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Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers

Location: News

Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers

The Department of Employment and Labour, working with other law enforcement agencies, have issued over 50 contravention notices and compliance orders against non-compliant employers in Rustenburg in the North West. 

Nine undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during a joint blitz inspection by the department and other law enforcement agencies. 

The three-day blitz inspection that started in Rustenburg on Monday was led by the Inspection and Enforcement Services unit of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Liquor Board and the South African Police Services (SAPS). 

“The first blitz inspection has led to 18 contravention notices, three prohibition notices, three improvement notices, and 31 compliance orders being issued to non-complying employers and to the arrest of nine undocumented foreign national workers,” the department said in a statement. 

The inspections are part of an ongoing national programme by the department with the aim to gather all relevant law-enforcing government institutions to conduct inspections around major towns and cities in the country.

Its main purpose is to test the level of compliance in terms of the labour laws such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act (UICA) and the Employment Act.

It also focuses on other consumer-related legislations in the wholesale and retail sector and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.

According to the provincial chief inspector for the North West Province, Chris Sithole, the blitz inspections are unannounced visits.

“We (were) in the Bojanala District on an unannounced visit, and… on day one we managed to issue so many notices and orders to non-complying employers … we are not here to intimidate anyone; we are here to ensure that labour laws are upheld as it is our mandate to ensure that the country’s workforce is protected,” Sithole said.

 The department said the undocumented foreign nationals who are working without the relevant work permits will be handled by the Department of Home Affairs and the SAPS.

“The employer will also be charged accordingly for contravening the Employment Services Act of the Department of Employment and Labour, which demands an employer to make sure that a person employed in South Africa from a foreign country should have the relevant work permit and a certain skill that is not found in the country,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:16

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Frequent testing for prostate cancer remains critical

Location: MyPR

JOHANNESBURG, March 11th, 2024 – Men’s healthcare should be under the spotlight more often, said Vanessa Snow, Head of Medical Affairs at Janssen South Africa. Differences between the sexes mean that men are more likely to suffer from a variety of conditions. Challenges that men are most likely to encounter, include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers …

Read moreFrequent testing for prostate cancer remains critical

World Kidney Day: Urology Hospital to offer free kidney health screening

Location: MyPR

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual and irremediable loss of kidney function (kidney failure), affects up to one in eight South Africans, more than 850 million people worldwide, and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths (2019). Fundamentally, untreated kidney failure can be life threatening. Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death, …

Read moreWorld Kidney Day: Urology Hospital to offer free kidney health screening

PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements

Location: News

PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has completed a study on the impact of hybrid work arrangements on service delivery in the public service.

PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says the COVID-19 pandemic forced most organisations, including government, to consider alternative working arrangements in order to limit human and physical interaction.

“This resulted in the introduction of hybrid workspaces and the working from home (WFH) option that was new for most employees, as only a few private companies offered this option pre-COVID-19,” Gxoyiya said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

The study focused on the shutdown period from March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gxoyiya explained that the purpose of the study was to investigate the actual and perceived impact that the introduction of hybrid work and work from home arrangements had on service delivery in the public service in selected departments, with a view to formulate recommendations that could assist the public service to adapt.

He said the study focused on six service delivery departments/institutions in the public service, which are Education, Employment and Labour, Health, South African Social Security Agency, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.

The report of the study makes the following recommendations:

•           The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should benchmark with other countries to determine how the hybrid work arrangement was managed during the pandemic and how it is being taken forward as a basis to review relevant legislation, regulations, directives, policies and conditions of service for different categories of occupations and/or employees.

•           The public service, led by the DPSA, National Treasury and the Department of Communications and Digital Services, must take the lead in digitising government operations and prioritising access to tools of trade that will enable the effective implementation of hybrid work arrangements, where feasible.

•           Departments, in collaboration with the National School of Government, should incorporate continuous training programmes on new technologies that are necessary to facilitate remote work arrangements, online collaboration and remote access to centralised systems as well as other emerging innovations for employees to stay abreast of the new developments.

•           National Treasury, in collaboration with departments such as the DPSA and  Public Works and Infrastructure, must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing hybrid work arrangements for selected non-essential service departments in order to identify possible cost-saving measures and possible once-off cost drivers as a basis to generate resources to fund critical areas of need, including the rapid adoption of technology-enabled solutions and provision of other essential services to the public.  

Gxoyiya noted that the findings of the study suggest that existing primary legislation and policies were and are still silent on the practice of working from home or hybrid work arrangements.

“During the lockdown period, the gap had to be addressed through the passing of new regulations, directions and guidelines to enable departments to put measures in place to comply with the COVID-19 regulations whilst still ensuring work continuity.

“The study documents a combination of positive and negative practices/experiences, including notable innovative measures that were put in place by public service departments, as well as the commitment of many employees who put their lives at risk in order to provide services to the public,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said there were challenges noted with regard to the implementation of the hybrid work arrangement which included, amongst others, capacity constraints; additional expenses that were not budgeted for; inaccessibility of some service sites when some staff members tested positive for COVID-19; inconsistent practices in granting employees permission to work from home between and within departments, and lack of appropriate tools of trade for some employees.

“Performance was managed differently according to the different departments and in some instances, it varied within the different units in the respective departments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:16

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Commission investigates conduct of Clover

Location: News

Commission investigates conduct of Clover

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced that it was currently investigating Clover (PTY) Ltd for alleged contraventions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

This comes after the dairy company informed the NCC that it has recalled 10 776 units of 400g of Go Nuts peanut butter following numerous tests that revealed higher levels of aflatoxin. 

Aflatoxin is defined as a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. 

The recall by Clover comes after the commission recently received five peanut butter recalls. 

These include Pick ‘n Pay’s 1kg No Name, Dis-Chem’s Lifestyle Brand 400g and 800g of their smooth and crunchy, Wazoogles, Eat Naked, and Woolworths’ peanut butter dairy ice cream after these products failed to meet the acceptable levels of aflatoxin.

READ | Various peanut butter brands recalled

“Following these recalls, the NCC called on all producers, manufacturers, and suppliers of peanut butter, peanut butter-based products, and products containing peanuts to immediately test their products for aflatoxin levels and submit their results to the NCC,” the commission explained.

NCC Acting Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, said the call for suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors of these products to immediately test their products for levels of aflatoxin has been an eye-opener. 

“From the test results that were received by the commission, there is an indication that suppliers were not compliant with their protocols, and regulations. We are expecting suppliers, to be specific, the retailers, to immediately recall those brands that are non-compliant. This is to ensure that we protect South African consumers from any further harm,” she said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the NCC said it has made a decisive decision to get to the bottom of the challenge.

“Section 60 of the Act read with the NCC’s Product Recall Guidelines requires that the supplier or manufacturer upon discovering that safety has been compromised that a retailer or supplier must recall the affected product immediately and inform the regulators. Upon receiving the notification from Clover (PTY) Ltd, the commission assessed the recall and established some inconsistencies with the CPA,” Mabuza said.

Consumers who have Clover’s Go Nuts peanut 400g with the 12, 18, and 19 June 2025 and 19 July 2025 best-before dates are urged to stop consuming the product and return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. 

The risk of consuming products with higher than acceptable levels of aflatoxin may lead to health complications like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, the NCC said.

“South African consumers who have the recalled products must immediately stop consuming these products and return the products to a point of purchase for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase,” Mabuza added.

Clover said the quality and safety of its products remain a top priority.

“All affected batches of the product have already been removed from all stores countrywide. All other batches of our Go Nuts Peanut Butter product in stores are not affected by this recall and are 100% safe for consumption,” said Clover in a statement.  – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 03/10/2024 - 11:54

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New CEOs for Gauteng academic hospitals

Location: News

New CEOs for Gauteng academic hospitals

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has announced the appointment of three Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to provincial academic hospitals.

The appointments are for the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH), and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH).

The newly appointed CEOs assumed their roles on 1 March 2024.

This marks a significant step towards strengthening the department’s governance system and ensuring that there is capable leadership across healthcare facilities in the province.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko congratulated the newly appointed CEOs, emphasising the importance of their role in driving the mandate to provide quality healthcare services.

She has since extended her congratulations to CHBAH’s Dr Nthabiseng Makgana, SBAH’s Dr Lehlohonolo Majake and DGMAH’s Dr Fhatuwani Mbara for their appointments.

“These positions carry a great responsibility in ensuring the delivery of excellent healthcare services to the people of Gauteng,” stated Nkomo-Ralehoko in a statement on Friday.

The GDoH said academic hospitals hold a vital place in the public healthcare landscape, serving as centres of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. 

The institutions render highly specialised services and play a crucial role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals, providing them with hands-on experience and guidance from experienced physicians and healthcare experts.

The appointment of these CEOs comes at a crucial time as GDoH prepares for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

Nkomo-Ralehoko further highlighted the significance of capable leaders in achieving the goals set by the NHI.

“As we ready ourselves for the implementation of the NHI, it is imperative that we have capable leaders at the helm of our academic hospitals. Their expertise and strategic vision will play a vital role in advancing our healthcare system, promoting equity, and improving access to quality healthcare services for all,” the MEC added. 

READ | NHI receives in excess of R1 billion allocation

In addition to the appointment of the CEOs, the GDoH has also appointed the Deputy Director-General and Chief Director of Infrastructure, the Chief Information Officer, the Chief Director for Health Economics and Finance and several other senior management services employees at a director level. 

“These key positions will contribute to accelerating the delivery of services to communities and to strengthening the healthcare system in Gauteng.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 03/10/2024 - 13:39

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Futurelife® Launches Unique AI Wellness Experience At Canal Walk Store

Location: MyPR

CAPE TOWN – The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our daily lives isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a fundamental shift in our interaction with technology, reshaping our everyday experiences. Embracing AI and all it has to offer, FUTURELIFE®, a leading health and wellness brand, is launching the FUTURELIFE® ASPIRE2B DIGITAL AI WELLNESS EXPERIENCE …

Read moreFuturelife® Launches Unique AI Wellness Experience At Canal Walk Store

The Ultimate Relaxation Oasis: Steam Room Saunas in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In the pursuit of relaxation and rejuvenation, steam room saunas have emerged as popular sanctuaries for unwinding and promoting well-being. In South Africa, the allure of steam saunas has captivated individuals seeking a retreat from the stresses of daily life. Let’s delve into the world of steam room saunas in South Africa, exploring their benefits, …

Read moreThe Ultimate Relaxation Oasis: Steam Room Saunas in South Africa

Understanding Breast Health: Ultrasound and Mammography Insights

Location: MyPR

In the journey of maintaining and ensuring breast health, the advancements in medical imaging have been pivotal. Among the leading techniques for breast cancer detection and diagnosis are breast ultrasound and mammography. Both methods offer unique insights and are crucial in the early detection of breast cancer, potentially saving lives through timely intervention. Breast Ultrasound: …

Read moreUnderstanding Breast Health: Ultrasound and Mammography Insights

The Essential Guide to Mammograms: Safeguarding Your Health

Location: MyPR

In today’s health-conscious world, understanding and utilising preventive measures against cancer is more critical than ever. Among the various health screenings available, mammograms stand out as a vital tool in the early detection of breast cancer. A mammogram is not just a medical procedure; it’s a proactive step towards ensuring your long-term health and well-being. …

Read moreThe Essential Guide to Mammograms: Safeguarding Your Health

Economy must transform to meet development demands

Location: News

Economy must transform to meet development demands

All sectors of the economy must adjust to new demands for personnel, skills, research, digital connection, and alternative platforms for education, health, and public services. 

This is according to the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) retreat in Johannesburg on Friday.

“For us to match with the new demands, we must undergo a rapid paradigm shift and reorientation to realign the content of our curriculum offerings and skills development programmes,” he said. 

Chaired by the Deputy President, the HRDC is an apex national, multi-sectoral advisory body established to create a collective response to the national challenge of human resource development in the country.

Human resource development refers to formal and explicit activities that will enhance the ability of all people to reach their full potential and serve to improve the productivity of people in their areas of work.

The council’s term, which was established in 2010, ends on 31 March 2024.

However, government is looking into extending the existing term by six months to facilitate a seamless transition and process of appointing new council members.  

Guided by the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa (HRD-SA) 2010-2030, the council’s retreat is aimed at reflecting on and evaluating its work in terms of the progress made so far.

“I believe that the country’s re-conceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy and Master Skills Plan will give further impetus to our efforts to address skills shortages across all sectors of our economy.”

He said the Master Skills Plan consolidates previous strategies affecting skills development across the nation. 

These include the National Development Plan 2030, the National Skills Development Plan 2030, the Innovation and Skills Compact, and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework. 

The country’s second-in-command believes that the retreat should aim to influence the new Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) as government plans for the administration.

“It is only when the country’s human resource development priorities are in line with planning frameworks across departments, that the work of the Council will receive the necessary attention and traction it deserves.” 

The gathering is also an opportunity to zoom in on underlying challenges faced by the country, which serve as an impediment to achieving the council’s mandate, lessons learned and interrogating the need to change or restructure the council. 

The retreat also looks at key future focus areas to be attained in the remainder of the current term and beyond.

International Women's Day

He also shifted his focus to International Women's Day, which is celebrated annually on 8 March. 

The Deputy President said this year’s theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ emphasises the need to address economic disempowerment and promote diversity and empowerment across all societal sectors. 

“As the HRDC, we anchor our support for women’s development on creating programmes that foster a supportive environment, promote skills acquisition, and provide access to resources, opportunities and quality education.” 

He also commended the former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for her role in championing global gender equality during her tenure as the Executive Director of United Nations Women.

“Our global efforts to leave no one behind are embedded in the strategic efforts towards gender equality, and as South Africa, we remain committed to championing the cause for both gender equality and gender justice.”

Human Rights Month

Deputy President Mashatile also touched on Human Rights Month, which recognises the constitutional right to basic education, including adult basic education, and further education, which he said the State must take reasonable measures to make progressively available and accessible.

Speaking at the launch of Human Rights Month earlier this week, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa called on all South Africans to participate in the activities planned for Human Rights Month.

The Minister said National Human Rights Day commemoration on 21 March, will be preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government departments, to assess progress on the advancement of human rights since 1994.

READ | Celebrating 30 years of human rights

-SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:14

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Dr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA 

Location: News

Dr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA 

The Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Dr Phil Mjwara, has been honoured for his visionary leadership in promoting science in South Africa and abroad. 

Mjwara received the Presidential Award during the annual South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Merit Awards in Cape Town on Thursday. 

With 18 years of service as Director-General, Mjwara was lauded for having significantly contributed to the South African National System of Innovation (NSI). 

Through these awards, the SAMRC said it acknowledges outstanding contributions to health research and recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen.

The awards recognise those who made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy to enhance the well-being of all South Africans. 

Mjwara holds a BSc, MSc and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand and his academic career includes serving as a Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Pretoria, and physics lectureships at the universities of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and Fort Hare. 

Speaking at the awards ceremony, SAMRC President Professor Glenda Gray said Mjwara had built a strong legacy in the country. 

“In the late 1990s, Dr Mjwara led South Africa’s first national Science and Technology Foresight Exercise, which laid the foundation for the NSI,” the statement read. 

Mjwara is also described as someone who is highly regarded in various global forums. 

The Director-General is a senior member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Basic Sciences Programme and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory Council. 

Mjwara has also been lauded for formulating the STI Decadal Plan, which has elevated STI to the presidential level, with the first Presidential Plenary held last year. 

This Decadal Plan, according to Gray, focuses on using STI to address societal challenges and highlights the importance of health research in the STI environment in South Africa. 

“Dr Mjwara has set the vision for all policy development in the science and technology sector in South Africa. He saw the need to create sustainable programmes, infrastructure and human capacity to ensure that South Africa achieves excellence in critical areas of science and technology," Gray said. 

The SAMRC also honoured the DSI’s Director for Health Innovation, Glaudina Loots, with a special award for her support and leadership in health research in the country. 

Loots is responsible for the implementation of the health components of the Bio-economy Strategy for South Africa. 

She has been instrumental in the creation of the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships initiative at the SAMRC, which funds and manages innovation projects focused on the development of new drugs, treatments, vaccines, medical devices and prevention strategies. 

Gray explained that medical research remains fundamental for transformation, innovation and collaboration in advancing scientific discovery. 

“Celebrating medical research excellence not only honours the achievements of researchers but also inspires progress, fosters collaboration, and enhances the overall impact of scientific advancements on global health and well-being,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 14:25

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Read moreDr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA 

Call for improvement in efforts to deal with new alien species

Location: News

Call for improvement in efforts to deal with new alien species

With new alien species continuing to arrive in the country every year, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has called for enhanced efforts to prevent the introduction of new invasive species through vigilance at borders and risk analyses.

“Early detection and rapid response systems should be strengthened to identify and eradicate invaders before they become established. We must continue investing in research and innovation, supporting studies that enhance our understanding of invasive species dynamics to improve management strategies,” Creecy said on Friday in Pretoria.

The Minister was addressing the launch of the report on the 3rd National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa, which shows that over the last decade, 32 new alien species were either illegally or accidentally introduced, a rate of approximately three introductions per year.

“It is essential to recognise that the impacts of biological invasions extend beyond the realm of biodiversity alone. They have far-reaching consequences on our economy, agriculture, water resources and public health. Invasive species can devastate agricultural lands, leading to reduced crop yields and increased production costs.

“They can also impair water quality, clog waterways, and impact our ability to access clean drinking water. Additionally, some invasive species pose risks to human health by acting as carriers of diseases or causing allergic reactions,” the Minister said.

She said the national status report on biological invasions serves as a clarion call for action and is a reminder of the urgency of the situation and the imperative to act decisively.

“By working together, we can protect our natural heritage, restore damaged ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for South Africa. I urge all stakeholders to embrace the findings of this report.

“Let us unite in our resolve to address the challenges of biological invasions, ensuring that South Africa remains a beacon of biodiversity and a sanctuary for our precious indigenous plants, animals and ecosystems that support sustainable development and human wellbeing,” Creecy said.

South Africa has an innovative regulatory system to address biological invasions, with decisions being more directly informed by the available scientific evidence.

“For example, all legal introductions of new alien species require import permits and are issued only if the risks are demonstrated to be sufficiently low. In addition, the new National Border Management Authority has committed to improving the prevention of illegal and accidental introductions,” the Minister said.

The report shows that invasive species, in particular trees and freshwater fishes, have major negative impacts on people and nature across the country by reducing South Africa’s water resources, degrading pasturelands and exacerbating fires.

“In mountain catchments, we are seeing pine trees using up water, increasing the intensity of wildfires, and crowding out biodiversity. Alien freshwater fishes are invading our water resources, reducing the diversity of our native fishes and other aquatic organisms,” the Minister said.

Between 2020 and 2022, government invested over R1.5 billion to address biological invasions, targeting priority areas such as strategic water source areas, protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.

“These interventions have also created much-needed employment, especially in rural areas. Several notable initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) raised over R180 million from the private sector to fund the control of invasive freshwater fishes and alien plants in the water catchments around Cape Town. This model could be replicated across other catchments and priority areas,” the Minister said.

According to the report, there are 44 alien species on Marion Island, over half of which are invasive, while there are eight alien species present on Prince Edward Island, all of which are invasive.

“Biological invasions on the Prince Edward Islands are being addressed through effective biosecurity and on-island management. The house mouse is the most harmful alien species on Marion Island. The mice feed on plants, invertebrates, and endangered seabirds.

“They also affect ecosystem processes such as sediment movement rates and nutrient cycling. Bold plans to eradicate the house mouse from Marion Island have been developed and are due to be implemented in 2027.

“The eradication of mice from Marion Island is essential if its unique biodiversity is to be preserved. There is, however, still much work to be done,” the Minister said.

Link to the report: https://www.sanbi.org/resources/documents/. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:53

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President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital

Location: News

President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conducted a site visit and inspection of the newly constructed Middelburg Hospital in Mpumalanga.

“This is most impressive. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art and it’s going to serve the community of about 330 000 people. This is development. This is how we are developing our country from a social and health point of view and we’re doing it cost-effectively as well,” the President said on Thursday.

This was ahead of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo held at Emalahleni in the province the same day.

“I also appreciated the way there was thorough consultation with various stakeholders in the area to bring in small and medium enterprises, and to bring in communities, who participated in one shape, form or the other in the construction of the hospital,” the President said at the site visit.

He praised the participation of the community in the construction of the hospital and said it has many benefits.

“This is what we should do because in many ways, it also avoids this very bad practice that has emerged of construction mafias. When the community is well-organised and is part of the construction of a facility, everybody feels like they own the facility and they can benefit from a job point of view, and from a supplying point of view.

“I appreciate also the funding model that was used. It was funded from the budget but over a five-year period in various phases, not all at once. To do it over a set period is clearly the way to go,” he said.

President Ramaphosa added that the hospital serves as a precursor for things to come.

“This is going to be a clean, well-run hospital and a really good demonstration of what the NHI [National Health Insurance] is going to be all about. So this is a very good precursor to the NHI.

“Those who have been criticising the NHI [we now]... have... an improved facility and improved infrastructure… this is it. We are ready for the NHI at this site. When the NHI Bill is signed [into law], this is going to be one of the exciting sites for NHI implementation,” he said.

READ | NHI receives in excess of R1 billion allocation

The President will later lead government’s interaction with communities and stakeholders.

Themed ‘Leave No One Behind’, the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province.

The imbizo will get underway at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium in Emalahleni. - SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:32

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Road safety initiative for children launched in Gauteng

Location: News

Road safety initiative for children launched in Gauteng

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has partnered with Santam on an initiative to reduce the high proportion of children who lose their lives in road-related incidents.

Santam Head of Market Development, Neptal Khoza, said they have identified a need to roll out scholar patrol projects in townships where many children walk or commute to school without adult supervision and often need to cross dangerous, multi-lane roads.

The scholar patrol initiative will be set up in at 10 schools in the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng.

Safety patrollers on duty will be trained effectively, given the appropriate uniform and equipment, including umbrellas and rain ponchos during the rainy season.

Patrollers will also receive certificates of recognition for their participation. The initiative will provide much-needed temporary employment opportunities for the surrounding communities.

Post-matric, unemployed youth will be recruited as patrollers in a bid to contribute towards the government’s objective to provide an avenue for labour absorption and income transfers to poor households in the short- to medium-term.

“The project has the potential to prepare youth for future careers in road safety, traffic police and general law enforcement. This project is one of many initiatives that we will plug into the existing community enhancement structures in achieving our broader goal of building communities that are more resilient. We foresee that learners, as well as their families and communities, will benefit immensely form this service.

“We call on other corporate and private sector entities to join us in partnering with the public sector in ways that can benefit greater society and ultimately provide existing initiatives with the boost they need to reach their full potential,” Khoza said on Wednesday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety of 2023 cites that road traffic injuries remains the leading cause of death for children.

“Pedestrian safety remains the most significant road safety challenge in South Africa. Our records as the RTMC indicate that on average 10.2% of pedestrian fatalities are of the 0 to 14 age brackets. For the past three years, 47% of fatal crashes involved pedestrians, with Gauteng as one of the main contributors to the high pedestrian fatality rate.

“Funding for road safety remains a challenge for the RTMC. There has been continuous effort to engage the private sector for collaboration on the implementation of road safety initiatives. The school intervention by Santam in the road safety programme will go a long way in creating safer communities and save more lives,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.

ChildSafe spokesperson and Executive Director, Zaitoon Rabaney, said they will continue to advocate for the 30 km/h speed restriction around schools, as well as environmental modifications that influence driver behaviour to adhere to slower speeds in school areas.

“Equipping our children and their families with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate roads safely is paramount. Through educational programmes, campaigns and targeted outreach efforts, such as the scholar patrol initiative, we can foster a lasting positive impact on the safety culture on our roads, especially around schools.

“These alarming statistics, however, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures, particularly those focused on protecting our most vulnerable road users – children,” Rabaney said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:12

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