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In the aftermath of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA), a non-profit company (NPC) working to encourage positive masculinity, Father A Nation, highlights that while strides have been made in combatting gender-based violence (GBV), a glaring deficiency in the 2024 SoNA was the lack of focus on prevention. “President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of …
Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom
As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.
“As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.
Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.
“Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They work as young black and women engineers at our power stations,” the Minister said.
She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.
The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.
“Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,” she said.
She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which translated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.
“Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,” Ntshavheni said.
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa
The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.
“Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.
“Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 184 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.
“Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.”
Promoting public employment
She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.
“Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led the establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.
“YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.”
Key achievements in the stimulus include:
“The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.
“The National Youth Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,” the Minister said.
She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.
“The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:12
In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, control rooms will be the nerve centres that ensure safety, protect critical infrastructure and assets and ensure efficiency and quality. However, while they will rely on everything from the internet of things (IoT) to artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to design environments that look after people, …
Eskom load limiting project moves to Eastern Cape town
State power utility Eskom says it will be going live with the piloting of load limiting at Bedford in the Eastern Cape.
This comes after the successful implementation of the project in another Eastern Cape town, Adelaide.
Eskom Cape Coastal Cluster General Manager Mbulelo Yedwa said: “Electricity load limiting through smart meters is being implemented to better balance the supply and demand of electricity on the grid during Stages 1 to 4 of load shedding allowing customers to continue to use essential appliances with the capacity of up to 10 Amperes.”
The power utility explained that instead of being load shed during Stages 1 to 4, customers with smart meters in Bedford will have their load limited.
“An hour before the start of load shedding, these customers in selected pilot areas will be prompted to reduce their consumption from 60 Amperes to 10 Amperes by sending a message to the Customer Interface Unit (CIU) of the smart meter.
“Customers will also be notified by text message. If the customer load is still above 10 Amperes, the smart meter will automatically make two more attempts 30 seconds apart. After three failed attempts, the next reset will be in 30 minutes,” Eskom said.
The initiative, according to Eskom, is aimed at reducing the impact that load shedding has on customers with the following benefits:
“It is the responsibility of the customer to reduce consumption by switching off non-essential appliances and only keep connected essential appliances up to a maximum of 10 Amperes for the duration of the load limiting period,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:10
Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla
Government is working tirelessly to ensure that unemployed doctors who want to join the public service are placed by 1 April this year, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla has announced.
This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.
“I am, therefore, happy to announce that working with the Minister of Finance we have a solution to address the current challenge of doctors who want to stay in the public service but could not be offered funded posts,” said the Minister.
During the debate on the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Phaahla said the Finance Minister will flesh out more details during his Budget Speech next week on how these posts will be funded.
“Our national team is working with the National Treasury team to thrash out the details and working with provincial health departments to speed up the process so that by 1st April 2024 all those who will not be already in posts can be able to start.”
Phaahla said he was confident that some provinces will even be able to start giving out appointment letters before 1 April 2024.
“The measures we are working on with the Minister of Finance will give us sufficient breathing space while we are working on long-term solutions.”
He told Parliament that over the last 15 years, government has ramped up the training of doctors both in the local universities and the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro programme in Cuba.
The number of graduates, according to Phaahla, has almost doubled over the last 10 years, from 1 338 graduates who entered the internship programme in 2014 to 2 210 this year.
“The medical profession is very key in the multidisciplinary teams and that is why we are doing everything to retain as many doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other members of the teams in the public health system.”
In addition, he said his department was committed to working with the medical association and the trade union to look at more opportunities for doctors including offering primary health services in the community as the State prepares to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI).
NHI
He told the House that the government interventions are laying the foundation for the implementation of the NHI.
Phaahla also took the time to thank members of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) who passed the Bill last year.
As stated in the Bill, he said the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities.”
In the meantime, he said his department was strengthening key delivery areas.
These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.
COVID-19
Since the lifting of all restrictions in June 2022, he said the health sector has been on a recovery path.
“Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members indeed as stated by the President, key indicators show that we have recovered well from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For example, he cited the improved life expectancy approaching pre-COVID, the continued reduction in maternal mortality in pregnancy and reduced infant and under-five mortality rates.
Meanwhile, he said backlogs in planned surgery procedures including in orthopaedics, general surgery and eye operations are being attended to through the mobilisation of specialists to spend time in under-served areas with many doing it free of charge.
In addition, Phaahla said procurement and distribution of medicines has stabilised with the result and that public health institutions now have stock availability of 85%.
As stated by the President in his SONA, the department will also focus on serious interventions to improve the quality of health services by upgrading infrastructure, including building new facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:32
Recovery plan for power outages in Karoo underway
Eskom says its electricity supply recovery plans for towns in the Karoo, which lost power due to severe damage to infrastructure during inclement weather, are progressing well.
The damage cut electricity supply to Sutherland, Roggeveld, Laingsburg, Ladismith, Leeu Gamka, Swartberg, Merweville, Matjiesfontein, Prince Albert, Fraserburg and the surrounding areas.
“Eskom's recovery plan to repair the infrastructure… is making significant progress with the electricity restoration date (ETR) in sight. The ETR remains this Thursday, even though teams are pushing to secure an earlier date and time to bring back electricity supply to the affected towns in the Karoo,” the power utility said.
Eskom assured customers that repairs are “near completion”.
“To date, the intermediate structures have been planted. Two conductors, with one phase each, are running along the intermediate structures as part of the stringing process. The remaining four conductors will be run today, with stringing to commence.
“Eskom understands the frustration of these customers that must endure such a prolonged period without electricity and can assure them that the multiple teams onsite are working around the clock to bring back supply as soon as possible.
“Eskom thanks all its stakeholders for their continued support and the affected customers for their patience and understanding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:58
Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to fight crime
Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.
CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.
“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.
“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.
The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technology sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.
“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities.
“The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.
Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.
Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.
“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our world-class software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.
“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.
“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”
In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Provincial Government will be launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:53
School was promised over 10 years ago
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
SADC Media Awards
By William Baloyi
In a world filled with information overload the significance of our own stories should not be overlooked, especially those that contribute positively towards achieving regional integration and co-operation between the people of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Regional integration and telling our own stories was one of the key reasons for the establishment of the SADC awards, following a decision by the Council of Ministers in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional co-operation and integration.
The awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region.
We call on media practitioners in South Africa and the region to share their stories that focus on economic well-being, improvement of the standard of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice, peace and security for the people of Southern Africa. The SADC Media Awards present a unique opportunity for the SADC region’s journalists to be celebrated and recognised by their peers.
Media practitioners are encouraged to continually ensure that we popularise projects that are underway in the SADC region. Africa and the region must tell her own stories. It is important that we hear from a range of voices from our diverse nations. By telling our own stories, we will bridge divides between SADC nations.
The other focus of the awards is to encourage SADC nations to further boost intra-Africa trade through greater market integration, cross-border infrastructure development, and policy coordination.
By sharing and telling these stories, we can show how integration and infrastructure development is driving regional economic development, trade and investment.
The SADC Secretariat has announced that entries for the 2024 SADC Media Awards are open. Entries must be submitted by no later than 29 February 2024, and will be judged in four categories namely; Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism. The awards are open to journalists from the SADC Member States. Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from the www.sadc.int and www.gcis.gov.za websites.
*William Baloyi is Chief Director: Media Engagement at the Government Communication and Information System
Janine
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:51
Transnet steps up efforts to curb shipping delays
The first batch of four hydraulic mooring units procured by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to improve operations and reduce shipping delays at ports have been delivered and operationalised at the Ports of Cape Town and Ngqura.
The batch is part of the 52 units procured by the authority.
TNPA General Manager for Infrastructure, Thecla Mneney, said: “This marks the first of a series of major port equipment deliveries at our commercial seaports this year. We continue to make progress in fast-tracking the implementation of key investments in port infrastructure to improve operational efficiencies and provide quality service to the maritime industry”.
The TNPA also explained the uses of the units.
“A hydraulic tension mooring unit is a system that is placed on the quayside to ensure the safety of vessels alongside and mitigate the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The units assist with stabilising vessels alongside during strong winds, adverse weather conditions and high swells. The benefits also include minimized down-time and safety during operations.
“The new mooring units increases TNPA’s capacity to prevent excessive surge motions of vessels alongside, bringing the total number of units to six at the Port of Cape Town and four at the Port of Ngqura.
“TNPA has procured 52 shore tension units with an allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura, four for the Port of Saldanha and four for the Port of Richards Bay. The phased delivery of the rest of the units will be completed by early 2025,” TNPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 11:30
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place from 21-23 February 2024 in Cape Town, not only features the continent’s major sustainability thought leaders, but also provides a springboard for companies operating in the green sector to sell themselves to investors. The event brings together key African stakeholders – including investors, project …
It’s time for Africa!
By Saadia Moola
The official launch of South Africa’s first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) on 31 January 2024, at the Port of Durban goes beyond a feather in the cap for trade and economic growth. It signals the unyielding African spirit which has prevailed against the injustices that plagued our continent, including colonialism and apartheid.
Our liberation from these wrongs took the strength of all African nations and together we proved that we could overcome insurmountable obstacles to create a brighter future for the continent.
Despite the devastation over centuries, we have redefined Africa as a continental force and transformed our nation states to be independent. We have preserved our unique African heritage and identities, and capitalised on our strengths as we develop our nations.
The African Union (AU) serves as the mantra for the development of African nations. Formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the unified vision for a better future for all Africans began on 25 May 1963, when leaders of African countries joined forces to form the OAU, to advance democracy and African development.
Founded on the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and dignity, it strived to end the legacy of suffering, political instability and injustice for all Africans.
“We all want a united Africa, united not only in our concept of what unity connotes, but united in our common desire to move forward together in dealing with all the problems that can best be solved only on a continental basis”. These were the sentiments of Kwame Nkrumah, first prime minister of Ghana and Pan African Leader who contributed to the formation of the OAU.
To prioritise the acceleration of African economic growth through increased cooperation and integration of African states, the OAU was relaunched as the African Union (AU) during 2002.
Since its formation, the AU has sought to protect the independence of African states and ensure their development, playing a critical role in steering the continent through the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.
While we have much to celebrate as a continent, we remain cognisant that much still needs to be done to better Africa. This includes finding amicable solutions to conflicts that continue to plague certain parts of the continent.
Commitment to political dialogue with a view to sustainable peace and stability is a critical lever in solving the challenges in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Mali and the Sahel, Somalia, Sudan and Western Sahara.
Together we can harness our collective energies and resources ensure to take our continent closer to the ultimate vision of being free of poverty and conflict. The AU’s flagship project of Agenda 2063, is a roadmap to our development over the next 50 years. This project prioritises African goals, including; equality, intra-regional trade, infrastructure and technology development.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is in line with Agenda 2063, which is aimed at deepening African economic integration.
Strong partnerships among African nations for inclusive socio-economic development is key to advancing the African Agenda. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) also presents opportunities for massive financial growth in Africa.
The AFCFTA is the world’s largest trade area which holds the potential to boost intra-African trade by over 50 percent and inject approximately $450 billion worth of investments into the African economy to help uplift 50 to 100 million people out of poverty by 2035.
By harnessing the strengths of all 55 nations on the continent, we will recover, become stronger and ensure African nations take their rightful place in the world. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s economies remain resilient and Africa’s GDP is expected to stabilise in 2023-2024.
South Africa remains committed to Africa’s advancement and as the most industrialised economy on the continent we are actively working to facilitating intra-Africa trade through exports, enhancing skills development, foreign direct investment and international cooperation.
A thriving African economy requires developed infrastructure to facilitate trade globally. South Africa is working to improve its rail and port efficiencies to drive economic growth and enable further economic opportunities across the continent.
We are also closely working with international organisations to grow investment, industrialisation and innovation across Africa. Our future is intrinsically linked to the continent, and we are aware that Africa’s growth will spur-on our own growth and bolster us to address the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Let us all come together and play an active role in advancing Africa. Let us go beyond the dedicated Africa Month (May) to claiming the 21st century as the era for Africa’s revival and renewal!
Saadia Moola is a Director at the Government Communication and Information System
Neo
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:14
Infrastructure development
By David Jacobs
Investments in infrastructure made today are an investment in a nation’s future success. It enhances mobility and accessibility, facilitates enhanced trade, overall economic productivity and boosts a country’s wellbeing.
In understanding this crucial interplay, government launched its infrastructure investment programme in mid-2020 to build critical network infrastructure such as ports, roads and rail across the country.
These infrastructure projects have been steadily gaining momentum, turning many parts of the country into construction zones. One such project is the N2 and N3 Upgrade Programme which is expanding the capacity of our national highways in Kwa-Zulu Natal
It includes the ground breaking R2.4bn Ashburton Interchange Project in the Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, which will see additional lanes being constructed. This section of highway has been hamstrung by chronic traffic congestion that prevents the quick movement of freight.
With more than 60 percent of goods transported through this corridor, the road is a key economic artery for the movement of goods from the Port of Durban, the largest port in Sub-Saharan Africa, to the rest of South Africa and the continent.
We see this project as central to our country’s competitiveness and to the growth of the economy. Through the smooth movement of goods and services across our economy, we can enhance efficiencies, attract investment and boost job creation.
Importantly, the upgrades will not only reduce the overall travel time for road freight transport but also ensure increased safety for all road users.
Government has placed infrastructure development at the heart of our country’s economic recovery plan because it is widely known that infrastructure has a powerful multiplier effect on restoring economic growth, creating new jobs and protecting livelihoods.
Through the Ashburton Interchange Project, we have created a number of direct jobs and indirect jobs for surrounding communities. The project is also helping draw more young people into the productive sectors of the economy through training and learnerships.
The Ashburton Interchange Project adds to other projects already at an advanced stage of construction on the N3, such as the widening a section of the Camperdown Interchange and the road upgrade between Dardanelles and Lynnfield Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Another major highway upgrade being undertaken at an investment of over R 10 Billion is the N2 Wild Coast road project which connects the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Once completed, the route will shorten travel times, making it 1,5 hours faster for light vehicles and 3 hours faster heavy freight transport. This will significantly reduce vehicle carbon emissions and the time-cost saving to motorists and freight operators will be approximately R1.5 billion per annum.
The project will also see the construction of the highest bridges on the African continent with the R1.65 billion cable-stay Msikaba Bridge. The bridge will be 580m in length and be 195m high, showcasing our country’s engineering excellence.
Infrastructure projects similar to these road transport projects are being prepared and packaged for investors by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA). ISA is also driving project preparation to enhance transparency and eliminate key risks at the earliest possible time.
Our logistics infrastructure investments also extend to our nation’s ports as we address slow turnaround times. Following an internal diagnostic review by Transnet, there are plans to invest R160 billion to address the infrastructure.
It includes procuring 16 gantry cranes and acquisition of four ship-to-shore cranes to address slow turnaround times affecting the docking and offloading of containers at the port. Transnet also plans to deepen and lengthen two berths at its Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 which handles about 65 percent of the country’s containerised cargo as part of efforts to ease backlogs.
Government is addressing concerns of corruption and maladministration in the construction industry through our anti-corruption strategy designed specifically for the sector. It sets out to detect and prevent corruption and we are working closely with the Special Investigating Unit to execute the strategy.
As we gather pace on our infrastructure development, we are certain to see the benefits in our economy and on jobs. Through our investments in infrastructure we are setting the foundation for a much brighter future.
David Jacobs is Chief Director: Cluster Communication at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Neo
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 09:53
President Ramaphosa to attend Football for Humanity match
President Cyril Ramaphosa will today attend the Football for Humanity match between the Palestinian national team and the South African Football Association (SAFA) Third Division at Cape Town's Athlone Stadium.
The Football for Humanity international showpiece, held under the theme, 'Peace, Hope, and Solidarity', aims to provide Palestinian players with the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport in conditions of peace and sound infrastructure.
The Presidency said the event symbolises South Africa's historic solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle against illegal occupation and violent excesses by the State of Israel.
The Football for Humanity event will showcase the Palestine National Football Team in two exhibition matches on Sunday, 11 February and Sunday, 18 February 2023 at the Athlone Stadium.
The second match, also to be held at Athlone Stadium, will feature a South African Invitational XI facing off against the Palestinian visitors in the Freedom Cup.
The Palestinian National Football Team, fresh from their historic achievement in the Asia Cup, where they qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time, touched down in Cape Town on 8 February 2024.
The South African side will be coached by football legends, Boebie Solomons, Dr Jomo Sono and Farouk Khan, adding a significant layer of expertise and leadership to the occasion.
The Presidency said the match holds great significance, as it takes place on a day embedded in the history of South Africa and in a momentous period for the Palestinian solidarity movement.
“It was on this day, 11 February, in 1990 that former President Nelson Mandela was released from prison, marking the victory of the liberation struggle against apartheid.
“It is noteworthy that the matches occur in the 30th year of South African freedom, a time when South Africa has taken decisive and historic steps on the global stage in the fight for Palestine's liberation and the end of the conflict in Gaza,” the Presidency said in a statement.
According to the Presidency, the Palestine Football Association has expressed enthusiasm about participating in these matches, recognising their focus on humanity and peace.
“The Football for Humanity match is poised to be a fitting display of the power of sport to promote peace and unity, echoing the sentiments of former President Mandela, who believed that sport has the unique ability to unite people in ways little else can,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 08:35
Successive failure of construction companies leaves families waiting
City to deal with the 32-million litres of raw sewage it pumps out to sea every day
President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Friday, 09 February 2024, tee up at the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand.
The Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC) was inaugurated in 1999 to give an opportunity for the sitting President of the Republic to raise funds for the charity of his/her own choice.
The initiative, coordinated by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, is a joint effort with the private sector to partake in developmental initiatives to empower society.
The Challenge raises funds for developmental charities and creates an opportunity for networking among decision-makers within the private sector and entities from the three spheres of government on the day following the President's State of the Nation Address.
This year the Challenge again raises funds for the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
The Foundation's partner entity, the Adopt-A-School Foundation, will use the funds to construct ablution facilities at schools in support of the Department of Basic Education's SAFE Initiative, which stands for Sanitation Appropriate for Education.
This is an important investment in the dignity of learners and staff at schools and a contribution to social infrastructure in the country.
The President is honoured that his playing partner this year is 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe of Mangaung in the Free State. Botshepehi is one of the best young players in the Free State Junior Union.
On Friday evening, the President will express his appreciation to the event's sponsors and partners at a prize-giving dinner where players will be recognised as well.
Details of the Golf Challenge are as follows:
Date: Friday, 09 February 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Presidential Golf Challenge underway for charity
In a bid to raise funds for the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, President Cyril Ramaphosa this morning teed off at the annual Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC).
The PGC was held at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand, following the President’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday night.
According to the Presidency, the funds will be used by the foundation’s partner, the Adopt-A-School Foundation, to construct ablution facilities as part of the Department of Basic Education’s SAFE Initiative, which stands for Sanitation Appropriate for Education.
“This is an important investment in the dignity of learners and staff at schools and a contribution to social infrastructure in the country.
“The President is honoured that his playing partner this year is 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe of Mangaung in the Free State. Botshepehi is one of the best young players in the Free State Junior Union,” the Presidency said.
Load shedding
Answering questions from the media on load shedding on the side lines of the golf challenge, President Ramaphosa said government cannot give an exact date on when the rolling power outages will stop.
“It is a constant problem for South Africans. We know that and everybody feels it. And it’s not comfortable at all. In fact, it does sometimes evoke a lot of anger. But as I’ve said, we do have the resilience as South Africans to keep on ensuring that we do hope for a better time. And a better time is coming.
“The issue of the ending of load shedding is a moot one. Everybody wants to know…when is it ending. When you give them a date and there’s load shedding thereafter, they say you were lying and you make empty, false promises. So we are not going to do that because this is a process.
“Through the National Electricity Crisis Committee, everything is put in place. All the pillars are put in place to finally address load shedding. It would be wonderful and ideal to give a date but processes like these that are engineering based…you cannot really put a date to,” he said.
SARS
Responding to questions on the extension of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) boss, Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s tenure, President Ramaphosa batted away any suggestions of a crisis at the revenue collector’s office.
He explained that with Kieswetter’s term coming to an end, measures need to be put in place to facilitate a “proper transition”.
“So there’s no crisis. Nobody should be in any form of angst because the process is being handled very, very properly. And I’m happy to have a Commissioner of Revenue like him who is very cooperative; who is committed to his work; who is diligent and who has revived SARS from the grips of state capture.
“So when I was talking about revamping our institutions last night [at the State of the Nation Address], I highlighted that SARS is one of those. It is back to its old, efficient self having been taken into the depths of state capture for a while.
“We have reclaimed it and I’m rather glad that it is one of those institutions that is serving the people of South Africa well,” President Ramaphosa said.
Earlier this week, the President agreed to extend the Commissioner’s tenure beyond the end of his term at the revenue collector.
The Commissioner’s contract of employment was set to end on 30 April, where after a new Commissioner would be appointed.
In March 2019, President Ramaphosa appointed Kieswetter, in terms of Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act, for a five-year term that started on 1 May 2019. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 13:07
State of the Nation Address in numbers
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.
Below is the SONA in numbers:
Social Assistance
Unemployment and Job Creation
Crime and Corruption
Energy
Economy and Investment
Road Infrastructure
Land
Labour
Matric
Poverty Alleviation
Health
Housing, Water and Telecommunications
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
Janine
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:53
Investment in infrastructure gains momentum
President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is gaining momentum, and new and innovative funding mechanisms will be used to increase the construction of infrastructure.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, President Ramaphosa said to deal with severe inefficiencies in the freight logistics system, government is taking action to improve the country’s ports and rail network and restore them to world-class standards.
“We have set out a clear roadmap to stabilise the performance of Transnet and reform our logistics system. Working closely with business and labour, we have established dedicated teams to turn around five strategic corridors that transport goods for export purposes.
“The number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January,” Ramaphosa said.
The President also noted that Transnet has appointed an international terminal operator to help expand and improve its largest terminal at the Port of Durban, and government is overhauling the freight rail system by allowing private rail operators to access the rail network.
“With the current conflict in the Middle East affecting shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, South Africa is well positioned to offer bunkering services for ships that will be rerouted via our shores.
Broadband and investment
“We completed the auction of broadband spectrum after more than a decade of delays, resulting in new investment, lower data costs and improved network reach and quality. These reforms have a profound impact in a society in which access to the internet has risen dramatically over the last decade,” the President told a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
He also noted that less than half of all households had internet access in 2011, compared to 79% of households in 2022.
“Just this week, we published new regulations to reform our visa system, which will make it easier to attract the skills that our economy needs and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We raised R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments through five South Africa Investment Conferences, of which over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.”
Bulk water projects
The President further announced that several bulk water projects are under construction across the country to improve water supply to millions of residents in villages, towns, and cities.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation aims to enhance water resource management by initiating infrastructure projects to secure water supply and diversifying water sources to reduce dependence on surface water.”
The President highlighted some of the water infrastructure projects, which are in progress or completed, and these include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Umzimvubu, Hazelmere Dam, uMkhomazi Water Project, Clanwilliam Dam, Tzaneen Dam, Loskop, Mandlakazi, pipeline from Jozini Dam, Giyani and the pipeline from Nandoni Dam.
Included among these are also Pilanesberg Water, Vaal Gamagara and the pipeline from the Vaal River to Hothazel.
“In the Eastern Cape, the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges are beginning to rise over the landscape and will be among the highest in Africa once complete. The steel used for part of the project is fabricated in Mpumalanga, and the iron ore comes from the Northern Cape,” he said.
He also noted that in the past five years, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), which manages nearly 25 000 km of roads, has awarded more than 1 200 projects to the value of R120 billion.
“In November last year, Cabinet approved a framework for high-speed rail, focusing initially on the Johannesburg to Durban corridor,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:06
Government strengthens crime fighting measures
Government has strengthened the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the recruitment of 20 000 police officers over the last two years, and another 10 000 in the year to come.
This as part of the country’s achievements highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, in a year the country marks 30 years of democracy.
President Ramaphosa was firm that South Africans deserve to be safe and to feel safe, to walk freely and without fear in their neighbourhoods and public spaces.
The President highlighted that during this administration, government has focused on equipping the law enforcement agencies, which had been systematically weakened, to do their work effectively.
“An extra 5 000 police officers have been deployed to Public Order Policing. The SAPS has launched Operation Shanela as a new approach to target crime hotspots, which resulted in over 285 000 arrests since May last year.
“The Economic Infrastructure Task Teams that are operational in all provinces have had important successes in combatting cable theft, damage to critical infrastructure and illegal mining,” the President said.
Through close collaboration with the private sector, South Africa has seen a reduction in security incidents on the rail network.
“We launched the new Border Management Authority last year to improve the security of our borders and have already stopped over 100 000 people who tried to enter our country illegally.
“Together with civil society, we developed the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence, as a society wide response to this pandemic. Around R21 billion was dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the plan, including the economic empowerment of women.”
The President also noted other achievements, including the introduction of new laws to strengthen the response of the criminal justice system to gender-based violence, as well as the provision of better support to survivors of such violence.
He emphasised that the government’s ultimate goal is to end gender-based violence altogether by mobilising all of society.
“As part of this, we support the call for a pledge that men in South Africa are invited to take to demonstrate their personal commitment to ending this scourge. Women are also in the process of developing their own pledge.
“We still have a long way to go to build safer communities, prevent violent crime, and protect our infrastructure. But there is no doubt that a professional, well-trained, and properly resourced police force, working closely with communities, will make our country a safer place,” the President said.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:43
Metrorail must prioritise security, say commuters
President Ramaphosa expected to announce Election Day within 15 days
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 national elections within 15 days of the State of the Nation Address, which is to be delivered tomorrow evening.
“We look forward to the President delivering the State of the Nation Address tomorrow at 7pm. It it will be the administration’s seventh - in a year which marks 30 years since Parliament ushered in the democratic dispensation,” Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Addressing the media at the Imbizo Media Centre in Cape Town earlier today, Magwenya urged all South Africans to follow tomorrow’s address as it deals with the state of the nation, not only the state of one segment or some segments of the nation.
“We are united in the progress we have made and united in the work we need to do to address the challenges we face,” he said.
Magwenya said the President was recovering well from the flu and would be up to the task of delivering his address.
“Last night we were with him going through the draft [speech] until very late. By then he had improved significantly,” Magwenya said.
On Friday, the President will be up at dawn to warm up for the annual Presidential Golf Challenge.
“The Presidential Golf Challenge is coordinated by the Minister of Public Service and Administration and will raise funds for the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
“The Foundation’s partner entity, the Adopt-A-School Foundation, will use the funds to construct ablution facilities at schools in support of the Department of Basic Education’s SAFE Initiative, which stands for Sanitation Appropriate for Education,” Magwenya said.
“This is an important investment in the dignity of learners and staff at our schools and a contribution to social infrastructure in the country,” Magwenya said.
The President is honoured that his playing partner this year is 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe from Mangaung in the Free State.
“Botshepehi is one of the best young players in the Free State Junior Union and we hope he doesn’t put too much pressure on the President on the first tee,” Magwenya said.
On Friday evening, the President will express his appreciation to the event’s sponsors and partners at a prizegiving dinner where players will be recognised.
This year’s SONA holds special significance as it is not only the end of term, but also the address ahead of South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.
This is an opportunity to reflect on how far the nation has come and recommit to working together to build the country envisioned at the start of democracy.
The State of the Nation Address sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead.
During the address, the President will highlight achievements, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock the country’s development.
The address marks the official start of the Parliamentary programme. It will be followed by a debate in the National Assembly and the President’s reply to the debate. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 14:17