20 participants from Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, …

15 September 2023

Repairs to damaged Etwatwa water infrastructure underway

Location: News

Repairs to damaged Etwatwa water infrastructure underway

The City of Ekurhuleni says repairs to the damaged water infrastructure at Etwatwa in Germiston, is estimated to be completed on Saturday.

This follows the vandalism of the Etwatwa Extension 19 reservoir pump station on Tuesday, leaving residents without water.

The city’s spokesman, Zweli Dlamini said the incident was discovered by municipal workers on Wednesday morning.

Dlamini said, technicians are on site conducting repairs to the damaged infrastructure and the estimation is that “repairs will be completed on Saturday, 16 September.”

The areas affected by the incident include, Emaphupheni; Mandela; Citicon; Etwatwa East; and Etwatwa extensions 19 and 36.

“The city condemns such acts of vandalism in the strongest possible terms. Many innocent ratepayers are now feeling the pinch of this senseless act of thuggery. The cables that were cut were discovered at the scene, however, the electrical panel is extremely damaged hence the delay in the repairs.”

Roving water tankers have been provided to the affected areas, and updates on any developments will be communicated through the city’s digital platforms.

The city appeals to members of the public to protect municipal infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to 0860 54 3000.

The city has also urged residents to put an end to illegal dumping and report it on 086 453 000. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 12:29

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6 September 2023

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

Location: News

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

With a total of R3.3 billion invested in the South African economy in the last two years, Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa aims to build the largest container production plant in the continent.

Ardagh is one of the companies that heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for more investment into the South African economy.

Their staggered investment kicked off in May 2022 with a R1.5 billion set aside for the expansion of its facility in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. A further R1.8 billion was added later for expansion at the same facility.

Ardagh Glass Packing Africa exists after it took over the company, Consol, which had been in existence since 1944.

The company is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates four modern glass production facilities. These are in Bellville, Clayville, Nigel and Wadeville and are producing around five billion glass containers per annum.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Paul Curnow, says demand for sustainable packaging in Africa is growing strongly, supported by factors such as rising income levels and growing sustainability awareness.

He said Ardagh is committed to investing in its people and its asset base to serve this strong demand growth over the near term.

“The expansions have also been designed with the environment in mind. They provide significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits, representing another important step in Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa’s journey to decarbonise the glass production process and to reduce emissions in the communities in which it operates,” Curnow said.

He adds that the expansion projects together are expected to create around 300 direct jobs and significant ancillary supply-chain expenditure in local communities.

The company also estimates that at least five indirect jobs are created for every direct job, indicating a much larger impact in job creation. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:59

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4 September 2023

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Location: News

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Rand Water has been hailed for completing Phase 1 of the 150 megalitres a day (ML/d) Station 5A filtration plant on schedule.

The plant, which is one of Rand Water’s flagship projects, will bring assurance to the sustainability of water supply to the Gauteng province and surroundings.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, joined by the Emfuleni Mayor Sipho Radebe, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and Rand Water Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, have commissioned the first part of the mega water project situated at the Zuikerbotch Water Treatment Works outside Vereeniging in the Vaal.

Mchunu said there is a great need to increase infrastructure and to ensure that operation and maintenance are undertaken to existing infrastructure, and that Rand Water is doing exactly that.

The Minister commended Rand Water in its forward thinking and keeping its eye on its mandate.

“Whether it is in terms of actual water supply or the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, Rand Water has continued to ensure that it keeps its eye on the mandate. Those of you doubting our commitment as DWS to infrastructure development, forget it. We're ahead of the curve. It is not a matter of when, but rather where are we today,” Mchunu said.

Rand Water has built the completely new purification plant at the existing Zuikerbosch Plant, referred to as Station 5, in an effort to augment water supply, ensure sustainable water supply, and to meet current and future demands.

The Station 5 plant is divided into two phases (5A and 5B). The completed Phase 1, Station 5A, will produce 150ml/d of potable water, adding to the current available supply by Rand Water to its customers, including Gauteng municipalities, parts of Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, as well as industries.

Upon completion of Phase 2 (Station 5B) at the end of 2024, the plant will add another 450 ML/d, totalling to 600ML/d of water to users.

The purification plant is part of the Rand Water's capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility’s system to ensure water security to the provinces it supplies.

Speaking at the recent ribbon cutting to officially commission Phase 1 of the newly built Section 5A purification plant, Mchunu emphasised the need for new water infrastructure to address current and future demand of water in the province.

He said the commissioning of Station 5A is demonstrative of the department’s seriousness about increasing infrastructure capacity.

Mchunu said while the mandate of the sector was to ensure access to clean drinking water and to manage water resources, “one cannot have access to water without the proper infrastructure”.

Since 2019, the Station 5A project has created 871 job opportunities, providing employment to people with diverse skill levels, ranging from unskilled to semi-skilled, and skilled labourers.

The project has also supported more than 48 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with small work packages from the core activities of the 26 projects.

Vision 2030 infrastructure build programme

Monyokolo said the project is part of Rand Water’s Vision 2030 Infrastructure Build Programme and that they are well within their timelines and in some instances, they are ahead.

“… This additional 150ML/d Station 5A programme ensures that there is more than enough water for all our customers and therefore consumers.

“As a board, we have a full and comprehensive understanding of the importance of infrastructure upgrading and refurbishment to ensure uninterrupted bulk water supply to our customers. As we celebrate the 120th year anniversary of our existence, we recognise and embrace inherent challenges that we continue to turn into opportunities,” Monyokolo said.

Monyokolo also noted some of the challenges faced by the water utility in the implementation of its CAPEX [capital expenditure] projects, which include population growth in its areas of supply, vandalism of infrastructure, encroachment on servitudes, quality of raw water, and non-payment of invoices by customers.

“The porous municipal water reticulation infrastructure also creates a simulated shortage. We are working hard to assist and collaborate with municipalities through the capable leadership of our Minister to mitigate this challenge.”

In February this year, the water utility launched the 210ML/d Vlakfontein Reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni. The reservoir is post-tensioned concrete, the biggest in the world and is part of the Mapleton Booster system augmentation programme. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 13:46

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28 August 2023

PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng

Location: News

PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has spent R2.1 billion in recovering the rail infrastructure in Gauteng to date.

“PRASA is making significant progress in rebuilding the passenger rail infrastructure and refurbishing vandalised stations. Today, PRASA has recovered 18 corridors, with seven corridors now operational in Gauteng with the new Electrical Motor Units, Istimela Sabantu,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Monday.

She was addressing the launch of the Leralla-Germiston line, which cost under R600 million in rebuilding and rehabilitating the line that first ran commercially on 6 July and now carries 10 000 people daily.

The rehabilitation included the six stations the train stops at, the overhead electrical cables that power the trains and the substations that feed power to the network. The train stops at Leralla, Limindlela, Tembisa, Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and Germiston stations.

“R28 million was invested in refurbishing the stations; R292 million spent on the overhead cables, and R276 million spent on the substations. R44 million was spent to rehabilitate and restore the Elandsfontein substation,” Chikunga said.

The Minister said work is in progress to extend the service from Germiston all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, with a total budget of R130 million allocated to this project.

“Our interventions to restore urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable. The plans are part of our wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.

“Through PRASA’s Capital projects, we will ensure that PRASA continues to invest in local communities and boost local economies by creating job opportunities. We are pleased to announce that 191 jobs were created in this project, with 15 young women under the age of 35 employed, 3 women with disabilities and 21 women over the age of 35. Four Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) from local communities benefited from this project,” she said.

The Minister said it is also prudent that the informal economy benefits from the railway stations and the access they provide to people.

“The Germiston station is one of our biggest intermodal facilities in Gauteng, with taxis and buses feeding into the station, thus supporting a vibrant informal economy where informal traders can ply their trade and sell their wares to passengers and people from surrounding areas.

“The micro-economic activities at the Germiston station clearly demonstrate the role of intermodal facilities in providing transport solutions, convenience, accessibility, and economic opportunities.

“The increase of patronage numbers is vital to the sustainable livelihoods of informal traders and commuters at large who rely on this affordable mode of transport. Plans are in place to regain patronage numbers, including the rebuilding of critical stations for commuters to access the trains,” Chikunga said.

PRASA’s national resignaling programme will ensure that the organization increases the frequency of trains while ensuring the safe passage of our new modern trains and safety for our passengers.

“We are also pleased to announce that since the implementation of PRASA’s integrated security plan, we have seen a reduction of security related incidences in the PRASA environment by 75%.

“Recently, PRASA’s Protection Officers were declared Peace Officers under the Criminal Procedures Act, giving them more law enforcement powers, similar to the police, including powers to arrest. We would like to congratulate all the 286 PRASA Peace Officers who are now trained in Criminal Law and Law in General, amongst many other modules,” the Minister said.

Additionally to the Peace Officer Status, PRASA’s Protection Officers are multiskilled in Armed Response, platform marshalling, CCTV monitoring, and many more.

Their deployment areas include on board the trains, staging yards, rail infrastructure, supported by the SAPS Railway Police and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 13:45

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21 August 2023

All systems in spot for a safe BRICS Summit

Location: News

All systems in place for a safe BRICS Summit

Police Minister Bheki Cele on Monday instructed law enforcement agencies to make the stay of all visitors, including delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) memorable by protecting them.

“Make the world that is descending here to say, indeed, South Africa is the place to be,” Cele said.

Addressing law enforcement officers deployed at the BRICS Summit at Innesfree Park in Sandton, Cele encouraged the officers to make people feel comfortable; make their trip enjoyable and also make them want to come back to South Africa.

He told the officers that they should not be scared, but be ready to protect people coming to the Summit.

“We are not scared; we are absolutely not scared; nobody should be scared. You are commanded to go and do your best for the country,” he said.

Various law enforcement agencies, which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, the Ekhuruleni Metro Police Department, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and security companies are among the law enforcement agencies deployed to ensure the safety of BRICS delegates.

“What is expected of you is to show that every person visiting and every citizen is safe. Approach situations and people here with friendly faces. You are not here just for security, you are ambassadors,” Cele said.

Cele told the officers that they should not hesitate to deal with those who break the law.

“Operation Shanela is bearing positive results. We have arrested many criminals and the operation will continue even after the Summit,” he said.

Cele said since Operation Shanela was launched, the police have arrested 99 754 criminals.

“We have upped our levels; we have upped our game. We have pushed up the capabilities,” he said.

The summit which will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre from tomorrow is expected to be attended by over 40 Heads of State, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries.

Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said it is confident that South Africa will host the 15th BRICS Summit successfully.

“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing at the time. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 15:27

298 views

19 August 2023

Security workers protest in Boksburg over unpaid wages

Location: News

“It’s amazing what politicians promise just to get our votes” says union leader

17 August 2023

NATJOINTS bold of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

NATJOINTS confident of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.

“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.

The 15th BRICS Summit will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg next week from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday on the safety and security plans in place for the hosting of the summit, Mosikili said NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, the summit will happen in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.

“A priority committee, comprising various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, routes, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili explained that the safety and security preparations for the summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times and at all areas of deployment.

“Each and every member deployed has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity. It is on that note that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers,” she said.

Mosikili cautioned members of the public against committing any illegal acts, as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.

“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively, within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.

Securing the venue

Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law.

Leading up to the summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting the BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August.

This seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa.

Residents in the City of Johannesburg are advised that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre. Those operating businesses and those who reside near the Sandton Convention Centre are advised of the following road closures that enclose the venue:

From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 24:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023

• Corner Maude and West Streets

• Corner West Street and Alice Lane

• Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street

On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures from 15:00 to 24:00

• Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive

• Richards Drive traffic circle

• Johnnic and Lupton Street

• Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:35

257 views

16 August 2023

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Location: News

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Efforts against the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms, are paying off with Gauteng police having recovered over 400 firearms and other ammunition in the past two weeks.

The recoveries said the South African Police Service (SAPS), are as a result of daily crime prevention actions conducted by police members and intelligence driven operations including the weekly Operation Shanela.

On Wednesday last week, members of the Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys Security and Blue Hawk Tactical, operationalised information regarding illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Primrose area.

The information led the team to four suspects who were found in possession of a rifle with ammunition and 13 bags of gold bearing soil.

All four suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of gold bearing material, including bribery as one of them tried to bribe the police for his freedom.

In another incident, still in the Ekurhuleni district, members of Putfontein recovered a firearm with a filed off serial number after they followed up on information. Two suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In the Johannesburg District, a team consisting of the Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad operationalised information about individuals planning a business robbery in the Diepkloof area.

The identified vehicle to be used by the suspects was spotted and stopped. Three occupants were inside and when searched, police discovered a revolver with a filed off serial number and ammunition.

The suspects were all arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the police also seized the vehicle which is suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.

The SAPS said most of the firearms are recovered during routine patrols, vehicle check points and during crime prevention operations conducted throughout the province.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears E(2) project for their prompt response to tip-offs and intelligence information given to them by community members.

"Recoveries of these firearms and ammunition is ascribed to partnership policing and these proves that together we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be," said Mawela. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:08

475 views

10 August 2023

SA universities at risk of losing 10% of academics as they near retirement

Location: News

SA universities at risk of losing 10% of academics as they near retirement

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has cast the spotlight on investing in young scholars, as a number of academics in public universities are nearing retirement.

Citing the 2023 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report, Nzimande noted that the proportion of staff over the age of 60 increased from 7.3% in 2011 to 10.4% in 2020.

“This trend implies that public universities will lose about 10% of permanent staff with doctoral qualifications due to retirement within the next five years,” he said on Thursday.

The report found that the percentage of staff aged 20 to 29 declined from 7.9% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2020.

“Although there is an increase in the proportion of staff aged 30 to 39, this increase is lower than that of staff aged over 60. Therefore, there is a need to intensify support to young academic staff through instruments such as the New Generation of Academics Programme,” Nzimande said.

He was speaking at the launch of the annual STI Report in Pretoria.

Commissioned by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), the report examines investment in research, development and innovation, STI human resources, innovation in manufacturing, digital competitiveness, and the distribution of research and development (R&D) in provinces.

NACI is a leading advisory body to government on science, technology and innovation, and provides evidence-based advice to the Minister.

Because of the department’s various programmes aimed at developing future generations of academics and building staff capacity, Nzimande said the gender gap among academic employees is gradually closing.

“The proportions of male and female researchers are approaching parity,” the Minister said.

However, he noted that the proportion of staff in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields has remained consistent over time.

“This finding is, on reflection, not surprising.

“South African academics, once appointed on a permanent basis, cannot easily be replaced. Given that the typical academic career is around 40 years, universities have often been compared to large tankers, which change course slowly, and with difficulty.”

For the percentage of staff in the STEM fields to increase in relation to non-STEM employees, the Minister believes it would require many universities to change their organisational design, creating more medical schools, engineering faculties, and larger science faculties.

He told delegates that the establishment of the new University of Science and Technology in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, is an example of the type of intervention that is required.

“The goal of increasing the numbers of graduates in science, engineering and technology (SET) has been stated and repeated in multiple national policy documents since 1994.

“Despite various initiatives over the years to increase the output of SET graduates, the percentage of SET graduates, as a proportion of all graduates, has remained unchanged over the past 12 years.”

On a positive note, indicators show some growth in black doctoral graduates in STEM fields, constituting an increase of about one-third of all doctoral graduates in 2010 to 44% in 2020.

Nzimande said the university would play a leading role in enhancing the growth of critical skills in the STEM fields needed to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the lives of citizens.

“One manifestation of the multiple crises of social reproduction is that of gender-based violence and the subordinate position of women in society generally.

“The interrelated crises of unemployment, poverty, inequality, and social reproduction also manifest in high incidents of criminality and different forms of violence afflicting many of our communities.”

South African scientists, Nzimande said, have increased their research collaborations with other countries.

He noted that about 20% of the country’s population was counted as “extremely poor” in 2021.

Nzimande is of the view that the STI, with the country’s policy agenda, will require developing solutions to these socio-economic challenges.

“I can assure you today that through our new ten-year plan for STI, we will respond to these challenges.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 12:30

7 August 2023

We are woefully short of judges

Location: News

The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges

30 May 2023

Ekurhuleni’s multi-billion rand housing project stalled by shack dwellers

Location: News

“The government has surely forgotten us” says Daggafontein pensioner

22 May 2023

Gauteng Cholera Cases on the Rise

Location: News

The City of Ekurhuleni has urged residents to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand-hygiene as the country experiences an outbreak of Diarrhoeal disease and a rising number of confirmed cases of Cholera. The Cholera outbreak in neighbouring Hammanskraal has claimed 12 lives and over 50 people are receiving medical care at Jubilee Hospital. …