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Help for struggling municipalities

Location: News

Help for struggling municipalities

To achieve rapid and inclusive growth, South Africa must address struggling municipalities and appoint qualified professionals to top positions.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered a televised Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday evening.

“Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work,” the President said.

The Head of State took the time to outline the government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years in a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament.

The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year following the May 29 General Elections.

President Ramaphosa said municipalities should provide social services and promote inclusive economic growth.

“They must work to attract investment. This approach can encourage businesses to expand and create more jobs in municipal areas. Investors are attracted to areas with reliable and modern infrastructure.” 

eThekwini municipality 

The President also spoke at length about the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which is currently under the Presidential Working Group, to enhance support from the national and provincial government and turn the metro around. 

“When I visited eThekwini earlier this year, I met with residents of the city, with local business leaders and municipal officials. They told me that they wanted to work together to build a city that they could be proud of again.” 

He said the group was working around the clock to fix the problems in water and sanitation to attract new investment.

“We will extend the same approach to other metropolitan cities that face serious challenges so that our cities can be engines of growth and dynamic centres of opportunity.

“eThekwini must be restored to its former glory,” he stressed. 

Simplifying and speeding up planning and regulatory processes can make it easier for businesses to invest and operate in a municipality, thus creating more jobs.

“As the national government, we have both a Constitutional responsibility and a clear electoral mandate to assist municipalities in the effective exercise of their powers and functions.

“We will ensure that the institutional structure and funding model for local government is fit-for-purpose and that municipalities are financially and operationally sustainable.” 

Qualified professionals

In addition, the President assured South Africa that government will ensure the appointment of capable, qualified people to senior positions in municipalities as well as independent regulation and oversight of the appointment process.

“As an immediate priority, we will bring stability to governance in our metros and restore the delivery of services. We have already begun this work,” he said. 

On Tuesday, newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the seventh administration was committed to working towards turning around dysfunctional municipalities. 

Hlabisa used his Budget Vote Speech to acknowledge some of the challenges faced by local municipalities. 

He said the department will continue to implement and enforce compliance with Municipal Support and Intervention Plans (MSIPs) and employ financial recovery plans in distressed municipalities.

The Minister said the current leadership plans to prioritise five additional municipalities that are in severe financial and governance distress which has negatively impacted service delivery. 

Some of the five additional municipalities that will receive attention include Ditsobotla in the North West, Kopanong and Mafube in the Free State, Emfuleni in Gauteng and Thabazimbi in Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:00

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CoGTA Minister talks tough on underperforming municipalities

Location: News

CoGTA Minister talks tough on underperforming municipalities

Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has stated that the seventh administration is committed to working towards turning around dysfunctional municipalities, including the eThekwini Metro.

Hlabisa used his Budget Vote Speech in Parliament on Tuesday to acknowledge some of the challenges faced by local municipalities. 

Going forward, the Minister stated that the department will continue to implement and enforce compliance with Municipal Support and Intervention Plans (MSIPs) and employ financial recovery plans in distressed municipalities.

Municipalities in distress

He told Parliamentarians that the current leadership plans to prioritise five additional municipalities that are in severe financial and governance distress which has negatively impacted service delivery. 

“Some have struggled to pay salaries over the past three to six months.  Some have debts that seem insurmountable as well as prolonged and expensive litigation,” he explained. 

These municipalities are Ditsobotla in the North West, Kopanong and Mafube in the Free State, Emfuleni in Gauteng and Thabazimbi in Limpopo. 

“Additionally, we will address the challenges faced by the eThekwini Metro, which is grappling with governance, institutional, and service delivery issues.” 

According to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President, eThekwini is currently also receiving support from the national government led by the Presidency and KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA. 

“It is important to note that this prioritisation does not imply that other municipalities are not facing similar challenges. Our commitment remains to support all municipalities that are experiencing difficulties.”

The Cooperative Governance budget is sitting at R395.7 billion, with a significant portion of 95.9% (R379.61 billion) to be transferred to municipalities and affiliated entities.

The R379.61 billion of the department’s total budget over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, will primarily cover the local government equitable share, disaster relief grant and the municipal infrastructure grant.

In addition, he stated that the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) will continue its efforts to assist the 22 distressed municipalities that are increasingly confronted with the need for infrastructure investments to deliver essential municipal services.

“They also struggle to mobilise resources for this infrastructure due to their borrowing limitations and reduced transfers from the national government amid fiscal constraints,” he explained. 

He believes government’s success depends on the collective efforts of Parliament, departments, municipalities, traditional leaders, civil society, and every citizen. 

He stated that his department aims to eliminate fragmentation in the planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring of government programs by the end of the seventh administration’s term. 

“We cannot sit on the sidelines whilst the taxpayers’ money is not used as planned and infrastructure that could benefit our communities remains a dream,” he said. 

Traditional leadership 

Hlabisa also used his Budget Speech Vote to throw his weight behind traditional leadership, including the Khoi-San community. 

“Time for lamenting is over; we must join hands to make an impact by turning dysfunctional municipalities around and improve support for institutions of traditional and Khoi-San leadership. The seventh administration has opened a new chapter which must be a turning point for the CoGTA sector post 30 years of freedom and democracy.” 

The Traditional Affairs department has been allocated a budget that amounts to R187.3 million, which has been reduced by R5.8 million compared to the previous year’s allocation.

According to the Minister, the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership has raised several issues with the government through various engagement platforms during previous administrations. 

“Our traditional and Khoi-San leaders also face their own set of challenges which include uneven provision of support and resources to fulfil their roles effectively, challenges in integrating traditional and Khoi-San leadership structures with municipal governance frameworks, and the need to finalise the formal recognition of khoi-San leaders and to promote respect for the cultural heritage which traditional and Khoi-San leaders are custodians of.”

During the current financial year, the department will continue to support the Commission on Khoi-San Matters (CKSM) to ensure it completes its work and submits recommendations. 

The CKSM was  established to handle applications for the recognition of Khoi-San communities and leaders and to submit recommendations to the Ministry. 

The Commission has received 124 applications and conducted 62 Applicant Member Investigations (AMIs) to ensure application completeness. 

“Let me remind this August House that the 2026 Local Government Elections are around the corner and the present term of local government comes to an end. We owe it to our communities to better their lives through effective and impactful service delivery.” – SAnews.go.za
 

 

Gabisile
Wed, 07/17/2024 - 10:31

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Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front

Location: News

Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KwaZulu-Natal

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern Cape

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

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

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

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

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

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Western Cape prepares for inclement weather

Location: News

Western Cape prepares for inclement weather

The Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department says the province is expecting a series of cold fronts with adverse weather conditions starting this weekend and continuing into most of next week. 

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) was briefed on Saturday by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on the approaching weather systems.

The weather service has since issued several warnings for heavy rains and rains: 

  • A level 4 warning for heavy rain and potential flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
  • A level 6 warning for high winds of between 80 and 90km/h over the western and south-western parts of the Western Cape on Sunday.
  • A level 4 warning for winds of between 50 and 70km/h for the Namakwa district as well as the central and eastern parts of the province.
  • A level 6 warning for waves between 6 and 8 metres along the coastline between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas from Sunday, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the afternoon. 
  • A level 4 warning for disruptive snowfall over the mountains of the Western Cape as well as the southern high ground of the Namakwa District on Sunday. 

Bredell said the PDMC is on standby and the various municipal district disaster centres are ready to be activated if needed. 

“Emergency, rescue and social services are prepared to respond to any eventualities,” the department said in a statement.

Ready to assist

Meanwhile, provincial departments are represented at the PDMC and will be ready to provide support if needed.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation said catchments and dam levels are being monitored closely and regular updates will be made to the PDMC as the weather systems develop.”

According to Bredell, strong winds, combined with rain-saturated soil increase the risks of trees and tall structures being toppled. 

In addition, the provincial department said various government services may be affected by the inclement weather and residents are asked to stay informed by monitoring the latest weather reports through trusted local news platforms and the local municipality’s social media pages. 

“Services are also being activated to support the vulnerable and those impacted by the inclement weather,” the MEC added.

Other provinces

According to the SAWS, very wet, cold and windy conditions associated with an intense cold front and steepening upper-air trough are expected to start affecting the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, the North West and Free State, spreading along the Lesotho border on Monday.

“The public and small stock farmers are advised that very cold conditions and snowfalls are expected,” the statement read.

The SAWS also issued a warning about high fire danger conditions that are expected over  theFree State, eastern parts of the Northern Cape, western parts of North West, Eastern Cape, south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Call for caution

In the meantime, residents have been urged to stay warm and safe. 

“With the end of the school holidays, many people may be travelling home. We ask residents to please be extremely cautious on the roads.

“Due to the combination of high winds, heavy rain, and snowfalls over high mountains expected, we urge residents to please reconsider travel and outdoor activities next week and avoid unnecessary travel,” the MEC cautioned. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 07/07/2024 - 11:44

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Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto

Location: News

Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto

A 49-year-old Portuguese businessman who was kidnapped for ransom last month, is the latest victim to be rescued by the police. 

In the last six months, 12 businessmen and six students who had been kidnapped for ransom have been rescued by a multidisciplinary team led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.

According to the SAPS, the Portuguese businessman was kidnapped from his business premises in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 June 2024.

“On Monday evening, 1 July 2024, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity. 

“On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg,” a statement from the Office of the National Commissioner of the SAPS read. 

According to Eyewitness News (EWN), Portuguese South African butchery owners are being targeted in a spate of kidnappings in Gauteng. 

The news organisation said that 20 Portuguese South African butchery owners and managers were kidnapped in the province since January last year, with one victim murdered.  

EWN said ransom demands for the safe release of the victims range between R400 000 and R3.5 million, while in at least nine of these cases, ransom demands started from R10 million.

“The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team including other law enforcement agencies and private security have been working around the clock to find the businessman, safe and unharmed,” the police said. 

The police believe that the 39-year-old suspect belongs to a syndicate that is responsible for at least four other kidnappings where businessmen were the target in the Johannesburg District. 

“The team is currently tracing suspects who were working together with the man.

“In cases where the businessmen and students had been rescued, no ransom payment was made as a direct result of the expertise and capabilities of SAPS detectives, the crime intelligence unit and collaboration with private security.” 

As per the police statement from January 2024 to date, 49 kidnappers who had demanded ransom payment from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, the North West and Free State. 

In addition, 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated and eight firearms have also been seized. 

“The SAPS is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” the SAPS added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:42

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Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects in the Free State

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects in the Free State

Operation Shanela has nabbed 967 suspects in the Free State last week.

Police in the province say 50 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with nine being arrested for rape, four for murder and 14 for attempted murder, while 28 were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.

Twenty-one suspects were arrested for property crimes; 45 were arrested for malicious damage to property and 107 were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

In Virginia, on 26 June 2024, members of Crime Intelligence provided information on two suspected vehicles seen around petrol garages.

Three suspects were arrested after an illegal firearm was found in the vehicle in which they were driving. The second vehicle, a VW Golf, was traced and found with three occupants, and a firearm was also found and confiscated.

In another incident, a vehicle was traced and stopped. All three males found in the vehicle were also arrested after a 9mm firearm was found and confiscated.

In Rouxville, one foreign national was arrested after his bakkie was stopped at a roadblock and while the police were searching the vehicle, they found boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R12 million.

In Springfontein, two males, aged 23 and 25, were arrested after they were stopped by highway patrol on the N1 and dagga worth an estimated R1.7 million was found in the back of their bakkie.

In Batho, an illegal foreign national was arrested after he was found with an unlicensed firearm. This is after police received information that the suspect might have been part of a group that robbed a tuckshop.

Detective tracing operations, as part of Operation Shanela, saw more than 215 suspects, who did not have the legal documents to be in South Africa, being taken to Home Affairs for further handling.

Thirty-three people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 253 drivers were fined for contravention of the Traffic Act.

Operations are continuing throughout the province and community members are urged to continue providing information on crimes taking place, and to work with police to identify possible suspects. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 09:37

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Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration

Location: News

Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration

Newly inaugurated Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated public service, spearheaded by selfless and noble public servants, as government begins the work of the seventh administration.

Letsoha-Mathae said this when she met with the officials in the Office of the Premier at the Bram Fischer Building in Bloemfontein on Thursday. 

Addressing the officials, the Premier stressed the importance of creativity, hard work and collective effort to combat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. 

"As we embark on this new journey, I implore you to remember that we are not just public servants, but patriotic citizens tasked with building a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa. 

“Let us work together to deliver quality services to our people and make the Free State a beacon of hope and excellence," Letshoha-Mathae said.

The Premier emphasised participatory democracy, urging public servants to take an active role in addressing societal issues. 

She reiterated her administration's commitment to providing prudent oversight, overseeing, and coordinating the delivery of quality services, leveraging on the District Development Model (DDM) for integrated development. 

Letshoha-Mathae stressed the importance of empowering the previously disadvantaged women and the youth in building a capable developmental state that prioritises the needs of the people. 

The Premier said there would be a zero-tolerance approach towards maladministration, unethical practices and laziness of officials. 

"The preoccupation of government, moving forward, should be that of ensuring public servants are held accountable and that the state is responsive to the plight of the people,” the Premier said. 

Collective approach towards GBVF

Letsoha-Mathae added that there was a need for a collective approach towards ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province and South Africa in general. 

The Premier led a GBVF march in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, following the brutal murders of two young women in Mangaung.

The march, held under the banner “March for Justice”, was organised by various sectors and associations of society.

“Together, we are determined to overcome this pervasive threat that has invaded our communities. I urge men to stand up and protect women and children, while encouraging women to never tolerate any form of abuse," Letshoha-Mathae said.

Addressing key government priorities

Meanwhile, announcing the members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration last week, Letsoha-Mathae said the team reflects the commitment to addressing key priorities of the provincial government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all people. 

She said each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province. 

“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people and reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” the Premier said.

“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people,” she said.

The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:
• MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume
• MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• MEC for Social Development, Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• MEC for Education, Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• MEC for Health, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba

Visits to health facilities

The Premier will today conduct a monitoring visit to the health facilities accompanied by Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi.

The Premier will first visit Bongani Hospital in Welkom and then Katleho District Hospital in Virginia. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:13

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NCOP constitutes key committees

Location: News

NCOP constitutes key committees

The Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has appointed members to constitute the Select Committees, Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and the Programming Committee of the seventh Parliament.

During its first meeting held on Wednesday, the Committee also agreed to reduce the number of its Select Committees to 10 instead of the previous 11 of the sixth Parliament. 

“These Select Committees are the engine room of the NCOP, as they are responsible for overseeing the performance of various government departments. Select committees are also crucial in ensuring consistent focus on provincial issues,” the Committee said in a statement.

The Rules Committee said the decision to reduce the number of Select Committees to 10 will now mean that the Social Cluster will have two committees. 

“The Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture will oversee the Departments of Basic Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Technologies, and Sports, Arts and Culture. 

“The Select Committee on Social Services will oversee the Departments of Health, Social Development, Women, Youth Development and Persons with Disabilities, and Statistics South Africa,” the Committee explained.

The Committee also announced that Governance Cluster will comprise two committees, including the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure, overseeing the work of the Departments of Public Works and Infrastructure, Transport, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration.

The committees will also overseeing the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Service and Administration, Human Settlements, and Water and Sanitation.

“The Security Cluster has two committees, namely, the Select Committee on Security and Justice, overseeing the Departments of Police, Justice and Correctional Services, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs, State Security, and International Relations and Co-operation, and the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings,” the Committee said.

The Economic Cluster will include the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, overseeing the Departments of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Competition, Small Business Development and Tourism, Employment and Labour, and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Mineral Resources, overseeing the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Electricity.

The Finance Cluster has the Select Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Appropriations to oversee the Treasury.

Elections on four NCOP vacancies scheduled for next week

Meanwhile, the elections to fill the four vacancies in the NCOP for Permanent Deputy Chairperson, House Chairperson for Committees, House Chairperson for Members Support and International Relations, and the Programming Whip of the NCOP have been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2 July 2024.

The Rules Committee comprises 20 Council members, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip Kenneth Mmoiemang, the House Chairpersons, the Programming Whip, and the Provincial Whips. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who is the Chairperson of the NCOP, chairs the Committee.

The Committee noted that NCOP Rule 133 provides that parties represented in the NCOP that do not have a Provincial Whip, are entitled to be represented in the Rules Committee. 

“The parties without provincial whips are the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF+); uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the United Democratic Alliance (UDM). The EFF will be represented by Mandisa Makesini, FF+ by Tamarin Breedt, MKP by Seeng Mokoena, PA by Bino Farmer, and the UDM by Mandla Peter.

“The NCOP Provincial Whips are Advocate Mwelo Nonkonyana (Eastern Cape), Mapule Dhlamini (Free State), Mpho Modise (Gauteng), Poobalan Govender (KwaZulu-Natal), Regina Molokomme (Limpopo), Sylvia Nxumalo (Mpumalanga), Solomon Mabilo (Northern Cape), Sylvia Sithole (North West), and Frederik Badenhorst (Western Cape),” the Committee said.

The Committee also noted Rule 137 of the NCOP Rules, which states that the Rules Committee may establish a Subcommittee that can make recommendations on the Council Rules, Orders, proceedings, procedures, and practices. 

For the current purposes, the Committee said the five-member Subcommittee includes the NCOP Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip, and Bhekizizwe Radebe from the African National Congress; Badenhorst from the Democratic Alliance and Makesini from the EFF.

“The NCOP Programming Committee, in terms of Rule 143, has the same members as the NCOP Rules Committee.” - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:14

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Hawks seize cocaine worth R8 million

Location: News

Hawks seize cocaine worth R8 million

The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, has welcomed the seizure of 20 cocaine bricks that were destined for the Free State.

This as Hawks members from the Pietermaritzburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit seized the cocaine bricks worth R8 million at an industrial park near Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.

The officers had received information about a truck that was carrying a chemical crop sprayer tractor from Durban Harbour heading to the Free State province.

“A disruptive operation was swiftly conducted, and members proceeded to the said industrial park.

“The said truck was traced and found stationary. A search was conducted and members found 20 bricks of cocaine hidden inside the chemical sprayer bin. A detailed statement was obtained from the driver and no arrest has been made at this stage. The investigation continues,” said the Hawks in a statement on Thursday.

Major General Senona has congratulated the officers for the good work done. – SAnews.gov.za   

 

Edwin
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 11:02

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Limpopo Legislature elects first female Premier

Location: News

Limpopo Legislature elects first female Premier

History has been made in Limpopo where Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier - the first woman to hold the position in the province.

Ramathuba was elected during a sitting of the seventh Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday.

She takes over the reins from outgoing Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, who held the post during the fifth and sixth administration terms.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also women. Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of “this great province”.

The newly appointed Premier committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.

“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity. I am recommitting the new administration to inclusivity, [and] access to qualify basic services,” Ramathuba said.

She also called on the Executives to carry out their duties with diligence.

“I call upon the members of this Legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence and dedication, ensuring that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,” the new Premier said.

She acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.

Ramathuba’s election came as a number of provinces held their first sittings of their respective Legislatures on Friday.

In Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu was elected as the new Premier, taking over from Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane who took office in 2018.

In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him.

“I am committed to upholding and building upon the legacy that the previous premiers have left for us. We are continuing with the journey which was started by Premier Matthews Phosa up until Premier Refilwe. Premier, you have done your part,” Ndlovu said.

Oscar Mabuyane was re-elected as Premier of the Eastern Cape for a second term and MaQueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae was elected Premier for Free State.

Meanwhile, Alan Winde was re-elected as the Western Cape Premier during a sitting of the Western Cape Parliament on Thursday.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 14:39

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30-year prison sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure

Location: News

30-year prison sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure

Tinos Ndebele has been sentenced to 30 years of direct imprisonment after being convicted on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure as well as theft from essential infrastructure.

On 8 June 2023, an alarm was triggered at a Telkom cellphone tower in Roodewal. Telkom officials went to the scene and found fencing to the tower damaged and a container broken and the door forced open. Inside the container, 12 batteries amounting to R36 000 were stolen.

According to the Free State National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a police forensic team was called to the scene and fingerprints were lifted from the crime scene. 

“The fingerprints lifted matched those of the accused. Through diligent police investigations, the accused was traced and arrested,” said the NPA.

In his defence during the trial, the accused explained that he was a snake catcher and on the said date he was chasing a King Cobra and the snake went into the container. This explained why his fingerprints were found at the crime scene.

Regional Court Prosecutor Petro van den Berg argued that the court should sentence the accused to the maximum sentence for this criminality, as tampering with essential infrastructure offences were on the increase and harming the economy, lives of the citizenry and affecting the running of the country

The Bloemfontein Regional Court found him guilty of tampering with essential infrastructure and theft from infrastructure.

He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on a charge of tampering with infrastructure and 15 years imprisonment on a charge of theft from infrastructure.

The court ordered that five years of count 2 (theft from infrastructure) to run concurrently with count 1 thus the accused was effectively sentenced to 30 years of direct imprisonment.

“The National Prosecuting Authority will continue to prioritise the prosecution of crime and criminals that disproportionately undermine South Africans’ safety, the country’s socio-economic well-being, the functioning of the economy of the country, compromise the well-being of the citizenry, and the rule of law,” said the NPA. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 10:19

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Read more30-year prison sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

Location: News

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will this week host the first of two workshops to inform potential and existing MDDA grant funding applicants about the compliance requirements for the 2024/25 grant funding cycle.

The agency recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects are encouraged to apply.

“The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,” it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

The virtual workshop will be held from 10am to 1pm on Friday, 14 June 2024, on Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5a52a3d-5128-4b2f-87f5-84c3c346c317@be508088-e9e6-4190-b402-329c20fd7bce.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:25

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Call to support Bafana Bafana

Location: News

Call to support Bafana Bafana

Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa has called on the nation to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they continue to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana will face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, 11 June 2024.

“This will be the first time Bafana Bafana plays an international match in Bloemfontein since their victory against France in the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Football supporters in the Free State are famous for their passionate support during matches.

“I welcome the return of international football to the Free State and call on South Africans to fill up Free State Stadium and get behind Bafana Bafana, as our national team continues its march to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup,” the Minister said on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:31

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Sun sets on 2024 elections

Location: News

Sun sets on 2024 elections

The sun has set on the most arguably contested election in the history of South Africa, with voting, vote counting and the capturing of results completed.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declared the official results during a ceremony at the national Results Operations Centre on Sunday, attended by, among others, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This paves the way for the seventh administration, which will lead South Africa for the next five years.

South Africans on 29 May voted using three ballots for the first time because of the inclusion of independent candidates on the ballot. These were the National Ballot, National Regional Ballot and the Provincial Legislature Ballot.

No less than 16 million South Africans made their mark, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%.

The parties which received the most votes and thus garnered seats in the 400-member National Assembly are as follows:

  • African National Congress (ANC) – 159 seats.
  • Democratic Alliance (DA) – 87 seats.
  • uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party) – 58 seats.
  • Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – 39 seats.
  • Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – 17 seats.
  • Patriotic Alliance (PA) – 9 seats.
  • Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) – 6 seats.
  • ActionSA – 6 seats.
  • African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) – 3 seats.
  • United Democratic Movement (UDM) – 3 seats.
  • African Transformation Movement (ATM) – 2 seats.
  • Al Jama-ah – 2 seats.
  • Build One South Africa (BOSA) – 2 seats.
  • National Coloured Congress (NCC) – 2 seats.
  • Rise Mzansi – 2 seats
  • GOOD Party – 1 seat
  • Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) – 1 seat
  • United Africans Transformation (UTM) – 1 seat

Winners of the National Assembly votes by each region are as follows (percentages as at 7pm on Sunday):

  • Eastern Cape – ANC with 62.42% of the vote, 16 seats.
  • Free State – ANC with 52.56% of the vote, 6 seats.
  • Gauteng – ANC with 34.62% of the vote, 17 seats.
  • KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party with 44.91% of the vote, 19 seats
  • Mpumalanga – ANC with 51.31% of the vote, 8 seats.
  • Northern Cape – ANC with 49.47% of the vote, 3 seats.
  • Limpopo – ANC with 73.38% of the vote, 16 seats.
  • North West – ANC 58.29% of the vote, 8 seats.
  • Western Cape – DA with 53.37% of the vote, 14 seats

The winners of the provincial legislatures are as follows:

  • Eastern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 45 seats won.
  • Free State – ANC to lead the legislature with 16 seats won.
  • Gauteng – ANC to lead the legislature with 28 seats won.
  • KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party to lead the legislature with 37 seats won.
  • Mpumalanga – ANC to lead the legislature with 27 won.
  • Northern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 15 seats won
  • Limpopo – ANC to lead the legislature with 48 seats won.
  • North West – ANC to lead the legislature with 23 seats won.
  • Western Cape – DA to lead the legislature with 24 seats won.

“After carefully considering the extensive measures put in place and acknowledging the provisions of section 57(3) of the Electoral Act 1998, the commission declares the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, free and fair,” IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said during the results announcement programme.

The list of elected public representatives was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ceremony.

On Thursday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to officially receive the lists of designated Members of Parliament from the IEC in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which he will preside over. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:30

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Read moreSun sets on 2024 elections

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

Location: News

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

With a drop in temperatures expected in various parts of the country, the City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to stay safe during the cold weather.

“A drop in temperatures over parts of the country, including the City of Tshwane as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), is noticeable. The possibility of thundershowers with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday, 02 June 2024 extending to Monday, 03 June 2024,” the City’s Emergency Services Department said on Sunday.

The city has called on residents to keep warm but remain safe this winter by observing the following safety precautions:

  • If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
  • Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide so do not leave it in the house when sleeping.
  • Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
  • Improper use of space heaters (izimbawula, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, among others) should be avoided.
  • Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).

The city said the safety tips are no exhaustive and encouraged citizens to do everything they possibly can to stay safe.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,” it said.

Floods in Eastern Cape

Meanwhile, some parts of the Eastern Cape are flooded, including the Sarah Baartman, Nelson Mandela, Amathole, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities.

Two people have reported died, two are missing and 65 people have been rescued.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.

Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said MEC Williams.

He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.

Drop in temperatures

In a statement on Friday, the SAWS said that following a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.

The weather service said this was a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday.

“Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter.”

The weather service added that cold temperatures, between 12 and 17°C, are expected across the western and southern parts of the country spreading to the central and eastern parts (including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal) on Monday.

Very cold temperatures, with a maximum temperatures below 10°C, with mountain snowfalls are possible over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the eastern high ground of the Western Cape, the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, parts of the Drakensberg and in Lesotho on Monday, it said.

The system is expected to weaken and exit over the country's southern coast on Tuesday, with rainfall still expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.

“The remainder of the country will see the return of clear weather conditions, but temperatures will remain cold,” said SAWS, adding that forecasts might change during the course of the weekend. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 13:43

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Read moreCall for caution amid expected cold snap

Vote counting, validation nears completion

Location: News

Vote counting, validation nears completion

South Africa is inching closer to capturing and validating 100% of the votes cast in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

At 12:51pm on Saturday, vote counting, and validation stood at 98,91 % with 23 028 of 23 292 voting districts completed nationally.

this as South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May.

According to the Election Commission’s (IEC) Results Dashboard, the ANC is in the lead with 40.29 of the vote followed by the DA at 21.64% and MK Party at 14.70%

In Limpopo, 3 199 of 3 216 voting districts completed. This means that 99.47% of vote counting has been completed. The ANC is in the lead in that province at 74.27% followed by the EFF at 12.92% and the DA at 6.09%.

The North West is at 98.56% with 1 713 of 1 738 voting districts (VDs) completed. In this province the ANC at 58.95% followed by the EFF at 16.51% and DA at 13.02%.

Mpumalanga is at 98.4% with 1 782 of 1 811 VDs completed. The ANC is leading with 51.75% of the vote followed by the MK Party at 17.40% and EFF at 12.70%.

KwaZulu-Natal is at 99.58% complete with 4 953 of 4 974 voting districts completed.

The MK Party is in the lead with 45.93% of the vote followed by the ANC at 17.61% and IFP at 16.26%.

Vote counting and validation in the Free State is complete at 100% with all of the 1 586 of 1 586 VDs completed.

The ANC is in the lead in the province at 52.88% followed by the DA at 21.31% and EFF at 13.09%.

The Eastern Cape is at 98.5% with 4 794 of 4 867 voting districts completed. The ANC has 63.22% of the vote followed by the DA at 13.92% and EFF at 10.08%.

The Western Cape is at 97.68% with 1 534 of 1 572 VDs completed. The DA is leading at 53.23% followed by the ANC at 21.19 and PA at 7.43%.

Counting in the Northern Cape is complete with 730 of 730 VDs completed. The ANC is in the lead with 49.30% of the votes followed by the DA at 21.22% and EFF at 12.89%.

Gauteng is at 94.46% with 2 642 of 2 797 voting districts completed. The ANC is in the lead with 36.31% of the vote followed by the DA at 26.97% and EFF at 12.46%. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 12:57

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Read moreVote counting, validation nears completion

Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

Location: News

Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

With more than 98% of votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections having being captured and validated, voter turnout for these elections is at over 50%.

The Electoral Commission’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections Results Dashboard placed voter turnout at 58.57 % as at 10:52 am on Saturday.

This as 98.42% of votes or 22 923 of 23 292 voting districts, having been completed.

South Africans voted in the seventh democratic elections on Wednesday, 29 May. 

According to the dashboard, Gauteng currently stands with the highest voter turnout at 63.72%. The province had a registered population of 6,541,978 in these elections.

This as registered voters in completed voting districts (VDs) stood at 584,569 and the total votes cast in completed VDs stood at 372,465.

Gauteng was followed by the Northern Cape at 62.49 % and KwaZulu-Natal  at 61.81 % to date.

The Western Cape is fourth at 58.09 %.

The other provinces stood as follows as at 10:26 am:

  • Free State  57.45 %
  • Mpumalanga 58.03 %
  • Eastern Cape  54.47 %
  • Limpopo 53.68 %
  • North West 51.82 %

Vote capturing and validation continues.

Voter turnout in the 2019 national elections was at 66.05 %. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 11:20

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Read moreVoter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes

Location: News

Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes

With the second day of vote counting in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections still underway, the African National Congress (ANC) is currently taking the lead and continues to secure most of the votes in most provinces, except in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

As at 11:45am on Friday, the leaderboard at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, showed that the ANC was leading the votes in the Eastern Cape with 739 564, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 138 958, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 109 630.  

A total of 67.65% vote capturing and processing had been completed in the Eastern Cape, including 3 293 of 4 868 voting districts completed.

The ANC was also taking a lead in the Free State with 336 267 votes, followed by the DA with 135 814, and EFF at 84 928. A total of 82.79% vote capturing had been completed in that province, including 1 313 of 1 586 voting districts completed.

In Gauteng, the ANC was leading with 663 401, DA 580 761, EFF 253 632, while the new kids on the block, Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party had secured 186 219 votes. 

In Limpopo, the ANC had secured 530 882, EFF 91 411, and the DA 45 028. Limpopo had captured 47.57% votes including 1 530 of the 3 216 voting districts completed.

In the North West, a total of 58.295 votes had been captured, including 1 013 of the 1 738 voting districts completed, which showed the ANC leading with 279 283, followed by EFF 80 090, and DA 56 638. 

A total of 63.22% votes had been captured in Mpumalanga with 1 145 of the 1 811 voting districts completed. The ANC in Mpumalanga had 344 794 votes followed by MK with 125 646 votes, DA 97 156, and EFF 93 452.

Counting in Northern Cape is almost complete with 99.86% votes captured, including 729 of 730 voting districts completed. The ANC in Northern Cape led with 194 373 votes, while DA had 83 809, and 51 813for the EFF.

In KwaZulu-Natal, which is among the most contested provinces, the MK is taking the lead with 625 363 votes, followed by ANC with 259 867, and Inkatha Freedom party (IFP) with 248 567, and DA with 200 493 votes. 

Results continue to be captured and the leaderboard updated.

The IEC is expected to give the progress report on the elections at 4pm.

At a media briefing on Thursday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results was underway.

 “The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.

This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at the briefing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 12:30

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Read moreResults update: ANC leads most provincial votes

IEC continues vote capturing

Location: News

IEC continues vote capturing

The Electoral Commission is pulling all the stops to ensure the finalisation of the capturing and auditing of results for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, and remains on course to complete the process timeously.

Briefing media at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Friday, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, reiterated that counting at all voting stations has been completed, and that the Commission has all the results at its local offices.

“The process underway is to capture results on our system for tallying and seat allocation. So far, a total of 71.76 [percentage of] results have been captured,” Mamabolo explained.

The CEO reminded South Africans that the ballots are counted at the voting stations where they are cast.

WATCH | IEC media briefing 

 

“At all times, this is done in the presence of political party agents, independent candidate agents and observers, who monitor the entire counting and results process.

“The Commission regrets the incident this morning when the leader boards at the results operation centres and our website could not display the results. We wish to emphasise that our system did not crash and no data was compromised.

“The Commission went into the elections with a full IT plan, which includes back-up and recovery, in case it is needed. This situation has not arisen,” Mamabolo said.

READ | IEC's results dashboard restored

Mamabolo said the incident involved the activation of a "necessary control" not to display to leader boards, which is a feature of the result system.

“Result capturing and other result collation activities proceeded without interruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, progress relating to the capturing of the results, per province, is as follows (as at the time of the media briefing at 4pm):

  • Eastern Cape is at 92.13%, with 4485 of 4 868 voting districts completed.
  • Free State  is at 95.52%, with 1 515 of 1 586 voting districts completed.
  • Gauteng  is at 75.33%, with 2 107 of 2 797 voting districts completed.
  • KwaZulu-Natal is at 75.37%, with 3 749 of 4 974 voting districts completed.
  • Mpumalanga is at 91.94%, with 1 665 of 1 811 voting districts completed.
  • Northern Cape is at 100%, with 730 of 730 voting districtss completed.
  • Limpopo is at 80.78%, with 2 598 of 3 216 voting districts completed.
  • North West is at 88.61%, with 1 540 of 1 738 voting districts completed.
  • Western Cape is at 88.99%, with 1 399 of 1 572 voting districts completed.

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:58

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Read moreIEC continues vote capturing

Vote counting now concluded

Location: News

Vote counting now concluded

Vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results is underway.

This is according to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

Mamabolo was briefing media at the IEC’s National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Thursday afternoon.

“For all intents and purposes, counting procedures have been concluded, with only a few voting stations reported to still be counting at 3pm. The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.

“This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” Mamabolo said.

WATCH | IEC briefing 

Mamabolo said by 4pm on Thursday, results had been concluded for some 22.6% of the voting districts – representing at least 2.3 million votes cast.

The rate of the results captured is as follows:

  • Gauteng has captured 28%;
  • Limpopo 26%;
  • North West 36%;
  • Northern Cape 63%;
  • Free State 56%;
  • KwaZulu-Natal 23%;
  • Mpumalanga 42%;
  • Eastern Cape 58%, and
  • Western Cape 57%.

“A result is considered complete only when a result slip has been scanned into an image, captured onto the results system, audited by independent auditors and has gone through the automated Results System exception parameters,” Mamabolo explained.

Every vote counts

Mamabolo revealed that the last ballot to be cast on Election Day was cast in Tshwane, Gauteng, with the first results coming from the Eastern Cape.

“True to its undertaking, the Commission assisted all voters that were in the queue by 21h00. Just after midnight, the Commission announced the first result. This was in a voting district in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality in the Eastern Cape,” he said.

The CEO thanked the millions of South Africans who braved long queues at voting stations and other challenges to make their mark in these elections.

“The Electoral Commission thanks the real heroes of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. They are South Africans who stood in the queues and electoral staff who worked tirelessly to process the votes.

“The commitment and patience shown by the voters and electoral staff demonstrates their commitment to our electoral democracy,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 17:00

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Read moreVote counting now concluded

2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting

Location: News

2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting

Vote counting is progressing steadily after South Africans took to the polls in the 29 May National and Provincial Elections.

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Results Dashboard, as at 15:41pm on Thursday, with 21.05% of votes having been counted (4 903 of 23 293 voting districts completed), the African National Congress (ANC) leads with 43.39%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24.72%, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 8.90% nationally.

There are 27 782 477 registered voters in the country.

Provincial Legislature overview

In terms of vote counting for the Provincial Legislatures, results on the dashboard stand as follows for the leading parties:

Eastern Cape (counting 25.78% complete): ANC – 63.68%; DA – 15.68% and EFF – 9.44%.

Free State (counting 35.69% complete): ANC – 53.36%; DA – 21.37% and EFF – 12.45%.

Gauteng (counting 15.27% complete): ANC – 33.76%; DA – 30.46% and EFF – 11.66%.

KwaZulu-Natal (counting 11.94% complete): uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) – 43.33%; ANC – 20.47% and Inkatha Freedom Party – 19.45%.

Mpumalanga (counting 23.69% complete): ANC – 50.97%; MK – 17.10% and EFF – 13.16%.

Northern Cape (counting 73.01% complete): ANC – 46.50%; DA – 24.57% and EFF – 10.57%.

Limpopo (counting 13.15% complete): ANC – 70.31%; EFF – 13.19% and DA – 9.14%.

North West (counting 18.01% complete): ANC – 63.27%; EFF – 17.19% and DA – 9.13.

Western Cape (counting 35.69%): DA – 51.72%; ANC – 20.32% and Patriotic Alliance – 10.90%.

Counting continues. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 16:27

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