Gauteng government abandons hundreds of homeless people in Tshwane shelters
Organisation that provided food and social services owed R2.9-million
Organisation that provided food and social services owed R2.9-million
Teen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma
A 19-year-old has been taken into custody for attacking his grandmother - the incident of which was recorded and went viral on social media.
In the 55 second video, the teenager from the Western Cape is seen slapping the grandmother on the face and hitting her head in the kitchen.
The elderly woman then falls to her knees before gathering the strength to stand up as her grandson continues to threaten her.
“The grandson of the victim was arrested at his residence in Wallacedene last night and he is scheduled to make his court appearance in Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court once he has been charged,” a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement read.
According to the police, the suspect was found in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, Cape Town, where he lives with his relatives.
The grandmother is said to be in hospital for an ailment unrelated to the assault and declined to submit a statement, the SAPS said.
The police’s initial investigations revealed that the incident occurred last month at the residence of the victim.
“The police were summoned to the scene, but it is said that the family took the matter into their own hands and refused police assistance.
“The severity of the matter was realised when a video of the incident was circulating on the internet, and on this basis, SAPS intervened and opened a case docket on behalf of the victim.”
The police said crimes against women and children are on top of the SAPS’ priority list and that they will not turn a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 14:07
Lesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced his Cabinet that will lead the seventh administration of the provincial government.
The new provincial Cabinet was announced on Wednesday evening.
“Today, we bring to you the new leadership and Members of the Executive Council (MEC), assigned to steer the ship towards a better Gauteng.
“The team, will from this week, start their work of consolidating the election manifestoes of our different parties so that we can develop a shared vision for Gauteng, a shared vision of prosperity, a shared vision of service delivery, a shared vision to eliminate crime, corruption and lawlessness,” he said.
The new MECs are:
Lesufi explained that the formerly stand alone Department of Community Safety will now move to the Office of the Premier in a bid to strengthen the fight against crime.
“The fight against crime is going to be the centre of this government. We are migrating this responsibility to the Office of the Premier so that we can lead and champion the fight against crime, corruption and lawlessness.
“We can’t surrender our province to criminals. We can’t be scared of our own shadows and convert our own houses to be prisons because criminals are doing as they wish. We strongly believe the utilisation of creative ways of technology, innovation and the increase of personnel to fight crime in our province must be a priority.
“If there is one priority for the seventh administration and the government of Gauteng in the next five years, it’s our relentless efforts to confront and fight crime head on,” he said.
Government of Provincial Unity
The provincial executive is constituted of members from different political parties – forming a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
The political parties represented in the provincial cabinet are the African National Congress, the Inkatha Freedom Party, Rise Mzansi and the Patriotic Alliance.
According to Lesufi, other political formations party to the GPU “chose to use the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as their terrain of operation”.
The formation of the GPU was necessitated after no political party received an outright majority following the National and Provincial Elections in May.
The Premier emphasised that although the MECs hail from different parties, they remain committed to serving the people of Gauteng.
“We accept, without any conditions the outcome of our elections and the desires of our electorate that all political parties must work together to run our provincial government. In doing so, we must be matured; we must be sober; we must understand each other at all times. These are uncharted waters; these are opportunities that are presented to us by our voters.
“We’ve been asked to work together - to work together we will do. We’ve been asked to combine our thoughts for a better Gauteng - to combine our thoughts, we will do, together. We’ve been asked to leave no one behind. Today, we all declare that no one, will be left behind unless they choose not to be part of the [GPU].
“I want to emphasise this: there is no door that is closed. This door will be permanently open and those that want to join [the GPU] will be free to join it,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 10:13
Before the school bell rings for the third term this year, kids in Cape Town have one last weekend to enjoy at Bay Harbour Market. This destination is perfect for families looking to savour the final moments of fun, food, and fantastic activities. Located in the heart of Hout Bay, Bay Harbour Market offers an …
Team to investigate child abuse allegation at KZN home
The newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, has ordered a full investigation into the allegations of child abuse at the Aryan Benevolent Home Child and Youth Care Centre in Chatsworth, Durban.
Shinga visited the centre on Tuesday, following recent allegations of child abuse at the home.
According to the provincial department, reports suggest that workers at the facility have ignored children's rights, with instances of children being assaulted with wet towels and belts.
Shinga said it was disappointing that management at the institution could not pick up any signs of the abuse.
“I believe that one person should have picked this up before it reached this stage because it has been happening for a long time.”
The centre’s General Manager, Ray Naguran, confirmed the abuse allegation and that 48 children had been abused.
The MEC has announced the formation of a dedicated team of investigators to thoroughly examine the grave concerns.
“The investigative team will work diligently to uncover the truth, provide support to any affected children, and ensure that appropriate actions are taken against any perpetrators.”
Shinga added that the team will also wait for the other 21 children residing at the home, who are currently away for the holidays to come back so that they can also hear their side of the story on the allegations.
The team which will be led by the department’s Head of Department has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and compile a report for her to review.
“The department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society and uphold the highest standards of care within our child welfare institutions. The safety and well-being of our children are paramount, [and] any instances of child abuse will be met with swift and decisive action,” said Shinga.
Naguran said four child caregivers have since been dismissed. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 13:04
Shoprite launches online shopping and bulk delivery service for spaza shops and small businesses Shoprite has introduced an innovative digital solution for its Cash & Carry stores, marking the wholesale brand’s first venture into ecommerce. Bulk-buying customers can now browse and purchase a wide range of goods at highly competitive prices through a fully automated …
While the days will be dominated by sports and retail action at the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, music and dance lovers will be treated to some of the best local artists who are bringing the vibe to the sunset, after-dark, and concert sessions! These rocking parties form part of The Ballito Pro festival …
SIU collaborates to continue fight against corruption through data analytics
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has strengthened its hand to fight corruption through data analytics.
This as the unit has joined forces – through memoranda of understanding – with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme (TIP) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, explained how the partnerships pave the way for the unit to sharpen its tools against corruption.
“Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions’ risk management systems,” he said.
He added that the unit must take the lead in fighting the scourge of corruption by making it increasingly difficult for criminals to have their way.
“To achieve this, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. This will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability,” Mothibi said.
The unit stated that the memoranda of understandings signed with the institutions are part of the SIU’s drive to halt corruption through a “whole of society approach”.
“These MoUs are also part of the SIU’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, in particular, the whole-of-society approach, which is an integrated approach to the fight against corruption and calls on all sectors to participate in the fight against corruption and encourages collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society as one of the fundamentals of the strategy.
“Through these collaboration agreements, the SIU seeks to ensure that its anti-corruption tools are advanced and enable the SIU to move towards the prevention of corruption. The SIU plans to publish sector data intelligence and use a prevention, advisory, and awareness capacity to advise stakeholders on systemic measures to proactively identify and prevent maladministration, fraud, and corruption,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 10:55
Corporate Mental Health Week 1 – 5 July 2024: According to the latest Gallup report, 36% of the South African workforce experience excessive daily stress and more than 71% are either disengaged or actively disengaged at work – some of the alarming signs of burnout. This is not surprising considering that according to the Mental …
A private company is charging the City R250,000 a month for 12 toilets and 12 showers at homeless shelters and hardly any of them are working
Durban residents are invited to join the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Team together with sponsors for a rewarding Beach Clean-Up on Saturday, 6 July 2024, from 08:30 to 10:00 at the Suncoast Amphitheatre Area, Promenade, Golden Mile. This initiative aims to create excitement and foster positive change the day before the 7th annual Absa …
MPs to undergo induction
Following their swearing in ceremony last month, new Members of Parliament in the seventh administration are set to undergo an induction programme that will get underway tomorrow.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Parliament said the induction programme will run from Tuesday until Friday at the Century City Conference Centre in the Western Cape.
“The induction will cover various topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, ethical standards for members, engaging with civil society, gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, as well as c introduction to parliamentary structures and support,” said Parliament.
Members of Parliament were sworn in during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024. Other Members of Parliament were sworn in at a later stage.
This followed the National and Provincial Elections of 29 May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as President and head of government following the elections and since then, he was inaugurated at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings on 19 June 2024.
The President also announced his Cabinet for the seventh administration during an address to the nation on Sunday evening, comprising all members of the Government of National Unity.
READ | Meet SA's new cabinet
Meanwhile, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will, on Tuesday at 2pm, convene a plenary sitting at Parliament.
“Among the items on the agenda are the election of the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Programming Whip, House Chairpersons, and the election of members to represent the NCOP at the Pan African Parliament, the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, Members of the Magistrate Commission, Members that will serve as trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, and PARMED Medical Aid Scheme Trustee Members,” said Parliament.
The National Assembly (NA) will also hold a plenary sitting on Tuesday at 2pm to revive the Appropriation Bill, elect House Chairpersons, and elect members to represent the NA at the Pan-African Parliament, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, and the JSC.
The plenary sitting will take place at the Century City Conference Centre.
“The committee structures will be constituted in due course. Committees are deemed the engine of Parliament as they oversee and scrutinise the work of government by providing a platform for debate and ensuring accountability,” said Parliament. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 11:36
Hot on the fashionable heels of its Cape Town counterpart, Decorex Joburg is set to sizzle and shine at the Sandton Convention Centre from 1 to 4 August 2024. Always a much-anticipated highlight of the decor and design calendar – and running simultaneously alongside 100% Design Africa – this is the definitive showcase of contemporary …
Can tracking mouse footprints give clues to climate change? Yves Vanderhaeghen speaks to the founders of WildTrack, which is pioneering technology in South Africa to track small mammals so they can tell us about disruptions to ecosystems. Is it a mouse? A shrew? A rat? We can read a lot into the pawprints of small …
CHENNAI: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today confirmed the Proteas Women’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series...
Dalberg (www.Dalberg.com) is a strategic advisory firm that combines the best of private sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities with deep knowledge and networks across emerging and frontier markets. All projects include an option to integrate strategy design with implementation. With staff on the ground in more than 50 countries, speaking over 90 languages, and understanding diverse sectoral priorities and nuances, Dalberg is able to bring a local team to execute solutions tailored for the local market—while simultaneously drawing on global topical expertise and insight. Dalberg also offers the advantage of continuity. “The trusting relationships we build during the strategy phase carry through the inevitable pitfalls of execution,” points out Shruti Goyal, an Associate Partner with Dalberg. “We maintain senior project leadership from strategy through to execution and learning. This provides smooth transitions between phases of the project. Our ability to support clients in shaping their strategy is enhanced by bringing in the learning from implementation, particularly in addressing shifting client priorities, external disruptions, and opportunities.”
Since 2020, Dalberg has collaborated with governments, philanthropies, multilaterals, NGOs, and corporates to seamlessly integrate strategy and execution support for over 55 projects—including, recently:
Dalberg's local presence also allows it to partner with grassroots organizations to drive implementation at the community level. “Our goal is systemic change,” says Goyal. “We hope to continue our deep partnerships from the start of the strategy journey through to execution to maximize the impact from our work.”
Below are two examples of how we have helped deliver complex assignments across multiple topics and geographies in Africa.
The Malaria Vaccine Technical Assistance Program – Lillian Kidane
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for over 90% of malaria cases and related deaths globally and faces a host of challenges in vaccine deployment—from accessibility to integration with existing health systems. Earlier this year, Dalberg established the Malaria Vaccine Technical Assistance Program in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The initiative constitutes a comprehensive strategy to integrate the vaccine into national health systems, ensuring that the vaccine reaches the most vulnerable populations. Dalberg is working with multiple countries over the next three years to create tailored approaches to rolling out the new malaria vaccine. “We're already seeing results,” says Lillian Kidane, Partner and Dalberg's Regional Director for Africa. In Cameroon, for example, the successful launch of the malaria vaccine in 42 health districts has laid the groundwork for scaling up to the remaining 74 health districts. “The work also strengthens the case for promoting comprehensive healthcare delivery at the community level,” Kidane adds. Valuable insights from the program will facilitate the introduction of future vaccines, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Rural Women's Agricultural Aspirations – Naoko Koyama
Dalberg is working with the World Bank, Amtech, and CGAP to design, test, and scale financial and non-financial solutions to meet the unique needs and aspirations of rural women in Kenya. Through the program, Dalberg aims to increase rural women's use of financial and non-financial services, taking advantage of the national network of digitized and sustainable savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) as trusted community financial institutions, and strengthening access to markets through digitized farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and climate-smart agtechs and agribusinesses. The aim is to integrate services that include access to inputs, information, extension and capacity strengthening, and digital technology to enhance agricultural production. “Ultimately, we want to build more resilient agricultural livelihoods with increased access to financial services and markets, particularly for women,” says Naoko Koyama, a Dalberg Partner based in South Africa.
Looking forward
Dalberg sees a range of ways in which governments, philanthropies, multilaterals, NGOs, and private sector companies can accelerate their impact with implementation support, especially when they are taking on complex issues at the systems level. To learn more about our implementation work, please contact Shruti Goyal.
Contact: shruti.goyal@dalberg.com
ROUND 1
Great strategies are only the first step. Turning them into real-world change requires specialized skills and resources.
This strategy-to-action gap is where we come in. Dalberg combines global best practices with deep local understanding, thanks to our team in over 50 countries. This allows us to tailor solutions that consider sectoral priorities and nuances.
[Link]
Learn more by contacting Shruti Goyal at shruti.goyal@dalberg.com.
#StrategyExecution #ImpactAtScale #LocalSolutions #SystemicChange #EmergingMarkets #GlobalExpertise #DevelopmentConsulting #DalbergImplement #SustainableDevelopment
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Turning strategies into real-world change requires specialized skills and resources. Dalberg bridges this gap with global best practices and deep local understanding. Boost your impact now: [Link] #StrategyExecution #ImpactAtScale #SystemicChange #DalbergImplement
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ROUND 2
Great ideas are the fuel for progress. With Dalberg's implementation support, they can translate to great impact.
[Link]
Contact Shruti Goyal (shruti.goyal@dalberg.com) to learn more.
#StrategyExecution #ImpactAtScale #LocalSolutions #SystemicChange #EmergingMarkets #GlobalExpertise #DevelopmentConsulting #DalbergImplement #SustainableDevelopment
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Why Dalberg Implement?
Continuity: From strategy to execution to learning, led by the same leadership
Adaptability: To shifting priorities, external disruptions, and new opportunities
Credibility: Over 55 projects since 2020, across diverse sectors and geographies
Capacity: Teams in more than 50 countries, speaking over 90 languages
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Great ideas can translate to great impact with Dalberg's implementation support. Bring strategy to life with seamless execution: [Link] #LocalSolutions #SystemicChange #GlobalExpertise #DevelopmentConsulting #DalbergImplement
ROUND 3
We believe our implementation support can significantly boost your impact on complex, systems-level issues.
Turn your ideas into lasting impact now: [Link]
#StrategyExecution #ImpactAtScale #LocalSolutions #SystemicChange #EmergingMarkets #GlobalExpertise #DevelopmentConsulting #DalbergImplement #SustainableDevelopment
Quote card (https://apo-opa.co/3zpQH70)
“We maintain senior project leadership from strategy through to execution and learning. This provides smooth transitions between phases of the project. Our ability to support clients in shaping their strategy is enhanced by bringing in the learning from implementation, particularly in addressing shifting client priorities, external disruptions, and opportunities.”
Shruti Goyal, Associate Partner at Dalberg
Tweet
Dalberg's implementation support can significantly boost your impact on complex, systems-level issues. Turn your ideas into lasting impact now: [Link] #LocalSolutions #SystemicChange #GlobalExpertise #DevelopmentConsulting #DalbergImplement
[SG1]Can we say ensure long term career outcomes for young women
[VK2]Done.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dalberg Advisors.
Burnout is real. And it’s not only costing us our mental health and wellbeing, it’s also costing our businesses and economy billions of Rands in lost productivity every year: R235 billion, or 4.2% of GDP, to be precise. One in three South African employees are struggling with burnout, which often results in ‘presenteeism’ – being …
Significant inroads made in high profile cases
National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, says significant inroads have been made in apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cases, thus ensuring accountability and justice for victims of crime.
The DPCI’s arrests have targeted persons involved in the commission of national priority offences, including serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, fraud, money laundering, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, illegal mining, damage to essential infrastructure, theft of fuel from pipelines, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and trafficking in endangered species.
At a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, outlining progress and taking stock of milestones achieved during the fourth and last quarter of the financial year 2023/2024, Lebeya said 547 suspects representing 526 natural persons and 21 juristic persons were secured before the country’s various courts.
“Of these natural persons, 421, which is 80%, are South Africans while 105, which is 20%, are foreign nationals,” Lebeya said.
Fraud contributed to the highest number of arrests with 224 accused, including 21 juristic persons.
“A total number of 182 convictions, including seven juristic persons, were secured with 84 convictions emanating from Serious Organised Crime, 61 from Serious Commercial Crime and 37 from Serious Corruption. Of these convicts, 120 are South Africans, while 55, which represent 30%, are foreign nationals.
“The top convicted foreign nationals were Zimbabwean with 11 Basotho and Mozambican nationals representing a total number of nine accused persons each,” Lebeya said.
The top two provinces, which contributed to a high number of convictions, was Gauteng with a total number of 32 and the North West with 31.
“During this period, 736 firearms, 1 159 ammunition and 69 explosives were seized,” he said.
Touching on police killings, Lebeya said an attack on a police official is an attack on the State.
“Police officers are a protective layer ensuring that law abiding people are protected against criminals,” he said.
Lebeya said 22 police officials, 17 off duty, five on duty, were murdered during the period.
“We responded and effected 18 arrests. Furthermore, eight accused have been sentenced, five of whom were given life imprisonment sentences,” he said.
Lebeya said four men are in custody for killing a Hawks official.
With regard to cash-in-transit robberies, Lebeya said cash-in transit heists continue to be a thorn in the country.
“The DPCI, in collaboration with private organisations, continues to strengthen the fight against these crimes. The CIT robbers are ruthless and do not care about the lives of bystanders. For this quarter, 51 cases were reported, 20 arrests were effected and 15 convictions were secured,” Lebeya said.
Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, the DPCI is successfully disrupting criminal networks operating in the country.
“Drugs valued at R47 224 231.20 were seized with a total number of 68 suspects arrested, of which 42 which is 61.76% are South African nationals and 25 which is 36.76%, are foreign nationals,” he said.
Lebeya said five drug laboratories were dismantled with the total value of R27 970 180 and a total number of 15 suspects were arrested.
“It is therefore imperative to educate our communities to stop the demand of drugs whilst law enforcements stop the supply,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 11:56
Giving youth the tools to develop their skills in future-facing sectors is fundamental to solving the youth unemployment crisis, says the Youth Employment Service (YES). South Africa’s latest unemployment numbers have shown that youth between the ages of 15 and 34 are the most vulnerable within the job market, but YES is seeing the effect …
“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awards to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO. The full list of awardees and reasons why they are recognised are listed below: Game – Changer Awards Mr Gregory Nott Greg is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his courageous …
[Johannesburg, SA, 27 June 2024]: Join in on the bellywarming journeys of the Care Bears. They are back with an all-new six-episode special titled ‘’Care Bears: Unlock the Magic”, scheduled to debut on Cartoonito Africa on Monday 1-7 July at 8:30 CAT. It will feature prominent characters like Tenderheart Bear, Wish Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy …
Youth Month in South Africa is a time to recognise the immense value and importance of the country’s young people in shaping its future. As we celebrate the youth’s potential and aspirations, it is crucial to recommit to supporting them in achieving their dreams and goals. Savings and investments are key ways for our country’s …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed the South Africa under-19 Women’s T20 series against Namibia and the Eastern Storm...
In every woman’s journey, there is a narrative etched in the lines of her laughter, the lessons of her experiences, and the resilience that carries her through life’s trials. These stories are the essence of who they are, deserving recognition and skincare that cares, uplifts, and empowers.Amidst a world saturated with trends and unrealistic standards …
