Government

8 August 2023

Bean farmers taste the first fruits of Contract farming in Lesotho

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
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Mamahali Peete, a mother of three children, left her marketing career in the vibrant Johannesburg city in the neighboring South Africa and relocated to Lesotho when she got married. Three years in the country she ventured into farming in the rural area of Bela-Bela, and she has never looked back since. She rotates between growing beans and maize on her 30 acres of land.

“Agriculture was not my first choice of business. But realizing the local demand for food I decided to give it a shot. Living in Africa, I now see a lot of potential in agriculture. There will never be a time when people don't need food. The demand for food is even higher in Lesotho,” said Mamahali.

Lesotho is a net importer of agricultural products, with 30 percent of its total food requirements produced locally and the remaining 70 percent imported.

Building mutually beneficial partnerships

Mamahali is one of the first ever bunch of farmers who signed up for Contract farming – a kind of trading arrangement that is not common in Lesotho. The Contract Farming initiative was pioneered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the country as an innovative business model establishing meaningful market linkages between farmers and the market.

Mamahali and 29 other farmers signed the contract with ‘Tasty Food Packers', a leading Pulses supplier in the country. At the end of this season, Mamahali made her first delivery to the company.

“Contract farming brings security and gives us farmers bargaining power. It also motivates us to work hard to honor our portion of the deal. For example, this season we received agricultural inputs late in the season, but I tried everything possible to grow so that I can make delivery,” says Mamahali with a smile of triumph.

Promoting innovations, markets access

Under the agreement, ‘Tasty Food Packers' buys the beans from all the farmers it has contract with at an agreed price for the produce delivered. However, if there are fluctuations in prices during the harvest season, the two parties can revise the prices, and the same can be for the quantities.

“I didn't have a guaranteed market for my beans. Every season we have to look for potential markets. Sometimes we are not sure if our last buyer will be willing to buy from us the next season's harvest. I made my first supply of beans to the buyer. It inspires me to work hard and honor the agreement,” says Tlalane Sebeko, block farmer from Berea.

The farmers and the buyer who signed the contract were trained to increase their understanding and knowledge of Contract farming, and their fields were monitored right from planting to ensure good production and productivity, thanks to the support from the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition of Lesotho in collaboration with FAO.

Collateral to access finance

Most financial institutions in Lesotho just like elsewhere in Africa, have provided limited or no credit and insurance to farmers, although farmers represent the biggest opportunity for scale and impact in financial inclusion today. This is largely due to the fact that agriculture is considered a highly risky business undertaken with limited risk mitigation or sharing measures. About 80 percent of Lesotho's rural population depends on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods. With proper investment and improved access to market agriculture has a huge potential to contribute to economic growth and uplift the livelihoods of the rural populations.

Contract farming assists with credit because most of the time financial institutions accept contracts as collateral for a loan directly to the farmer.

“Access to finance has been a challenge to farmers in Lesotho. Banks and Insurance companies here fear to give us loans, yet our saving capacity is low. However, when Banks learnt about this Contract farming, they told us that they were going to tailor-make a product for farmers. I will be applying for a loan soon using this contract,” says Tlalane Sebeko with excitement.

Integrating actors in the agricultural value chain

Nizam Abubaker, owner of ‘Tasty Food Packers' said the contracts will enable his company to get steady supply as he is currently importing most of the beans from the neighbouring south Africa to meet the demand in Lesotho.

“Communication is important during the season so that if the farmer encounters difficulties let's say unfavourable weather conditions or poor harvest, we are aware and can trigger the ‘force majeure' clause in the contract that protects farmers from uncertainties,” says Nizam Abubaker.

Nizam acknowledges that Contract farming is a win-win arrangement for both the farmer and the buyer, however noting that the government should work to establish laws regulating contract farming to protect and efficiently integrate producers and actors down the value chain, such as agribusiness, processors, exporters, or retailers.

FAO would like to see the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Expanding Contract farming to other commodities such as vegetables, maize, and others in Lesotho, which would eventually give farmers the opportunity to diversify into new crops, which would not be possible without available and stable market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

8 August 2023

Boost for KwaNongoma infrastructure projects

Location: News

Boost for KwaNongoma infrastructure projects

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and KwaNongoma Local Municipality have committed to work together to accelerate service delivery, especially the delivery of transport infrastructure projects.

This follows a meeting where Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, led a team of departmental officials to engage with the municipality in a bid to identify areas of possible partnership.

During a meeting on Monday, KwaNongoma Local Municipality Mayor, Mshangane Ndabandaba and Speaker Babongile Sithole shared the challenges facing the municipality and pledged to work with the provincial and national government in promoting service delivery.

The Department of Transport introduced a team of fleet and personnel that is deployed to assist in improving local roads under the three various traditional councils in the area.

The team deployed will be working in the area for a month, where they will rehabilitate roads, including D1857, D1858 and D1858, which are located in Mthwadlana, KwaNongoma.

Hlomuka said government is exploring a number of innovations to support struggling municipalities like KwaNongoma, where key projects will be prioritised.

He said the department is going to identify critical areas of intervention.

“We will assist the municipality to fulfil its constitutional and political mandate to deliver services to the people. The Department of Transport has started, and we commit to reviving road infrastructure in KwaNongoma,” Hlomuka said.

The MEC said the team will do local roads but will also look at critical capital projects.

“Government, at a provincial level, has agreed that all departments will improve their service delivery roll-out in Nongoma. This will also culminate in the Premier-led Operation Sukuma Sakhe, which is a provincial government integrated service delivery programme,” Hlomuka said.

He said national departments have also committed to accelerate services to assist the municipality.

Ndabandaba commended the department’s intervention, saying that with a budget of R39 billion from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the municipality is unable to cover all the wards within the local municipality.

“We welcome the involvement and partnership with the provincial government. This marks a new era for the people of KwaNongoma, and it is a start of more good things to come,” Ndabandaba said.

Hlomuka also expressed concern with the level of political intolerance and political killings in the area, saying more work will be done on crime, including political violence. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 12:38

8 August 2023

Chikunga calls for speedy resolution of taxi impasse in Cape Town

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Transport
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Government is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict involving the minibus-taxi industry and the City of Cape Town, which has escalated into a strike as a result of impounding of taxi vehicles by the City of Cape Town.

We condemn the violence that has characterised this strike in the strongest possible terms. Those who perpetuate criminality must face the full might of the law. Government will not tolerate lawlessness, irrespective of who the perpetrator is. Our democracy is founded human rights and the exercise of those rights requires that we respect the rights of others. It can never be acceptable for those who are aggrieved by the actions of the City to blockade roads and undermine the rights of ordinary citizens to travel or access schools, places of work and economic activity. It is equally not acceptable for officers of the law to conduct themselves in a manner the violates the law and the rights of citizens including the taxi industry. We will therefore act decisively, working closely with law enforcement agencies and authorities to uproot this criminality.

We call on the taxi industry to denounce any form of violence or intimidation by its members.

I have personally intervened in efforts to find a lasting solution to the impasse through numerous engagements with the taxi industry under the leadership of SANTACO. I have also met with the Premier of the Western Cape, the MEC and the City led by the Mayor and the MMC. We have made strides in addressing the root cause of the current tensions, and we are confident that we will find each other in the process.

The City of Cape Town has introduced conditions of operating licences, which by-laws the taxi industry has expressed reservations on. The Task Team that was established to address the concerns has not made headway, resulting in the City implementing the impounding of vehicles based on these conditions.

It is an integral part of our legal system that administrative decisions must be based on the principle of legality. We have national laws in place that govern the infringements and penalties dealt with in the contested conditions of operating licences. The national laws are in place to ensure that fair rules are applicable to all citizens irrespective of the City or Province they reside in. This is a constitutional mandate to ensure order and effectiveness of the rule of law. It can never be that a City will define itself outside the parameters of national laws and implement penalties that are out of sync with these laws. We therefore call on the City of Cape Town to respect and uphold national laws as they currently stand.

To this end, we call on the City to return to the negotiating table to address the areas of disagreement and demonstrate a genuine effort to find a lasting resolution to the current challenges.

On the basis of these considerations, we therefore call on the City to immediately release without any conditions, all vehicles impounded based on operating licence and leave those impounded in terms of the National Land Transport Act of 2009.

We remain committed to moving with speed in finding an amicable solution that must enable the taxi industry to resume operation and call off the strike. Such an outcome is in the interest of the country and the industry.

Our efforts to regulate the taxi industry must be underpinned by mutual respect of the law and a genuine effort to uplift this industry and ensure that it assumes its place in the broader public transport industry, characterised by respect for the law and the rights of others.

Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society and government will not hesitate to unleash the full might of the law against those who believe they can perpetuate such conduct with impunity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Transport.

8 August 2023

Chikunga warns perpetrators behind Cape Town violence

Location: News

Chikunga warns perpetrators behind Cape Town violence

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says that those who perpetuate criminality in the City of Cape Town must face the full might of the law.

“Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society and government will not hesitate to unleash the full might of the law against those who believe they can perpetuate such conduct with impunity,” Chikunga said in a statement on Tuesday.

Chikunga’s warning comes as the minibus taxi strike continues to wreak havoc in the Western Cape, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The ongoing conflict involving the minibus taxi industry and the City of Cape Town has escalated into a strike following the impounding of taxis by the city.

Chikunga has condemned the violence that has characterised the strike, warning that government will not tolerate lawlessness, irrespective of who the perpetrator is.

Chikunga emphasised that our democracy is founded human rights, and the exercise of those rights requires that we respect the rights of others.

“It can never be acceptable for those who are aggrieved by the actions of the city to blockade roads and undermine the rights of ordinary citizens to travel or access schools, places of work and economic activity.

“It is equally not acceptable for officers of the law to conduct themselves in a manner that violates the law and the rights of citizens including the taxi industry. We will therefore act decisively, working closely with law enforcement agencies and authorities to uproot this criminality,” Chikunga said.

The Minister has called on the taxi industry to denounce any form of violence or intimidation by its members.

She said she has personally intervened in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the impasse through numerous engagements with the taxi industry under the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) leadership.

“I have also met with the Premier of the Western Cape, the MEC and the city led by the Mayor and the MMC [Member of the Mayoral Committee]. We have made strides in addressing the root cause of the current tensions, and we are confident that we will find each other in the process.

“The City of Cape Town has introduced conditions of operating licences, which the taxi industry has expressed reservations on. The task team that was established to address the concerns has not made headway, resulting in the city implementing the impounding of vehicles based on these conditions,” the Minister said.

Chikunga noted that it is an integral part of the legal system that administrative decisions must be based on the principle of legality.

She said the country has national laws in place that govern the infringements and penalties dealt with in the contested conditions of operating licences.

She emphasised that national laws are in place to ensure that fair rules are applicable to all citizens, irrespective of the city or province.

“This is a constitutional mandate to ensure order and effectiveness of the rule of law. It can never be that a city will define itself outside the parameters of national laws and implement penalties that are out of sync with these laws. We therefore call on the City of Cape Town to respect and uphold national laws as they currently stand.

“To this end, we call on the city to return to the negotiating table to address the areas of disagreement and demonstrate a genuine effort to find a lasting resolution to the current challenges. Based on these considerations, we therefore call on the city to immediately release, without any conditions, all vehicles impounded based on operating licence and leave those impounded in terms of the National Land Transport Act of 2009.

“We remain committed to moving with speed in finding an amicable solution that must enable the taxi industry to resume operation and call off the strike. Such an outcome is in the interest of the country and the industry,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 13:34

8 August 2023

Seoposengwe and Seboko set for Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K debut!

Location: MyPR

The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is set to see some incredible racing on Sunday 27 August 2023 as the next generation of athletes, Nicholas Seoposengwe and Kabelo Seboko, both running in the colours of Boxer Athletics Club, enter the fray. Nicholas proved that he should not be underestimated when he claimed victory …

8 August 2023

South Africa is Facing many Challenges but this too shall pass

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has called on stakeholders within the South African legislative sector to do what they can and focus on resolving the many challenges facing South Africa. Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka was speaking at the opening of the 2023 Legislative Sector Development Seminar at the Sun City Convention Centre in North West Province.

The theme of the seminar is “Building a capable and strong legislative sector that realises open, responsive and accountable government and aims to reflect on progress made towards achieving the goals of developing an effective oversight tool as well as putting measures in place for an effective and efficient 7th parliamentary term”.

This capacity-building initiative is held every two years to facilitate interaction and an exchange of ideas within the legislative sector. This conference is also significant as it is the first one since the Covid-19 pandemic. Best practice models will be analysed to see how Parliament and the nine provincial legislatures can better respond to the challenges currently facing South Africa.

“We have to be frank that some things are not going well but this too shall pass. What I ask is that you hold your peace, do your work in your area of responsibility and focus on having a legislative sector that has empathy and fairness in the implementation of its work,” Dr Mlambo Ngcuka said.

The former Deputy President also suggested that if the sector is to achieve its intended objectives, it must adopt a SMART system approach. “We must be specific and clear on what we want to achieve, have tools to measure the impact of the laws we make. The goals we make must be achievable so that we don't sell false dreams to the people. Also, the work of legislatures must be relevant to the challenges faced by many South Africans. We should not just be busy for appearance. And, finally, the work of legislatures must be timebound so that we are able to assess if we are reaching our targets,” Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka suggested.

She also highlighted the importance of a strong skills base if the sector is to achieve its goals. “A strong legislature requires critical skills that will enhance the work it does. Some of the skills required include strong legislation drafting skills, policy analysis and skilled people that will enhance the constitutional imperative of public consultation. These skills are also important in that where there is a gap in the quality of public representatives, they will be able to intervene and assist,” Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka emphasised.

In closing, the former Deputy President suggested that the adoption of this smart framework will result in a legislative sector that is able to utilise the tool of oversight effectively to overcome many of the social ills facing the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

8 August 2023

SA Navy prioritises gender mainstreaming

Location: News

SA Navy prioritises gender mainstreaming

While significant strides have been made to ensure that women occupy leadership positions in the South African Navy, much more must be done to mainstream gender, says South African Navy Deputy Chief Navy, Rear Admiral Bubele Mhlana.

“Looking back at 2007 where the overall percentage of women in the SA Navy was 17%, we have managed to increase the percentage to 29% of women in decision making positions and 33% at entry level,” Mhlana said on Monday in Cape Town.

He made these remarks while addressing young women who had an opportunity to visit the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Naval Base in Simon’s Town.

In an effort to demonstrate the opportunities for women in the sector, learners from various schools toured a shipyard at the Military Naval Base as part of Women’s Month activities that showcased the role of women in the maritime sector.

This year’s Women’s Month is celebrated under the theme, 'Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment'. The theme highlights the need to ensure that all women have access to participate equally in all areas of human endeavor.

“Significant strides have been made at leadership level, we cannot become complacent. Much more must be done to mainstream gender. I emphasise that the maritime security domain presents limitless opportunities for young women who have a significant role in unlocking the potential of our blue economy.

“Gender mainstreaming should not be seen as an aspiration, it should be seen as an imperative. It is time for women to take their rightful place to exploit every opportunity and participate meaningfully in exploring the potential of the blue economy,” Mhlana said.

He said harnessing the potential of young people is vital to unlocking and exploiting the vast ocean economy potential.

“The South African navy has a key role to play in Operation Phakisa, most particular in terms of maritime enforcement of good order of governance and seas. Indeed Operation Phakisa Economic Lab features a number of streams including marine protection and governance where the South African Navy plays a meaningful role through operations and the patrols it conducts at sea,” Mhlana said.

Government launched Operation Phakisa in 2014 with the ultimate goal of boosting economic growth and create jobs. This initiative focuses on unlocking the economic potential of South Africa's oceans, which could contribute up to R177 billion to the GDP by 2033 and between 800 000 and one million direct jobs.

South Africa has a coastline that spans about 2 800 kilometers from Namibia to Mozambique.

“Our hydrography domain plays an equally significant role in ensuring safe efficient and sustainable conduct of every human activity in or under the sea including safe passage of shipping,” Mhlana said.

With the full integration of women in all spheres within the South African Navy, 44-year-old Nicolette Le Roux occupies the position of a Hydrographic Survey Officer.

Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth's surface and adjoining coastal areas.

“Hydrographic survey entails the collection of hydrographic data, processing of hydrographic data and rendering of products. As hydrographic data analysts, we measure the depth of the ocean using various equipment like echo sounders, multi-beams and single beams. That is the data that we process to provide nautical charts.

“This is important for safe navigation of all mariners. South Africa is situated along one of Africa’s busiest sea routes and ships need to know where it is safe to sale. Our data can show them where that is,” Le Roux said.

Le Roux joined the navy after completing matric in 1998, where she started with basic military training and progressed to training as a combat officer. From 2004 onwards, she specialised in hydrography.

“Our qualifications for hydrographics are recognised internationally. Our qualifications are regulated the International Hydrographic Organization. The qualifications for hydrographic are equivalent to a degree, the first course, which is a Category A survey qualification is equivalent is a post graduate diploma in hydrographic surveying and the Category B qualification is equivalent to a Bsc is Maritime Science,” Le Roux said.

While the navy has made efforts to educate its organization about not discriminating against women, she explained that women still had to work hard to be recognized.

“You are not always seen as someone who is supposed to be there. Luckily, the navy has done a lot in terms of gender equality and workshops to educate about gender equality.

“I have been excellent in everything that I done, in the sense that I have worked very hard and I have the accolades to show for it. Finishing at the top of my class. Those are some of my achievements and it took hard work,” she said.

Le Roux emphasised the importance of women standing up for themselves.

“Sometimes you have to give back as good as you get. If somebody chirps you, you have stand up for yourself because no one is going to stand up for you. Nobody else is going to pave the way for you. You have to stand up for yourself and show up and take a seat at the table. The future for women is bright. Work hard. There is nothing that stops you from achieving your dreams,” she advised young women. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 11:03

8 August 2023

The NHI could design South Africa a leader in digitised healthcare

Location: MyPR

The NHI could make South Africa a leader in digitised healthcare: Government passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act on 13 June 2023 and has since received plenty of opinions from various sources on how the ambitious public healthcare system should be run once it is fully implemented. The MANCOSA School of Healthcare (SoH) is …

8 August 2023

Health skills development programme to empower KZN youth

Location: News

Health skills development programme to empower KZN youth

The youth of uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal are set to benefit from the Hub of Hope – a health and skills development programme for youngsters in Gcumisa and neighbouring communities in that municipality.

Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, on Monday presided over the launch of the Hub of Hope.

“The hub is aligned to the department’s broader youth support programme to empower young people with health information to make well-informed health choices and economic opportunities to increase their skills and knowledge and improved employability,” the department said.

The launch was organised in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), TB HIV Care, uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and other public institutions.

The programme is implemented through DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme.

DREAMS is an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at reducing rates of HIV among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), decreasing teen pregnancy, keeping girls in school, reducing sexual and gender-based violence and equipping them with skills.

According to Dhlomo, apart from health services, the programme also offers skills development opportunities including basic computer training, baking, hairdressing, beauty technology, nail technology and bookkeeping.

Most of these training opportunities targeted at out-of-school youths are accompanied by starter packs upon completion to enable them to become entrepreneurs.

The launch was attended by amongst others, District and Local Mayors, senior government officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), over 900 Masijabule High School learners, parents and members of School Governing Body (SGB). – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 08:32

8 August 2023

Family demand justice for teen shot dead during protest

Location: News

“Not a single government official has come here to show their sympathy” laments Karabo Chaka’s uncle

8 August 2023

City of Cape Town granted urgent interdict against taxi council

Location: News

“Stop this madness as soon as possible,” says Judge

7 August 2023

Domestic workers battle with workplace compensation despite landmark ruling in 2020

Location: News

Over 100 domestic workers marched to the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Friday

7 August 2023

Police dealing with incidents of public violence

Location: News

Police dealing with incidents of public violence

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says integrated police deployments are currently dealing with incidents of public violence which erupted this morning in the Nyanga area as the looming taxi strike is yet to come to an end.

Roads in and around Nyanga and the Cape Town International Airport have been affected and traffic is severely backed up on the N2.

Incidents of busses torched in Borcherds Quarry Road are under investigation, and as yet, no injuries have been reported to SAPS.

“Our members will remain on high alert and deployed in numbers to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain law and order,” police said in a statement.

“We encourage any person who has been affected by an act of criminality to report the matter to SAPS immediately, so that an investigation can be initiated."

The public is urged to be vigilant and to apply safety measures to avoid being caught off-guard during the taxi strike.

The Western Cape taxi strike continues after talks failed to reach an agreement.

The meeting was between Santaco taxi industry leaders, the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town.

Centre to the taxi industry's unhappiness is the ongoing seizure of minibuses. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:42

7 August 2023

Winde counting the cost of Cape Town’s taxi strike

Location: News

Winde counting the cost of Cape Town's taxi strike

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the provincial government remains gravely concerned at the devastating impact caused by the strike called by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the province.

This comes after six Golden Arrow buses were torched due to arson attacks since the taxi strike on Thursday, 3 August 2023.

This has forced the company to terminate its bus services in Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Philippi East, Langa, and Mfuleni, while many roads remain closed.

The Golden Arrow has since secured a court order on Sunday against Santaco to stop intimidating, harassing, threatening, or interfering with Golden Arrow, its employees, and passengers.

“I am appalled at the scale of violence that has not only dealt a severe blow to our economy and critical services but has also delegitimised and damaged Western Cape’s Santaco cause.

“This violence and damage to property has continued this morning. I will be holding a special Cabinet meeting this morning with key leadership from the City of Cape Town to assess what further steps need to be taken and the impact on services,” he said on Monday.

The Premier has again called for taxi leaders affiliated with the council to intensify all efforts to de-escalate the violence and urgently find a resolution to the dispute.

He added, “All sides, more especially residents and commuters, are being harmed by this stay away. We must find common ground now.”

Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the province is concerned that the strike continues even after urgent engagements throughout the weekend.

“The withdrawal of minibus taxi services since Thursday has had a devastating impact. As the provincial government we are working extremely hard to resolve ongoing issues in the industry and establish new terms of engagement that will ensure the safety of commuters and road users.”

The provincial government said the impact on provincial government and municipal services has been profound.

Because of the strike, the province said 287 420 learners have not been able to attend school across the province since the sudden stay-away was called.

In addition, more than 9 000 teachers and staff were also prevented from going to work.

Meanwhile, the past Saturday’s matric extra classes had to be canceled, impacting 14 000 learners.

According to the Western Cape, many healthcare facilities have been forced to operate at reduced capacity.

These include Tygerberg, Red Cross, and Groote Schuur hospitals and the community health centres and clinics.

While Tygerberg and Salt River forensic pathology services are operational, the province said the response to scenes would be delayed in red zones, as this will also only occur under the protection of law enforcement escorts.

In addition, many Western Cape Department of Social Development staff will have to work from home, due to the volatility of the situation.

The department will also have to temporarily close its offices in several areas.

The Premier said: “This situation is untenable and unacceptable. Our residents cannot be forced to endure this lawlessness. All parties must return to negotiations”.

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has condemned the burning and damage to all property, particularly safety-related resources.

“Contingency plans have been adopted to ensure that the burning of the law enforcement vehicles in Delft will have no operational impact on the deployment of Law Enforcement Advancement (LEAP) officers in the area.”

LEAP, according to the provincial government, is fully operational and part of interventions where required across Cape Town in particular.

Red-zoned areas remain volatile. All law enforcement agencies are deployed across these communities and at strategic points. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:46

7 August 2023

Kubayi calls for tough action against poor performing contractors

Location: News

Kubayi calls for tough action against poor performing contractors

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.

Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.

Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.

The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.

During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.

She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.

She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.

Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.

“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.

She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.

“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.

“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.

The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.

With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.

In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.

She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.

Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.

She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.

Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women

The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.

Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.

“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.

The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41

7 August 2023

Special Bulk Entry Incentive on offer at Absa RACE YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Location: MyPR

The Organizers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K are excited to offer a special 10% discount to all companies, clubs, families and friends that enter 10 people or more into this exciting event that will make its Tshwane debut on Sunday 27 August 2023. “The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series offers the ultimate …

7 August 2023

Kubayi calls for tough actions against poor-performing contractors