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Infrastructure fund and partners drives major advancement in infrastructure landscape
Infrastructure fund and partners drives major advancement in infrastructure landscape
Public Works Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has highlighted that since the 2024 State of Nation Address (SONA), the Infrastructure Fund (IF) and its strategic partners have made great strides in the infrastructure landscape.
“Seven more blended finance projects with a capital value of R37.8 billion have been added to the IF pipeline as noted by the President in the SONA last week,” Zikalala said.
In his debate on the State of the Nation Address, held in Cape Town on Tuesday, Zikalala said under the 6th Administration in 2020, 62 projects or programmes, were gazetted as SIPs [Strategic Integrated Projects] with an additional seven programmes gazetted as SIPs in 2022.
“Taking into account the various programmes gazetted as SIPs, we have approximately 268 individual projects gazetted as SIPs, which are dominated by the energy sector under the Embedded Generation Programme, the Green Hydrogen Programme and the various bid windows and preferred bidders, as announced by the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources and Energy] and the Minister of Electricity and Energy [Kgosientso Ramokgopa],” Zikalala said.
Zikalala revealed that the total value of these projects is estimated at around R3 trillion, with 82 projects already under construction, valued at approximately R437 billion.
“Government commitment for these projects is estimated at around R13.8 billion over the 2025 medium-term, comprising of bespoke and innovative first loss capital grant finance, short and long-term viability gap and project derisking debt instruments. The associated financial additionality from the private sector and public equity contributions is estimated at around R24.2 billion,” Zikalala said.
Bespoke refers to something that is custom-made or tailored specifically to the needs or preferences of an individual. It is often used in contexts like clothing (e.g., bespoke suits), but can apply to anything that is made to order or specially designed.
Zikalala said going forward, government will enhance project preparation by easing regulations affecting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and further ensure a quicker turn on PPPs implementation unit, while National Treasury continues with its overall monitoring to avoid potential corrupt practices.
“This will ensure an increase in investment in all infrastructure which in turn will lead to the growth of Gross Capital Formation, which is the primary feature of our country’s balance sheet while creating more skills and sustainable jobs.
“As a developmental state, our approach on infrastructure development is not about caring only for selective areas but the whole of South Africa. Each day, we play our role to reverse the evil legacy of apartheid spatial planning which neglected poor townships and rural communities,” the minister said.
Zikalala said the Welisizwe Rural Bridges prgramme connects rural communities with each other and to amenities.
To date, 40 bridges have been completed in six provinces, with the highest numbers in Kwa-Zulu Natal, followed by the Eastern Cape.
The completed bridges include 18 in KwaZulu-Natal, 14 in Eastern Cape, 4 in Mpumalanga, 1 in North West, and 3 in Free State, with none built in Limpopo.
Zikalala said his department has also developed recovery plans for all provinces.
“We managed to unlock hindrances affecting the construction of bridges in that province [North West]. Before the end [of] March 2024, we will hand over six completed bridges in the North West,” Zikalala said.
With regard to the construction of harbours, Zikalala said by the end of March 2025, government would have completed feasibility studies that will allow for the actual construction of new small harbours in Port Alfred (Eastern Cape), Port Nolloth (Northern Cape) and Port Edward (KwaZulu-Natal) for local communities to have fishing infrastructure.
“We continue to ensure that all 13 habours that we have refurbished in the Western Cape are opened for all communities to exploit economic opportunities, including big and small fishing companies,” Zikalala said.
Zikalala said government have seen the impact of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in many communities.
“Whilst departments have fiscal challenges, the reduction of EPWP based on age is unacceptable. The working age in South Africa is from 18 to 65 years, and therefore none must be excluded,” the Minister said.
Regarding expropriation, Zikalala explained that the Expropriation Bill grants the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure the authority to expropriate land or assets solely in the public's interest, with compensation provided, even if that compensation is valued at zero.
Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.
In a statement, The Presidency said the new legislation, which repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution.
Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 12:03
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Social Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs
Social Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs
The Department of Social Development has issued 41 787 notices of non-compliance to non-profit organisations (NPOs), with a total of 6 221 NPOs deregistered for failure to honour their obligations in terms of the NPO Act.
In a statement, the department said a total of 203 279 organisations comprising non-profit organisations, voluntary associations and trusts across South Africa face the risk of deregistration.
This is due to failure to comply with the requirements to submit annual reports as per the provisions of section 18 (1) of the Non-Profit Organisations Act (Act No. 71 of 1997, as amended through the General Laws Amendment Act 22 of 2022).
“The consequences for non-compliant NPOs are severe as they will no longer be able to access certain privileges such as tax exemption, letters of support and funding from government, donors and private institutions that uphold accountability and the rule of law,” the department said.
The majority of these non-compliant organisations are based in Gauteng at 64 221, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 36 605, Western Cape at 20 371, Limpopo at 19 982, Eastern Cape at 19 202, Mpumalanga at 15 102, North West at 12 363, Free State at 10 661 and Northern Cape at 4 770.
These organisations provide a wide range of services to children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons and humanitarian relief.
“While the department acknowledges the significant contribution of NPOs in providing the much-needed services to the vulnerable, the deregistration of non-compliant NPOs is a regulatory requirement aimed at fostering accountability and transparency within the NPO sector.
“The department remains committed to continue working in partnership with the sector to ensure the integrity and protect the legitimate activities of NPOs that comply with South Africa’s regulatory framework,” it explained.
The commencement of the deregistration process follows a formal notice issued by the department in August 2023.
The notice was followed by a series of targeted workshops and outreach programmes conducted across South Africa to engage NPOs and provide them with the necessary opportunity and support, including capacity building and corrective steps to be taken to address the compliance issues.
READ | Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs
FATF recommendation
In addition to the NPO Act, the deregistration of non-compliant organisations is consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s Recommendation 8 on non-profit organisations and the risk-based approach, which highlights the vulnerability of South Africa’s NPO sector to money laundering and terrorist financing.
The FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 plenary meeting held in Paris.
The FATF is the international standard-setting body that oversees global compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
It developed an Action Plan with 22 Action items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and combating of financial terrorism regime.
In November 2023, the FATF Plenary noted the considerable progress South Africa has made to address the technical compliance deficiencies identified in the mutual evaluation report.
“With South Africa due to report back to FATF on the remaining deficiencies in its fifth round mutual evaluation this year, the department would like to implore all registered NPOs to ensure their operations meet the legal prescripts for compliance without further delay.
Assistance
“In line with its developmental mandate, the department stands ready to assist registered NPOs that are struggling with the process to comply with the requirements of the NPO Act,” the department said.
To date, the department said it has processed over 18 000 requests through email correspondence, 3 000 telephone enquiries and assisted 4 000 clients through walk-in service.
A total of 3 450 NPOs have updated their details on the NPO register.
As the registrar and custodian of the NPO Act, the Department of Social Development has a legislative mandate to maintain a reliable database of all non-profit organisations registered in terms of the Act.
“We must once again emphasise that compliance is a regulatory requirement not only to ensure transparency and accountability in the NPO sector, but also to ensure the protection of beneficiary communities in which the registered NPOs operate and render their services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/11/2025 - 10:35
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Learners encouraged to explore TVET colleges
Learners encouraged to explore TVET colleges
Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has encouraged learners to consider the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as a valuable and viable alternative for advancing their careers.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during an oversight visit to the post school education and training (PSET) institutions in the Western Cape this week.
Gondwe described the TVET colleges as crucial for job creation and youth skills development in the country.
The Deputy Minister visited the West Coast College Vredenburg Campus, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville Campus in Cape Town.
Gondwe’s visits aimed at assessing the state of readiness of higher education institutions across the country, ahead of the 2025 academic year.
During the visit at West Coast College, she encouraged learners to take pride in acquiring artisan skills as they offer great entrepreneurship opportunities.
“I am very encouraged by what I’m seeing at TVET colleges, I believe they are the future of this country. TVETs are producing artisans with much needed skills [and] also offer opportunities for learners to acquire future skills, such as robotics, AI [Artificial intelligence], and coding,” Gondwe said.
At the second part of the visit, students at CPUT expressed concerns about student residences and other facilities. The Deputy Minister directed the institution to work with the Student Representative Council (SRC), to speedily resolve the identified issues.
The Deputy Minister’s visit to the Western Cape, follows her recent visit to higher education institutions in the Free State where she visited Goldfields TVET College and the Central University of Technology (CUT), at the Welkom campus.
During the visits, the Deputy Minister has been accompanied by key senior officials from Higher Education and Training, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The Deputy Minister’s dedicated Help Desk has also formed part of the delegation, assisting with all higher education related queries on each visit.
The issue of funding and administrative challenges faced by the NSFAS was in the spotlight during the Free State leg of the visits.
“NSFAS needs to get its act together, in order to ensure that student allowances are paid on time with no delays. Delays cause serious challenges for learners; learners need allowances to eat and to buy hygiene products. This is important for their sense of wellbeing and dignity,” Gondwe said.
Gondwe embarked on the state of readiness visits following a plan of action, announced by Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane at the special meeting of the Post Education and Training sector held in January 2025, to establish the state of readiness for the 2025 academic year.
The Deputy Minister’s oversight is expected to continue in other provinces, with North West higher education institutions being the next on the list. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:56
328 views
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Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion
Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion
The South African government says it is confident that the maintenance work at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel in Clarens, in the Free State, will be completed within its scheduled six-month timeframe.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, conducted an oversight visit to the Ash River Outfall in Clarens over the weekend to assess the progress of the maintenance of the LHWP tunnel.
The Minister and Deputy Minister were joined by Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Deputy Minister, Seiso Mohai; Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae; Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Saki Mokoena, and the Executive Mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, Conny Msibi.
The maintenance and refurbishment of the 37-kilometre water tunnel has been ongoing since its closure on 31 October 2024. Repair work on the South African side is being carried out by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), while the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) oversees the maintenance work on the Lesotho side, focusing on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station.
The repair work included mechanical, electrical, civil, and general works, as well as the repair of waterway steel lining to protect tunnel corrosion. The primary construction work currently underway on the South African side is the painting of the tunnel’s inner side.
While progress has been steady on the South African side, Majodina noted a slight delay in the maintenance work undertaken by LHDA.
However, their work indicates that they are on track to complete the work by 28 March 2025.
Majodina expressed satisfaction with the progress on the South African side, acknowledging the challenges faced by their counterparts in Lesotho, but reaffirming their commitment to meet the 31 March deadline.
“I am satisfied that the maintenance work has advanced very well on the South African side, and I know that our counterparts in Lesotho are doing everything they can to ensure that we meet the deadline set for 31 March. We know that the contractors here appointed by TCTA to conduct the maintenance work are within the schedule.
“They have done an exceptional job even in difficult situations of rain and mist, which interfered with their work. However, they have pulled through and I would like to extent my gratitude to the work that they have done up to date,” Majodina said.
The Minister also visited the Clarens Water Treatment Works, which is undergoing an upgrade to increase its capacity from 1 to 4 megalitres of water per day. The upgrade will ensure a consistent water supply to Clarens and surrounding areas.
The supply of raw water from Townlands storage dam in Dihlabeng Municipality, which abstracts water from the Little Caledon River (a tributary to Caledon River) and is filled with water from the LHWP tunnel.
However, the dam levels have deteriorated due to the tunnel closure and exacerbated by a high-water demand over the festive season.
However, the Department of Water and Sanitation, through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), has availed funds for the refurbishment of boreholes to the local municipalities of Dihlabeng and Mafube and Nketoana, to ensure consistent supply of water to the high lying areas of Kgubetswana (Clarens), Mamafubedu (Petrus Steyn), Petsana (Reitz), and Namahadi (Frankfort). The boreholes ensured that there is sustainable water supply to the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:08
255 views
Health Committee Concludes Provincial Public Hearings on Tobacco Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Health has concluded provincial public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) in Geroge, where it received mixed views on the Bill. The extensive public participation process has demonstrated the value of the involvement of the people in the law-making process.
“The intentions of the drafters of the Constitution were given true meaning through these public hearings, as every individual and organisation was given time to share their views, either in support or against the Bill. The committee is confident that the platform it has provided for the public to share their views is in line with the obligations made by the Constitution,” said Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Chairperson of the committee. To conclude the work initiated by the 6th Parliament, the committee held public hearings in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and one session each in Free State and Western Cape.
In George, the committee received mixed reviews for the Bill, with a majority of participants supporting the intentions and benefits of the Bill. They argued that the public health benefits entailed in the Bill far outweigh the suggested negative consequences advocated by those against the Bill.
Supporters argued that the prevalence of products, such as hookah pipes and vapes, are increasingly enticing young people and exposing them to harm. Furthermore, an argument was made that the purported role electronic delivery systems are said to play in giving up smoking are not backed up by tangible evidence. Supporters argued that these products instead encourage the youth to move on to harder and more harmful products.
Also, many said that the possible ill health caused by the consumption of tobacco products is their reason for supporting the Bill. The high cost incurred by the Department of Health to treat ailments arising from smoking tobacco, such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, is unsustainable, supporters of the Bill said, especially considering South Africa's other pressing priorities in a climate of reduced financial resources. As at the hearings in Trompsburg, young people argued that the passing of the Bill will set a clear message about protecting the future of the generations to follow.
Some participants argued that the regulatory mechanism provided by the Bill, such as the banning of advertising at the point of sale, plain packaging and graphic pictorials depicting the dangers of smoking, will reduce the numbers of those taking up smoking in the first place, giving young people a healthier start in life.
While the majority of participants supported the Bill, some people made a strong objection to the feared economic impact of the Bill and the potential threat of adding to the already high unemployment rate in the country.
Small-scale traders had concerns that the prohibition on the sale of single stick cigarettes will have a devastating impact to their livelihoods. They also argued that the ban on advertising at the point of sale will render their businesses inoperable, as they attract customers through the visible display of tobacco products.
Meanwhile, business owners within the vaping industry argued that the current Bill does little to address regulatory loopholes within the sector. They argued that vapes should be regulated under different legislative prescripts, as they are different from the tobacco products currently contained in the Bill.
There was a strong emphasis of the potential risk of the Bill, with many concerns that it will result in an increase in the market share of illicit cigarettes. Some participants argued that the current focus should be on irradicating the illicit market that has taken hold of the sector, especially after the Covid restrictions.
The committee will now schedule oral hearings in Cape Town for those individuals and organisations who previously indicated their desire to make presentations before the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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R60 billion lost to illegal mining in 2024, says Minister
R60 billion lost to illegal mining in 2024, says Minister
Illegal mining is waging war on the South African economy, with the illicit trade costing the economy at least R60 billion in 2024.
This is according to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, who briefed the media on Thursday.
“Our view on illegal mining remains unchanged. Illegal mining is a criminal activity and a war on the economy. There can be no two ways about it.
“The truth of the matter is that those that are involved in illegal mining, both the syndicates and the active illegal miners, have no regard for the health and safety of others, nor are they concerned about the laws that regulate the industry. They are in it for their own selfish gains and have no regard for the country. In 2024 alone, the country lost an estimated R60 billion to illicit precious metal trade,” Mantashe said.
The Minister insisted that the department was working with law enforcement to root out the scourge.
“As government, we will continue our fight against illegal mining through initiatives such as the Operation Vala Umgodi which continues to help us deal decisively with illegal mining in Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape and the North West.
“We wish to assure the nation that the state will not take responsibility for the reckless actions of illegal miners,” he said.
Replying to questions from journalists, the Minister called on mining companies to take responsibility for rehabilitating mines.
“An operational mine must do rehabilitation as they operate. There are big chunks of holes which were left…[these are] what we call derelict and ownerless mines. Those are mines that were operated under Apartheid where there was no legislation enforcing rehabilitation. The state has taken responsibility to attend to that,” he said.
Turning to the situation at Stilfontein where at least 78 illegal miners have died, Mantashe called out the owners of the abandoned gold mine – urging them to take responsibility.
“If you go to…a mine that’s neglected, you go and stay there for three months and you starve yourself to death, how does that become the responsibility of the state? Capital owned mines exploit them, make money and when there’s a risk, that risk must be offloaded to the state…that cannot be correct.
“The Stilfontein goldmine…is not an ownerless and derelict mine. It is owned by an existing company and that company must take responsibility. The state intervened to facilitate the rescue operation as an interim measure. But that owner must take the ultimate responsibility for that disaster, not the state,” he said.
The rescue operation at the abandoned Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein was recently concluded with at least 246 illegal miners being brought to the surface alive, while 78 bodies were recovered. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 01/23/2025 - 17:29
316 views
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Road crashes and fatalities increase during festive season
Road crashes and fatalities increase during festive season
While law enforcement maintained a constant presence throughout the festive season, conducting operations around the clock - the preliminary 2024/2025 Festive Season Statistics reveal a concerning increase in crashes and fatalities, primarily attributed to human behavior.
“Tragically, South Africa witnessed 1,502 deaths resulting from 1,234 fatal crashes during the 2024/25 festive season. The number of fatalities represents a year-on-year increase of 5.3% (70) compared to the 2023/24 festive season, with a 4.2% (50) increase in the number of crashes,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said during a media briefing, held in Pretoria, on Monday.
The preliminary 2024/2025 Festive Season Statistics indicate that 87% of crashes happened because of human behaviour, including hit-and-runs, jay-walking (pedestrians crossing or walking in the street or road unlawfully), fatigue, loss of control over vehicles, speed, drunken driving, and reckless overtaking.
“The number of people who died on our roads this festive season has increased because people continued to behave badly. In spite of our pleas and warnings, and notwithstanding our efforts to clamp down on irresponsible and reckless behaviour, it is clear that many road users – both drivers and pedestrians – continue to act without regard for the lives of others.
“Six provinces recorded increases in the number of fatalities in the 2024/25 festive season compared to 2023/24, namely KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West,” the Minister said.
The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State recorded increases of 70, 54 and 21 fatalities as compared to 2023/24, while Gauteng, Western Cape and Mpumalanga recorded decreases of 76, 23 and 15 fatalities, respectively.
Concern over pedestrian fatalities
Creecy said pedestrian fatalities remain a huge concern, with 41% of all road fatalities being pedestrians.
The highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities were recorded in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, which are the most populous provinces in the country in terms of vehicles and people.
Gauteng had the highest pedestrian fatalities at 63.84% followed by Western Cape with 53.9% and KwaZulu-Natal with 44.33%.
During this period, law enforcement conducted joint operations in line with the focus areas, including vehicle road worthiness, public passenger transport, drunken driving, execution of warrants of arrest, and speed law enforcement.
Law enforcement officers issued 711,184 fines for various traffic offences across the country.
“Some 23,607 fines were issued to drivers who failed to wear seatbelts, while another 16,925 motorists were fined for using cell phones while driving. Then, 16,527 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy and issued with traffic fines, as well as their motor vehicle licence discs removed, particularly in areas where vehicles could not be impounded due to lack of impoundment facilities,” the Minister said.
In total, 8,917 motor vehicles were impounded in areas where facilities were available.
“To clamp down on drunken driving, speeding and other moving violations, our officers arrested more than 9,550 motorists, with 3,840 individuals arrested for drunken driving.
“A total of 414 drivers were arrested for driving at high speed and five amongst them were driving at excessive speeds of between 200km/h to well above 240km/h,” Creecy said.
The highest speedster was arrested in Gauteng, driving at 245km/h (kilometre per hour) in a BMW Sedan on N1 near Honeydew, on 18 December 2024.
“We, South Africans, must change our behaviour on the roads. As we said at the beginning of the festive season, government and our law enforcement agencies cannot do it on our own.
“The statistics clearly send all of us, as South Africans, one message: Drivers and pedestrians must change their behaviour. We must obey the law, we must obey the basic rules of the road,” Creecy said.
Interventions
The Minister has asked the provinces to conduct a detailed analysis of their respective statistics, and come up with a clear plan for the way forward, by the end of January.
This will include a look at severe consequences for those who continue to show a disregard for road safety.
“We will continue to direct our efforts at changing the behaviour of road users, invest in designing and engineering safer roads, enforcing safe speeds in high congestion areas, and enhancing emergency response systems and access to quality trauma care, which is essential to saving lives.
“By reducing response times and improving the availability of critical care, we can increase survival rates and reduce the long-term impacts of road traffic injuries. This initiative will require collaboration with the Department of Health, and other industry role-players,” she said.
Creecy said indications are that the implementation of 24/7 traffic policing shifts is more critical than ever.
“During the festive season, we agreed to release National Traffic Police resources to provinces, to intensify road safety communication and education campaigns and strengthen monitoring of our law enforcement operations especially at night.
"This approach will serve as a blueprint for our road safety activities but will only succeed if it is consistent all year round, especially on weekends and in every province across the country,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 13:47
29 views
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Collaboration key to improved educational outcomes
Collaboration key to improved educational outcomes
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive education system that equips every child for a brighter future.
The Deputy Minister said this at the conclusion of a successful Back to School Frontline Monitoring Visit in Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State, on 15 and 16 January 2025.
During the visit, Mohai assessed school readiness, motivated learners, and reinforced the critical role of education in shaping South Africa's future.
In his remarks, Mohai noted that the visit provided an opportunity to assess governance and resolve educational challenges.
"The school reports reflect the hard work of educators, even in difficult circumstances. Together, we are not just focused on educational outcomes; we are building a better future for every child across the country," the Deputy Minister said.
Accompanied by officials from the Lejweleputswa District Municipality and Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Mohai visited five schools across the district. The aim was to assess schools' preparedness for the new academic year, address challenges, and foster collaboration for improving education.
Learners across all schools demonstrated impressive performance, with many exceeding expectations. Students were eager and excited for the year ahead, showing readiness for the challenges of 2025.
“Despite challenges such as limited ICT resources and infrastructure, educators remain committed to ensuring that learners have the tools and support they need to succeed,” Education District Director of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Phaello Zonke, said.
At all five schools, the Deputy Minister celebrated the Free State’s consistent academic success. Learners were motivated by messages from top Free State learner, Lehlohonolo Mokothu, who encouraged them by saying, "Anything is possible".
“The excitement among learners was palpable, with loud cheers and chants of 'Rea u rata Ntate Mohai' (We love you, Father Mohai). This spontaneous outpouring of affection reflected the deep connection the students feel with the Deputy Minister, who, as a proud son of the Free State, was warmly received as a local hero returning home. His presence symbolised the belief that, no matter where one comes from, great achievements are possible,” a statement read.
The Back-to-School Monitoring visit in Lejweleputswa District was a resounding success, fostering valuable engagement between educators, learners and local leadership.
Through this initiative, Mohai has reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the readiness of schools, the empowerment of learners, and the continued advancement of education in the Free State. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 01/19/2025 - 16:03
58 views
Eskom yet to decide on Tokologo Municipality potential disconnection
Eskom yet to decide on Tokologo Municipality potential disconnection
Eskom says it has not yet made a decision with regard to the potential disconnection of bulk electricity supply to the Tokologo Local Municipality in the Free State.
As at December last year, the municipality owed the power utility some R328 million, leading to Eskom releasing a notice that electricity supply may be interrupted for a set number of hours per day from the end of January 2025.
However, on Thursday, Eskom said a decision is yet to be made.
“In the 28 November 2024 notice, Eskom committed to publishing a final decision on this matter on or before 16 January 2025.
“The potential disconnection is being considered due to the municipality’s failure to meet its payment obligations. This breach undermines Eskom's financial sustainability and jeopardises its ability to provide electricity nationally,” the power utility said.
Eskom explained that following the notice published in November, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, brought all the parties together to discuss a way forward.
“The objective was to address the critical issue of municipal debt and establish a framework for cooperation between Eskom and municipalities within the processes of intergovernmental relations.
“Eskom confirms that these processes are still ongoing, and no final decision has been made regarding the potential disconnection. If a decision is made to disconnect bulk electricity supply to Tokologo Local Municipality, affecting Boshof, Seretse, Dealesville, and Hertzogville areas, Eskom will issue a revised disconnection date, which will be published with a notice period of at least 14 days,” Eskom explained.
The electricity supplier assured members of the public that it will address the issue with “fairness”.
“Eskom appreciates the input from members of the public who submitted
written representations regarding this matter. These submissions have been thoroughly reviewed as part of the decision-making process.
“Eskom remains committed to addressing this issue with fairness and transparency, all while ensuring its financial sustainability and the sustainable provision of electricity nationwide,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 10:11
200 views
Suspect in Free State police officers murder arrested
Suspect in Free State police officers murder arrested
A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of two police officers in the Free State.
Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.
In a statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Thursday, the male suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday.
“He was caught on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho. The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders,” the statement reads.
The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the multi-disciplinary team, which has worked without ceasing for the breakthrough.
Advocate Lebeya said a search for two outstanding suspects continues. Anyone with information is urged to call detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 12:05
375 views