Kenny Kunene targets primary school over claimed plans for Shona lessons
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Government
Challenges remain, but South African lives believe been improved during democracy
Challenges remain, but South African lives have been improved during democracy
President Cyril Ramaphosa says despite challenges, the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
The President was delivering his reply to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate held at the Cape Town City Hall.
“The debate in this House over the last two days has shown that there are sharp differences among political parties about our past. There are also sharp differences about our present and indeed about our future as well.
“Yet amongst all the contributions made in the debate, no speaker has been able to refute a fundamental reality that the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed over the 30 years of freedom. This is the reality… whether we like it, or we don’t like it, that is the reality we confront,” he said on Thursday.
The President said the transformation of South African lives can be found in the recent national census conducted by Statistics South Africa, which shows “extraordinary improvements on a range of social and economic indicators over the past three decades”.
“This transformation is most evident in the lived experience of our people, who have witnessed the changes in their own communities and who have also witnessed the changes in their own personal lives,” he said.
Facing challenges
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that although progress has been made, there are critical issues that need to be addressed with urgency.
“We need to celebrate the fact that young people… have had the opportunities that were never available before. But we also need to recognise, as we did in the [SONA] that young people… still have many challenges.
“Despite everything we have achieved, many South Africans, young and old, are concerned about the state of affairs in our nation, and rightly so. Many people cannot find jobs. Even people with jobs wonder if they will be able to provide for their families as the cost of living increases,” he said.
The President further acknowledged other challenges, including crime, load shedding, corruption and municipalities that are struggling to deliver services. He said the sixth administration is hard at work to resolve these issues.
He listed gains that government has made in sectors, including in the economy, tourism and the agricultural sectors as measures of progress
“Over the last five years, we have made significant progress in restoring our economy to grow and create jobs. When COVID hit, our economy tanked and just to demonstrate the resilience of our economy, it bounced back and now it is above the pre-COVID period.
“We have seen the results of these efforts in the growth of our agricultural exports. In 2022, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $12.8 billion or R247 billion and we are the top food secure country on our continent.
“We have seen a massive increase in international tourists coming to our country. Between January and December last year, our country recorded 8.5 million international tourist arrivals, which was a 29% increase on the previous year,” he said.
He assured the country that government will remain steadfast in its quest to “build a better life for all of democracy’s children”.
“As a nation, we continue to write the story of Tintswalo. Through our collective actions, through our sheer determination, we will ensure that all the Tintswalos of this country, together with their parents and grandparents, overcome the many challenges of the present.
READ | Tintswalo, a child of democracy
“It is by working together that we will continue to write the story of our free nation and of a future of peace, comfort and prosperity for all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 15:40
253 views
Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola
Sixth administration cracking down on crime - Lamola
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola says the sixth administration is steadily rebuilding law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority to fight crime.
Lamola was speaking during the debate of the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town.
“[It] is the sixth administration that strengthened the work of law enforcement agencies like the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] by appointing permanent leadership in the upper echelons of the NPA and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and increased the operational budget resulting in visible institutional growth and stability.
“Organized crime verdicts have increased by 21% from 193 to 234 at a conviction rate that is above 80%. Gang leaders are behind bars or in court, whether it is Jerome Booysen, Nafik Modak, Ralph Stanfield, Mark Lifman and Vusi Khekhe, all are behind bars.
“The conviction rate in gender-based violence and femicide matters is at 74.6%. When it comes to successful prosecutions for cable theft matters, the NPA has exceeded some of the targets, the conviction rate is well above 85%, 299 convictions have been obtained from 347 cable theft verdicts,” Lamola said.
The Minister added that R3.2 billion from the criminal assets recovery funds has been allocated to fighting illegal mining and organised crime.
Furthermore, 2 996 arrests have been executed related to illegal mining activities as at December last year.
“SAPS is implementing Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime throughout the country. The plan includes clamping down on illegal mining areas.
“At the end of last year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigation Units and the Hawks have secured preservation orders to freeze assets which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Gauteng province.
“The frozen assets include 51 properties with a value of more than R16 million. In Mpumalanga, they secured a preservation order of assets worth more than one billion rands. The message is clear, crime does not pay and the tide against crime is turning,” Lamola said.
‘I am Tintswalo’
Harking back to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA last week in which he described the life of Tintswalo, Lamola described how he himself is a product of progressive government policies.
He recalled how he benefitted from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), now known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), after his parents who were both farmworkers could not afford his tertiary education.
“I can stand here in this house [and say] with great conviction that had it not been for …government’s expansion of TEFSA and my sister paying for my university registration and monthly stipend, I would not be standing here today.
“I would not have been an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa having appeared in the highest Court in the world, the ICJ, on global affairs. My life was predestined as a farm worker [by] design by the apartheid government and not by choice.
“The village where I come from, Cunningmore B in Mpumalanga, had no electricity nor running water. Today there is electricity, running water and tarred roads, so are many villages across the country.
“[NSFAS]…results are tangible. You can touch them with your bare hands,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:59
338 views
Two SANDF soldiers killed in DRC, three wounded
Two SANDF soldiers killed in DRC, three wounded
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed on Wednesday that three soldiers were killed and two injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This, according to a statement released yesterday, was after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability.
“As a result of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two casualties and three members sustained injuries,” the statement read.
The injured members were rushed to the nearest hospital in Goma.
According to the SANDF, details of the incident are still sketchy at the moment, while further investigations will be conducted to determine the basis of the incident.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF General, Rudzani Maphwanya, have since expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.
They also wished the injured members a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:56
137 views
Old Age Grant is not enough to cover care needs, researchers find
Pensioners often carry households at the expense of their own needs
Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla
Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla
Government is working tirelessly to ensure that unemployed doctors who want to join the public service are placed by 1 April this year, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla has announced.
This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.
“I am, therefore, happy to announce that working with the Minister of Finance we have a solution to address the current challenge of doctors who want to stay in the public service but could not be offered funded posts,” said the Minister.
During the debate on the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Phaahla said the Finance Minister will flesh out more details during his Budget Speech next week on how these posts will be funded.
“Our national team is working with the National Treasury team to thrash out the details and working with provincial health departments to speed up the process so that by 1st April 2024 all those who will not be already in posts can be able to start.”
Phaahla said he was confident that some provinces will even be able to start giving out appointment letters before 1 April 2024.
“The measures we are working on with the Minister of Finance will give us sufficient breathing space while we are working on long-term solutions.”
He told Parliament that over the last 15 years, government has ramped up the training of doctors both in the local universities and the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro programme in Cuba.
The number of graduates, according to Phaahla, has almost doubled over the last 10 years, from 1 338 graduates who entered the internship programme in 2014 to 2 210 this year.
“The medical profession is very key in the multidisciplinary teams and that is why we are doing everything to retain as many doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other members of the teams in the public health system.”
In addition, he said his department was committed to working with the medical association and the trade union to look at more opportunities for doctors including offering primary health services in the community as the State prepares to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI).
NHI
He told the House that the government interventions are laying the foundation for the implementation of the NHI.
Phaahla also took the time to thank members of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) who passed the Bill last year.
As stated in the Bill, he said the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities.”
In the meantime, he said his department was strengthening key delivery areas.
These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.
COVID-19
Since the lifting of all restrictions in June 2022, he said the health sector has been on a recovery path.
“Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members indeed as stated by the President, key indicators show that we have recovered well from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For example, he cited the improved life expectancy approaching pre-COVID, the continued reduction in maternal mortality in pregnancy and reduced infant and under-five mortality rates.
Meanwhile, he said backlogs in planned surgery procedures including in orthopaedics, general surgery and eye operations are being attended to through the mobilisation of specialists to spend time in under-served areas with many doing it free of charge.
In addition, Phaahla said procurement and distribution of medicines has stabilised with the result and that public health institutions now have stock availability of 85%.
As stated by the President in his SONA, the department will also focus on serious interventions to improve the quality of health services by upgrading infrastructure, including building new facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:32
637 views
Significant strides made in social assistance programme and combating GBV
Significant strides made in social assistance programme and combating GBV
Government has over the last 30 years made significant strides in improving the social assistance programme, combating gender-based violence (GBV) and providing underprivileged children with opportunities for a better life through grants.
This is according to Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, who was speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) Debate in Cape Town on Tuesday.
She highlighted the gains made over the last 30 years, indicating that government is currently providing regular income support each month without fail to those who are underprivileged.
Zulu said when government signed the Social Assistance Act into law, the nation took a historic step toward fulfilling a fundamental principle of the Freedom Charter and the Constitution, that "social security is a right, not a privilege".
She said the social assistance programme is the most enduring and one of the biggest poverty alleviation and redistribution interventions by the sixth administration.
“We have progressively expanded social protection coverage from 2.4 million in 1994 to 28 million [today] to support those who cannot support themselves due to no fault of their own.
“We are currently providing regular income support each month without fail to more than four million older persons, about one million adults with disabilities and 160 000 children with disabilities. More than 13 million children from poor households receive the Child Support Grant, while a further 237 000 children are supported through our Foster Care Grant,” Zulu said.
She said there has been improved access to sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities through grant funding and capacity building of civil society organisations by the National Development Agency (NDA).
The department has also provided financial support to the tune of R8.2 billion to non-profit organisations that render the much-need community development and statutory services in communities.
The achievements include an increase in the number of children benefitting from Early Childhood Development, living up to the mantra, 'From inception to the grave'.
“We have restored the dignity of our older persons and increased life expectancy through, amongst others, the provision of the Old Age Grant. We created over 500 000 employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme, and addressed the disproportionate impact of poverty on women through women empowerment initiatives,” she said.
The Minister further highlighted that government has passed progressive pieces of legislation, such as the Children’s Act, to ensure the protection of children, providing universal access to social welfare services, including adoption, foster care and psychosocial support services.
There has also been intensified international collaboration with development and UN agencies such as UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme, and International Labour Organisation on best practice,s focusing on poverty eradication initiatives.
Turning to gender-based violence and femicide, Zulu said that there has been expanded access to care and support services for victims/survivors through the implementation of Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (specific focus on GBV hotspots).
“We have capacitated the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre and the National Emergency Response Team (NERT) to render psychosocial, trauma counselling and referral services. We are currently expanding shelters and the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre Model to all provinces,” she said.
The Minister told Parliament that with a total budget of R266 billion this year, over R22 billion is directly injected into the economy every month and into the hands of those who need it most to facilitate their participation in the economy and the labour market.
“This in turn stimulates key sectors of our economy, what in economic terms is referred to as the multiplier effect. The positive spin-offs of this investment are reflected in numerous local reports and international studies. This is no small achievement by any measure,” she said.
Guided by the developmental philosophy of 'Leave no one Behind', Zulu said government is now finalising policy proposals for the introduction of the Basic Income Grant.
“As we stride into the third decade of freedom and democracy, we do so with great confidence that our goal for social and economic transformation is well on course,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 11:15
331 views
‘The conclude of load shedding is indeed in sight’ – Ramakgopa
'The end of load shedding is indeed in sight' - Ramakgopa
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says despite “obstacles, uncertainties and temporary setbacks”, the end of load shedding is in sight.
He was addressing the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate held at the Cape Town City Hall on Tuesday.
“[The] path to achieving a stable and sustainable energy landscape has been fraught with obstacles, uncertainties, and temporary setbacks and yet, with each passing day, we continue to register progress as we chart the path to energy security.
“The end of load shedding is indeed in sight; the future is bright,” he said.
Eskom power stations
The Minister explained the steps government, in cooperation with Eskom, has taken to urgently address the energy challenge in the country including returning units to service on time or earlier and bolstering new generation capacity.
“Units 1 to 3 of Kusile [Power Station], which had been out of service since October of 2022, were successfully returned ahead of schedule. As planned, Unit 5 was synchronised to the grid in December 2023, contributing 800MW. The four Kusile Units collectively injected 3200MW of capacity into the grid.
“Medupi [Power Station] Unit 4 will return to service this year in September, a year ahead of schedule. Kusile Unit 6 will be synchronised in late November 2024. These units will add 1600MW to the grid. In addition, Unit 2 of Koeberg [Power Station] will return to service in September 2024, giving us 980MW following a planned outage. These interventions will collectively add 2580MW to the grid in 2024. The end of load shedding is indeed within sight,” he said.
Added to this, Eskom’s rigorous maintenance plan for power stations has been implemented, which Ramokgopa said is expected to ensure that “going into the winter of 2024, the fleet’s reliability will have been significantly strengthened”.
“This also means that heading into the winter peak demand period, we can claw back up to 2 000MW by tapering planned maintenance and strengthening available capacity.
“From March of 2024, we will begin reducing planned maintenance from the current 6 000MW to 5 000MW in April 2024 and to around 3 500MW in May 2024, a threshold that will be sustained during the winter demand period,” he said.
New generation capacity
Ramokgopa revealed that to further bolster future energy security, Eskom is in the process of appointing a team which is expected to “undertake a procurement process for partners to develop the Richards Bay Closed Cycle Gas Turbine”.
This is a plan to yield a further 3 000MW for the grid.
Furthermore, the procurement of nuclear energy is also on the table.
“Gas will increasingly feature prominently in our short- to medium-term base load requirements. Eskom is working on converting Gourikwa and Ankerlig [power stations] to gas from diesel on the Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) technology. This initiative is anticipated to yield an additional 2 000MW, with a further 1 000MW expected from the conversion to Closed Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT).
“[Government] will commence the procurement process of an additional 2 500MW of new nuclear capacity this year on an affordable scale and pace basis, as well as 1 500MW of pump storage facility at Tubatse in Limpopo,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:42
253 views
Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to battle crime
Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to fight crime
Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.
CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.
“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.
“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.
The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technology sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.
“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities.
“The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.
Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.
Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.
“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our world-class software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.
“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.
“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”
In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Provincial Government will be launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:53
122 views
Founders Foundation announces collaboration with Silulo Foundation and Zoho to equip and upskill township businesses
Cape Town, 13 February, 2024—Founders Foundation today announced that it has partnered with the Silulo Foundation and global technology company, Zoho to train and equip township entrepreneurs enrolled in the Silulo Foundation entrepreneurship programme throughout the greater Cape Town area. As part of this collaboration, a group of entrepreneurs attended specialised training at the Zoho …
Cathcart Hospital rumours spark week of protests
Police are monitoring as stoning incidents continue on N6
South Africa makes urgent request to International Court of Justice on Rafah offensive
The South African Government has made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether the decision announced by Israel to extend its military operations in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza, requires that the court uses its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.
Under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court, “The Court may at any time decide to examine proprio motu whether the circumstances of the case require the indication of provisional measures which ought to be taken or complied with by any or all of the parties.”
In a request submitted to the court yesterday (12 February 2024), the South African Government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction. This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of 26 January 2024.
South Africa trusts this matter will receive the necessary urgency in light of the daily death toll in Gaza.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Mpumalanga delays building of school for learners with disabilities
School was promised over 10 years ago
Call to pause “catastrophic” health care budget cuts
Western Cape health workers warn of dire consequences if cuts are not reversed
Government working to connect IPPs to the grid
Government working to connect IPPs to the grid
Government has procured and connected more 7 000MW of generating capacity onto the grid through its Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP).
This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.
The Minister was speaking during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The government-driven REIPPP aims to bring much needed additional megawatts onto the grid through private sector investment in renewable energy such as wind, biomass and small hydro.
Mantashe said that since the programme's launch in 2011, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has procured some 13 266MW from 140 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) whose technologies are based on renewable energy, diesel and battery energy storage.
“From these capacities, 7 362MW was from 95 IPPs, who are currently connected to the grid and supplying the much needed electricity. A combination of [renewables and base load] is required to deal with the challenges facing us. The remaining 45 IPPs, with a combined capacity of 5 904MW, are either in construction or preparing to reach commercial close.
“NERSA [National Energy Regulator of South Africa] has concurred with the Minister of Electricity [Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] that 2500MW of nuclear capacity has to be connected,” he said.
Under the current administration, some 5 939MW has been procured from 46 IPPs, with some 150MW already connected to the grid and a further 1 587MW expected to supply electricity from September this year.
The Minister said South Africa has the potential to lead the way in the global energy transition.
“We firmly believe that South Africa holds significant quantities of minerals needed for the transition from high carbon emissions to low carbon emissions, which informs the view that our mining industry is a sunrise industry,” he said.
Delving deeper into mining, Mantashe said over the past 30 years of democracy, government has done much work in transforming the industry.
“When we did research two years ago… we discovered that at the nine major mining companies that we studied, each one of them didn’t have less than 50% of the management structure being black. We did see that in procurement initiatives created, a lot of business people who are not necessarily seen as part of the mining sector but who have developed on the back of mining.
“If you talk coal, only one major company is white, the majority of them are black. In the manganese sector… black ownership in mining companies is a long list. In gold…ARM is dominant, Harmony is dominant. In the PGMs [platinum group metals] …[there is] black ownership. If you look at all these companies, you can see that there is practical progress being made,” Mantashe said.
He said for the sector to continue growing, exploration is needed.
“Cognisant of the fact that mines are born out of exploration, we have just launched an exploration fund. It is important that we invest in exploration so that the future of this very important sector continues to be bright,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:01
467 views
Presidency urgent request to International Court of Justice on Israel extending military operations in Rafah
South Africa makes urgent request to International Court of Justice on Rafah offensive.
The South African Government has made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether the decision announced by Israel to extend its military operations in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza, requires that the court uses its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.
Under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court, "The Court may at any time decide to examine proprio motu whether the circumstances of the case require the indication of provisional measures which ought to be taken or complied with by any or all of the parties."
In a request submitted to the court yesterday (12 February 2024), the South African government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction. This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of 26 January 2024.
South Africa trusts this matter will receive the necessary urgency in light of the daily death toll in Gaza.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Higher Education remains committed to establish TUT Giyani campus
Higher Education remains committed to establish TUT Giyani campus
The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation says it is pressing ahead with the completion of the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus in Giyani and opening the facility’s doors in 2025.
“The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, has become aware of the circulation of information on various social media platforms that is designed to create the false impression that the Minister is blocking or deliberately delaying the finalisation of the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology Giyani campus,” the statement read on Tuesday.
This impression, according to the department, has created a false impression and is “designed to create confusion, ferment chaos and disrupt the finalisation of this important project”.
“In the interest of transparency and out of concern for the future of the young people of Giyani and surrounding areas, the Minister wishes to provide the necessary clarification.”
The department has since clarified the decision to establish the Giyani campus under Nzimande’s leadership.
“This decision was informed by a number of strategic considerations, including the need to extend access to higher education for the young people of Giyani and surrounding areas. It then becomes utterly ridiculous and mischievous to suggest that the Minister is delaying or frustrating his very own initiative,” the statement read.
According to the department, the team commenced a feasibility study for the establishment of the TUT Giyani campus in May last year when it hit delays of more than five months from the Limpopo Department of Education.
However, according to the department, it is now working with the Limpopo MEC for Education, Lerule Ramakhanya, to address these obstacles.
The department announced that an agreement was reached in October 2023 after the Minister allocated R31.916 million to the project the previous month.
The department said it will carry out renovations and address deferred maintenance once the feasibility study is completed, within the allocated budget.
“TUT will now commence with the refurbishment and deferred maintenance in February this year, which will enable the first intake of students during the 2025 academic year.”
Meanwhile, the department said more funding will be allocated from 2024/25 onwards and over an anticipated six-year period.
“The funding to be allocated during 2024/25 will enable TUT to start with the planning of the major projects during the 2024 calendar year.
“As this work was unfolding, the departmental project team that was appointed by the Minister and is responsible for the implementation of this project has been engaging the relevant community, government and private sector stakeholders in Giyani, regularly.”
In addition, stakeholders have since been provided with regular feedback and together with the departmental project team agreed on a mechanism to resolve any concerns that may arise in the process of the implementation of this project.
“It is also in the public interest that we should also state that there was a group of individuals who actively prevented the appointed technical team from carrying out its work. As stated, all this seems to be calculated to create confusion, ferment chaos and block the finalisation of this important project.
“Furthermore, it is the experience of the department that this project has regrettably attracted many interest groups some of which seek to hijack the legitimate concerns of the community of Giyani and use these for their narrow and malicious ends.”
The department said it had also noted a malicious attempt to exploit the legitimate concerns of the community of Giyani to further what seems to be an established campaign to tarnish the name and reputation of the Minister, through lies and misinformation.
The department said it continues to enjoy the full support of TUT, the Limpopo provincial government and Ramakhanya. “As the Department of Higher Education and Training we remain committed to completing the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology campus in Giyani.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 14:56
237 views
SA makes urgent request to International Court of Justice on Rafah offensive
SA makes urgent request to International Court of Justice on Rafah offensive
The South African Government has urgently appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to assess Israel's recent declaration to expand its military presence in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza.
Government is urging the ICJ to determine if it should intervene to prevent any imminent violation of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.
“The South African Government has made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice to consider whether the decision announced by Israel to extend its military operations in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza, requires that the court uses its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza," the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Presidency said that under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court, "The Court may at any time decide to examine proprio motu whether the circumstances of the case require the indication of provisional measures, which ought to be taken or complied with by any or all of the parties".
“In a request submitted to the court yesterday (12 February 2024), the South African Government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction. This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of 26 January 2024.
“South Africa trusts this matter will receive the necessary urgency in light of the daily death toll in Gaza,” the Presidency said.
Last month, the United Nations (UN) top court ordered Israel to, among others, take all measures within its power “to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide” and to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.
In a landmark judgment, the ICJ determined that it was “plausible” that Israel has committed acts that violate the Genocide Convention. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 15:24
27 views
Honouring radio broadcasters on World Radio Day
Honouring radio broadcasters on World Radio Day
As government joins the global community in celebrating World Radio Day, it has also recognised the invaluable contributions of broadcasters, journalists, and producers who work tirelessly in radio to bring quality programming each day.
“Together, let us continue to support and nurture this timeless medium as we strive to build a more inclusive, informed, and enlightened society for all South Africans. Happy World Radio Day,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
World Radio Day is being celebrated on Tuesday under the theme, "Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating”.
This year’s theme underscores the rich history and diverse contribution of radio to society.
“Radio remains a reliable source of information and a catalyst for positive change. It has also been a constant companion to millions of South Africans, providing them with essential news, entertainment, and valuable educational content. Importantly, the affordability and accessibility of radio makes it an essential medium, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities," GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said.
For over a century, radio has played a pivotal role in informing, entertaining, and educating societies and it has been a critical tool for communication, connecting people across vast distances and diverse cultures.
“Its ability to transcend barriers of language and geography makes it a powerful instrument for promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among the country's diverse communities.
“In South Africa, radio has historically been a cornerstone of democracy, serving as a platform for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas. It has played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, advancing human rights, and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 09:42
478 views
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
217 views
SADC Media Awards
SADC Media Awards
By William Baloyi
In a world filled with information overload the significance of our own stories should not be overlooked, especially those that contribute positively towards achieving regional integration and co-operation between the people of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Regional integration and telling our own stories was one of the key reasons for the establishment of the SADC awards, following a decision by the Council of Ministers in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional co-operation and integration.
The awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region.
We call on media practitioners in South Africa and the region to share their stories that focus on economic well-being, improvement of the standard of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice, peace and security for the people of Southern Africa. The SADC Media Awards present a unique opportunity for the SADC region’s journalists to be celebrated and recognised by their peers.
Media practitioners are encouraged to continually ensure that we popularise projects that are underway in the SADC region. Africa and the region must tell her own stories. It is important that we hear from a range of voices from our diverse nations. By telling our own stories, we will bridge divides between SADC nations.
The other focus of the awards is to encourage SADC nations to further boost intra-Africa trade through greater market integration, cross-border infrastructure development, and policy coordination.
By sharing and telling these stories, we can show how integration and infrastructure development is driving regional economic development, trade and investment.
The SADC Secretariat has announced that entries for the 2024 SADC Media Awards are open. Entries must be submitted by no later than 29 February 2024, and will be judged in four categories namely; Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism. The awards are open to journalists from the SADC Member States. Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from the www.sadc.int and www.gcis.gov.za websites.
*William Baloyi is Chief Director: Media Engagement at the Government Communication and Information System
Janine
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:51
142 views
Government celebrates World Radio Day
Today (13 February 2024), Government joins the global community in celebrating World Radio Day under the theme, "Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating”. This year's theme underscores the rich history and diverse contribution of radio to our society.
For over a century, radio has played a pivotal role in informing, entertaining, and educating societies and it has been a critical tool for communication, connecting people across vast distances and diverse cultures. Its ability to transcend barriers of language and geography makes it a powerful instrument for promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among the country's diverse communities.
In South Africa, radio has historically been a cornerstone of democracy, serving as a platform for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas. It has played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, advancing human rights, and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups.
The GCIS Acting Diretor-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said: “Radio remains a reliable source of information and a catalyst for positive change. It has also been a constant companion to millions of South Africans, providing them with essential news, entertainment, and valuable educational content. Importantly, the affordability and accessibility of radio makes it an essential medium, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities."
As the world celebrates World Radio Day, Government also recognises the invaluable contributions of broadcasters, journalists, and producers who work tirelessly to bring quality programming each day.
Together, let us continue to support and nurture this timeless medium as we strive to build a more inclusive, informed, and enlightened society for all South Africans.
Happy World Radio Day!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Mamelodi flood victims demand City keeps its promise to relocate them
City of Tshwane says Mavuso residents will be relocated to land acquired by the provincial government
Draft work visa regulations a boon for attracting skills
Draft work visa regulations a boon for attracting skills
South Africa’s new draft work visa regulations are a milestone for the country’s efforts to attract investment and promote job creation.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
Last week, the Department of Home Affairs released the draft second amendment of the Immigration Regulations for public comment. The draft regulations deal with remote work and critical skills visas.
“The publication of the new draft regulations are part of our ongoing drive to reform the country’s visa system, making it easier to attract the skills our economy's needs and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. An efficient, agile, responsive visa regime is key to attracting business investment and boosting economic growth.
“International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for,” President Ramaphosa said.
He explained that the new remote working visa is a response to “the rapidly evolving world of work, where increasing numbers of skilled workers…are attracted by the lifestyle benefits of working from a remote location”.
“It also caters to so-called digital nomads, who are able to work virtually from any location in the world. A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa.
“The draft regulations propose the introduction of a points system for critical skills visas that will take into account factors such as age, qualifications, language skills, work experience and having an offer of employment, amongst others,” the President said.
Attracting the right skills
President Ramaphosa explained that although South Africa has invested in producing the skills needed for the digital economy, more is needed.
“To succeed in an ever-changing global economy, our country needs far more people with the right skills. This is so that our economy can be competitive, grow and create employment. As a country, we have invested much in producing these skills, from significantly expanding access to higher education, introducing digital programmes in TVET colleges and a shift to a new pay-for-performance approach to skills development.
“However, it will take some time before we will be able to produce enough skilled people to enable our country to grow rapidly.”
He added that attracting these skills to South Africa will be important as the country is “fast becoming an increasingly attractive destination for industries like business process outsourcing and customer experience”.
“Last year, for example, a leading international strategic advisory firm ranked South Africa second as the most favoured offshore customer experience delivery destination globally. Since 2016, government has invested more than R3 billion towards supporting the growth and expansion of business process outsourcing and is targeting the creation of approximately 500 000 jobs in the sector by 2030.
“In line with our ongoing efforts to attract higher levels of investment and promote job creation, the new work visa regulations are a milestone. They are part of high-impact structural reforms we are undertaking to improve the business operating environment.
“They send a clear signal to business that we are committed to attracting skills that meet the demands of a modern, inclusive and growing economy,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:09
885 views