MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Kariega

Kariega

President Ramaphosa tells flood hit communities that government is ready to assist

Location: News

President Ramaphosa tells flood hit communities that government is ready to assist

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the people of Kariega in the Eastern Cape that government will step in to help them following devastating floods which have hit the region.

At least nine people have lost their lives in the Eastern Cape due to the floods. Thousands have been displaced, with infrastructure and housing damage estimated to have reached billions of rands.

Speaking in Kariega on Friday, President Ramaphosa told the community that they are not alone during this difficult time.

“The storm has caused great damage in this place. Government must come and help and it will help. Government will come to help all of you.  Within 30 days, we will have provided temporary housing for those who have lost their houses. In the meantime, we will have accommodation for those who have been displaced.

“This is very painful and I am very sorry that we have this situation. But I want to [assure] that government will walk this road with you,” he said.

Those who have lost loved ones will also receive help from government.

“The local government is here. The provincial government is here and all its departments as well as the national departments. The extent of the damage is huge.

“It’s a disaster and we are going to deal with it as a disaster. The sad part is that there are people who have died. We, as government, are going to help those families where people have died and our social welfare department is going to support those families as much as we can and make sure that burials do happen.

“There are people who are injured… who have had to go to hospital and we are going to make sure that they get good healthcare once they are in hospital.

“Those people who have become displaced… we are going to make sure that they are put in a same place and moved from that safe place and put in temporary accommodation, which we are in the process of preparing and building,” he said.

President Ramaphosa thanked churches and the Gift of the Givers who have stepped in to also lend a hand to those in need.

“We are grateful that we have our churches…that have come through and helped the people. We say thank you very much.

“We also want to say thank to other people, like the Gift of the Givers… They are very good and they move very quickly when they are disasters. We thank you them for that… We are thankful to have an organisation like the Gift of the Givers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 14:42

242 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa tells flood hit communities that government is ready to assist

Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

Location: News

Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality that government is putting together resources to improve the dire situation caused by the deadly floods this week.

"Currently, government is conducting an assessment of damages and requests communities to remain united, vigilant, and monitor weather updates as further rainfall is anticipated", Mabuyane said.

Parts of the Eastern Cape were battered by floods earlier this week, with the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros being the most affected areas.

Homes have been destroyed and over 1000 families have been displaced. There has been massive damage to infrastructure.

The rains have claimed the lives of at least 10 people.

Mabuyane called on the private sector to partner with government in lending a hand to the victims. This as government is fast-tracking relief efforts.

He joined a Ministerial delegation representative of all three spheres of government who conducted an oversight visit to flood-stricken areas in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

The day started with a technical meeting between the three spheres of government where they received feedback from the Disaster Response Teams on the work being done to provide humanitarian relief to those affected and the implementation status of further interventions. 

The visits to Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani and Bongweni informal settlements and Kariega were led by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Mabuyane, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Members of Mayoral Committees and the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. 

Minister Kubayi called for the urgent relocation of families currently housed at mass care centres to temporary emergency accommodation, inclusive of safer places for mothers and small children, as an immediate action and temporary residential units as a medium to long-term intervention.

Kubayi reiterated government’s calls for the public to remain vigilant during heavy rains or flooding and urged all road users to be cautious on the roads. 

Nkadimeng has instructed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to work closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, as well as the affected municipalities to further provide assistance and support to those affected by the floods. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:31

329 views
Read moreGovernment hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

Ministers to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

Location: News

Ministers to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng and Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will visit areas devastated by floods on Tuesday in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape. 

This is after parts of the Eastern Cape were flooded this week, with the most affected areas being the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros. 

“The floods have unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, while others were rescued. The floods have also displaced several people after their homes were severely affected, with some being swept away,” a government statement read. 

Government is currently assessing the extent of damage and is assisting the victims with humanitarian relief.  

During the visit, the Ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane will provide direction about further government interventions.

“Government continues to urge communities to exercise caution and be extra vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding, and follow the regular updates and warning messages from the South African Weather Service, as well as other authorities.” 

The SABC reported that the number of people who have died because of floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 10 after the body of a female, who went missing in the Rocklands area, was found yesterday afternoon.

According to the Eastern Cape CoGTA Department, the worst affected area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is Kariega. 

To date, over 500 people have been evacuated and placed in community halls. 

The strong rains also damaged the road infrastructure, bridges, and electricity power stations. 

The provincial department said the rains have destroyed the sewerage network in Kariega, resulting in blockage of stormwater drains. 

Water infrastructure in KwaNobuhle is said to have also collapsed and the community does not have running water because of the flooding.

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal government is on the ground providing humanitarian support and assisting families that have been displaced following heavy rains and strong winds that hit parts of the province on Monday evening.

This has wreaked havoc in different parts of the province, affecting five districts, including eThekwini metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.

According to officials, preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 people have died, with seven of them being from uThongathi in the north of eThekwini metro. 

The other four fatalities were reported in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa. 

In addition, over 55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries, and are receiving medical treatment in hospitals. 

Dozens of people have been displaced and three temporary shelters have been established where the affected families are receiving humanitarian aid. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 10:24

145 views
Read moreMinisters to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

Shoprite assists Nelson Mandela Bay flood relief efforts

Location: MyPR

Shoprite immediately acted to help community members affected by the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape’s Nelson Mandela Bay this past weekend. The Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens have been serving warm meals to hundreds of displaced residents at various locations in Kariega since Sunday morning. Blankets are also being distributed in partnership with Gift of …

Read moreShoprite assists Nelson Mandela Bay flood relief efforts

Condolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

Location: News

Condolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to severe flooding in the Eastern Cape.

By Monday morning, at least seven people had lost their lives in the floods with reports of some 1200 people displaced.

Areas most hit by the inclement weather are Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Kariega.

“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.

“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement, the Presidency said the President urged South Africans to heed weather warnings

“President Ramaphosa commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.

“Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, President Ramaphosa urges the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on our roads in poor weather conditions.

“The President also calls on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:36

199 views
Read moreCondolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

South Africa remains an “attractive investment destination” – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa

In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector is a demonstration of “the potential of South Africa as an investment destination”.

The President said 2023 was a milestone year for South Africa’s automotive sector with the sixth millionth South African built vehicle exported with new vehicle exports reaching nearly 400 000.

“These figures are significant for a number of reasons. They show that our auto sector continues to grow despite a gloomy global economic outlook and disruptions to the flow of goods between countries.

“The growth of the automotive sector also demonstrates the potential of South Africa as an investment destination. It is a good example of how committed investors, supported by government policies and programmes, can achieve good returns for their shareholders while contributing significantly to the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President pointed out that world leading vehicle manufacturers and other companies continue to pour more investment into South Africa.

“By way of example, Volkswagen last month announced a R4 billion investment to expand its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape in preparation for the production of a new vehicle model expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027. This investment is expected to secure the livelihoods of approximately 3500 workers and support an additional estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and opportunities.

“South Africa’s value as an investment destination extends across many other industries, as local and international companies continue to either expand their investments or undertake new investments.

“Investment is important because, among other things, it creates employment, supports the growth of emerging suppliers, generates revenue for the country, and, in doing so, supports our efforts to reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.

According to the President, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has found that net foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa has been consistently positive since the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 – meaning more investment has come into the country than out.

“Last year, FDI inflows amounted to R96.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This supports a trend where foreign direct investment has, on average, been far greater over the last five years than over the previous decade.

“The PwC report notes that South Africa has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources and a transparent legal system. Furthermore, South Africa is ‘a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of sub-Saharan Africa’,” he said.

Addressing challenges

President Ramaphosa highlighted that although there is a “broadly positive attitude towards South Africa among investors”, more work needs to be done to ensure that the FDI as a percentage of GDP is heightened.

“That is why we continue to work to implement our policies and align regulatory and other obstacles, so that we can attract higher levels of investment. Through the auction of broadband spectrum and progress in digital migration, for example, we have greatly expanded opportunities in telecommunications.

“We have significantly reduced waiting times for water use licences and other authorisations that are so important for getting major investment projects off the ground. We are working to get rid of other forms of red tape that impede and slow down investment,” the President said.

He also acknowledged that South Africa’s electricity problems remain a “major challenge to our people and the economy at large” and issues at ports and rail are being addressed.

“Through our Energy Action Plan, we have made much progress in dealing with the country’s electricity crisis. We have seen an improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations and substantial investment in new generation capacity. This has contributed to a sustained decrease in the severity of load shedding.

“The work we are doing with business, labour and other social partners in improving the efficiency of our ports and rail infrastructure is also starting to bear fruit. Further progress in these areas will increase the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President said.

The President assured that government will continue in its path towards economic recovery.

“We will continue to build on the gains that we have made towards creating an enabling business and investment climate that promotes economic growth and creates jobs.

“It is only through attracting higher levels of investment, both foreign and domestic, that a swift, sustainable economic recovery can be assured,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:27

275 views
Read moreSouth Africa remains an “attractive investment destination” – President Ramaphosa

Patel welcomes VW’s R4 billion investment in SA

Location: News

Patel welcomes VW's R4 billion investment in SA

Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) investment of R4 billion in their assembly plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has been welcomed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel. 

The investment will introduce a new SUV model built on the Polo platform. 

The move also positions the facility as the sole manufacturer of the Polo brand globally and the new SUV model will be exported to global markets.

Patel addressed the public announcement on Wednesday held at VWSA’s facility in Kariega.

He said the investment was a testament to the country’s industrial policy, and it will not only strengthen the assembly plant but also secure the livelihoods of approximately 3 500 people who are directly employed by VWSA.

“Moreover, this investment has rippled through this part of the Eastern Cape, fostering an ecosystem of prosperity and industrialisation, supporting an estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and livelihoods.”

In the last five years, the department said government has undertaken significant work to bolster automotive production in South Africa. 

Patel highlighted 10 actions, which have been taken in the sixth administration to support the industry:

• New Automotive Masterplan crafted together with the industry was implemented in July 2021, setting the policy framework for the next decade. 

• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has concluded modalities, including rules of origin for a first list of auto products, opening up a vast market.

• A free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit was concluded and implemented, which enabled South Africa to retain access to preferential terms in the United Kingdom market. 

• The establishment of the R6 billion Auto Industry Transformation Fund, which VWSA and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contribute to bringing Black component manufacturers into the supply chain. 

• A major agreement with tier 1 auto component manufacturers has been concluded that will ensure greater opportunities for Black manufacturers in tier 2 or tier 3 levels. 

• R50 billion in investment commitments in the auto sector have been secured. 

• A landmark agreement with Stellantis for the construction of a new R3 billion plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has been reached. 

• Semi-knocked down (SKD) production by BAIC, also in the Coega Special Economic Zone, has commenced as a first phase toward more value-additive complete knocked down (CKD) production. 

• A new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has been established, with 10 factories for Ford suppliers already built by March 2024, employing 3 300 workers. 

• The Electric Vehicle Policy was finalised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and a new incentive package to assist the transition was announced by the Minister of Finance in the 2024 Budget.

According to the department, the automotive industry plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. 

The manufacturing component of the auto industry contributed 2.9% of South Africa’s GDP in 2022. 

With over 115 000 direct employees and an additional 240 000 indirect jobs, the department said the auto industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing sector. 

“Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, South Africa’s automotive industry has continued to grow.”

Over the past five calendar years, South African OEMs produced 2.7 million vehicles and exported 1.7 million vehicles.

In 2023, South Africa exported a record 399 594 vehicles, a milestone for its industrial resilience and global competitiveness.

Notably, last year, South Africa exported its six millionth vehicle since the start of the democratic era. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:14

255 views
Read morePatel welcomes VW’s R4 billion investment in SA