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Empowering South African Businesses: Neosun Energy’s Solar Solutions Offer Relief Amidst Electricity Price Hikes

Location: News
Neosun

With local South Africa branches  Global EPC company Neosun Energy (www.Neosun.com) offers affordable  solar energy solutions for local businesses to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices.

According to South African Government reports, starting from July 2024, Johannesburg residents will experience a 12.72% increase in electricity costs under local authority tariff charges. Eskom's direct customers will increase  all tariff charges, excluding the affordability subsidy charge, from 1st  April 2024 to 31st March 2025.

This price hike will impact both residential and business customers, adding financial pressure across the board. The main issue is that new tariffs will increase business costs and reduce profit margins, which forces companies to increase prices and pass them onto the consumer. It means higher operational costs, potentially affecting profitability and leading to higher prices for goods and services.

In this challenging environment, Neosun Energy can play a pivotal role in alleviating the burden of increased electricity costs. Providing solar energy solutions, Neosun Energy can help businesses and local enterprises reduce their dependence on traditional, more expensive electricity sources.

“This increase will primarily affect businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as their profitability will significantly decrease due to such a hike. The best solution to avoid this is to transition to solar energy, which locks in rates permanently. With solar generation, rates do not rise; they are fixed for the next 30 years. Solar Energy transferring -  is exactly what can help local enterprises gain their independence from constant bill increases, ” emphasized Ilya Likhov, CEO of Neosun Energy.

 Investing in solar energy, businesses can lower their operational costs over the long term, enhancing their profitability and competitiveness.

Today Neosun Energy is presented with 2 local branches in South Africa, located in Cape Town and Johannesburg, bringing to the South African market a high level service of a global company with experience in 16 countries around the world, and saving affordable prices for its customers.

"We firmly believe that establishing local Neosun Energy offices will bring us closer to local businesses and commercial enterprises, enabling us to offer affordable solar energy solutions such as solar plants, innovative energy storage systems, and portable Power Hubs." - added Mr. Likhov.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Neosun.

Media Contact:
For requests: info@neosun.com
CEO Neosun Energy

Social Media: 
Ilya Likhov - LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/3Y3WoSi

About Neosun Energy:
Neosun Energy (www.Neosun.com) is an international Solar EPC company that provides Commercial Solar PV & Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) with capacity from 200kW to 10MW for Commercial and Industrial projects Worldwide. The company constructs solar power plants and energy storage systems (ESS) on a turn-key basis, covering all stages of construction including design, equipment supply, construction, and commissioning. The company has implemented solar PV projects in 16 countries worldwide.

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Read moreEmpowering South African Businesses: Neosun Energy’s Solar Solutions Offer Relief Amidst Electricity Price Hikes

Government continues to assist those affected by Western Cape floods

Location: News

Government continues to assist those affected by Western Cape floods

Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says government has been hard at work to relocate the families affected by the devastating floods in the Western Cape this week.

Thousands of people in the province have been rendered homeless after flooding destroyed their homes.

“We’ve been able to relocate families into a building that, as government, we have leased for 30 days while we are finding a solution in terms of the informal settlement because they have submerged, whether the rain will come down and we move them back or we have to find an alternative land where we relocate them,” she said.

The Minister added, however, that finding suitable land was proving elusive.

“The challenge in the City of Cape Town is land availability and the requirements we have to follow in terms of our processes of approvals for land use. 

“So currently those that were affected in terms of their buildings, formal structures, the assessment has been done by the [National Home Builders Registration Council]. We have received the first report. We are hoping that by Monday, we would have that intervention as fixing those houses by our service providers that we have been able to appoint.

“The materials for the informal settlements are starting to be delivered,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape provincial government said it has given the green light for some households in Newton in the Drakenstein Municipality to return home.

This after 900 households in the area were evacuated when it was established that a dam wall in the area was at risk of failure due to the severe flooding.

“Working in consultation with the Department of Water and Sanitation and a dam engineering specialist, Drakenstein Municipality’s Engineering Services Department performed another onsite inspection this morning of the farm dam above Newton and confirmed that the risk of dam wall failure has been mitigated.

“This decision was taken in light of the fact that the water level of 150 000-cubic-meter dam in the Bo-Dal area dropped slightly since last night, as well as the lighter rainfall predicted for today. 

“According to the authorities, the dam should be able to handle the flow of water that is expected to reach it today.

“The municipality will keep on monitoring the dam closely and notify residents immediately should the situation change,” the Western Cape government said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 13:54

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Nuclear power build will be at a scale “we can afford” – Minister Ramokgopa

Location: News

Nuclear power build will be at a scale "we can afford" - Minister Ramokgopa

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says South Africa will seek to build a nuclear plant for electricity generation at “a scale and speed that we can afford”.

The Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla held in Tshwane at the weekend.

President Cyril Ramaphosa lead the first Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration.

“In the long term, we need to ensure that we anchor the baseload and nuclear is an important part of that intervention. We are working on the framework for procurement because we don’t want to discredit the process through a procurement process that is not transparent.

“We will do it at the scale and speed that we can afford as a country,” he said.

Turning to issues of electricity affordability, the Minister raised his concern that poorer communities are battling to keep up with increasing costs.

“The poor and those that are located in the townships are finding it exceptionally difficult to afford the increases in electricity. The pricing and the tariff is prohibitive and a lot of our people across the length and breadth of the country are not in a position to afford electricity.

“Those are challenges on the distribution side…and we know that over a period of time municipalities have underinvested in the maintenance, replenishment and protection of the distribution grid and of course we are paying the price now,” he said.

Also speaking to media at the lekgotla, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau assured South Africans that affirmative action policies like Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will not be scrapped during the seventh administration.

“These are foundational principles to the establishment of the Government of National Unity. Included in there are priorities in relation to social justice, equity and redress. Therefore, these are parties that have come together on the basis of collectively addressing transformation because we have committed to redress in the foundational principles.

“The question is what do we do going forward? Of course, we need to look at the next wave of [BBBEE]…where there are lessons to be learnt, we take those lessons into account and where there are greater opportunities to be introduced we need to be able to introduce those. 

“We have placed this firmly on the agenda of the programmes that would be driven by this administration and that is why we always say we are focussing on industrialisation, but we are equally focussing on transformation,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the economic growth and development of South Africa is a key priority.

A key priority for the seventh administration will be to “leverage off the back of Operation Vulindela as a key programme”.

“This would be a focus on network industries amongst others…looking at energy, looking at logistics in particular, the digital economy and other areas. The fact that we’ve made significant progress in that regard enables us to use that as a springboard to grow the economy focussed on industrialisation and re-industrialisation.

“But also, a deliberate and conscious focus on transformation because of course, this will enable us to broaden the base of entrepreneurs in the country [and] to broaden the base of participants in the economy of this country and enable us to grow the jobs that this country so much needs,” Tau said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 13:52

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First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

Location: News

First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the first Cabinet Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane this weekend.

The lekgotla is expected to set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration. 

Attending the lekgotla are, among others, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ministers and provincial Premiers.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the all-important meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the programme of action is guided by the priorities set out in the GNU’s Statement of Intent.

“That will allow us to then go back and consolidate what you know as the Medium Term Strategic Framework. Now we are calling it the Medium Term Development Plan. 

“The set of actions are being guided by the priorities agreed by the parties to the GNU. In those nine priorities there is going to be a number of presentations that will say how we agree on this. And we are guided, as another filter, by the National Development Plan (NDP),” she said.

The priorities, in short, include:
•    Economic growth, job creation and transformation
•    Creating a more just society
•    Stabilising local government, 
•    Investing in people through education, skills development and healthcare
•    Building state capacity
•    Strengthening law enforcement agencies
•    Strengthening the effectiveness of Parliament
•    Strengthening social cohesion, nation-building and democratic participation, and undertaking common programmes against racism, sexism, tribalism and other forms of intolerance
•    Foreign policy based on human rights, constitutionalism, the national interest, solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts

“[Some of the priorities] focus on economic growth, inclusive growth and job creation. We are looking at what we should do to unlock the economy to grow so that it can create jobs for the people of South Africa.

“We are focusing on what are the areas of reforms that will unlock the economy, the issues around water, electricity and energy. We’re dealing with the issues around job creation, what the economic growth trajectory look like. 

“To do that we need a partnership with business. We need also a capable, ethical and developmental state to have that capacity,” she said.

The Minister explained that the lekgotla will further be guided by “evidence-based planning and action”.

“The Statistician General [Risenga Maluleke] is going to present in terms of the indicators that we are looking at and what that means in terms of the government programme.

“We’ve tabled the budget of Statistics SA to say we are starting to work on the indicators of how … to support the implementation of the District Development Model to be evidence based…and to strengthen our research capabilities to make sure that we move with speed to achieve the goals of the NDP,” she said.

Ntshavheni clarified that following the lekgotla, Cabinet – which includes Ministers and the President – will adopt the programme of action.

“It has to be adopted by Cabinet. Cabinet is the governing authority of South Africa so it will adopt it and [then] clusters will go and work on their priorities and initiatives. From there departments go and work.

“The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, during that period, will continue to work and make sure that there’s alignment across [departments] and everyone knows what they want to do. 

“We are going to implement government priorities collectively because there’s no ‘DA minister’, there’s no ‘ANC minister’, there is only a ‘minister of government’.

“We are consolidating so that we have a single view and a single programme of action that is agreed to by all and that cascades to provinces,” she said.

President Ramaphosa will communicate the outcomes of the lekgotla during the opening of Parliament on 18 July. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 07/13/2024 - 13:07

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Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains

Location: News

Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains

At least 500 households, whose homes were destroyed by heavy rains in Cape Town, are being temporarily relocated to safer accommodations, as gale-force winds and heavy rains persist.

This comes after Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, visited the affected areas on Thursday.

Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala led a Human Settlements delegation to assess progress of interventions for families in desperate need of shelter in the unrelenting cold and wet weather.

The Ministerial delegation visited various disaster-stricken areas in Khayelitsha, including Nkandla, Zami Mpilo, Kuyasa and Victoria Mxenge in the Western Cape.

Scores of people have been left temporarily homeless due to water-logged homes across the province as wet weather and flooding continues.

Kubayi said the department’s immediate intervention is to relocate families to be accommodated at the Western Cape School of Governance, where the department will enter into a lease agreement of 30 days.

Kubayi said the department must identify land in two weeks, adding that she has spoken to all the affected families, and they have agreed to move.

“Our concern is mainly that with a level 8 warning, it means the rain will continue and we do not want these communities to continue in this dire state where their shelters are submerged under water.

“We are moving them to a safe place at least for 30 days while we look at alternative land parcels where they can be permanently relocated to build a new life away from flood plains,” Kubayi said.

The Minister noted that the relocation for the community is not only in one ward but will expand to more areas currently in danger or Category C informal settlements [immediate relocation].

The Minister said the City of Town alone has over 800 informal settlements in danger zones, emphasising a need for a more proactive approach when dealing with disasters.

“We need to put preventative measures in place, and this work is ongoing. Moreover, I have instructed MECs in all nine provinces to also identify more of these Category-C informal settlements so that work can continue to mitigate imminent disasters,” Kubayi said.

As part of disaster intervention and mitigation measures, the department also provides the Informal Settlement Upgrading grant to provinces and municipalities. This entails the upgrading of informal settlements in-situ (developing the area where an informal settlement is located) by providing bulk infrastructure like storm water drainage to avert flooding.

Kubayi also underscored the need to put in place bulk infrastructure to mitigate against a situation where people are locked in water, noting that some areas they visited have no proper stormwater drainage system to absorb water during heavy rains.

The Minister also emphasised that the response to disasters requires all the affected government departments play their part in ensuring that the victims are attended to.

“This is because beyond the provision of shelter for the victims, there are other needs such as transport, protection of property (which in some cases gets stolen), food and other necessities,” she said.

Kubayi further acknowledged efforts by NGOs, including the Gift of the Givers, who continuously work with government during emergencies.

She assured that the teams will continue with work onsite throughout the weekend, assessing the structural integrity of damaged formal structures.

“The team from Human Settlements Emergency Housing, which includes the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), has been on the ground since the disaster to provide the necessary support to those who have lost their informal structures in Monwabisi, New Monwabisi Park, and Kuyasa informal settlements, as well as to assess the damage caused to permanent structures,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:36

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Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Location: News

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says he is concerned about the recent retrenchments in the platinum sector.

“Whilst the mining sector employs 489 000 mineworkers, we have noted with concern the recent retrenchments specifically in the platinum sector. In response to these job losses, we have pulled our social partners together and are in discussions to craft an approach to minimise them,” Mantashe said, delivering the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Budget Vote in Cape Town.

He said significant progress has been made by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) who have formed partnerships with industry players to improve the state of infrastructure to support mining.

“The department is currently drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development  Amendment Act (MPRDA) aimed at ensuring that areas that have been identified as weak and those that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice.

“The amendments will also review the licensing regime to reduce red tape and improve the business environment for investors while keeping in sync with South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” Mantashe said.

He said the amendments are a continuation of the regulatory and policy adjustments initiated during the sixth administration.

“Given South Africa’s endowment with considerable mineral reserves of strategic significance to the global economies, we are convinced that increased exploration will enable the country to meaningfully benefit from its global advantage.

“To enable this the department, guided by the country’s exploration strategy, has in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established an exploration fund to support emerging and junior miners,” Mantashe said.

Government intends to intensify engagements with several fund managers and the investor community to secure additional financing to sustain the fund into the future.

The department has allocated R72 million to fund artisanal and small-scale miners, including women and youth-owned companies.

Mantashe said the health and safety of mine workers remains at the centre of government’s work.“Owing to our strategic partnership with our social partners we have improved our performance towards the zero harm goal,” he said.

The Minister said this is demonstrable in the decline in mine fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases as evidenced by the 49 fatalities being the lowest on record in 2022.

“Although we had set our sights on beating this record in 2023, the regrettable disaster at the Impala Rustenburg that killed 13 mineworkers and many other fatal incidences contributed to the regression resulting in 53 fatalities reported in 2023.

“We have also noted with great concern the emerging trend of fatalities related to motor accidents and disasters involving illegal miners. 

“To this end, the department has entered into an agreement with the industry on the development of minimum standards and guidelines to mitigate against road fatalities, while intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the Minister said.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the department has been allocated at least R8.84 billion, of which R6.4 billion is earmarked for transfers to public entities, municipalities, and other institutions or implementing agents. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:19

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Incentives for municipalities owing water bills

Location: News

Incentives for municipalities owing water bills

In a bid to address the water debt owed by municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, including water boards, have strengthened and standardised debt collection processes and put in place incentives for municipalities to pay their water board bills.

Presenting the Water and Sanitation Budget Vote on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the municipal debts to the water boards increased to R21.3 billion by May 2024, posing a major risk to the financial sustainability of the whole water sector.

Majodina said this debt has forced the department to close down the Sedibeng Water Board in 2022 and transfer its functions, including assets and liabilities, to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards.

“The debts owed by municipalities to Sedibeng Water had resulted in it no longer being able to service its own debts and to meet its operational expenditure requirements. However, the transfer of Sedibeng’s operations to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards did not solve the underlying debt problem and the municipal debt continues to grow,” Majodina said.

While non-payment by municipalities poses a threat to the financial sustainability of all the water boards, Majodima said the department is particularly concerned about Magalies Water and Vaal Central Water, which are experiencing an increasing cash flow challenges due to non-payment.

“One of our immediate priorities will therefore be to work with our colleagues in Cabinet, particularly the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to find a sustainable solution to this problem,” Majodina said.  

While acknowledging that not all municipalities are falling behind on their payments, Majodima warned that non-payment by a few municipalities which are served by a particular water board can result in severe financial difficulties for that water board.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the National Government allocated R61.7 billion of water and sanitation-related grants to municipalities to enable the municipalities to address water and sanitation infrastructure backlogs and provide free basic water to the indigent.

Apart from these grants, the water services sector must be self-financing through revenues from the sale of water.

Available infrastructure for other economic activities

To ensure the department’s assets contribute towards the objectives of the Government of National Unity, Majodina said the department would be availing its infrastructure for other economic activities, including promoting tourism and recreation, and reducing the risk of load shedding through the use of dams for generation of hydropower.

The Minister noted that during the last financial year, the department issued an expression of interest to obtain access rights to state dams for tourism and recreation activities, with the aim of promoting economic development, particularly of communities adjacent to dams.

She said the expressions of interest received will be processed during the current financial year.

“In consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Electricity, the department has also issued requests for applications for interested parties to apply for water use authorisations to generate hydropower using water courses and the water resource infrastructure owned by the department.

“This process received interest from over 200 applicants, for generation of 2 845 Megawatts of electricity from the water courses. To date, the department has issued 40 authorisations for floating solar panels, and the remaining applications will be processed in the current financial year,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:37

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Jump on the democracy bus

Location: News

Jump on the democracy bus

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, has launched the Democracy Bus, which will travel the country to drum up citizens’ participation in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.

“[The] bus will travel to different parts of our amazing country from the nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities. Government calls on all South Africans to get on the bus so that they can see and experience the changes we have gone through as we relive the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey," Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced during the delivery of the Budget Vote of the GCIS to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on Friday.

“The bus is also expected to stop at the GCIS Thusong Service Centres which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, izimbizo and national events as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years as we celebrate our 30 years of democracy,” she said.

Spot the Bus 

The Minister said citizens will be able to participate in a “spot the bus” campaign.

“As the bus travels on our roads, across all our provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have the opportunity to be part of the spot the bus campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.

“This is the way GCIS is bringing South Africans to acknowledge the work that has been done over the last 30 years but also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead which government, through its new programmes of the seventh administration…will address the challenges that remain,” Ntshavheni said.

Crime 

The Minister also said the GCIS was implementing a campaign that will seek to encourage communities and stakeholders to participate in the fight against crime.

She said the department has set the fight against crime as one of its communication priorities for this financial year.

“GCIS is implementing a crime management campaign which will target the areas of organised and violent crime, illegal mining, cable theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure along with the scourge of violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society.

“To strengthen stakeholder participation, the GCIS has established a directorate of stakeholder management and special projects to marshal all stakeholders in a common front against social ills. We have learnt during COVID-19 that the coordination of the work is more impactful in our communication space,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:44

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Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined - Minister Ntshavheni

Brand SA has set out its plans to reimagine the Play Your Part campaign.

This according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the Budget Vote of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Friday.

Brand SA, the country's official marketing agency, has been allocated R186 million to carry out its work for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the Minister, the Play your Part initiative aims to “inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship”.

“It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. It calls on South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills and goods to contribute to a better future for all of us,” she said.

Ntshavheni said the Media Development and Diversity Agency has made “significant strides in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans”.

The entity has been allocated at least R38.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

“In its duty of providing funding and other support for the marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, it has supported over 586 small commercial media projects over the years despite its meagre budget.

“This includes 321 community radio and community television stations along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print as well as digital platforms,” she said.

She emphasised the vital nature of the work of the MDDA.

“The work of the MDDA is important because community media serves to connect people with shared interests and concerns. It amplifies the unique stories and experiences within a community and promotes understanding amongst its members.

“In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for the greater good of society,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:48

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Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

Location: News

Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), has put in place an office to support municipalities in establishing partnerships with the private sector.

This as poor investment in water and sanitation infrastructure by municipalities is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector currently.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Madojina, said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.

While South Africa is doing well in terms of mobilising private sector finance for investment in national water resource infrastructure, Majodina said it is not doing so well in terms of private sector financing of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Aging infrastructure, pipe leaks and lack of operation and maintenance, among others, are some of the main causes of high levels of non-revenue water in municipalities. For example, the water partnerships office is currently supporting the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which result in high levels of non-revenue water,” Majodina said.

She added that other focus areas include private sector investment in municipal water-reuse and desalination projects.

Water resource infrastructure agency

The Minister further announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will own all the national water resource infrastructure assets and obtain the revenue streams associated with those assets.

This will enable the agency to borrow additional funds on the strength of its balance sheet.

“The establishment of the agency will be one of the major focus areas of the department over the coming year. Parliament passed the National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill before it rose in May this year and we are expecting it to be signed by the President shortly.

“This will involve the transfer of all the national water resource infrastructure assets currently owned by the department to the agency, as well as the staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the assets,” Majodina said.

The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) will be merged into the National Water Infrastructure Agency, along with the water trading entity in the department, which is responsible for collecting revenue from the sale of raw or untreated water to the water boards, municipalities and industry.

“A transition plan is in place, and we aim to complete the establishment of the agency by May 2025. During this financial year, the department will be focusing on implementing the major structural changes and staff transfers associated with the establishment of this agency,” the Minister said.

The Minister shared her intentions to ensure that there is continuity of the various reforms and improvements that were initiated by the former Minister Senzo Mchunu. Many of them were mandated by the National Development Plan and the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 15:04

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‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.

The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i

This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.

“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.

The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.

“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.

“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.

Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.

The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.

“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.

“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.

Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.

“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.

“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.

The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.

She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.

Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.

“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.

"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.

“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.

“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34

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Read more‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Location: News

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says as government commences with the work of the seventh administration and the next 30 Years of Freedom, it is important to address the challenges that still confront the country with greater performance and momentum.

“We need to continue to support Stats SA and ensure it plays a pivotal role in providing critical socio-economic data that informs decision making across government and business broadly,” Ntshavheni said.

Presenting the Stats SA Budget Vote in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said it is statistical data and information that will give government insight into the nation’s needs and achievements, and will help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of government policies and programmes.

“Therefore, understanding and managing the data ecosystem is crucial for the country to harness the full potential of data, make informed decisions and adapt to evolving business landscapes,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said this will be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and platforms and that Stats SA must continue to lead in the South African data ecosystem to ensure that the data gap is closed.

“Statistical data is indicating that our economy is three times larger and many times more inclusive and diversified than it was 30 years ago. Millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty and employment has more than doubled.

“Despite this progress, millions remain unemployed, in particular, the youth who are caught in structural unemployment where the qualifications they possess are not relevant for the job market nor self-employment.

“For South Africa to reach its developmental goals as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP), there is a need to use data and statistical information to not only improve the performance of government, but all of society,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said as a government that considers itself to be located within communities and society, it will work with all sectors to secure growth, security and prosperity that all wish to enjoy in a lifetime and into the future.

“Therefore, Stats SA will be one of our key institutional assets on this quest for a better future. This asset, Stats SA, is a jewel in the crown of the capacity of the state and its rigour and integrity is globally respected. 

“Stats SA itself has a productive, intergenerational mix of experience and institutional memory alongside the energy and innovation that comes with a cohort of statisticians and other professionals who were born and educated in this democratic dispensation.

“For the richness of Stats SA’s outputs, we are deeply indebted to the millions of South Africans, who trustingly and graciously share their information and time with us so we can have numerical picture of the nation as it goes about living and working,” the minister said.

Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s 2024/25 Work Programme reflects the drive to deliver the statistics that the country needs and can apply to build a better South Africa.

“Stats SA delivered the results of the first digital census to the nation in October 2023. The population census offers us the most comprehensive set of statistical information to the lowest geographic level,” she said.

The Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Stats SA is R2.65 billion for 2024/25, and R2.75 billion and R2.89 billion in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:52

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Government working hard to prevent cybercrime – Ntshavheni

Location: News

Government working hard to prevent cybercrime - Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has assured the public of government’s commitment to prevent cybercrime.

This follows the recent media statement issued by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, in which he said about R300 million was allegedly siphoned off from DPWI through cybercrime in the past 10 years. 

The statement continued to say the cyber attackers again stole R24 million in May this year.

According to the statement, the revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala were conducting detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from department branches.

“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” Macpherson said in the statement.

Following the discovery, four DPWI officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by investigators. 

The four officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official.

In May, the department announced that it had ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.

The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.

The investigation, which involves cyber and ICT security experts, covers the following:

•           Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities. 

•           Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department.

•           Lack of staff capacity and  weak ICT systems.

Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media enquiries following the statement from the DPWI.

“The investigation is ongoing, and investigating teams were urged to work with speed to conclude their work without compromising the required thoroughness of the investigation,” Ntshavheni said. 

She said the SSA continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity. 

“The SSA is finalising a consolidated assessment on government's cybersecurity strengths and initiatives underway to address any weaknesses found in the system,” Ntshavheni said. 

Ntshavheni said once the report has been completed, it will be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

Edwin
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:30

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Read moreGovernment working hard to prevent cybercrime – Ntshavheni

Climate resilience tops agenda at symposium

Location: News

Climate resilience tops agenda at symposium

The spotlight will be on climate change as climate experts, including academia and senior government officials, gather at the Climate Resilience Symposium next week.

National Treasury, in partnership with the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank, and a range of partner organisations, will host the three-day Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 in Pretoria from 15 - 17 July 2024.

The symposium will be held under the theme, 'Moving the needle on climate change and just transition: The role of the National Treasury'.

The gathering will bring together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, senior government officials, academia, the private sector and climate experts.

“The objectives of the symposium are to integrate climate goals into macro-fiscal and finance policy; improve government coordination by mainstreaming climate change considerations into the intergovernmental fiscal system; profile National Treasury’s contribution to climate action, and advance and promote policy, advocacy, green growth, and collaboration in addressing climate change challenges across sectors,” National Treasury said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:46

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Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest

Location: News

Lesufi ‘fully accepts’ judgement in Life Esidimeni inquest

The Gauteng Provincial Government says it fully accepts the judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest handed down by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.

The inquest, which was established in July 2021, sought to investigate the criminal liability for the deaths of 141 mental healthcare users from Life Esidimeni.

Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo has determined that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the then Mental Health Director, Dr Makgabo Manamela, can be held accountable for the deaths of some Life Esidimeni patients.

In 2016, the Gauteng Department of Health moved the deceased from Life Esidimeni – a long-term psychiatric care hospital, which provided highly specialised chronic care to mental healthcare users to NGOs, which Teffo described as “ill-equipped” and “inexperienced” to give proper and adequate care.

This conduct, the judge said, led to “regrettable and unfortunate deaths, some of which could have been avoided”.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said: “We are pleased this process that brought so much pain and suffering to those who lost their loved ones, as well as the survivors whose human rights were grossly violated by this tragedy is nearing its end. 

“This judgement closes a painful chapter, not only for the affected families but for us as the Gauteng Provincial Government.”

The judgement follows an arbitration process led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke that was established in 2018 and culminated in an arbitration award for the victims of the tragedy. 

Moseneke gave the provincial government a list of 134 people after he concluded that families should each receive payments of R1 million in constitutional damages from government. 

According to the provincial government, all claimants were paid R159 460 000 within the time that was stipulated by Justice Moseneke in his report.

“The only payments that are still outstanding are for the survivors who were not part of the initial arbitration process.” 

The provincial government said it was currently administering these claims. 

However, the claimants will only receive 50% of the claims upon successful verification. The other half will be held in trust on behalf of the mental healthcare user, which aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act 17 of 2002.

“As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are confident that the National Prosecuting Authority will take this judgement forward and we await the conclusion of this matter,” the Premier said. 

Way forward

Lesufi added that following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, the provincial government has made concerted efforts to ensure that the rights of mental healthcare users are promoted and safeguarded. 

“As part of ongoing measures to strengthen mental health care in Gauteng, the provincial government undertook to ensure that the five district Mental Health Review Boards (MHRB) are functional and effective.” 

The MHRBs are made up of 27 people with diverse expertise which include legal practitioners, mental healthcare practitioners, and community members with a proven record of community development and involvement.

In response to the growing need for mental health services, the provincial government said it has prioritised the refurbishments and repurposing of some of its healthcare facilities to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.

According to the provincial government, several facilities have since been refurbished and opened to ensure enough acute mental health beds in hospitals and to increase mental health resources, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services. 

These facilities include Bertha Gxowa, South Rand, Tshwane District, Tembisa, Edenvale, Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. 

The newly opened Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic offers a basket of free services for mental health patients ranging from counselling, social work services, dual diagnosis services as well as psychotherapy for adults, children, and adolescents.

“The provincial government sympathises with the bereaved and affected families and understands that the Life Esidimeni inquest was incredibly important for families to find closure and for accountability,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:48

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Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

Location: News

Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

The Western Cape Education Department has announced its decision to extend the closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts to Friday, following a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).

However, all schools in the other education districts are to re-open tomorrow. 

This means that schools in the Cape Town, the West Coast, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will be open tomorrow unless approval has been granted by the Head of Department.

“This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier. 

The rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes and resulting in the closure of many schools.

According to the provincial department, several schools have also reported flood damage to their premises.

"We have asked that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow.” 

These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise.

According to the department, 217 schools across the province have now reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption. 

“Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious and require our attention. Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,” Maynier said. 

“I am also very appreciative of the support received from school principals and their management teams in implementing the decision to close schools in some of our districts.” 

He took the time to thank all parents and caregivers for their support. 

“We do not decide to close schools lightly and have the best interests of our learners and teachers at heart when making these decisions,” Maynier added. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rain.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) said the warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.

Parents can use the ‘Find my School’ search finder to confirm if their school falls under these two districts where the schools will be closed by visiting https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:58

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Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather

Location: News

Cape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather

The Western Cape Government (WCG) continues to provide shelter, food, and blankets to the homeless as the province faces heavy downpours, resulting in the closure of many schools.

The province announced that schools in the Cape Town metro districts, Cape Winelands and Overberg districts as well as parts of the West Coast district have closed today.

“In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain districts in the Western Cape [on Thursday],” Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, said on Wednesday. 

According to the MEC, all other schools in the remaining districts will be open unless approval has been granted for closure.

“Our default position is always to keep schools open but are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place and the damage already caused in certain areas.

“So far, 20 schools have been granted permission for closure across the province, the majority of which are in the Cape Winelands district,” the MEC explained. 

Over the past few days, 137 schools have reported some form of damage to infrastructure, either because of flooding or heavy winds. Most of the cases are minor, while 49 cases require urgent attention.

Level 8 warning

Meanwhile, a Level 8 warning has been issued by the SAWS for disruptive rain.

This warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.

The province is also expecting strong winds to persist over the interior regions and along the coastal areas of Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas over the next few days.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, the PDMC and other stakeholders are monitoring the series of cold fronts very closely. 

“Virtually all WCG departments are working together to mitigate the possible impact of this weather system. 

“All stakeholders will remain vigilant, and I urge members of the public to also do so. Disaster management teams are working tirelessly to keep members of the public out of harm’s way. For this, we are very thankful.”

The WCG said they have been working closely with all affected municipalities, national departments, as well as non-government organisations (NGOs), who have been working tirelessly to safeguard lives and assist residents in need during the current floods.  

Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Deiner, explained that over the next several days the centre will continue to monitor the situation closely. 

He stressed that a critical aspect of the overall response is to ensure all disaster officials and organisations are adequately resourced to keep up the good work they have been doing.

Humanitarian support

Meanwhile, about 4 000 structures have sustained damage across Cape Town, impacting 15 000 people. 

“With the help of NGOs, 11 000 hot meals are being provided each day across Cape Town metro to people affected by the weather.”

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is coordinating humanitarian relief efforts for affected communities with partner NGOs like Gift of the Givers Foundation, The Warehouse Foundation, Ashraful Aid, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Islamic Relief SA, and the Community Chest of the Western Cape. 

In addition, many rivers are reaching full saturation levels and run-off could increase exponentially. This is being closely monitored by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Dams

Many of the province’s dams are also rising rapidly, with Clanwilliam Dam currently sitting at 90.89%, Berg River Dam increased to 104.06%, the Theewaterskloof Dam at 76%, while Misverstand Dam has risen to 161%. 

“A controlled release of water from Wemmershoek Dam into the Berg River was carried out as a precautionary measure. This controlled release is necessary to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.”

Electricity

According to the provincial government, electricity faults are being reduced. However, 11 000 people are still without Eskom power in numerous areas, including Citrusdal, De Doorns and Touwsrivier. 

In Delft, around 1 500 Eskom customers are without electricity. 

“The power utility is working hard to restore power.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:25

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Read moreCape Town schools closed, 15 000 people affected by severe weather

DPWI investigates theft of R300 million

Location: News

DPWI investigates theft of R300 million

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson has decided to take the public into his confidence in the interests of transparency to reveal a staggering cyber-crime which involves R300 million being stolen in the past 10 years.

In the latest incident that took place in May 2024, the cyber-attackers stole a further R24 million. This prompted a full forensic investigation by the Hawks, South African Police Services, State Security Agency and experts in the ICT and cyber security industry.

This revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, conducted detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from departmental branches.

“It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cyber criminals for over a 10-year period and this should have been picked up a lot earlier. I felt it important to let South Africa know what has happened and what we are doing about it,” Macpherson said.

“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.

The Minister has pledged to crack down on these syndicates and those in cahoots with them internally or externally. 

“We want to put a stop to this immediately because we cannot allow our department to be subjected to unchecked looting. This is money that could have been spent on our infrastructure drive to improve the lives of South Africans. 

“The investigation will be expanded and deepened to find the masterminds and the beneficiaries of this grand theft, and I want to see them in prison,” Macpherson said. 

Suspensions and seizures

Four officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by the investigators.  The four DPWI officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official. 

The department was forced to shut down all its payment systems causing significant delays in the payment of its creditors.

In May, the department announced that it has ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.

The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.

The investigation which involve cyber and ICT security experts covers the following:

•    Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities. 
•    Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department
•    Lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems

“I welcome the precautionary suspension of four individuals, including senior managers, and the seizure of over 30 laptops for further examination by the investigative teams. This will allow the investigations to proceed smoothly. 
“We are appealing to the team probing this security breach to conclude their investigation with speed. We do not want prolonged investigations with no results and consequences. There is simply no place for corruption in this department,” Macpherson said.

“I further welcome the initial swift investigation launched by my predecessor and now Deputy Minister Zikalala. The department has suffered a massive financial loss and those responsible for protecting us from cyber criminals must be held to account. 

“We need answers as to what happened under their watch.  We also ask the investigators to trace and follow the money and ensure that it is brought back to the coffers of government,” the Minister said.

The Minister has committed himself to work tirelessly to ensure the reinforcement of the cyber security systems within the department so that similar incidents are prevented in future. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:36

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Read moreDPWI investigates theft of R300 million

National Assembly elects House Chairpersons

Location: News

National Assembly elects House Chairpersons

The National Assembly (NA) has elected Cedric Frolick, Werner Horn and Zandile Majozi to serve as House Chairpersons during a plenary session on Tuesday.

Following the House Chairpersons’ election, National Assembly Rule 14 provides that the Speaker allocates functions and responsibilities to each House Chairperson and announces this in the Parliamentary publication for Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.

During the same sitting, the House elected members to represent Parliament on the international bodies of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the South African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADCPF).

Mdumiseni Ntuli, Mergan Chetty, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Vuyani Pambo will represent Parliament in the PAP in terms of Article 4(2) and (3) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament.

With its seat in Midrand, the PAP provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law. 

The PAP, also promotes the co-ordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the regional economic communities and the parliamentary fora of Africa.

The House also resolved to elect Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane (Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces) as the fifth member to represent Parliament at the Pan-African Parliament.

Meanwhile, Thoko Didiza (Speaker of the National Assembly), Sylvia Lucas, Kenneth Mmoiemang, Babalo Madikizela, David Skosana, and Veronica Mente will represent Parliament in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).

The Forum is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of 15 parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. It aims to provide a platform for parliaments and parliamentarians to promote and improve regional integration in the SADC region.

Among the Forum’s key objectives are the promotion of human rights, gender equality, good governance, democracy, and transparency; accelerating the pace of economic cooperation, development and integration based on equity and mutual benefits; as well as facilitating networking with other inter-parliamentary organisations.

The House also designated Molapi Lekganyane, Fasiha Hassan, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach, John Hlophe, Julius Malema, and Athol Trollip to represent Parliament on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

The JSC was established in terms of Section 178 of the Constitution, and its function is to select fit and proper persons for appointment as judges and to investigate complaints about judicial officers. It also advises government on any matters relating to the judiciary or to the administration of justice. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:03

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Job opportunities in conservation: Youth working in MPAs share experiences

Location: MyPR

In the build-up to the 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebration on 1 August 2024, some of the younger MPA community have shared their unique insights into the world of conservation. In addition to the vital contribution MPAs play in marine life protection, they also serve to create economic opportunities for local citizens, …

Read moreJob opportunities in conservation: Youth working in MPAs share experiences