MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal

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

KZN government responds to communities affected by inclement weather

Location: News

KZN government responds to communities affected by inclement weather

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has responded to several incidents caused by heavy rains accompanied by strong winds and hailstorms that battered parts of the province, which have resulted in extensive damage to households and infrastructure.

According to reports, six people lost their lives following a tornado which ripped apart homes and infrastructure through uThongathi in the north of Durban on Monday.

The storm has also left extensive damage to schools and power lines, leaving many parts of eThekwini without electricity.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday issued a Level 4 alert warning of disruptive rains along the coast of the province, with a high probability of flooding.

In a statement, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said the  eThekwini Metro has been hardest hit, and dozens of people are being treated for injuries in health care facilities.

“Early reports indicate that several areas within eThekwini Metro have been affected, with some roads flooded, trees fallen, and significant damage to infrastructure such as power lines and roads. The uThongathi area, in the north of Durban, has recorded the most incidents, with several homes severely damaged, roofs blown off, and trees falling on electricity lines causing power outages.

“Other areas around Durban, including Umgababa, Durban Central, and the western parts of the city, also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to flooding of some households and roads. The strong winds also affected communities in the Amajuba District and Umzinyathi District, where houses were damaged by the strong winds in Newcastle, Dannhauser, Nquthu, and surrounding areas,” the provincial government said.

Disaster teams are currently assessing the extent of the damages, while providing immediate relief, including accommodating displaced residents in government buildings.

The provincial government, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has also coordinated the disaster team from affected municipalities to provide temporary shelter to those who may need it.

“Public facilities have been opened as safe havens for the affected communities as the assessment continues. Roads are being cleared using TLBs [tractor loader backerhoe] to ensure that rescue workers are able to attend to the injured,” the provincial government said.

READ | Heavy rain warning for KZN south coast

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube is expected to lead a government delegation to visit the uThongathi area for assessment and provision of disaster relief today. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:46

844 views
Read moreKZN government responds to communities affected by inclement weather

Health sector comes together to track progress in confronting TB

Location: News

Health sector comes together to track progress in confronting TB

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce new Tuberculosis (TB) infections and deaths, the country is hosting the 8th SA TB Conference in Durban.

The gathering is an opportunity to track progress towards achieving the 2025 targets set at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting and the 2030 target to end the epidemic in line with the pragmatic End TB Strategy by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

The conference, said the Department of Health, is being held at the International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday to Friday. The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, is expected to deliver a keynote address to officially open the conference on Tuesday at 3pm.

Globally, TB is still a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent and one of the greatest public health threats in South Africa.  

South Africa remains one of the 30 high-burden TB countries contributing to 87% of the estimated incident cases worldwide. 

“It claims approximately 54 000 lives annually or around 148 lives daily in South Africa,” the department said. 

However, government believes it has made strides to ensure that all people with TB have equitable access to high-quality diagnosis, treatment, care and preventive therapy. 

“Data shows that 56% of TB patients experience catastrophic costs as per a recent WHO survey. These include a rollout of shorter regimens with better drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant TB, and the notable launch of the bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid-levofloxacin (BPaL-L) programme.” 

Other innovative interventions include the introduction of targeted universal TB testing regardless of symptoms among high-risk groups, the introduction of SMS notifications for reporting test results, and the use of artificial intelligence such as digital chest X-rays in TB screening and diagnosis. 

The four-day biannual conference is expected to “re-energise the TB community” through in-person interactions between local and international stakeholders consisting of policymakers, academics, researchers, government officials, and members of civil society organisations. 

The conference is being held under the theme: “Accelerating progress to end TB”, which serves as a call for all sectors of society to join hands to prevent avoidable deaths from a preventable and curable disease. 

The meeting will consist of insightful sessions designed to cover diverse aspects of the disease and control discussions. 

These include the TB vaccine, infections in mines, insights and innovations towards ending TB, stigma measurement among people, care services and treatment response in children with presumptive pulmonary TB over six months. 

The panellists will also look at the results of community-based TB services targeting migrant workers in the South of Mozambique. 

The department in collaboration with stakeholders in the sector including the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is currently implementing the national TB Recovery Plan, which aims to reverse the losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The aim is to accelerate efforts towards attaining the National Strategic Plan, UN High-Level Meeting, Sustainable Development Goals and End TB targets will be strengthened. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 10:05

112 views
Read moreHealth sector comes together to track progress in confronting TB

Heavy rain warning for KZN south coast

Location: News

Heavy rain warning for KZN south coast

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has warned the public in the south coast of the province of level 4 disruptive rains, which could result in disaster.

According to the South African Weather Service, the predicted level 4 alert indicated persistent rainfall over the south-eastern parts of the province from Sunday night until Monday midnight, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, including damage to infrastructure and mud-based houses. 

“This weather system will lead to widespread showers and rain over the province. Rainfall accumulation of at least 40mm is expected along the south coast, which could cause significant impact,” the weather service warned.

The department said areas that are likely to be affected include Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umuziwabantu and Umzumbe Local Municipalities.

The department said disaster teams have been activated in all the municipalities that are likely to be affected during this period. 

“We advise communities to seek shelter in safe places. Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. 

“Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to inclement weather. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

GabiK
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:36

1630 views
Read moreHeavy rain warning for KZN south coast

FUTURELIFE® and Afrika Tikkun Services Empower Entrepreneurs

Location: MyPR

Futurepreneurs creates exciting business opportunities for young South Africans The Futurepreneur Academy, launched in 2021, is an initiative between FUTURELIFE® and Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) that is financially empowering young South Africans. It offers a learnership programme that equips budding entrepreneurs with the training, skills and expert guidance to build and accelerate their businesses, selling …

Read moreFUTURELIFE® and Afrika Tikkun Services Empower Entrepreneurs

SAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up

Location: News

SAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has endorsed the 2024 National and Provincial Elections as having been free and fair.

“The South African Human Rights Commission endorses the 2024 National General Elections as free and fair,” the commission said on Sunday.

The commission’s comments come as the Electoral Commission (IEC) is set to announce the results of the elections this evening at 6pm. South Africans went to the polls in the seventh national elections on Wednesday, 29 May.

The SAHRC observed the elections from 27- 29 May 2024.

During this period, the commission observed 161 voting stations and gathered 98 reflections from human rights officials and champions, resulting in a significant national footprint across 259 voting stations.

Reflections

“Our preliminary observations revealed that operationally, 83% of voting stations observed opened on time, and 98% of ballot boxes were assembled in the presence of party agents and observers, although some party agents arrived late.”

In its preliminary reflections, the commission said that 95% of stations had all essential materials, including ballot papers and pens.

It said that most voters took more than 30 minutes to complete their voting process; 16% took two hours or longer, 46% took 30-90 minutes, and 38% took less than 10 minutes.

“We observed that 70% of voting stations experienced connectivity issues. In terms of accessibility, 83% of people with disabilities were able to vote independently, though only 40 stations scored a 10/10 for accessibility.

“Furthermore, 87% of polling stations had measures in place for the elderly, pregnant persons, and other special categories. Security incidents were minimal; no significant issues were observed and minor issues such as inebriated voters, raised tempers, or party agent interference were promptly addressed by SAPS [South African Police Service].”

The SAHRC added that it was aware that the elections “do not occur without minor glitches”.

“Some voting centres experienced slow-moving queues extending into the early hours of the following day, and some voters were turned away, unable to exercise their democratic right due to administrative challenges of registration.

“In some areas voters could not cast their vote due to strike. The Electoral Commission also reported a missing ballot box in Umhlathuze Ward 14, KwaZulu-Natal, which fortunately had already been counted.”

“Our preliminary concerns include the adverse impact of the three-ballot process on turnaround time, the lack of understanding and proper implementation of the Section 24A process, and the lack of uniformity in certain processes, with some stations using one ballot box for mixed votes and others using three separate boxes.”

It further added that accessibility for people with disabilities remains a challenge, privacy in voting booths was a concern, and connectivity issues required officials to alternate between online and manual systems.

“Overall, the Commission observed that the elections proceeded smoothly, without major concerns. The minor challenges monitored do not impact the overall declaration of the elections as free and fair. The SAHRC is further committed to producing a comprehensive final report that reflects the full extent of its observations during the 2024 general elections.”

READ | SA elections were held under “peaceful” conditions – African Union Mission

READ | SADC electoral mission gives Elections 2024 seal of approval

The commission expressed gratitude to South Africans who participated in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the civil and political rights of all participants are upheld throughout the electoral process,” it said. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 16:17

648 views
Read moreSAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up

Sun sets on 2024 elections

Location: News

Sun sets on 2024 elections

The sun has set on the most arguably contested election in the history of South Africa, with voting, vote counting and the capturing of results completed.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declared the official results during a ceremony at the national Results Operations Centre on Sunday, attended by, among others, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This paves the way for the seventh administration, which will lead South Africa for the next five years.

South Africans on 29 May voted using three ballots for the first time because of the inclusion of independent candidates on the ballot. These were the National Ballot, National Regional Ballot and the Provincial Legislature Ballot.

No less than 16 million South Africans made their mark, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%.

The parties which received the most votes and thus garnered seats in the 400-member National Assembly are as follows:

  • African National Congress (ANC) – 159 seats.
  • Democratic Alliance (DA) – 87 seats.
  • uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK party) – 58 seats.
  • Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – 39 seats.
  • Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – 17 seats.
  • Patriotic Alliance (PA) – 9 seats.
  • Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) – 6 seats.
  • ActionSA – 6 seats.
  • African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) – 3 seats.
  • United Democratic Movement (UDM) – 3 seats.
  • African Transformation Movement (ATM) – 2 seats.
  • Al Jama-ah – 2 seats.
  • Build One South Africa (BOSA) – 2 seats.
  • National Coloured Congress (NCC) – 2 seats.
  • Rise Mzansi – 2 seats
  • GOOD Party – 1 seat
  • Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) – 1 seat
  • United Africans Transformation (UTM) – 1 seat

Winners of the National Assembly votes by each region are as follows (percentages as at 7pm on Sunday):

  • Eastern Cape – ANC with 62.42% of the vote, 16 seats.
  • Free State – ANC with 52.56% of the vote, 6 seats.
  • Gauteng – ANC with 34.62% of the vote, 17 seats.
  • KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party with 44.91% of the vote, 19 seats
  • Mpumalanga – ANC with 51.31% of the vote, 8 seats.
  • Northern Cape – ANC with 49.47% of the vote, 3 seats.
  • Limpopo – ANC with 73.38% of the vote, 16 seats.
  • North West – ANC 58.29% of the vote, 8 seats.
  • Western Cape – DA with 53.37% of the vote, 14 seats

The winners of the provincial legislatures are as follows:

  • Eastern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 45 seats won.
  • Free State – ANC to lead the legislature with 16 seats won.
  • Gauteng – ANC to lead the legislature with 28 seats won.
  • KwaZulu-Natal – MK Party to lead the legislature with 37 seats won.
  • Mpumalanga – ANC to lead the legislature with 27 won.
  • Northern Cape – ANC to lead the legislature with 15 seats won
  • Limpopo – ANC to lead the legislature with 48 seats won.
  • North West – ANC to lead the legislature with 23 seats won.
  • Western Cape – DA to lead the legislature with 24 seats won.

“After carefully considering the extensive measures put in place and acknowledging the provisions of section 57(3) of the Electoral Act 1998, the commission declares the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, free and fair,” IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said during the results announcement programme.

The list of elected public representatives was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ceremony.

On Thursday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to officially receive the lists of designated Members of Parliament from the IEC in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which he will preside over. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:30

6668 views
Read moreSun sets on 2024 elections

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

Location: News

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

With a drop in temperatures expected in various parts of the country, the City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to stay safe during the cold weather.

“A drop in temperatures over parts of the country, including the City of Tshwane as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), is noticeable. The possibility of thundershowers with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday, 02 June 2024 extending to Monday, 03 June 2024,” the City’s Emergency Services Department said on Sunday.

The city has called on residents to keep warm but remain safe this winter by observing the following safety precautions:

  • If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
  • Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide so do not leave it in the house when sleeping.
  • Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
  • Improper use of space heaters (izimbawula, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, among others) should be avoided.
  • Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).

The city said the safety tips are no exhaustive and encouraged citizens to do everything they possibly can to stay safe.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,” it said.

Floods in Eastern Cape

Meanwhile, some parts of the Eastern Cape are flooded, including the Sarah Baartman, Nelson Mandela, Amathole, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities.

Two people have reported died, two are missing and 65 people have been rescued.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.

Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said MEC Williams.

He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.

Drop in temperatures

In a statement on Friday, the SAWS said that following a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.

The weather service said this was a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday.

“Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter.”

The weather service added that cold temperatures, between 12 and 17°C, are expected across the western and southern parts of the country spreading to the central and eastern parts (including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal) on Monday.

Very cold temperatures, with a maximum temperatures below 10°C, with mountain snowfalls are possible over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the eastern high ground of the Western Cape, the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, parts of the Drakensberg and in Lesotho on Monday, it said.

The system is expected to weaken and exit over the country's southern coast on Tuesday, with rainfall still expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.

“The remainder of the country will see the return of clear weather conditions, but temperatures will remain cold,” said SAWS, adding that forecasts might change during the course of the weekend. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 13:43

89 views
Read moreCall for caution amid expected cold snap

Vote counting, validation nears completion

Location: News

Vote counting, validation nears completion

South Africa is inching closer to capturing and validating 100% of the votes cast in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

At 12:51pm on Saturday, vote counting, and validation stood at 98,91 % with 23 028 of 23 292 voting districts completed nationally.

this as South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May.

According to the Election Commission’s (IEC) Results Dashboard, the ANC is in the lead with 40.29 of the vote followed by the DA at 21.64% and MK Party at 14.70%

In Limpopo, 3 199 of 3 216 voting districts completed. This means that 99.47% of vote counting has been completed. The ANC is in the lead in that province at 74.27% followed by the EFF at 12.92% and the DA at 6.09%.

The North West is at 98.56% with 1 713 of 1 738 voting districts (VDs) completed. In this province the ANC at 58.95% followed by the EFF at 16.51% and DA at 13.02%.

Mpumalanga is at 98.4% with 1 782 of 1 811 VDs completed. The ANC is leading with 51.75% of the vote followed by the MK Party at 17.40% and EFF at 12.70%.

KwaZulu-Natal is at 99.58% complete with 4 953 of 4 974 voting districts completed.

The MK Party is in the lead with 45.93% of the vote followed by the ANC at 17.61% and IFP at 16.26%.

Vote counting and validation in the Free State is complete at 100% with all of the 1 586 of 1 586 VDs completed.

The ANC is in the lead in the province at 52.88% followed by the DA at 21.31% and EFF at 13.09%.

The Eastern Cape is at 98.5% with 4 794 of 4 867 voting districts completed. The ANC has 63.22% of the vote followed by the DA at 13.92% and EFF at 10.08%.

The Western Cape is at 97.68% with 1 534 of 1 572 VDs completed. The DA is leading at 53.23% followed by the ANC at 21.19 and PA at 7.43%.

Counting in the Northern Cape is complete with 730 of 730 VDs completed. The ANC is in the lead with 49.30% of the votes followed by the DA at 21.22% and EFF at 12.89%.

Gauteng is at 94.46% with 2 642 of 2 797 voting districts completed. The ANC is in the lead with 36.31% of the vote followed by the DA at 26.97% and EFF at 12.46%. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 12:57

4049 views
Read moreVote counting, validation nears completion

Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

Location: News

Voter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

With more than 98% of votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections having being captured and validated, voter turnout for these elections is at over 50%.

The Electoral Commission’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections Results Dashboard placed voter turnout at 58.57 % as at 10:52 am on Saturday.

This as 98.42% of votes or 22 923 of 23 292 voting districts, having been completed.

South Africans voted in the seventh democratic elections on Wednesday, 29 May. 

According to the dashboard, Gauteng currently stands with the highest voter turnout at 63.72%. The province had a registered population of 6,541,978 in these elections.

This as registered voters in completed voting districts (VDs) stood at 584,569 and the total votes cast in completed VDs stood at 372,465.

Gauteng was followed by the Northern Cape at 62.49 % and KwaZulu-Natal  at 61.81 % to date.

The Western Cape is fourth at 58.09 %.

The other provinces stood as follows as at 10:26 am:

  • Free State  57.45 %
  • Mpumalanga 58.03 %
  • Eastern Cape  54.47 %
  • Limpopo 53.68 %
  • North West 51.82 %

Vote capturing and validation continues.

Voter turnout in the 2019 national elections was at 66.05 %. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Sat, 06/01/2024 - 11:20

222 views
Read moreVoter turnout at 58.57% in 2024 national elections

Appeal for ballot box to be returned

Location: News

Appeal for ballot box to be returned

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has appealed to the citizens in and around uMhlathuze Ward 14, in KwaZulu-Natal, to be on the lookout for an IEC branded ballot box, which went missing in transit from the voting station at Matamzana Dube School to the municipal electoral office for storage. 

“The ballots in the box have been counted, reconciled, and validated. The Electoral Commission is required, by law, to store ballots cast in general elections for a period of six months. 

“Furthermore, the IEC appeals to anyone who finds the ballot box to return it to us,” said the commission said in a statement.

The IEC reminded South Africans that anyone found to be in possession of ballots was liable to criminal prosecution. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 09:58

538 views
Read moreAppeal for ballot box to be returned

Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes

Location: News

Results update: ANC leads most provincial votes

With the second day of vote counting in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections still underway, the African National Congress (ANC) is currently taking the lead and continues to secure most of the votes in most provinces, except in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

As at 11:45am on Friday, the leaderboard at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, showed that the ANC was leading the votes in the Eastern Cape with 739 564, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 138 958, and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 109 630.  

A total of 67.65% vote capturing and processing had been completed in the Eastern Cape, including 3 293 of 4 868 voting districts completed.

The ANC was also taking a lead in the Free State with 336 267 votes, followed by the DA with 135 814, and EFF at 84 928. A total of 82.79% vote capturing had been completed in that province, including 1 313 of 1 586 voting districts completed.

In Gauteng, the ANC was leading with 663 401, DA 580 761, EFF 253 632, while the new kids on the block, Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party had secured 186 219 votes. 

In Limpopo, the ANC had secured 530 882, EFF 91 411, and the DA 45 028. Limpopo had captured 47.57% votes including 1 530 of the 3 216 voting districts completed.

In the North West, a total of 58.295 votes had been captured, including 1 013 of the 1 738 voting districts completed, which showed the ANC leading with 279 283, followed by EFF 80 090, and DA 56 638. 

A total of 63.22% votes had been captured in Mpumalanga with 1 145 of the 1 811 voting districts completed. The ANC in Mpumalanga had 344 794 votes followed by MK with 125 646 votes, DA 97 156, and EFF 93 452.

Counting in Northern Cape is almost complete with 99.86% votes captured, including 729 of 730 voting districts completed. The ANC in Northern Cape led with 194 373 votes, while DA had 83 809, and 51 813for the EFF.

In KwaZulu-Natal, which is among the most contested provinces, the MK is taking the lead with 625 363 votes, followed by ANC with 259 867, and Inkatha Freedom party (IFP) with 248 567, and DA with 200 493 votes. 

Results continue to be captured and the leaderboard updated.

The IEC is expected to give the progress report on the elections at 4pm.

At a media briefing on Thursday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results was underway.

 “The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.

This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at the briefing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 12:30

11931 views
Read moreResults update: ANC leads most provincial votes

Safety operations to continue throughout SA

Location: News

Safety operations to continue throughout SA

Minister of Police Bheki Cele has reiterated that police operations will continue until after the elections to ensure that citizens are safe.

Addressing members of the media at the Electoral Commission’s Results Operations Centre on Friday, the Minister said safety operations for the election period will end between 24 hours and 48 hours after the announcement of the election results.

“We pulled all our resources together… National Treasury has provided a budget for transportation and accommodation of law enforcement officials and overtime payments. We have deployed more than 17 000 police officers from various provinces to KwaZulu-Natal to ensure the elections take place in a safe and secure environment,” Cele said in Midrand at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC).

South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday to cast their votes in the 2024 General Elections, which are stated to be the most contested in the history of the country.

With reports of post-election violence doing the rounds, the Minister assured citizens that authorities are on high alert to deal with any threats.

The Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster has been implementing coordinated and intelligence-led operations both pre- and during the elections, where multi-departmental teams work together to ensure that all South Africans are safe.

Coordination is managed by National and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures of the JCPS Cluster and the Electoral Commission (IEC).

The Minister said these plans will continue post elections.

Further to this, interdepartmental priority committees were established in 2023 at both national and provincial level to look at safety and security planning.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure did a thorough threat and crime pattern analysis which informed a security plan which ensures that “nothing is left to chance”.

The national security plan was approved by the various Ministers of the JCPS Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:11

441 views
Read moreSafety operations to continue throughout SA

IEC continues vote capturing

Location: News

IEC continues vote capturing

The Electoral Commission is pulling all the stops to ensure the finalisation of the capturing and auditing of results for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, and remains on course to complete the process timeously.

Briefing media at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Friday, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, reiterated that counting at all voting stations has been completed, and that the Commission has all the results at its local offices.

“The process underway is to capture results on our system for tallying and seat allocation. So far, a total of 71.76 [percentage of] results have been captured,” Mamabolo explained.

The CEO reminded South Africans that the ballots are counted at the voting stations where they are cast.

WATCH | IEC media briefing 

 

“At all times, this is done in the presence of political party agents, independent candidate agents and observers, who monitor the entire counting and results process.

“The Commission regrets the incident this morning when the leader boards at the results operation centres and our website could not display the results. We wish to emphasise that our system did not crash and no data was compromised.

“The Commission went into the elections with a full IT plan, which includes back-up and recovery, in case it is needed. This situation has not arisen,” Mamabolo said.

READ | IEC's results dashboard restored

Mamabolo said the incident involved the activation of a "necessary control" not to display to leader boards, which is a feature of the result system.

“Result capturing and other result collation activities proceeded without interruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, progress relating to the capturing of the results, per province, is as follows (as at the time of the media briefing at 4pm):

  • Eastern Cape is at 92.13%, with 4485 of 4 868 voting districts completed.
  • Free State  is at 95.52%, with 1 515 of 1 586 voting districts completed.
  • Gauteng  is at 75.33%, with 2 107 of 2 797 voting districts completed.
  • KwaZulu-Natal is at 75.37%, with 3 749 of 4 974 voting districts completed.
  • Mpumalanga is at 91.94%, with 1 665 of 1 811 voting districts completed.
  • Northern Cape is at 100%, with 730 of 730 voting districtss completed.
  • Limpopo is at 80.78%, with 2 598 of 3 216 voting districts completed.
  • North West is at 88.61%, with 1 540 of 1 738 voting districts completed.
  • Western Cape is at 88.99%, with 1 399 of 1 572 voting districts completed.

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:58

364 views
Read moreIEC continues vote capturing

IEC reiterates commitment to accurate results capturing

Location: News

IEC reiterates commitment to accurate results capturing

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reiterated its commitment to achieving accuracy in the process of capturing the votes counted in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. 

On Thursday evening, the Commission held a briefing at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Gauteng, where it detailed the latest developments in the capturing and verification process following the General Election held on Wednesday, 29 May.

Earlier on Thursday, the IEC said in a briefing that with vote counting having been concluded, each voting station would embark on a process of finalising its results.

READ | Process to finalise Elections 2024 voting station results underway

At the time of the briefing at 8pm on Thursday, IEC General Manager Granville Abrahams said the overall percentage of votes captured on the results system stood at 55.6%.

Abrahams explained that the reason the new developments were not appearing immediately on the leaderboard at the ROC is that the Commission was still verifying them to ensure accuracy.

“To achieve accuracy, we have various processes, the first one being the capturing of the results. The results slips have been received after being checked, [as well as being] scanned and audited,” Abrahams said.

Given that this was the first time there were three ballots in the National and Provincial Elections (i.e. National Ballot, Regional or Province-to-National Ballots and Provincial Ballots), Abrahams said the Commission had anticipated that the counting process would take longer.

READ | Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers

“We did expect that we will take longer this year and to that extent, we did share with the media that we have planned to have the results announcement on Sunday. Normally, we would have it on Saturday,” Abrahams said.

Abrahams said the results will continue to trickle in throughout the night.

“That is a positive sign from the smaller municipalities. Based on what we have on the system, we are sitting on a 58.69% voter turnout, so we are hovering just below 60% of voter turnout, with bigger stations' results still to come in,” he said.

The Commission reported an incident where one ballot box, containing votes that had already been counted, went missing in transit from the voting station Matamzana Dube School in VD 43412767, KZN282, uMhlathuze. 

The IEC appealed to citizens in and around Ward 14 uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal, to be on the lookout for the IEC branded ballot box.

“The Commission is required to retain ballot boxes for a period of six months before disposing of them. We are quite eager to get back that ballot box so that it can be placed in storage,” Abrahams said.

The ballot box got lost while it was being transported in an open vehicle and it was discovered when they got to the destination that it was missing.

“I wish to emphasise that those votes have been counted and they have been recorded on the results slip,” said Abrahams. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 22:06

277 views
Read moreIEC reiterates commitment to accurate results capturing

Police commended for dedication during elections

Location: News

Police commended for dedication during elections

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, has expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster for their unwavering dedication and professional conduct during the policing of the 2024 General Elections in the province.

“Force deployments, as well as the collective efforts by all stakeholders, played a pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful elections process,” said Otola, who is the Chairperson of the Provincial Joint Intelligence Structure.

Otola acknowledged the professional conduct of all law enforcement officers who executed their duties with integrity and in an impartial manner and commended the upstanding behaviour of the communities in the province.

“No serious incidents were reported and law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to all occurrences reported,” Otola said.

The Commissioner commended the cooperation with law enforcement and Electoral Commission (IEC) officials’ contribution towards a safe and stable environment.

“Law enforcement in conjunction with all JCPS Cluster stakeholders will not relax efforts during the announcement of the results and proceeding celebrations. Crime prevention operations and disruptive actions will continue unabated to ensure the safety and security of all inhabitants in the province,” Otola said.

High police presence will continue until post elections

Meanwhile, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has assured the people of Gauteng that a high police presence will continue in the province until the election process is complete.

“No serious incidents were reported during the casting of votes in Gauteng, even in areas that were classified as high risk,” Mthombeni said.

Joined by the Director-General for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Advocate Doctor Mashabane and Ekurhuleni Chief of Police Isaac Mapeyeye, Mthombeni visited the Provincial Results Operation Centre in Alberton on Wednesday.

There he briefed the media on how law enforcement agencies were able to maintain law and order as people were casting their votes in Gauteng. 

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has also assured that police deployed at strategic areas in KwaZulu-Natal will remain in place until after the new government has taken over the reigns and the province is declared stable.

Mkhwanazi and the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, monitored the police deployments from the skies and flew over some voting stations, including eThekwini District, which has the highest number of voting stations which were categorised as high risk. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:20

650 views
Read morePolice commended for dedication during elections

Vote counting now concluded

Location: News

Vote counting now concluded

Vote counting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 has now been completed, and the process to capture and validate results is underway.

This is according to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

Mamabolo was briefing media at the IEC’s National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Thursday afternoon.

“For all intents and purposes, counting procedures have been concluded, with only a few voting stations reported to still be counting at 3pm. The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results.

“This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double blind capture of each result slip, and auditing of each result slip by independent auditors. The result system was audited externally and parties had occasion to also audit,” Mamabolo said.

WATCH | IEC briefing 

Mamabolo said by 4pm on Thursday, results had been concluded for some 22.6% of the voting districts – representing at least 2.3 million votes cast.

The rate of the results captured is as follows:

  • Gauteng has captured 28%;
  • Limpopo 26%;
  • North West 36%;
  • Northern Cape 63%;
  • Free State 56%;
  • KwaZulu-Natal 23%;
  • Mpumalanga 42%;
  • Eastern Cape 58%, and
  • Western Cape 57%.

“A result is considered complete only when a result slip has been scanned into an image, captured onto the results system, audited by independent auditors and has gone through the automated Results System exception parameters,” Mamabolo explained.

Every vote counts

Mamabolo revealed that the last ballot to be cast on Election Day was cast in Tshwane, Gauteng, with the first results coming from the Eastern Cape.

“True to its undertaking, the Commission assisted all voters that were in the queue by 21h00. Just after midnight, the Commission announced the first result. This was in a voting district in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality in the Eastern Cape,” he said.

The CEO thanked the millions of South Africans who braved long queues at voting stations and other challenges to make their mark in these elections.

“The Electoral Commission thanks the real heroes of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. They are South Africans who stood in the queues and electoral staff who worked tirelessly to process the votes.

“The commitment and patience shown by the voters and electoral staff demonstrates their commitment to our electoral democracy,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 17:00

127 views
Read moreVote counting now concluded

2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting

Location: News

2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting

Vote counting is progressing steadily after South Africans took to the polls in the 29 May National and Provincial Elections.

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Results Dashboard, as at 15:41pm on Thursday, with 21.05% of votes having been counted (4 903 of 23 293 voting districts completed), the African National Congress (ANC) leads with 43.39%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24.72%, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 8.90% nationally.

There are 27 782 477 registered voters in the country.

Provincial Legislature overview

In terms of vote counting for the Provincial Legislatures, results on the dashboard stand as follows for the leading parties:

Eastern Cape (counting 25.78% complete): ANC – 63.68%; DA – 15.68% and EFF – 9.44%.

Free State (counting 35.69% complete): ANC – 53.36%; DA – 21.37% and EFF – 12.45%.

Gauteng (counting 15.27% complete): ANC – 33.76%; DA – 30.46% and EFF – 11.66%.

KwaZulu-Natal (counting 11.94% complete): uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) – 43.33%; ANC – 20.47% and Inkatha Freedom Party – 19.45%.

Mpumalanga (counting 23.69% complete): ANC – 50.97%; MK – 17.10% and EFF – 13.16%.

Northern Cape (counting 73.01% complete): ANC – 46.50%; DA – 24.57% and EFF – 10.57%.

Limpopo (counting 13.15% complete): ANC – 70.31%; EFF – 13.19% and DA – 9.14%.

North West (counting 18.01% complete): ANC – 63.27%; EFF – 17.19% and DA – 9.13.

Western Cape (counting 35.69%): DA – 51.72%; ANC – 20.32% and Patriotic Alliance – 10.90%.

Counting continues. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 16:27

164 views
Read more2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting

BPESA highlights the potential of the KZN South Coast as a BPO and GBS investment destination

Location: MyPR

There were 6 018 new jobs created countrywide in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Global Business Services (GBS) sectors between October and December 2023 – 39% of which were in KwaZulu-Natal. In July 2023, it was reported that the sector contributed $74 million (around R1.3 billion) to the country’s export revenue. This is clearly …

Read moreBPESA highlights the potential of the KZN South Coast as a BPO and GBS investment destination

Election Day: IEC stays the course to ensure right to vote

Location: News

Election Day: IEC stays the course to ensure right to vote

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has assured voters, who arrive at voting stations before 9pm tonight, that they will be allowed to vote, even if the process stretches beyond the closing time.

Voting stations opened at 7am today for South Africans to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, with special votes (for those who applied for various reasons) and voting abroad already having taken place.

“We are pleased that our efforts are yielding results, with the length of the queues substantially reduced,” said IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo on Wednesday.

Addressing media at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand this evening, Mamabolo said voting stations are experiencing a late surge and are processing a large number of voters in certain areas, particularly the metropolitan areas in Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

“The Commission is pleased that most glitches reported earlier have been overcome, allowing electoral officials to service voters timeously,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said every citizen who has made an effort to be at a voting station must be allowed to vote.

There are 23 292 voting stations, with over 27.79 million registered voters.

“We urge those who have not voted to use the remaining time to go and make their mark. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) will remain deployed at the voting stations to ensure the safety of voters.

“The Commission is pleased with the high turnout at many voting stations across the country and thanks voters who have exercised patience in the queues while waiting for their turn to vote,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo explained that once the counting processes have been completed, the Commission will start a process to remove all voting materials, including ballot boxes and used ballots, to storage facilities.

“This process will be handled with the utmost care,” Mamabolo said, urging members of the public to report any irregularities to the authorities.

Mamabolo said to improve the quality of vote counting and the completion of results slips, the Commission has instituted a new category of staff, who will support the presiding officer with the counting effort.

“The recruitment criteria for this staff was slightly different from the rest, as high levels of numeracy are mandatory. Three such staff were appointed for each voting station and each sub-station where we operate a voting centre,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said according to the Electoral Act, the Commission has seven days within which to announce the results.

“We have always been able to declare and announce the results well within this period and will endeavour to do so with these elections,” he said.

With regard to voting at Correctional Service centres, Mamabolo said voting has been completed at all correctional facilities across the country.

“We remain grateful to the Department of Correctional Services for its ongoing assistance in ensuring that inmates exercise their democratic rights,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 19:56

202 views
Read moreElection Day: IEC stays the course to ensure right to vote

Call to vote ahead of end of Election Day

Location: News

Call to vote ahead of end of Election Day

The Electoral Commission in KwaZulu-Natal has encouraged registered voters who have yet to cast their votes, to do so ahead of the closing of voting stations at 9pm.

The call comes as voters in various parts of the country continue to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.

Giving a progress report on voting in the province on Wednesday, the provincial electoral commission said 96% of the 4 974 voting stations in the province opened at 7am, while some stations opened late due to some incidents in some parts of the province.

Among the reasons behind the late opening included the non-availability of police to escort staff carrying sensitive materials, service delivery protests, the blocking of voting stations by some political parties, and voter management devices (VDMs) with Apps that were not updated, amongst others.

The commission has reassured the voters that any technical glitch encountered on the VMD should not delay the voting process in voting stations. 

“Voting is a manual process. If the hard copy of the voters and a list of preapproved Section 24A cases is at the voting station, voting can proceed unhindered,” the Commission said.

On the approved special votes, which took place on Monday and Tuesday in the province, the commission reported that of the approved special votes a total of 110 280 out of the 238 235 voting station visits were administered, including 101 161 out of 128 053 approved home visits were administered.

“We got reports of area managers being followed into our storage sites where we kept materials overnight, by people claiming to be representing political parties and demanding to camp within the precinct of our storage facilities. Such situations were also diffused by the SAPS [South African Police Service],” the commission said.

Voting stations will close at 9pm tonight while Home Affairs Offices are also open for the processing of Temporary Identity Certificates and issuing of Identity Documents ready for collection. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 16:40

124 views
Read moreCall to vote ahead of end of Election Day

From Start-Up To Scale-Up: SMEs Discover What Big Clothing And Textile Customers Are Looking For

Location: MyPR

On Tuesday, 21st May, over 40 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector gathered for the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing & Textile Cluster Origin8 workshop. This free workshop was facilitated through the KZNCTC – a public-private partnership between eThekwini Municipality and clothing, textile, and retail firms in KZN – offering …

Read moreFrom Start-Up To Scale-Up: SMEs Discover What Big Clothing And Textile Customers Are Looking For

Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate

Location: News

Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate

With their sights set on safety and security and maintaining law and order during and after the election period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in various provinces have been deployed at voting stations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for eligible voters.

The Provincial Commissioners have on Tuesday sent off the last contingents of police officers who will further increase the foot soldiers who are already on the ground to create a safe and secure environment for the 2024 elections on Wednesday.

In the Eastern Cape, SAPS Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, and his management addressed members during a parade which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of deployment for elections duties. 

“All members are operationally ready to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” Xawuka said.

Xakuwa reminded the members on parade of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity and to “do so within the confines of the laws of the country”.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, gave his marching orders during a parade ahead of the deployment of the members to various parts of the province for the elections.

In the North West, police members have been deployed at the voting stations to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and in a free and safe environment for voters, IEC officials, as well as role-players and the general public.

In the Free State, SAPS Mangaung District Teams are maintaining heightened police visibility at the Independent Electoral Commission's warehouse to ensure safety and security during the transporting and delivery of voting materials to different places in the Mangaung area. 

Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, visited Bainsvlei Clinic to cast her special vote as well as interact with SAPS operational members who are posted at the voting station to ensure safety during the elections.

Briefing the media on the state of readiness on Monday, the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, reassured citizens that the Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies in the province are ready to ensure free and peaceful elections.

The police members at the various parades were reminded of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country. 

Giving the marching orders during the sending off parade in Harrismith of police officers who have been deployed to ensure safety and security at KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces on Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasised the maintenance of public order.

“There can never be disorder because you must be there to maintain public order and prevent crime... and do all other what is required by the Constitution. Go and assist your colleagues, make sure the election goes smooth and wherever you are, make sure you create a peaceful situation to ensure that people go to vote in a very peaceful and stable environment, and allow people to do what they are supposed to do,” Masemola told the police.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:44

749 views
Read moreLaw enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate