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Introduction Valuations are integral to various aspects of our lives, from determining the value of a property to assessing the worth of a vintage car. Whether you’re dealing with property valuations or art valuations, understanding the factors that influence these figures is crucial. In this article, we will explore the various types of valuations, highlighting …
The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour (DEL) Mr Jomo Sibiya has urged one of the Labour Department ‘s entities, Productivity SA to increase its visibility amongst South African businesses and also widen its reach to SMMES in the country. Delivering the keynote address at the 2024 Productivity SA Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr Sibiya …
UIF Commissioner placed on precautionary suspension
Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth has announced that Unemployment Insurance Commissioner, Tebogo Maruping, has been placed on precautionary suspension, following a briefing received from the Acting Director General, Viwe Mlenzana.
The Minister placed Maruping on precautionary suspension on Friday due to the nature of charges he is facing, which emanate inter alia, from the alleged role he played in the conclusion of the agreement between the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Thuja Holdings led by Mthunzi Mdwaba amounting to R5 billion.
The agreement was declared invalid and therefore set aside by the Pretoria High Court on 28 May 2024. The Supreme Court of Appeal further dismissed with costs the subsequent appeal that was lodged by Mdwaba on 15 August 2024.
Meth said the agreement caused a public outcry, especially in the employment and labour sector.
She said the Commissioner’s disciplinary process will be dealt with expeditiously, allowing the administration an opportunity to pay undivided attention to the primary mandate of the UIF of providing short-term relief to workers who find themselves unemployed or unable to work due to illness, maternity, adoption including to dependants of the deceased contributors.
“I have further mandated the Acting DG to deal with all systematic and capacity challenges within the department and its entities so that we can respond adequately to the unemployment challenges in the country.
“I am very much mindful of the UIF’s challenges; specifically, the system challenges and the negative impact on workers, the unemployed, beneficiaries of deceased contributors and employers alike. I would like to assure the public that work is currently underway to respond adequately to such challenges,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 09/15/2024 - 10:21
A joint meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Health, the Standing Committee on Appropriations and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) says law reforms are necessary to close gaps in legislation that expose government systems to fraudulent medico-legal claims.
The pre-audited financial statements for provinces reveal that the nine provincial health departments have paid R1.5 billion in the 2023/24 financial year for medico-legal claims, with contingent liabilities sitting at R63.5 billion. The committees were informed that doctors that are mostly targeted by fraudulent lawyers are obstetricians, gynaecologists, neurosurgeons as well as spinal and orthopedic surgeons. This leads to these specialists paying huge amounts in medical indemnity insurance to protect themselves.
The committees received a briefing from Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi on the interventions the Department of Health is undertaking to deal with the collusion between medical professionals and lawyers that defraud the system. The committees were also briefed by the Auditor-General (AG) on the three-year audit. The audit shows that poor record-keeping by hospitals and clinics contributes to the challenges associated with medico-legal claims.
Currently, valid and fraudulent medico-legal cases that end up on the court roll are kept in the system for a prolonged period, negatively impacting the victims. The Minister wants to set up a model that will allow a panel of experts comprising of retired judges, retired senior medical and nursing staff, lawyers, social workers and other relevant professionals to assess all the medico-legal claims to determine and arrive at a fair compensation for those who have experienced medical injuries. This assessment will prevent the backlog of medico-legal cases that end up in court.
This is a system that is currently implemented in other parts of the world including Scandinavian countries. Legislative reform is necessary for this model to be successful, and the joint committees supported the proposal for the introduction of such legislation.
The committees have noted the consequence management measures undertaken by the department by referring all the implicated medical professionals, legal practitioners and healthcare workers to the National Prosecuting Authority and Lawyers Practice Council for criminal prosecution and professional misconduct. In addition, the department has reported all the implicated healthcare workers to various statutory bodies. While acts of fraudulent claims are in practice, it is equally important that health standards are maintained to ensure safe measures for health practitioners.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
UIF announces extended operating hours
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that selected service points will be open on Saturdays to render services to clients and employers during the month of September.
“A decision to extend operating hours at UIF service points and to ramp up capacity was taken in anticipation of increased demand for real-time services, after the Pretoria High Court at the end of August 2024 issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from implementing a new contract for support and maintenance services to the uFiling platform,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.
uFiling is an online platform used by clients and employers to apply for UIF benefits or to register companies with the UIF, declare employees and pay over contributions to the Fund.
The platform is not connected to the main UIF system used to adjudicate and process claims.
“Due to the uFiling platform not having any support or maintenance at this time, its services was suspended. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since the suspension of uFiling processed more than 181 000 claims at service points around the country, totalling a pay out of R419 607 185,” the department said.
Extended operating hours will be rendered from 07:30 until 16:00 at UIF service points within labour centres during September month as follows:
• In Gqeberha, East London and Qonce in the Eastern Cape province.
• At the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay labour centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
• At the Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane and Mbombela labour centres in Mpumalanga province.
• At Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung and Rustenburg labour centre in the North West province.
• Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain and Bellville in the Western Cape.
Registration of employers
New employer registrations can be done through BizPortal, available on https://www.bizportal.gov.za/services.aspx.
The department has urged its clients to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and will not be able to register employees. Employee registration can be undertaken at a nearby labour centre.
Registration can also be done by downloading UI.8 and UI.19 forms from www.labour.gov.za and submitting the completed forms to e-mail address newui8registrations@labour.gov.za.
Declaration of employees
Employers with electronic payroll systems may declare their employees by sending live payroll files to e-mail address Declarations@labour.gov.za or by visiting a nearby labour centre for services.
In case of a manual declarations an employer can download a UI.19 form from www.labour.gov.za and submit a completed form via email to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za.
Regarding contributions, the department said an employer pays contributions to the UIF before the 7th day of each month. Where the 7th day is not a “business day” such as a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments must be made on or before the last business day.
“UIF contributions are made up of 2% of an employee’s salary. 1% is deducted from the salary of an employee and 1% contributed by the employer.
“Employers who are registered for tax purposes and/or the Skills Development Levy (SDL), must pay their contributions directly to the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the department said.
Employers can also pay contributions using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour website www.labour.gov.za and use their UIF reference number as the reference for payment.
“Through queue management, monitoring of operations and staff repurposing the UIF has been able to adequately handle claim volumes around the country. The Fund is confident that by extending working hours it will be able to maintain the status quo whilst developing alternative online solutions for clients and employers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:51
Owning a vehicle is a significant investment, and ensuring its longevity and reliability is crucial for most car owners. One way to safeguard this investment is by purchasing an extended warranty. An extended warranty acts as an additional layer of protection beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty, providing coverage for repairs and replacements that might be …
Wax-coated minerals provide flawless coverage while preventing pigments from disrupting the delicate skin microbiome. In September 2024, pioneering microbiome skincare brand Esse launches a microbiome-friendly concealer for sensitive skin. An increasing proportion (now over 70%) of people report experiencing skin sensitivity to some degree.1 Imbalanced skin microbiomes and damaging skincare routines are likely drivers of …
From queues to convenience: how technology is making healthcare more efficient The National Health Insurance (NHI) and collaboration were the topics on everyone’s lips at the recent Health Innovation Summit Africa 2024, held at the Maslow Hotel on Thursday, 29 August 2024. Industry experts and key stakeholders from the health sector gathered to unpack this …
Interim interdict stopped the UIF’s new service provider from rendering IT services
Cabinet welcomes signing of second Presidential Health Compact
The quest for quality and affordable healthcare for all has moved closer with the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact.
This is according to the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Acting President, presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
READ | A nation's health, is a nation's wealth
The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system. It monitors and evaluates preparations for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The stakeholders include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
“It seeks to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing the NHI,” Ramokgopa said.
The health compact also seeks to bolster the development of human resources, while improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring private sector engagement.
The Acting President told the delegates during the signing ceremony that a healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous.
“A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall wellbeing. As a result, providing quality healthcare is of the utmost importance to all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramokgopa said Cabinet was appalled that some unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to defraud billions of rands from the State through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.
READ | Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners
“These wrongdoings were uncovered in a far-reaching investigation by the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] into alleged fraudulent medico-legal claims against the State since 2017.”
According to the Minister, the ongoing investigation revealed that some legal practitioners are helped by health practitioners working for the State to target the department.
In addition, she said matters completed by the SIU have resulted in at least R3 billion in savings for various provincial health departments. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:43
Security guards employed by Golden Security Services in Heideveld say they are owed money
Invoices suggest Nketoana mayor spent R100,000 on a rented car in a single month
1 September 2024, Cape Town, South Africa – Gumtree South Africa (Gumtree SA) has once again revolutionised the online classifieds experience, this time with the launch of Pay & Ship, a secure payment and delivery solution. By prioritising user safety and convenience, this innovative development reinforces Gumtree’s commitment to being the country’s ‘most trusted online …
#PayTheGrants and the Institute for Economic Justice say regulations exclude many people who are eligible; government disagrees
Downsizing and retirement often go together, and while some might choose a smaller home or maisonette, apartments in secure estates are becoming a popular option for active seniors. This is particularly true for those who want to live on the coast while also enjoying the freedom to travel when they want. “Previously, apartment living in …
The striking workers claim they have been paid late two months in a row
One third of new and used vehicles purchased this year were bought by women. With more and more women owning and driving cars in South Africa its increasingly important to ensure better safety on our roads. Women drivers need to be even more vigilant in order to avoid falling prey to criminals. King Price Client …
The Portfolio Committee on Health met to discuss the findings of the Competition Commission's Health Market Inquiry (HMI) Report, which investigates the state of competition in the South African healthcare sector.
The HMI was initiated in 2013 to assess features that may impede affordable healthcare access and its final report was published in September 2019.
Responding to the commission's presentation, the committee focused on various concerns with the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the implications for the healthcare system, particularly in light of the HMI's recommendations.
Committee members asked about the origins of current challenges in the healthcare sector, emphasising that many issues stem from historical changes to medical schemes made before the current administration. During the engagement, it was noted that the previous regulatory environment, which guaranteed payment to providers and uniformity in care, has eroded, leading to confusion and instability. Members made a strong call for a return to foundational principles, including statutory tariffs and guaranteed benefits for medical scheme members, to restore order and fairness in the healthcare system.
The economic implications of the NHI were also highlighted. The committee expressed its concern that the transition could exacerbate existing issues within the healthcare sector. Committee members also called for a thorough investigation into potential collusion among major market players and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NHI implementation does not lead to further monopolisation of healthcare services.
The committee's discussion also focused on potential challenges in implementing the NHI within the current fragmented healthcare environment. Concerns were expressed that without a coherent regulatory framework, the goals of the NHI may be undermined. Members raised questions about how the government plans to engage with existing healthcare providers and stakeholders to incorporate their perspectives into the NHI rollout.
The need for collaboration between the ministries of Health and of Trade and Industry was another issue mentioned as crucial for creating a unified approach to healthcare reform. The committee indicated that such collaboration is essential for addressing both health outcomes and economic impacts, allowing for the development of policies that promote innovation and competition in the healthcare sector.
The role of the private sector within the NHI framework was also discussed, focusing on balancing contributions from private healthcare providers while maintaining a robust public healthcare system. The committee emphasised the necessity of feedback from both the public and private health sectors to create a fair and efficient healthcare system.
Making his contribution on the report, committee Chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, expressed deep concern regarding maternal healthcare outcomes in South Africa, particularly the stark differences in delivery methods between public and private hospitals. He noted that in public hospitals, approximately one million babies are delivered annually, with only three out of 10 mothers opting for caesarean sections. In contrast, in private hospitals seven out of 10 women delivering via caesarean, raising issues about the motivations behind these choices. Dr Dhlomo emphasised the importance of natural deliveries, highlighting that women are capable of delivering safely without unnecessary surgical interventions.
He criticised the practice of prolonging hospital stays for women who have undergone caesarean sections, pointing out that many are required to remain in the hospital for several days post-delivery, which incurs additional costs and may not be medically justified. He argued that the standard of care should allow for early discharge, particularly for women who meet health criteria within six hours after delivery. Dr Dhlomo called for a revaluation of these practices, advocating for a healthcare system that prioritises the well-being and autonomy of mothers, rather than financial gain.
He urged the Department of Health to respond proactively to these concerns, emphasising the need for systemic changes that support equitable and high-quality maternal care across both public and private sectors.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Dhlomo asked the Department of Health to take note of all the questions and concerns raised during the discussions. He said the department would be given the opportunity to respond in detail when the committee convenes for its next meeting. “This approach ensures that the Department of Health can provide comprehensive answers and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the issues surrounding the National Health Insurance and the findings of the Health Market Inquiry Report,” said Dr Dhlomo.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Bara's burn unit gets a much-needed upgrade
The upgrading of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will go a long way in positioning the facility as one of the leading centres in Africa, focusing on the treatment of burns.
This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.
The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training.
Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.
“The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system.
“This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that more patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko.
According to the CHBAH Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures - a critical factor in treating severe burns.
The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities.
According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.
The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to her body and face.
She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.
“I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,” she said.
Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body.
“I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.”
The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.
This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:23
Minister Meth welcomes Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings in the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme matter.
The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed with costs on 15 August 2024 an application by Mthunzi Mdwaba, Thuja Holdings and others to appeal against judgments and orders handed down earlier this year by the Pretoria High Court.
“In dismissing the application, the Supreme Court of Appeal found that there is no reasonable prospect of success in the appeal. Furthermore, there is no other compelling reason an appeal should be heard,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.
On 19 April 2024, the Pretoria High Court set aside the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme agreement and declared it invalid after it found that the agreement entered into between the Department of Employment and Labour and Thuja Holdings (Pty) Ltd did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act.
Mdwaba was ordered to pay the Minister's costs of the application, including the cost for two legal counsel employed.
Mdwaba, subsequent to the judgment of 19 April 2024, applied for leave to appeal the Pretoria High Court judgments and orders, but after hearing the appeal, the court dismissed the matter with costs, on 28 May 2024.
Meth is pleased that the Court has finally pronounced on the validity and lawfulness of the agreement, which has brought the matter to its conclusion.
"I am pleased that the SCA has finally brought this protracted Thuja jobs scheme matter to closure. This judgment is significant to us as the department and the workers whose UIF [Unemployment Insurance Fund] money was preserved through the aversion of this irregular transaction.
“It goes to show that as government, we do not take light the responsibility placed upon us to safeguard the monies reserved for workers. Indeed, certainty and clarity about the oversight responsibility bestowed on political office-bearers deployed in government was elevated through this matter,” Meth said.
The Minister said the work of the Unemployment Insurance Fund can continue in earnest, as the department maps the way forward to create much needed employment opportunities for unemployed jobseekers.
READ | Nxesi denies allegations of corruption in R5 billion UIF jobs deal. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:31
Jewelry is not only a symbol of elegance and style but also a valuable asset. Whether you’re looking to declutter, make a major purchase, or simply need extra cash, selling your jewelry can be a practical solution. Understanding the best practices for selling jewelry can help you maximize your return and ensure a smooth transaction. …
Gold has been a symbol of wealth and luxury for centuries, and its value remains high. If you’re considering turning your gold into cash, it’s important to understand how to get the best deal. Whether you have gold jewelry, coins, or bars, knowing the best practices for selling gold can help you maximize your return. …
Tshwane to host weather early warning system workshop
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Bernice Swarts, is expected to address the opening of the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) to be held in Tshwane from Monday.
The agenda of three-day workshop will include:
“The workshop, which will be hosted by the South African Weather Service, comes as South Africa continues to rank among the Southern African countries that are vulnerable to hazardous weather events including severe floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, storms, and heat waves.
“Among the participants at the workshop will be the SAWS; the National Disaster Management Centre; the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Communication and Digital Technologies; the Council for Geoscience; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa; and provincial, district and local government representatives.
“Also participating in the programme will be the UN and international organisations active in Early Warning Systems; civil society organizations, including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) active in early warning services, climate and disaster risk information; and the private sector, including the mobile network operators and the insurance industry,” the department said.
The DFFE said the EW4All is a United Nations initiative, which seeks to “ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027”.
It rests on the pillars of Disaster Risk Knowledge and Management, Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis and Forecasting, Warning Dissemination and Communication and Preparedness and Response Capabilities.
“According to the UN, Early Warning Systems have helped decrease the number of deaths and have reduced losses and damages resulting from hazardous weather, water or climate events. However, major gaps still exist, especially in small island developing states and least developed countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/25/2024 - 13:05
Gauteng’s property market presents a mix of opportunities with varying trends across its regions. Despite modest inflation figures, the demand for property remains strong, especially among first-time buyers and those seeking investment opportunities. Lara-Rachel Spronk, Franchise Sales Manager at Just Property Head Office, looks at the current market and the opportunities available. Overall, Gauteng’s annual …