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Soweto landmark gets a new lease on life with a Heritage Hall and community shopping centre SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 November 2023 – The iconic Eyethu Theatre in Soweto, home to one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa, has been revitalised and transformed into a contemporary community hub while preserving a local legacy …
Free State warns businesses of fake tender invitation
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has warned the business community of a fake tender invitation for the supply and delivery of 27 paper shredders.
“DESTEA has learned with concern about an opportunistic scammer purporting to be an official representative issuing a fraudulent invitation to an open tender for the appointment of a service provider to supply and deliver 27 paper shredders.
“The alleged scammer sends out fake tender/bid documents with DESTEA's official logo and normal standard procedure to service providers, pretending to be an official representative of the department.
“Service providers are warned not to fall into the trap of fraudulent tender invitations, which are not from DESTEA,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
The department has urged business community members to report any suspected criminal acts to the South African Police Service and verify any request for tender with the DESTEA supply chain office as soon as they receive any correspondence alleged to be from the department on the following emails:
customercare@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
mooketsio@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
masemeb@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail).
The business community is further urged to contact the DESTEA customer care on WhatsApp, 0829475394, for authentication. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 08:16
Government activities for the week 27 November – 01 December 2023
On Monday, 27 November, the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will officially open the Alexandra township’s first x-ray centre at 89 Watt Ave, Wynberg, Johannesburg, from 10:00.
From Monday, 27 November, to Tuesday, 28 November, South Africa hosts the 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on positive masculinity in leadership to end violence against women and girls in Pretoria.
On Tuesday, 28 November, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu will launch the Cleaning and Greening In-House District Model Programme in Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in Harrismith, in the Free State.
On Friday, 01 December, South Africans will commemorate World AIDS Day globally.
Janine
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 11:19
“Community radio initiatives are crucial to educating and informing communities” says Bush Radio director
They are frustrated by “failures” in the Free State education system
Local athletes are gearing up to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 1 City Marathon and 21km at the Fairview racecourse in Greenbushes on Saturday, 2 December. Last year the marathon event attracted over 1500 eager runners and this year a strong turnout is expected with theintroduction of pacing buses for the marathon. There …
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SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms resulting in strong, damaging winds and possible large amounts of small hail.
This is expected to cause damage to infrastructure, flooding, damaging winds over the North West, Gauteng, north eastern parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and south western KwaZulu-Natal.
“This warning remains valid until 11pm tonight. In addition, a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued with damaging winds and hail expected over the northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.
“On Friday and Saturday, we expect showers and thundershowers over the central interior extending to the east,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni.
He was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.
“South Africa, like many other countries across the globe, is prone to hazardous weather events. These include heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, droughts, floods, storms and wildfires. Consequently, the need for the people of South Africa to be WeatherSMART cannot be stressed enough.”
He said a WeatherSMART person is safe, more informed, alert, resilient, and has timely access to relevant information and services where matters of weather and climate are concerned. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:40
Official unemployment figures decrease in third quarter of 2023
The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 399 000 to 16.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 16.3 million in the second quarter of 2023.
In the same quarter, the number of unemployed persons decreased by 72 000 to 7.8 million during the same quarter.
“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 160 000 to 13.1 million, while the discouraged work-seekers decreased by 26 000 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net decrease of 186 000 in the not economically active population,” Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.
The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.7 of a percentage point from 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023 to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate, according to the expanded definition, decreased by 0.9 of a percentage point to 41.2% in Q3:2023 compared to quarter 2 of 2023.
Formal sector employment increased by 287 000 in quarter 3 of 2023 and informal sector employment increased by 29 000 over the same period.
Industries that recorded increases include finance (up by 237 000), community and social services (up by 119 000) and agriculture (up by 61 000), recording the largest employment gains.
Employment losses were recorded in manufacturing (down by 50 000), mining (down by 35 000), transport (down by 20 000) and utilities (down by 16 000).
The employment increases were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (up by 152 000), Limpopo (up by 70 000), North-West (up by 61 000) and Mpumalanga (up by 44 000), which was the largest employment increases in quarter 3 of 2023.
Employment losses were only recorded in Free State (down by 3 000) during the same period.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, however, the third quarter of 2023 results show that the total number of unemployed youth (15 – 34 years) decreased by 174 000 to 4.6 million while there was an increase of 237 000 in the number of employed youth to 6.0 million.
“This resulted in a decrease in the youth unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points from 45.3% in quarter 2 of 2023 to 43.4% in quarter 3 of 2023,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:07
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Spheres of government called to enhance service delivery
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called on all spheres of government to fast-track service delivery to communities to realise a better life for all.
Mahlobo made the call during the District Development Model (DDM) Social Compact Imbizo, held at the Phuthadithjaba Multi-Purpose Centre in the Free State on Friday.
He cited the recently released South African National Census statistics as a clear indicator that the population of the country is increasing, therefore efforts need to be doubled to meet the increasing needs of communities.
“Statistics South Africa says we have provided more than 90% of the population with water. While we can say we have made strides in this regard, we know that we have not reached everyone as we should and we need to reach out to them as well, because it is our mandate and it is their constitutional right to be supplied with water,” Mahlobo said.
As a solution, the department is assisting municipalities to build new infrastructure, refurbish and upgrade the existing ones, to meet the demand for water, while reducing water loses because of aging infrastructure.
Through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programme, the department funds municipalities for water infrastructure.
“In Maluti-A-Phofung, we have intervened when there were water challenges through our RBIG programme and allocated R176 million in the 2022/2023 financial and R154 million this financial year for water projects.
“Further to this, through our WSIG programme, we have allocated R127 million from 2022/2023 until 2024/2025 for drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe, Mokgolokweng sewer pumpstations and Mokgolokweng bulk and sewer networks,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister noted that for the first time the communities of Maluti-A-Phofung have finally received water from Sterkfontein Dam which, he said, was “something that seemed like a pipe dream”.
He added that the communities in the area will benefit from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project once it is completed.
Among the work in progress for intervention in Maluti-A-Phofung area, includes the following projects:
• Upgrading of Sterkfontein Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment and Upgrading of the Fika Patso Water Purification Plant
• Upgrading of the Intabazwe Rising Main
• Bulk water supply to Tshiamo and Makgolokweng
• Upgrading of the supply to Phuthaditjhaba and CBD area
• Refurbishment of the Elands Waste Water Treatment Work
• Upgrading of the Kestell Waste Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment of the Makwane Waste Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment of the Moeding Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Phuthaditjhaba Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Tshiame Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Wilge Waste Water Treatment Works
• Drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe
• Improving water revenue and reducing non-revenue water
An allocation for infrastructure development has also been made for this financial year to municipalities under Thabo Mofutsanyana District, including R100 million for Setsoto, R83 million for Nketoana and R60 million for Dihlabeng.
The imbizo, which was attended by Deputy Ministers in the Presidency, DDM Champion in the district Nomasonto Motaung and Pinky Kekana, Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, and Thabo Mofutsanyaba District Executive Mayor Connie Msibi, among others, also discussed the development of a social compact through the DDM approach and how to make a social compact towards improving service delivery in communities.
The imbizo also reviewed the progress of the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Social Compact, reviewed partnerships and devised means to strengthen them.
It further looked at water and sanitation services in the area, as drivers of socio-economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 09:56
Mahlobo calls for fast-tracked service delivery for communities
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says the recently released South African National Census statistics must be used as a guide to speed up the provision of services to meet the increasing needs of communities.
Mahlobo was speaking during the District Development Model (DDM) Social Compact Imbizo held at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Phuthaditjhaba in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality on Friday.
The Deputy Minister joined his counterparts from the Presidency, Pinky Kekana and Nomasonto Motaung (a DDM champion in the district); Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, and Thabo Mofutsanyaba District Executive Mayor Connie Msibi amongst other dignitaries from the provincial and local government in the Free State.
“Statistics South Africa says we have provided more than 90% of the population with water. While we can say we have made strides in this regard, we know that we have not reached everyone as we should and we need to reach out to them as well, because it is our mandate and it is their constitutional right to be supplied with water,” Mahlobo said, adding that this was “envisioned by the founders of the country’s democracy”.
To help to make this happen, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is assisting municipalities to build new infrastructure, refurbish and upgrade the existing ones to meet the demand for water, while reducing water loses because of ageing infrastructure.
The department, through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programme, provides funds to municipalities for water infrastructure.
“In Maluti-A-Phofung, we have intervened when there were water challenges through our RBIG programme and allocated R176 million in the 2022/23 financial year and R154 million this financial year for water projects.
“Further to this, through our WSIG programme, we have allocated R127 million from 2022/23 until 2024/25 for drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe, Mokgolokweng sewer pump stations and Mokgolokweng bulk and sewer networks,” Mahlobo said.
He announced that for the first time, the communities of Maluti-A-Phofung finally receive water from Sterkfontein Dam, something that seemed like a “pipe dream”.
The communities in the area will benefit from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project once it is completed.
Outlining the ongoing work in intervening in Maluti-A-Phofung, Mahlobo highlighted the following projects:
• Upgrading of Sterkfontein Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment and Upgrading of the Fika Patso Water Purification Plant.
• Upgrading of the Intabazwe Rising Main.
• Bulk water supply to Tshiamo & Makgolokweng.
• Upgrading of the supply to Phuthaditjhaba & CBD area.
• Refurbishment of the Elands Waste Water Treatment Work.
• Upgrading of the Kestell Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment of the Makwane Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment of the Moeding Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Phuthaditjhaba Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Tshiame Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Wilge Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe.
• Improving water revenue and reducing non-revenue water.
In addition, Mahlobo said allocations for infrastructure development have been made this financial year to municipalities under Thabo Mofutsanyana, such as Setsoto (R100 million), Nketoana (R83 million) and Dihlabeng (R60 million).
The imbizo discussed the “Development of a Social Compact through the DDM Approach”, and how to make a social compact to improve service delivery in communities.
The imbizo also zoomed into the Thabo Mofutsanyane District’s Social Compact progress, reviewed partnerships and devised means to strengthen them.
Furthermore, the imbizo looked at water and sanitation services in the area, as drivers of socio-economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 10:42
Commission on Gender Equality report has harsh words for police
Mchunu congratulates Rand Water on its Fitch rating
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has lauded Fitch Ratings affirmation of Rand Water's National Long-Term rating at 'AA+ (zaf), with a Stable Outlook.
Rand Water is an entity of the Department of Water and Sanitation that provides bulk water supply services to more than 16 million people in Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West provinces of South Africa.
The Fitch Ratings released a statement on 6 November 2023, detailing the key rating drivers, further stating the elements that would result in a Negative Outlook rating, which include "...if significant water losses (within municipalities water distribution network) contributes to lower profitability and increasing municipality arrears".
In his congratulatory message, Mchunu said the department is proud of Rand Water’s rating by Fitch, which reaffirms that the entity has a long-term positive and stable outlook.
Mchunu said Rand Water is one of the best performing entities, and its 120 years of existence is a testament to its excellence.
He said there is a lot that goes into the sustainability of any organisation, amongst others, the dedication of its leaders and members, good governance, transparency, liquidity and an overall focus on the organisation’s mandate.
While acknowledging there is still a lot of work to be done, the Minister said this "cannot take away the fact that the organisation has continued to perform in a stellar manner”.
“I would like to urge Rand Water to keep it up! One of the many things that we can commend Rand Water on is its ability to be forward-thinking, whether be it 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 which it is tasked to carry out,” Mchunu said.
He said the ministry and the department continue to pledge their support to Rand Water as they continue to be in service of the citizens of the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 15:44
Police foil planned cash in transit robbery
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has commended the police officers who foiled and intercepted a gang that was about to commit a cash in transit (CIT) robbery in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
The heavily armed gang was intercepted in Vrede, Free State.
According to police, officials were following up on intelligence received of a planned CIT when a shootout ensued between police and members of a private security company.
A 40-year-old security officer was shot and killed when the suspects who were travelling in a Dodge sedan opened fire. A shootout ensued and the Dodge overturned. It was later discovered that it was hijacked in Wierdabrug, Centurion.
At the scene, two suspects were injured and arrested. Police recovered an AK47 and an R5 with more than 240 rounds of high calibre ammunition.
Another group of suspects were intercepted in Memela about 52km from Vrede. Three suspects were arrested however some got away. A manhunt has since been launched for those who fled the scene. At this scene, two Mercedes Benz sedans were recovered and one has already been detected as stolen.
General Masemola said safer festive season operations are in full swing.
“Our members are on high alert to prevent and combat incidents of serious and violent crime especially aggravated robberies. We will continue to trace these wanted criminals, it’s them and us and this is a fight we are not willing to lose.
“We have heightened our operations and are intensifying them throughout the country,” said General Masemola. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 15:24
Kubayi launches R430m bulk infrastructure project in Free State
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has unveiled a R430 million bulk infrastructure project in Moqhaka Local Municipality, Free State.
Unveiled on Friday, the bulk infrastructure project for Maokeng Extension 10 and 13 will yield 5 300 serviced stands to benefit the community of Moqhaka in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality.
The project also includes sites for public amenities like schools and recreational facilities.
Kubayi said the infrastructure project will provide a huge financial injection into the municipality.
“This will be in the form of labour, the procurement of materials, diesel and hiring of plant machines. As part of local economic development, 30% of the value of the project will be spent on local sub-contractors,” Kubayi explained.
The event was followed by a community engagement at Constantia Hall in Maokeng township, where the Minister handed over 445 title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries.
The handing over of title deeds is part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, which the department is embarking on to restor dignity by fast-tracking the issuing of title deeds to the rightful owners.
Kubayi said about 30 000 title deeds are readily available for handing over to beneficiaries around the country, and the Free State province accounts for the highest number, at least 16 000 title deeds.
The Minister said the main obstacle to the delivery of title deeds to beneficiaries is township establishment. She urged municipalities to state their problems in the planning process, as they delay the issuing of titles.
Joined by Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume and Moqhaka Local Municipality Mayor, Ellis Mokatsane, Kubayi used the opportunity to reiterate the department’s warning to contractors who leave projects incomplete.
“The worst scenario is if you take the money and do not complete the work. It disadvantages communities who must benefit. Some contractors fail to complete projects because of criminal elements who demand money from them and disrupt the implementation of projects.
“We are pleased the Security Cluster has come on board to rid the sector of these criminal elements. Communities must work with government, as the Security Cluster continues to be seized with resolving this untenable situation of project disruptions,” the Minister said.
Kubayi called on councillors to interact with communities, citing an agreement with Mokatsane that all ward councillors will, in the next two weeks, call community meetings to talk to the people about developments in their areas.
Makume reiterated government’s commitment to clear all backlogs, saying that a title deed “restores people’s dignity and confirms the ownership of property”.
“To many, it gives hope to their children that they will have a home to live in even when they pass on, and it is also means giving our people the land,” Makume said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 13:44
Cabinet notes progress in addressing Vaal water, sanitation woes
Cabinet has noted interventions by government in addressing water and sanitation infrastructure challenges, which had resulted in the collapse of the Vaal waste water system.
Cabinet made the remarks after the recent Presidential Oversight Visit to Emfuleni Municipality.
The oversight visit was a follow-up on engagements with the community during the District Development Model (DDM) visit to Emfuleni in 2022, where issues of poor infrastructure maintenance by municipalities were identified.
Addressing media during post Cabinet briefing on Monday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said work has been undertaken to improve water supply, including proper functioning of the waste water infrastructure, thus “eliminating the problem of the sewer effluent running on the streets and people’s yards".
“Progress noted during the visit includes improvements in critical bulk pipelines and water pump stations, resurfacing and resealing of roads, and a massive rollout of streetlights to improve lighting and safety,” Ntshavheni said.
Progress in infrastructure development and maintenance
Cabinet also commended progress being made with infrastructure development and maintenance, which has seen the completion of 36 rural bridges under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges programme, and the construction of 20 projects in human settlements, roads and water, which are currently underway.
The Welisizwe bridges project is a government initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of bridges in rural and disadvantaged communities.
The bridges will improve community access to health facilities, schools and economic amenities.
The project involves the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and provincial Transport Departments.
Speaking at the recent launch of the project, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala said an amount of R1.1 billion will be spent per year in the Eastern Cape - which is the pilot for Welisizwe Bridges; KwaZulu-Natal; Free State; Mpumalanga; Limpopo and the North West.
The programme targets rural provinces where there is a backlog in the construction of bridges and a threat to life during rainy seasons. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:27
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