Fresh water fishers demand formal recognition of their livelihoods
Masifundise inland fisheries report says sector needs government help
Free State
Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa
Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa
South Africa is dealing with a number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 and H7 outbreaks, with more than 50 cases confirmed in various parts of the country, according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
The department has urged poultry farmers to immediately report any suspicion of the disease to the nearest State Veterinarian.
As of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 HPAI H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported.
Gauteng province is the hardest hit by HPAI H7, with 37 confirmed cases.
Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West have confirmed two cases, respectively, while the Free State has recorded one case.
“The reported number of chickens that have died is 107 705, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 318 521. Based on these reported figures, there has been a total loss of 1 426 226 chickens.
“The Western Cape province is the hardest hit with regards to the HPAI H5 outbreak, having a total of seven reported outbreaks. The other 3 HPAI H5 outbreaks are within the KwaZulu-Natal province,” the department said in a statement.
The reported number of chickens that have died of HPAI H5 is 98 249, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 156 283, bringing the total loss of 1 254 532 chickens.
The department said it has noted an increasing number of newly detected H7 and H5 PCR positive farms, and urged the industry to ensure biosecurity on poultry farms to reduce the risk of introduction.
The department has facilitated the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry and, it said “a similar request for the table eggs will be considered if received”.
It is also facilitating the transit to Eswatini of fertile eggs for their broiler production.
The department has met with vaccine registration regulators and it was agreed that the registration of vaccination will be fast tracked. However, the meeting agreed that safety, efficacy and quality will not be compromised.
Due to the high probability of the avian influenza virus mutating and becoming zoonotic, the department warned that care needs to be taken on the quality and efficacy parameters of the vaccine chosen for use in this exercise.
“The criteria under which vaccination will be permitted is almost in its final development, and only farms with good biosecurity and approved to vaccinate by the department will be given permission to vaccinate. The other requirements for vaccination will be surveillance to enable early detection of incursion and mandatory slaughter of vaccinated chickens.
“The department further encourages all producers to intensify their biosecurity measures on the farm. The basic measures should aim at preventing contact with wild birds, including their faecal material, which can be transported in boots and equipment,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:23
293 views
Mashatile: Work underway to resolve service delivery issues in local govt
Mashatile: Work underway to resolve service delivery issues in local govt
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that the State is attending to issues facing local government.
The Deputy President on Friday said the challenges are multi-dimensional and primarily rooted in governance, institutional capacity, poor financial management and political instability.
“To this end, we have conducted oversight visits to six provinces to ensure that we resolve the challenges of poor governance and lack of service delivery in these areas,” he said.
The Deputy President was responding to questions in the National Assembly on a range of issues facing the country.
Mashatile said outreach programmes were conducted in North West, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.
“This was to ensure that we resolve challenges of poor governance and lack of service delivery in these areas,” he explained, adding that they also identified areas of improvement for coordinating service delivery related to infrastructure backlogs and essential services.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has identified 66 out of 257 municipalities as those that need support.
The State, Mashatile said, is also working through the District Development Model (DDM) to improve intergovernmental relations on policy planning, budgeting and execution.
“Together with the Department of COGTA, we established what we call the Result Management Office (RMO), which will be used to strengthen this work.”
The RMO will focus on ensuring that municipalities improve service delivery with support and capacity from the war room.
It will also act as an engine for integrated service delivery that links to the community, coordinates profiles and integrates service delivery.
The State is also looking at addressing resources, capacity and skills in the local government space.
It also plans to facilitate improvements in planning, coordination, execution, monitoring and reporting on the delivery of projects.
“We aim to create resilient, sustainable and cohesive communities, where municipalities serve as catalysts and enablers of development,” said the Deputy President.
In addition, he said government will be looking at the hardships facing the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 11:57
381 views
Mulaudzi And Mailula Win SA Senior Cross Country Titles In Gqeberha
Kabelo Mulaudzi and Karabo Mailula emerged triumphant to secure the most prestigious titles on offer, on a spectacular day of racing at the ASA Cross Country Championships held at Nelson Mandela University sports grounds in Gqeberha on Saturday. Competing in tough conditions, which included near gale-force winds, in-form athlete Mulaudzi delivered in style after turning …
Silicosis: the astonishing account of the driller from Lesotho
Family receives R340,000 payout after death of miner who suffered from silicosis
Coming together starts with ‘hello’ this Heritage Month
South Africa is a diverse country made up of vibrant, multicultural communities. This cultural richness is evident in the many languages, dialects, phrases, and expressions that make South Africa so unique. The recent addition of South African Sign Language to the country’s 11 existing official languages creates even more opportunities to connect. To celebrate the …
Silicosis: diagnosing the disease beyond the grave
Q(h)ubeka Trust finds way to pay out widow of miner in spite of lack of medical records
Parliament grills NSFAS over student funding failures
The scheme has had more than 170,000 appeals from students about allowance payments
Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act
Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005, to ensure that the different spheres of government work in a joined-up and coordinated manner to secure the well-being of the people of South Africa, among other things.
“In the design of our democratic unitary state, we introduced cooperative governance to ensure that the three spheres of government worked together to meet the needs of the people. Each sphere of government has constitutionally assigned powers and functions that cannot be encroached upon, but need to be mutually respected.
“Chapter 3 of the Constitution requires all spheres of government to cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by, among others, fostering friendly relations and assisting and supporting one another. Importantly, the Constitution says that all spheres of government must secure the well-being of the people of the Republic,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the District Development Model (DDM) is geared towards improving and strengthening the intergovernmental relations system as an approach towards giving effect to the Constitutional principles of cooperative governance.
“The District Development Model approach has made great strides in ensuring that the principles of cooperative governance guide how we plan, budget and implement key government programmes and projects across the country. This is demonstrated through the Presidential Izimbizo and implementation of key catalytic projects identified in intergovernmental long-term One Plans.”
To date, the President said, experiences in the implementation of the DDM have placed greater emphasis on the requirements to undertake a review and re-look at the policy instruments framing and guiding of intergovernmental relations system, and cooperative governance.
Progress in addressing challenges identified at Imbizos
President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the progress made and key service delivery interventions through Izimbizo, and these include road maintenance projects in Mpumalanga, the provision of title deeds in North West, measures to tackle livestock theft in the Free State, and the provision of water in North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
The President said through the Izimbizo government has further identified opportunities for skills development in key economic sectors in districts such as mining and agriculture in North West and Limpopo and energy programmes in Northern Cape.
“Through the information and contribution collected during the various Izimbizo, it has been possible to identify interventions that are required in many localities across the country. The benefit of these engagements therefore extends beyond the communities in which they take place as they are able to improve service provision more generally,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that the documenting and tracking of key resolutions emanating from the Izimbizo are part of the design of the Izimbizo.
“Quarterly implementation reports indicate that measurable progress is being made in addressing the challenges identified, which are done in an intergovernmental manner. The various intergovernmental platforms established through the Izimbizo protocols are also tasked to address challenges where these occur.
“District Development Model political champions are assigned for each district and metro, and are tasked to provide regular updates not just to the established intergovernmental platforms but also to the respective communities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:01
181 views
Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security
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
353 views
Call to support the environment clean
Call to keep the environment clean
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu has called on all South Africans to do their part in keeping the environment clean and habitable.
“All South Africans have the responsibility to ensure that their environment is clean, green and habitable. Poor waste management poses health and environmental risks. Everyone can do something to attain clean-living spaces.”
The Deputy Minister made this call during a clean-up and greening activity in Bothaville in the Free State on Friday.
The Constitution of South Africa guarantees everyone the right of access to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being and to have the natural environment protected for the benefit of current and future generations.
She said the collaborative effort between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Lejweleputswa District and Nala Local Municipalities aims to emphasise the importance of active citizenry involvement in safeguarding natural resources and curbing waste pollution in communities.
“What we are doing here today epitomizes the Good Green Deeds programme, a ground-breaking Presidential initiative that seeks to mobilise all sectors of South Africa to become more environmentally conscious, leading to a deal for nature.”
The Good Green Deeds programme seeks to change people’s attitudes, behaviours towards responsible management of waste, and keeping their neighbourhoods clean, green and safe.
“This is a clarion call to all sectors in society to do their part to contribute to Good Green Deeds. Where there is litter, society is urged to work together to clear litter and rubble that threatens our efforts to build a healthy South Africa.”
She added that illegal dumping and littering are some of the most common problems in the country and affect all municipalities alike.
“The prevalence of ineffective waste management practices is being witnessed in many parts of the country. This trend, unfortunately, affects the well-being of communities, as it has indeed resulted in the mushrooming of pockets of illegal dumping and littering sites.
“More emphasis is required to ensure that citizens are mobilized to take a firm position against such activities in their respective communities.”
She said a departmental team working together with the provincial Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Lejweleputswa District Municipality and Nala Local Municipality, has spent the past few days conducting clean-up and greening activities at different identified spots in this municipality.
In-House Model
In addition to Friday’s clean-up, the Deputy Minister also handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to the In-House Model participants to heighten the cleaning and greening programme.
“Through the environmental programmes, we have conceptualised the In-House Model which allows the department to implement and manage its projects using its own staff. This model enables the department to employ more Expanded Public works Programme (EPWP) participants due to ‘savings’ on project management fees. It enables the department to be in control and ensures timely payment of wages.”
The In-House model facilitates direct partnership with local government. In so doing, the department pays stipends, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupation Injuries and Diseases (COID) whilst the municipalities provide PPE, tools of trade and commit to pick up collected waste.
“I am pleased to announce that we have recruited 517 participants as part of the In-House Model to address service delivery and waste management in partnership with the Lejweleputswa District Municipality,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:50
115 views
Efforts underway to up economic growth in the Free State
The government entity tasked with promoting productivity and job creation in South Africa, Productivity SA, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), will host a workshop aimed at improving the productivity of businesses in the Free State. The Honorable MEC, of the Free State Department: Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism …
Is Your Web Site on THIS List?
Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Kwaito star Arthur Mafokate and the dodgy Lottery grants
Mafokate’s company invoiced a non-profit organisation over R1-million from a lottery grant for a music festival that never happened
Students dread being evicted again if NSFAS payment issues not resolved
“My family is over 1,500 kilometres away in the Free State and I don’t really have anyone in Cape Town that I can go live with if we are evicted again,” she says.
New R1.9-billion industrial park breaks ground at Giba Gorge
The R1.9-billion Giba Business Estate, the largest light industrial and logistics development to break ground within Durban’s Outer West in more than three years, will not only create hundreds of short term and permanent jobs but also significantly boost the greater eThekwini region’s GDP. Speaking at the official sod turning for the development on Wednesday, …
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
At least 150 000 more people were employed in South Africa during the second quarter of the year as compared to the first – resulting in a minor decrease in the unemployment rate by some 0.3%.
This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today.
Furthermore, the number of unemployed people fell by at least 11 000.
“Additionally…the discouraged work seekers decreased by 94 000 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 resulting in a net decrease of 1 000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.3 of a percentage point from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in Q2:2023 compared to Q1:2023,” the institution said.
Employment in the formal sector increased by some 143 000 during the same period with informal sector employment decreasing by 33 000.
“Construction [104 000], trade [92 000], and community and social services [63 000] recorded the largest employment gains. While employment losses were recorded in manufacturing [96 000], finance [68 000], transport [7 000] and utilities [6 000],” Stats SA said.
Despite an increase in the number of youth employed during that period, the institution said youth remain “vulnerable” to unemployment.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the second quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth [between 15 and 34 years old] decreased by 131 000 to 4.7 million while there was an increase of 105 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.7 million during the same period.
“This resulted in a decrease in youth unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 45.3% in Q2:2023,” Stats SA said.
The institution highlighted the sectors where the most gains were made in the provinces.
“Limpopo [up by 80 000], Western Cape [up by 54 000] and KwaZulu-Natal [up by 48 000] recorded the largest employment increases in Q2:2023.
“Employment losses were recorded in Free State [down by 59 000] and Northern Cape [down by 17 000] during the same period,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 12:22
22 views
98 IDs, 105 bank cards, birth certificate found in F State home
98 IDs, 105 bank cards, birth certificate found in F State home
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is calling on the community members who have lost ID books to report to the police station after 98 were found in a home in Selosesha, Free State, along with 100 bank cards.
This is after the Selosesha Public Order Policing members received intelligence-led information on Friday, 11 August 2023 at about 21:30.
“Members followed the information and it took the team to a house in Zone 4, Selosesha.”
The members then met a 28-year-old suspect who, upon searching his room, police found 42 smart card IDs, one Lesotho passport, 55 South African-issued ID books, 105 bank cards from different banks and a birth certificate.
“Investigations are underway to establish the reason for him having personal documents from different people.”
The suspect, the police said, has been arrested for unlawfully being in possession of identification documents and for contravening the Immigration Act.
“Police are pleading with anyone who might have lost or submitted his ID to the 28-year-old to go to Selosesha Police Station so they can retrieve their documents.”
The 28-year-old is expected to appear in the Thaba Nchu Magistrate Court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 08/13/2023 - 11:30
Roy Jankielsohn
Dear Editor This is a momentous moment for the DA, on our pathway to Election 2024 as we select Premier Candidates who can win, and who can govern Provinces across South Africa, rescue them from ANC failure and can deliver the DA’s alternative to the people crying out for change. In the coming weeks, as …
Family demand justice for teen shot dead during protest
“Not a single government official has come here to show their sympathy” laments Karabo Chaka’s uncle
Kubayi calls for tough action against poor performing contractors
Kubayi calls for tough action against poor performing contractors
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.
Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.
Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.
The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.
During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.
She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.
She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.
Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.
“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.
She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.
“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.
“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.
With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.
In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.
She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.
Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.
She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.
Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women
The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.
Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.
“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.
The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41
Kubayi calls for tough actions against poor-performing contractors
Kubayi calls for tough actions against poor-performing contractors
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.
Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.
Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.
The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.
During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.
She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.
She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.
Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.
“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.
She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.
“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.
“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.
With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.
In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.
She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.
Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.
She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.
Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women
The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.
Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.
“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.
The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41
We are woefully short of judges
The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges
#EndSchoolPitToilets
Dear Editor Yesterday, the DA continued with the #EndSchoolPitToilets oversight visits in the Free State. DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Baxolile Nodada, and DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Marina van Zyl, were accompanied by the DA’s Spokesperson for Basic Education in the Free State, Mariette Pittaway. The first oversight was at a …