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Kubayi talks tough on lawlessness and poor-performing contractors

Location: News

Kubayi talks tough on lawlessness and poor-performing contractors

The days of contractors abandoning government housing projects are over and people invading private properties must come to an end.

This was the warning from Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, during a recent community engagement and hand over of title deeds at the Dan Tloome Mega Human Settlements Project in Johannesburg.

Kubayi’s tough stance on lawlessness followed as the qualifying beneficiaries complained about not being allocated houses, while their houses are being invaded. 

“We are acting against invaders of private properties. Please do us a favour and move out of a house or property that does not belong to you,” Kubayi told illegal occupants.

Regarding the projects that have not been completed on time, Kubayi warned contractors that the days of not completing work on time and within budget are over, saying it has cost the government millions with already limited resources “thus denying people of their constitutional rights of access to adequate housing”.

“My appeal to all contractors is please help us to hand over finished houses to beneficiaries [and] if you are subcontracting, please do the work. My mandate is to deliver a finished house,” Kubayi said.

While this development is a step in the right direction, Kubayi was adamant that there should not even be a single project that is delayed or blocked due to contractors not honouring their contractual obligations.

Gauteng Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, issued a stern warning to poor-performing contractors, saying their actions work against government’s commitment to provide housing for the poor.

“We cannot have a contractor that fails to deliver and still be kept onsite. The resources we use belong to the people and must be used for their benefits, nothing else,” Maile said.

Before the community engagement where title deeds were issued to several beneficiaries, Kubayi, Maile and the City of Johannesburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, launched two social housing projects, named the Ekhaya Gardens and Fochville Social Housing.

Ekhaya Gardens has a total of 333 units and is close to Roodepoort Central Business District, while the Fochville Social Housing, with a capacity of 258 units, is strategically placed within the mining and industrial sectors of the greater West Rand Municipality.

The two social housing projects will provide much-needed decent and affordable rental accommodation to people earning between R1 850 and R22 000 per month. 

The launch comes a few days after the successful launch of Townlands in Tshwane, the current largest social housing project in the country with 1 200 units.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Department of Human Settlements through its agency, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), has managed to deliver over 13 000 units resulting in close to 50 000 rental and affordable units delivered over the years. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:22

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Phaahla condemns acts of violence at Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga

Location: News

Phaahla condemns acts of violence at Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says he has noted with concern and has condemned the acts of anarchy, violence and criminality targeting healthcare facilities to disrupt the provision of essential health services and depriving patients of lifesaving treatment. 

This comes after members of a local business forum who were disgruntled about procurement processes recently allegedly attacked healthcare workers at Themba Hospital in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga. 

Reports suggest that the hospital had to be closed for almost three weeks due to the unrest which forced doctors to down tools. 

According to Phaahla, these acts that threaten the safety and security of the health workers, patients, service providers and infrastructure are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 

“We welcome the swift response and interventions by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies to normalise the situation to enable the health workers to perform their lifesaving duties in a safe and protected environment without disruption and acts of violence.”  

According to the Minister, government will continue to respond proportionally to these criminal acts to protect those who need help in the hospital, the healthcare workers and the infrastructure. 

“We are already working with the SAPS to ensure that healthcare service continues undisrupted and prevent future incidences. We want to assure the healthcare workers and community at large that similar acts will not happen unattended and will be responded with speed and appropriately,” said Phaahla.  

The department and the SAPS signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 2019 committing to cooperate to ensure the security and safety of patients, workers in the health facility and the entire infrastructure. 

“The SAPS in response to criminality in the health facility will deploy a dedicated team to ensure the security of the facility.” 

Phaahla has called on anyone with evidence of unethical behaviour by health officials and who has concerns about the level of service delivery or operations to raise them through proper channels instead of resorting to violence and intimidation. 

“We will not entertain any form of anarchy and feeling of entitlement in our facilities because we follow normal procurement processes like any other public institution. 

“We implore people to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully within the confines of the law, without infringing the rights to life by others and access to healthcare,” he stressed.  

In addition, the Minister confirmed that no life has been lost at the facility due to the recent violent incidents. 

However, several patients could not access their chronic medication and some planned surgeries had to be rescheduled, while other patients were transferred to nearby hospitals and stable patients were discharged. 

“The situation is now under control and the hospital is fully operational. Staff members are back at work.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 14:08

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Minister Joe Phaahla on state of public health service

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Health
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Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla notes with concern and condemns in strong terms the acts of anarchy, violence and criminality targeting healthcare facilities with the intention to disrupt the provision of essential health services, depriving patients of life-saving treatment.

The recent acts of violence committed in Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga which threatened the safety and security of the health workers, patients, service providers and infrastructure is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These acts disrupt the provision of essential health services, threaten the safety and security of health workers, patients, and health infrastructure.

We welcome the swift response and interventions by members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to normalise the situation to enable the health workers to perform their life-saving duties in a safe and protected environment without disruption and acts of violence, and at the same time enable the patients to access essential health service including life-saving treatment.

The government will continue to respond proportionally to these criminal acts to protect those who need help in the hospital, the healthcare workers and the healthcare infrastructure we have. We are already working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that healthcare service continues undisrupted and prevent future incidences. We want to assure the healthcare workers and community at large that the similar acts will not happen unattended and will be responded with speed and appropriately.

The National Department of Health (NDOH) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have signed Memorandum of Agreement in 2019, at which have committed to cooperate to ensure security and safety of patients, workers in the health facility and the entire infrastructure. The SAPS in response to criminality in the health facility will deploy a dedicated team to ensure security of the facility.

We call upon anyone with evidence of unethical behaviour by health officials or concerns about the level of service delivery, operations of the health facility or whatsoever, to raise them through proper channels instead of resorting to violence and intimidation because that will not be tolerated, and the law will take its course.

We will not entertain any form of anarchy and feeling of entitlement in our facilities because we follow normal procurement processes like any other public institution. We implore people to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully within the confines of the law, without infringing the rights to life by others and access to healthcare.

We can confirm that no life has been lost in the facility due to the recent unfortunate violent incidents, but a number of patients couldn't access their chronic medication, while some planned surgeries had to be rescheduled. Other patients were transferred to nearby hospitals, while stable patients were discharged. The situation is now under control and the hospital is fully operational. Staff members are back at work.

Human Resources for Health

The Department of Health continues with efforts to address the challenge of unemployment of health professionals, including medical doctors who completed statutory community service programme. We are working closely with Provincial health departments focused on all critical vacant posts to strengthen healthcare delivery to adequately respond to the needs of our people. We are making progress in the recruitment of the qualified health professionals across the country. Let me dispel the myths by some critics and allay fears that the department is dragging its feet to recruit and appoint unemployed health professionals.

There are 2012 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors on the health sector establishment at the current moment across nine provinces which require R2,4 billion to fill them. This numbers excludes other categories of health professionals like nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, dentists et cetera. We are happy to announce that a total of 2066 health professionals have been appointed between January and March 2024 across the country.

This consists of 1121 medical officers on Grade 1 of entry level, 579 professional nurses, 127 Allied Health workers, 100 pharmacists, 91 Radiographers, 23 Dentists Grade 1 and 9 Environmental Health Officers. The recruitment processes are continuing in provinces to finalize more appointments scheduled to enable the successful candidates to assume duties in May 2024.

The Ministry continues to work closely with the provincial Health MECs to activate unfunded vacant posts using the allocated additional budget to enable recruitment of more health workers. It is our wish to employ as many health professionals as possible to play a meaningful role in the public health system of the country. It is important to emphasize that the filling of posts is done in line with the employment guidelines as issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration. This means the applicants should not limit themselves to the provinces or districts of their residence.

Cholera Update

The country has recorded more than 150 suspected cholera cases, 12 laboratory- confirmed cases and one death between 1 January and 18 April 2024. Eleven of these cases were recorded in Limpopo and one in Gauteng. Three of these cases are imported from Zimbabwe, with no definite history of contact with other confirmed cases. The demised patient was a 48-year-old male South African citizen from Musina, in Vhembe District who experienced diarrhoeal symptoms and was admitted in hospital on 16 March, unfortunately he passed away on 21 March 2024 in Pietersburg hospital.
 
The risk of both imported cases and local transmission remains high due the cross- border movements to and from both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We appeal to the organisers of social gatherings including religious and traditional events to ensure strict compliance with personal hygiene (including handwashing) especially during food preparation and serving, and ablution facilities to prevent possible transmission of cholera and other foodborne and waterborne diseases.

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

Read moreMinister Joe Phaahla on state of public health service

Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations

Location: News

Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has welcomed Egypt into the family of BRICS nations.

“This development further enhances the role the South plays in global matters,” she said on Friday. 

The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia –  has admitted four new members. These include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. 

Pandor was speaking in Pretoria where she was co-chairing the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her counterpart, Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.

Meanwhile, Pandor said South Africa and Egypt need to exponentially increase trade and investment. 

“In this regard, partnerships between our private sectors and Sstate-owned entities are crucial. This also entails the need to formally establish and launch a Business Council,” she said. 

The Minister announced on Friday that a decision on the Business Council has been taken and once operational, this structure will go a long way in coordinating and galvanising trade and investment opportunities. 

She also asked her counterpart to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will facilitate easier trade.

“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”

She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship. 

Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.

Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.” 

JCC

Meanwhile, Pandor said the framework provided by the JCC entails that the constituent committees cover a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation. 

These include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, water resources management, health, financial services, tourism, transport, information technology, communications, women and people with disabilities, judicial matters, sport, arts and culture, people-to-people links and consular issues. 

She also announced that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be concluded during the session. 

Conflict 

She highlighted several conflicts and wars that have erupted and called on the international community to be vigilant and redouble its efforts to promote peace, stability and development. 

“The United Nations, our premier guarantor of global order as enshrined in its charter, and the regional organisations should remain seized and be decisive in addressing these matters.” 

However, Pandor said the world was witnessing an attack on the global system of multilateralism and its institutions of governance.

“The world is seeing the rise of unilateralism and impunity that threatens to erode the very foundations of multilateralism, international law and the creation of a just and equitable world.”

South Africa, she said, is deeply concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has befallen the people of Palestine. 

“The catastrophe that is happening before our eyes in the Gaza Strip, with the destruction carried out by the occupying state of Israel, and the humanitarian disaster therein, is a collective blemish on the moral conscience of the world.” 

She also spoke about the unresolved plight of the Saharawi people. 

“Silencing the Guns on our continent is a pressing challenge that the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities should continue to address.” 

She reiterated South Africa’s position, which views dialogue, mediation and negotiations as vital for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. 

“In this regard, it is important not to further delay the reforms needed to transform the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and for it to reflect the realities of today. In this endeavour, although North-South collaboration remains important, the Global South should remain united in ensuring that its voice is resoundingly clear.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:32

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Programme to assist KZN small-scale farmers to become sustainable commercial businesses

Location: News

Programme to assist KZN small-scale farmers to become sustainable commercial businesses

KwaZulu-Natal small-scale farmers have been afforded an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic, integrated programme, which will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube led the provincial launch of the Integrated Agricultural Development Programme, where a total of 1 128 tractors, worth R17 million, and other implements were allocated for the small-scale farmers.

During the launch in Richmond on Thursday, Dube-Ncube, together with Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) MEC, Super Zuma, also handed over ownership certificates to community projects.

Dube-Ncube said through this initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen the ability of farming groups to maintain, take responsibility and care for their assets.

She said additional mentorship and mechanisation training will be provided to community projects that are experiencing challenges in their farming activities to ensure self-sufficiency.

“Sustainable mechanisation is critical in the development of value chains and food systems, and through this programme, we are ensuring that even our small-scale farmers are given an opportunity to be competitive. 

“They will be able to sufficiently cultivate land, be more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly in their operations,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also emphasised that food security is a priority for the province, and the provincial government remains committed to opening the market for provincial farmers, through government’s Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (IRASET) Programme. 

She said the provincial government wants the farmers to be game changers of the market, as per the commitment made during the State of the Province Address to assist farmers to meet demands of the province. 

“We want them to supply major markets locally and eventually service cross borders markets and we are ready to assist them to meet any criteria. Today we have officially handed over a cheque and equipment to SyaJay Agricultural Services, a project we are most proud of.

“SyaJay Agricultural Services (Pty) Ltd, is a 100% Black-owned business and the two beneficiaries are graduates of the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture. The project was approved for a total funding of R5.6 million from the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) and 10 hydroponic tunnels, a cooling and irrigation systems have been completed. A mobile pack house will be ready at the end of May,” Dube-Ncube said.

Sya Ngcobo, one of the beneficiaries, said over and above becoming a sustainable business that is making profit, their vision is to create an information hub. 

Ngcobo said they partly want to function as a demonstration site, where small-holder farmers would sharpen their skills and gain crucial sectorial knowledge.

“In many instances, you find that some farmers struggle once they have penetrated the market. Even though they may have good quality produce, vegetables do not sell because of incorrect packaging. 

“We want to teach our farmers and give them an opportunity to come and see how it is done from the work we will be doing,” Ngcobo said.

Dube-Ncube said the items will at a later stage be distributed to all the districts when champion MECs roll out the programme. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:20

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Nkadimeng to handover Van Schalkwyk Road in Sebokeng, Gauteng

Location: News

Nkadimeng to handover Van Schalkwyk Road in Sebokeng, Gauteng

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, will be handing over the Van Schalkwyk Road in Eatonside Sebokeng Unit 6 under the Emfuleni Local Municipality, which is situated within the Sedibeng District in Gauteng.

This event will take place on Thursday and the Gauteng MEC of CoGTA Mzikayifane Khumalo, the Sedibeng Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka, as well as the leadership from the Emfuleni Local Municipality will join the Minister. 

The department explained that before the project was implemented, the gravel road often flooded during rainy seasons.

It also experienced sewer spillages, which hindered residents’ access to schools, clinics, and other destinations.

Furthermore, the uneven surface posed challenges for motorists, and stormwater accumulation made crossing the roads difficult.

The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), an entity of the Department of Cooperative Governance, provided funding for the construction of the Van Schalkwyk Road through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

According to the department, the road covers 3.46 kilometres by 6 metres wide tarred road. 

This project resulted in the construction of a tarred road that is complete with concrete-paved sidewalks and efficient stormwater channels.

The project also benefitted a total number of 4 899 households.

Additionally, the construction of the road created work opportunities for 23 residents and enhanced connectivity and safety for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:58

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President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate over the celebration of 20 years of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.

The President will also launch Phase V of the programme.

“The EPWP is a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.

“The programme is one of government’s flagship Public Employment Programmes and has been implemented for the past 20 years since April 2004,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The programme is implemented in the following sectors:

  • Infrastructure sector and the non-state sector coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
  • Social sector coordinated by the Department of Social Development
  • Environment and culture sector coordinated by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

According to the Presidency, since the EPWP’s inception, some 14 million working opportunities have been created through “more than 300 public bodies and non-profit organisations (NPO) implementing the EPWP”.

“The work opportunities were created in sectors such as road construction, road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, provision of early childhood development services, environmental greening and clean-up projects, fire projects and removal of alien vegetation projects.

“These also include training and skilling in construction skills in painting, brick laying, carpentry; home community care skills and firefighting.

“The launch of the Phase V implemented from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 will be used to unveil millions of more work opportunities to benefit women, youth and poor households for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the country,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:28

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Empowering Business Technology: Key Digital Services Unveiled

Location: MyPR

In the contemporary business landscape, understanding the intricacies of various technological services is crucial for staying competitive and innovative. From software development to cloud computing, managed services, and digital payment solutions, these components are pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency, security, and scalability. Here’s how these services are shaping the future of business and where you …

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Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Location: News

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024. 

The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet. 

The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo. 

The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.

The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities. 

By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.

“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read. 

Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.

The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.

So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities. 

These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.

The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households. 

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23

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N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

Location: News

N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will lead a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday to mark the official launch of the Mahikeng Student City. 

This initiative aims to alleviate the urgent need for student housing in the provincial capital.

The Student City project is a 10 000-bed facility, with provisions for modern amenities such as a fitness centre and health and retail facilities.

In addition, the project is expected to generate 10 000 job opportunities, both short- and long-term. 

“This project forms part of ongoing efforts by government to create various socio-economic opportunities for locals and bolster infrastructure development in the province,” the statement read. 

The official sod-turning ceremony, which be attended by officials and media, will be at Mmabatho Stadium. There will also be a prayer session led by pastors from various denominations. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:22

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Revolutionising Payment Solutions: The Rise of Contactless Technologies

Location: MyPR

In an era marked by rapid digital transformation and changing consumer preferences, contactless payment systems have emerged as game-changers in the realm of commerce. From the convenience of mobile apps to the security of NFC payment software, these innovative solutions are reshaping the way we pay and transact. Let’s explore the evolution of contactless payment …

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Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended

Location: News

Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended

The deadline for submissions of proposals to the Budget Facility for Infrastructure has been extended to 17 May 2024.

This, according to National Treasury, is in a bid to add more time for project sponsors to package and submit their proposals.

“The department earlier published a call for proposals for consideration by the Budget Facility for Infrastructure [BFI]. The BFI is a reform established in 2016 to support the execution of priority infrastructure projects and programmes through a more rigorous planning, appraisal, and selection process.

“This call for proposals was announced by the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana] during the 2024 Budget Speech. The National Treasury intends to utilise this BFI Window to develop a pipeline of projects and programmes to test alternative financing and funding models,” Treasury said.

Public institutions, including national, provincial, municipal and public entities are qualified to submit proposals with projects and programmes set to form part of the pipeline.

“The primary purpose of this BFI Special Window is to close funding gaps and provide viability gap funding for projects and programmes that will leverage private sector financing and technical assistance.

“The call for proposals is open to projects and programmes that are undertaken under alternative financing and delivery mechanisms and private sector participation frameworks such as public-private partnership and concessions,” Treasury said.

Further information and guidelines can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3U1dnB3. - SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:37

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Powering Your Infrastructure: Exploring Electrical Distribution Boards

Location: MyPR

In the realm of electrical infrastructure, distribution boards serve as critical components for managing and distributing power safely and efficiently. From residential homes to industrial facilities, these boards play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable electricity supply to various circuits and appliances. Let’s delve into the world of electrical distribution boards, from their functionality and …

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KZN activates disaster teams

Location: News

KZN activates disaster teams

Disaster teams have been activated in all KwaZulu-Natal municipalities following a level 5 warning of disruptive rains expected in eThekwini Metro and the south coast on Monday, which could result in localised flooding.

According to the warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the heavy downpours may result in some areas receiving rainfall accumulation of more than 200 millimetres over a 24-hour period, which may lead to flooding of settlements and roads, damage to houses, and the displacement of communities over the extreme south-eastern part of the province.

In a statement issued on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said areas that are likely to be affected include eThekwini Metro, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalities on Monday.

The department said disaster teams reported that flood damage occurred in Margate town on Sunday night, which was caused by severe thunderstorms. 

The department said businesses and public infrastructure, including roads and houses, have been severely damaged. 

“No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this stage. Our teams are currently conducting an assessment. Updates will be communicated in due course.   

“The public is advised to take precautionary measures by moving to safer places and avoid travelling to mitigate risk. These thunderstorms may cause localised damage to settlements, vehicles, livelihood, livestock and power surges due to excessive lightning,” the department said. 

The department has also warned the public of the dangers of lightning and advised communities to seek shelter in safe places.

“Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to the inclement weather. 

“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:06

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Efficiency and Reliability: Pumping and Wastewater Solutions

Location: MyPR

In the realm of industrial processes and municipal infrastructure, efficient handling of fluids and wastewater is essential for smooth operations and environmental sustainability. From transferring fluids to managing sewage, a reliable pumping system is the backbone of these applications. Let’s explore the diverse range of pumping solutions, from centrifugal pumps to sewage pumps, and understand …

Read moreEfficiency and Reliability: Pumping and Wastewater Solutions

Deputy Ministers to handover upgraded Limpopo sewer pipeline project

Location: News

Deputy Ministers to handover upgraded Limpopo sewer pipeline project

The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and Water and Sanitation, are expected to hand over the upgraded main sewer pipeline project in Extension 5 and 6 of Mookgophong on Monday.

CoGTA Deputy Minister, Parks Tau will be joined by his Water and Sanitation counterpart, David Mahlobo in the project which falls under the Modimolle Mokgopong Local Municipality situated within the Waterberg District in Limpopo. 

Limpopo MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) Basikopo Makamu, the leadership of the province and the municipalities, will join the Deputy Ministers. 

“Due to the growth in Mookgopong, particularly in Extension 5 and 6, the bulk sewer pipelines were in an incapable state of performing which resulted in sewer spillages over the years. 

“The municipality was challenged to address the issue due to budgetary constraints and technical capacity needed until the Department of Water and Sanitation, through their Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), provided funding for the sewer project,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs explained. 

The Department of Cooperative Governance played a crucial role in this partnership towards the success of the project through the provision of technical support via the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA). 

“The project, which is in Ward 4, addresses the bulk sewer challenges at Ext 5 and 6 where spillages were prevalent. The sewer lines also connect to Ext 3, which is adjacent to the project area. Through the project, Ward 4 community members have access to and are using adequate and reliable functioning sewer system and the sewer spillages, which were prevalent, have been addressed.” 

The project handover is planned to take place at 9 am at the Mookgophong Community Hall. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:38

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Townlands social housing provides safety net for homeless beneficiary

Location: News

Townlands social housing provides safety net for homeless beneficiary

As an orphan, Pretoria-based Lebogang Tlhabane spent a lot of time moving around because she did not have a place to call home.

Being a transgender woman, she felt isolated, with her safety being compromised while seeking shelter in unusual places.

Today, Tlhabane's prospects have changed for the better, thanks to government’s Townlands Social Housing Project in Marabastad in the City of Tshwane. Tlhabane has now found a safety net, which represents hope for the future.

Tlhabane is among the beneficiaries of the Townlands Social Housing Project unveiled this week by Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

“I am an orphan, and I don’t have a home, so I had to move around a lot. Survival on the streets was a challenge because my safety as a transgender woman was compromised and I am happy Townlands is my new home. I will be able to spend Christmas this year with my baby brother and friends around me,” said an elated Thlabane.

The Townlands Social Housing Project is a 1 200-unit social housing development that offers low-cost rental accommodation to qualifying residents of Tshwane, who fall in the income band of R1 850 to R22 000 per month. 

The affordable housing development will enable residents of Tshwane to live near the city centre to have access to economic opportunities, thus redressing the housing backlog in the city.

The Townlands Social Housing development includes a community development centre, with 176 one-bedroom units, 1 012 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units. The development also includes an outdoor gym, among other amenities.

Speaking at the project launch, Kubayi said social housing is a valuable intervention to deal with informal settlements, backyard dwelling and people staying in unsafe inner-city buildings.

She said government is creating opportunities for people to stay in safe government-subsidised rental housing closer to work, school, transport nodes, and other social amenities, whilst addressing the unjust legacy of apartheid spatial planning.

“Our interactions with approved tenants at Townlands and similar developments across the country are indicative of a trend whereby we find beneficiaries or tenants who would have formerly stayed in an informal settlement and transitioned to a formal area.

"Others lived in the inner-city and were subjected to paying a lot of money in unsafe environments. Others were paying money for accommodation to people who don’t even own these buildings,” Kubayi said.

Kubayi said a biometrics system will be integrated into the property, in addition to the current security measures to also address the issue of sub-tenanting by approved beneficiaries, where people bring people who are not registered onto the property.

“People want to feel safe and the biometrics upgrading will ensure safer communities, in line with our freedom charter prescripts that there shall be houses, security and comfort,” Kubayi said.

The Minister has urged beneficiaries to pay their rental timeously and help maintain the long-term sustainability of the projects to avoid their collapse.

Apart from Townlands, which has now been completed, Kubayi said three other projects are in the pipeline to deliver over 2 000 units in the city and “their success depends partly on beneficiaries also meeting their rental obligations".

The Social Housing Regulatory Agency (SHRA), an entity of the Department of Human Settlements, partnered with Housing Company Tshwane (HCT) in the development of the social housing project.

Kubayi said there are currently about 6 000 applications received from potential tenants.

The Minister commended the three spheres of government for collaborating with beneficiaries, contractors, and community leaders to be able to deliver the project.
 
“Our focus will also be on an exit strategy for the tenant, as we don’t want them to remain tenants forever,” she said.
 
Human Settlements Deputy Minister, Pamela Tshwete, who accompanied the Minister, said she was encouraged by the fact that the project was championed by women contractors.

“In the last financial year, the Department of Human Settlements spent R3.1billion as part of 40% set aside for women-owned companies contracted to build and help government to resolve the housing backlog,” Tshwete said.

Over one million houses built in Gauteng since 1994

Meanwhile, Gauteng Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, highlighted that the democratic government had done significant work since 1994 in providing shelter for vulnerable people.

He said that the Townlands development is a true testament to that.

“We are sitting with no less than 1.3 million houses built in Gauteng since 1994. Today, we have about two million people in the national housing register and 1.2 million of those are in the economic hub of Gauteng, where the population has doubled, [due to those] in search of economic opportunities,” Maile said.

Tshwane Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Ofentse Madzabatela, said he was looking forward to the roll out of more projects by Human Settlements to deal with apartheid spatial planning, which kept people away from economic opportunities.

To apply for Townlands Social Housing Project, visit Housing Company Tshwane, 310 Pretorius Street Pretoria or call 012 358 4469 for more information. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 13:07

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