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JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced IMG ARENA, OpenBet’s sports data and streaming products arm, as its exclusive official...
DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says his department, which is facing a critical staff shortage, must do more with less due to resource constraints.
A critical challenge faced by the department, Lamola explained, is managing exchange rate volatility, which affects 60% of expenditures allocated to missions abroad.
The Minister was speaking during his Budget Vote Speech for the 2024/25 financial year, where he announced that the department had been allocated R6.57 billion, which dropped by 5% compared to the previous year.
“Strategic cost management in this area is essential to safeguarding our financial stability. Equally vital is addressing employee compensation, where the current ceiling set by the National Treasury requires careful consideration to maintain workforce morale and operational efficiency.”
According to the Minister, the department could only fill critical vacancies identified at the head office to remain within the baseline for employee compensation, which resulted in a “very high vacancy rate”.
He said that this hurts the department’s operations and service delivery.
“However, several line function posts were filled at the Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Director levels, mainly through internal promotions to address the lack of upward mobility,” he added.
The Minister also announced that the department cannot fill all the critical vacancies with the available funds, and operations continue to be negatively affected.
“The June 2024 mission posts placement process was also deferred due to the shortfall in the compensation of employees’ budget. Additional funding is thus required to cover the shortfall and fill other critical vacancies at the head office and missions abroad.”
This financial year, he stated that the department will improve its information and technology and property infrastructure portfolio to optimise resources.
“This strategic initiative aims to release more lease funds and redirect them towards operational needs. While these budget adjustments pose challenges, they also present opportunities for efficiency gains and prioritisation of essential expenditures.”
He informed Parliament that the department will soon be advertising a cadet programme and a youth development initiative, which he deems crucial to the national youth development imperative and the department’s future capacity requirements.
The department is also finalising its organisational structure review process to streamline the business units and processes and optimise scarce resources to leverage global economic opportunities in advancing the country’s national interest, he added.
“Our commitment to delivering quality services and fostering economic growth remains unwavering. This budget signifies our determination to balance fiscal prudence with the imperative to support our citizens and invest in our nation’s future.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:11
Twenty-Five Basketball Coaches from 15 African Countries Selected for NBA 2K25 Summer League; Five Players Who Featured in the 2024 BAL Season (https://BAL.NBA.com/) to Compete in Las Vegas.
Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024. The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent. Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.
Please see below for some of the notable storylines, followed by the full roster of the African coaches, players, and referees who will take part in the Summer League.
African Coaches Program
Building Continuity
Empowering the Next Generation
NBA Academy Africa Well-Represented
Female Participants
Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and the NBA teams coaching staff they have joined.
|
First name |
Last name |
Country of origin |
NBA Team |
|
Mohamed Lamine |
Kriedeche |
Algeria |
New Orleans Pelicans |
|
Stef |
Pare |
Burkina Faso |
Orlando Magic |
|
Francois |
Enyengue |
Cameroon |
San Antonio Spurs |
|
Victor |
Samnick |
Cameroon |
Denver Nuggets |
|
Pierrot |
Ilunga |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Toronto Raptors |
|
Emmanuel |
Mavomo |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Milwaukee Bucks |
|
Ahmed |
Elgarhi |
Egypt |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
|
Alia |
Mahmoud |
Egypt |
Washington Wizards |
|
Ruth |
Bibeyi |
Gabon |
Los Angeles Lakers |
|
Ahmed |
Salam |
Morocco |
Atlanta Hawks |
|
John |
Wilkins |
Morocco |
Phoenix Suns |
|
Sofia |
Bey |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Karim |
Nesba |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Leonel |
Manhique |
Mozambique |
Brooklyn Nets |
|
Ogoh |
Odaudu |
Nigeria |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
|
Mohamed |
Abdulrahman |
Nigeria |
Utah Jazz |
|
Mugisha Igor |
Keys |
Rwanda |
Boston Celtics |
|
Prosper |
Naci |
Rwanda |
Philadelphia 76ers |
|
Matar |
Mbodji |
Senegal |
Chicago Bulls |
|
Goitsemang |
Ditsheko |
South Africa |
Houston Rockets |
|
Akech Wuoi Garang |
Ajak |
South Sudan |
New York Knicks |
|
Bechir |
Hadidane |
Tunisia |
Memphis Grizzlies |
|
Mhamed |
Gaddour |
Tunisia |
Los Angeles Clippers |
|
Radouane |
Slimane |
Tunisia |
Miami Heat |
|
Andrew |
Senyondwa |
Uganda |
Trailblazers Portland |
BAL Season 4 Players*
Five players who played in the 2024 BAL season are set to feature in this year's Summer League: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (South Sudan; Sacramento Kings), Samkelo Cele (South Africa; New York Knicks), Obadiah Noel (USA; New York Knicks) Devine Eke (Nigeria, Milwaukee Bucks), and Makhtar Gueye (Senegal; Atlanta Hawks).
*Rosters are subject to change.
Referees with BAL Experience
Five referees who officiated in the 2024 BAL season will also join the program, including Annie Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe). Muchenu became a FIBA international referee in September 2008 and was appointed to officiate at the FIBA Women's Champions Cup in Nairobi, Kenya the same year. She has since officiated at major competitions on the African continent including junior and senior tournaments but has also officiated at two All Africa Games (2011 and 2015), three FIBA U-17 World Cups, two FIBA U-19 World Cups, pre-Olympic Qualifiers and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the BAL since the beginning of the competition.
Please see below the complete list of African referees:
|
NAME |
COUNTRY |
|
Oumar Sy |
Mauritania |
|
Yann Davidson |
Madagascar |
|
Annie Joyce Muchenu |
Zimbabwe |
|
Vitalis Gode |
Kenya (Referee Supervisor) |
|
Silver Houngbedji |
Benin |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Condolences for family, friends of Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has extended the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of South African football legend, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
In a statement issued by the Tshabalala family and Orlando Pirates, Tshabalala (75) died in hospital on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to the injury sustained when he was shot in his home in March this year.
Tshabalala represented South Africa on the field and was head coach when South Africa returned to international football at the fall of apartheid. Until his passing, he remained loved and respected in footballing circles.
McGluwa said “a footballing legend, who taught and coached so many football stars, has fallen”.
He described Tshabalala as one of a special kind and a man who knew the sport inside out.
“His coaching stint at Bafana Bafana is evidence to this fact. The South African football world has lost a star.
“This is one hero whose departure we all should mourn long into the future. It would be difficult to imagine South African football history without ever thinking about a person of Screamer’s influence….South Africa is poorer without him,” McGluwa said.
Details about Tshabalala’s memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:28
Besides a lack of space some shelters are also dealing with flooding
Former reserve bank employee complained his side of the story was not given, but declined to give his side of the story
Provincial Department of Social Development delays funding
Medical Research Council says there is an urgent need for population estimates that better describe the South African population
The Creative Circle, an advertising industry NPO has announced the dates for their annual Full Circle events in partnership with Ster Kinekor, official representative of Cannes Lions. Newly elected Chair of the Creative Circle, Carl Willoughby, is looking forward to bringing home the theme of “new heights of creativity and courage” that led the Cannes …
In a vibrant display of national pride and unwavering support, the rowing community gathered at Arbour Café in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, to honour three of South Africa’s national rowing athletes —John Smith, Christopher Baxter, and Paige Badenhorst. These rowing champions are poised to represent our country on the greatest international sporting stage – Paris Olympics later …
Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday
The Western Cape Education Department has announced its decision to extend the closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts to Friday, following a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).
However, all schools in the other education districts are to re-open tomorrow.
This means that schools in the Cape Town, the West Coast, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will be open tomorrow unless approval has been granted by the Head of Department.
“This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.
The rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes and resulting in the closure of many schools.
According to the provincial department, several schools have also reported flood damage to their premises.
"We have asked that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow.”
These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise.
According to the department, 217 schools across the province have now reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption.
“Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious and require our attention. Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,” Maynier said.
“I am also very appreciative of the support received from school principals and their management teams in implementing the decision to close schools in some of our districts.”
He took the time to thank all parents and caregivers for their support.
“We do not decide to close schools lightly and have the best interests of our learners and teachers at heart when making these decisions,” Maynier added.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rain.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) said the warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.
Parents can use the ‘Find my School’ search finder to confirm if their school falls under these two districts where the schools will be closed by visiting https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:58
KZN doubles efforts to build temporary homes for veld fire victims
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the department is doubling its efforts to build Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) after 196 homes were destroyed by raging veld fires in Umlalazi Local Municipality.
Duma visited the families in Umlalazi and Mthonjaneni Local Municipalities, who were affected by Sunday's veld fires, to give comfort to the victims, and assess the damage and relief needed to assist the victims.
Among the families visited are the Gazu family, who lost a family member during an incident. Muntukabongwa Gazu (67) sustained severe burn injuries after the family’s five mud houses were reduced to ashes by runaway fires at Ezinyosini - Ward 1 in Umlalazi Local Municipality. Another family member, Japhet Gazu, is currently in the hospital.
“We are here to comfort the family following the untimely death of their father. The heart-wrenching story narrated by Gazu family and the traumatic experience they have gone through calls for all of us to be closer to them and other families,” Duma said.
Duma said the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, and the entire team will ensure that the family gets a decent house and is assisted with funeral arrangements.
“The Temporary Residential Unit for the Gazu family will be finished this weekend to enable the family to bury their father with dignity. We must hasten to point out that the profiling of affected families is continuing to ensure that accurate information is submitted to the Emergency Housing Unit located in the national Department of Human Settlements.
“Critically, we agree with the Minister of Human Settlements, Mammaloko Kubayi, who suggested that alternative building technology must be introduced to ensure that fire or flood resistant houses are constructed for vulnerable members of society,” Duma said.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal today.
The affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has urged residents in the affected areas to be on high alert and take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 15:08
KZN disaster teams on high alert after veld fire warning
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged residents in the northern parts of the province to be on high alert following a new veld fire warning.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 11 July 2024.
According to the warning, windy conditions with gusts exceeding 65 km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather, are forecasted for the northern parts of the province.
The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to exceed 75 in these regions, creating conditions highly favorable for the development and rapid spread of fires.
The possible impacts of the veld fires include reduced visibility, damage to property, damage to vegetation, and air and water pollution, amongst others.
Buthelezi said the affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
“Some communities in these areas have already been affected by veld fires, and further precautions are necessary to prevent additional damage and ensure the safety of residents. We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures,” Buthelezi said.
The department has urged residents to take the following precautions:
• Do not start fires in open areas or leave fires unattended.
• Do not discard cigarette butts out of cars or onto the open veld.
• Do not throw bottles into the veld, as they can magnify the sun's rays and start fires.
• Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner.
• In the event of a large fire, report it immediately and move away to allow professionals to manage the situation.
• If water is scarce, use sand to control the fire.
“The KZN CoGTA emphasises the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of all residents,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi will today conduct a visit to affected areas in uMlalazi and Nkandla Local Municipalities.
Temporary shelter for Gazu family
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the department has stepped in and provided a Temporary Residential Unit (TRU) for the Gazu family, who lost a family member during Sunday's veld fires in uMlalazi and eShowe.
The family’s five huts were reduced to ashes by raging fires.
Duma said a concrete foundation has been laid for the TRU.
“Following the death of Baba Nuntukabongwe Gazu, our immediate focus is to assist the family to have a dignified mourning and a funeral. A roving team, led by the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, has visited the Gazu family and is also profiling other families in distress,” Duma said.
Duma has also sent his condolences to the Gazu family and wished another family member, Japhet Gazu, who is currently in the hospital, a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:51
The Winelands Fire Protection Association reports that for every 1-degree increase in global temperatures, there’s a 29% increase in fire risk. This alarming correlation was evident in recent events as stated by The Daily Maverick in February this year. Between 1st December 2023 and 31st January 2024, more than 6,000 fires consumed nearly 100,000 hectares, …
Ken Oosterbroek’s “photographs will bring awareness to the importance of photography in the creation of our collective historical record” says curator
We need a new approach to policing from Minister Senzo Mchunu
People of Bhungeni were moved to make way for a mall which has still not been built
South African long distance sensation Elroy Gelant put on a tactical masterclass on his way to setting a new lifetime best time of 27: 47 to win the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July. “It’s great to get my first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series win. It took a lot …
Up to R70-million budgeted for building in central Pretoria
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Sir Keir Starmer on his appointment to the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Prime Minister Starmer assumed the position on 05 July 2024, following the general elections held on 04 July 2024.
President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Starmer to enhance the strong, historic relations between South Africa and the UK.
South Africa and the UK are strategic partners with a broad and vibrant relationship, led by a commitment to liberal values, democracy and the rule of law.
The UK is one of South Africa's largest bilateral trading and investment partners and remains South Africa's number one source of long-haul tourism in the world.
South Africa and the UK collaborate in various multilateral fora to advance shared ideals and objectives.
In 2022, President Ramaphosa was the first Head of State to undertake a State Visit to the UK following an invitation from His Majesty, King Charles III.
The State Visit was an important and momentous occasion to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Starmer to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and to address current global political and security challenges.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
GNU: A new era for SA
As the new Cabinet of the seventh administration gets to grips with the workings of their various portfolios - it has been advised to place ordinary South Africans at the heart of the administration.
“Show the ordinary South Africans that their well-being is the ultimate goal and at the heart of those running government and the administration,” Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, Henning Melber, told SAnews.
Melber’s comments follow on the announcement on Sunday, 30 June 2024, of the new National Executive of the seventh administration by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The much-anticipated announcement is the result of the National and Provincial Elections that were held on 29 May. For the first time in democratic South Africa’s history, that election did not result in an outright majority for a single party to lead the country for the next five years.
The will of the people
In those initial days following from the point where voting took place, up to the announcement of the results, ordinary citizens were wondering what would happen next. After all, we were accustomed to living in a country that since the advent of democracy, was led by a single majority party.
However, from the hotly contested elections themselves to the announcement of the election results, peace was the order of the day. This also extended to the period of the swearing in of Members of Parliament (MPs) and other MPs at a later stage, as well as the election of National Assembly (NA) Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane. The election and inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as President and head of government of the seventh administration was also peaceful.
An acceptance of the will of the people at the ballot box also played an important part in where the country finds itself today with the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU) starting to take shape.
This GNU, however, differs from the one that South Africa had, following the seminal elections of 1994 that saw the African National Congress (ANC) go into a GNU with two other political parties, despite having won an outright majority. The current GNU comprises 11parties across the political spectrum.
These parties are: the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation.
Collaboration
In an interview with SAnews, Melber further advised parties involved in the GNU to “collaborate with members of other parties based on trust; seeking to improve efficiency in service delivery.”
With this rather eventful week drawing to a close, South Africans not only witnessed the announcement of the new Cabinet, but also the swearing in of the new executive, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile as well as the induction programme of new MPS in the Western Cape.
And yes, it did take some time to get to where we are now as a country, but we must remember that Rome was not built in a day.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the length of time it took to put together the administration.
Confidence vs Time
However, Melber points out that given the different elements at play, the process in truth did not take too much time.
He said that given the rather unusual, if not complicated blend of parties who needed to secure common ground, and agreeing on an acceptable power sharing arrangement in terms of portfolios -, this process had actually not taken that long.
“And it was a necessary investment in building a minimum degree of confidence and trust as a point of departure. There are democracies who for months (among others The Netherlands, Sweden) if not years (Belgium) had not a proper government and were neither less politically stable. Many observers at least in the Western democracies were hoping for such a power-sharing arrangement and did not expect this to happen much faster. Building a reliable collaboration between political parties so different in their programmes needs time,” Melber explained.
A new era
In his inauguration address on 19 June 2024, President Ramaphosa described the GNU as “the beginning of a new era” adding that it requires a common mission, which is anchored in safeguarding national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.
Asked about his thoughts on the GNU, Melber said: “Under the given circumstances of the election result, the decision to form a GNU seemed to be a wise and considerate move, aiming to accommodate a broad middle for political stability in a government, in which the ANC remains the major party.”
The announcement of the new Cabinet also came with changes in government departments that involve the merger of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy as well as the announcement of a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The President also announced the separation of the Ministry of Agriculture from the Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development, among others.
“This is a necessary adjustment to accommodate divergent interests seeking influence in governance. If in the end - despite some further bloating of the structures - it provides a reliable operational structure to make improvements in delivery - it is a well justified investment,” said the Professor.
South Africa’s future under a GNU is now underway with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni having held the first media briefing of the seventh administration on Thursday, 4 July 2024.
At that briefing, the Minister outlined the process that would be followed to set government’s priorities and programme of action for the seventh administration. These said the Minister, will be articulated in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is normally guided by the election manifesto of the governing party. However, in this case of the GNU, a unique case for government, this will be guided by the election manifestoes of the 11 parties to the GNU.
To give effect to the signed Statement of Intent as signed by parties to the GNU, the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), chaired by the Director-General in The Presidency, has undertaken the work of analysing the manifestoes of parties to the GNU.
After thorough scrutiny, the Directors-General will then submit a proposal for consideration and adoption at the Cabinet Lekgotla scheduled for 11-12 July.
The two-day Lekgotla will deliberate on the proposals of the Directors-General, after which the programmes and priorities of government will be announced.
“The adopted programme of action (MTSF) will be announced by the President at the Opening of Parliament on Thursday, 18 July 2024. After the adoption of the MTSF, the individual departments will then develop their Strategic Plans linked to the MTSF and Annual Performance Plans for implementation of the MTSF targets,” explained Minister Ntshavheni.
Happiness trajectory
Following the elections and Sunday’s cabinet announcement, South Africa’s happiness trends have been on an upright trajectory.
This is according to the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. The index is the brainchild of Professor Talita Greyling of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Prof Stephanie Rossouw of the Auckland University of Technology, with the technical support of AFSTEREO (Pty) Ltd.
According to UJ, the GNH is the first index of its kind and measures the real-time sentiment of the country.
“The much-anticipated announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the new GNU Cabinet on 30 June 2024 is being experienced positively by the South African people, as shown by the near real-time Happiness Index of the GNH.today project.
“The happiness levels in South Africa have been trending upward since the election results were announced in June 2024, from 5.36 to 5.42,” the university said in a statement.
The GNH.today project measures happiness in near real-time based on specific emotion words used in Google searches.
“The GNU ensures a broad representation and a solid mandate to govern the country, contributing to higher levels of transparency, accountability, and trust in the government. It also explains the higher happiness levels, reflecting hope for a better future,” said the university.
In analysing the positive trend in the happiness index, the team found that positive emotion words used in South Africa increased, such as “hope”, “happiness”, and “joy”.
However, there was an increase in negative emotion words such as “bad” and “afraid”, but with a positive net effect.
“The increase in both positive and negative words is expected as it indicates the debate around the newly appointed cabinet. Different parties criticise the portfolio allocations and the ministers appointed. The increased size of the government is also critiqued. On the other hand, there is relief that the Cabinet was announced after almost a month of negotiations.
“This announcement implies an agreement about power-sharing,” said the university.
Asked about whether he thinks the GNU will stick, Professor Melber is hopeful.
“I’m afraid I have misplaced my crystal ball,” he chirps.
“More seriously [though,] one hopes for the sake of South African citizens that this GNU manages to operate and serve the best interest of the people. If this construction holds, it is a win-win situation for all the parties who were able to compromise for the sake of the people and the country’s stability,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:54
Decade-long battle to stave off eviction comes to an end
Projects commissioned to improve KZN water supply
The eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has started the commissioning of two vital projects to improve water supply to some parts of the northern areas.
The project includes the new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation (pipeline) and a water rising main (pipeline) from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir.
Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit Deputy Head, Jabulani Mayise, said the commissioning of the 600mm diameter pipeline, which is 4.3 kilometres from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir, has been completed.
Mayise said since its completion, there has been noticeable improved water supply to areas, including Grange, Everest Heights, Redcliff, and the Osindisweni Hospital area.
Mayise added that the commissioning of the new Northern Aqueduct, which is currently underway, is set to improve water supply to areas, including Verulam and Phoenix, amongst others.
“The new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation pipeline interconnects to the existing old aqueduct and aims to improve [the] flow of water supply to areas in the north. This will also help cater for new developments.
“For now, we are commissioning for Verulam, Phoenix, and surrounding areas. Once we are done with this part, the pipeline will be commissioned to supply areas such as Cornubia and uMhlanga.”
The old Northern Aqueduct is a network of bulk supply pipelines that conveys water from the Durban Heights Treatment Works and supplies water to reservoirs in the north.
The pipeline has been operating at a maximum capacity, and with the increased developments, including residential and commercial, there was a need for the implementation of the aqueduct augmentation.
“Areas such as Verulam have been struggling to receive consistent water supply because their main reservoir, Mount View Reservoir, is at the end of the old Northern Aqueduct. The Mount View Reservoir supplies other downstream dependent reservoirs namely Trenence 1 and three reservoirs.”
While the city implements medium-term interventions to improve the situation, Mayise said the permanent solution to water supply challenges will be the commissioning of the Umkhomazi Dam, currently underway, which will increase water volumes throughout the city. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 13:16
Cabinet will work together to thrash out policy - Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has moved to clarify that any policy or significant decision will be taken through Cabinet first before a decision on implementation can be taken.
The Minister was speaking at a media briefing a day after the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the seventh administration on Wednesday.
The ceremony heralded in the Government of National Unity formed by members of eleven different political parties.
The eleven parties to the GNU include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation.
During the briefing, Ntshavheni was at pains to explain that policy is not decided upon by individual ministers but through Cabinet.
“It should be stressed that both the President and individual ministers are duty bound to take the issues of policy, significant decisions such as decisions with financial consequences exceeding a department’s approved budget and any other matter…. they must take those matters to Cabinet.
“Failure to do so could undermine the validity of such a decision. So there is no single minister who can expropriate a decision of Cabinet or that policy decision to themselves because then that policy will not be valid in terms of the laws of the Republic…as provided for in the Constitution,” she said at Thursday’s briefing in Cape Town.
WATCH | Media briefing on the Government of National Unity
Doubling down on her emphasis, the minister said as head of the National Executive, President Ramaphosa “exercises the executive authority of the Republic together with other members of the Cabinet and members of the Cabinet are only ministers”.
“In this regard, the President, with the Cabinet he is responsible for, and I’m quoting directly from the Constitution, implementing national legislation unless the Constitution or an Act of Parliament provides others.
“Two, developing and implementing national policy. So, the national policies are not of individual ministers but of Cabinet.”
Ntshavheni noted that although the Constitution provides that Cabinet take collective responsibility, it gives leeway for determination on which matters can be left to individual ministers.
“[It] allows the Cabinet and the President to determine the way and procedures by which they work together, including leaving certain matters or kinds of matters to be dealt with by a single member of Cabinet, meaning a minister.
“Therefore, if a matter is not a routine matter or departmental specific matter or function, it must first be referred to Cabinet as must all matters that Cabinet itself has decided should come to it. In general, if a matter is not a routine matter it must be referred to Cabinet for its consideration by way of a Cabinet Memorandum,” she explained.
The Minister said the President can also determine when a decision that has been referred to him should be discussed in Cabinet first.
“This envisages that the President himself may determine that a President’s Minute referred to him for signature…should in fact go to the Cabinet first and, accordingly, refer it back to the Minister to take to the Cabinet.
“This is an approach which is accepted by the Cabinet as its way of “acting together with the President” when he exercises executive authority under the Constitution,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 07/04/2024 - 13:27