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Mchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges

Location: News

Mchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu continues to engage with the City of Johannesburg on measures to ensure water supply sustainability.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said a meeting was convened this week, where a detailed presentation was made by Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services Management, Dr Risimati Mathye.

The meeting was attended by the city’s Acting Executive Mayor Loyiso Masuku, Joburg Water and the Rand Water Board, amongst others. 

Mathye said the city's total average water supply/volume is 1 686 097 kilo litres per day and supplies a population of 5 866 550. 

“Notwithstanding its Blue Drop score of 98.1% in 2023, the City of Johannesburg loses 46.1% of the water supplied to it by Rand Water,” Mathye said.

Other challenges noted include an increase in the frequency of water main bursts, the reduction of water storage capacity due to leaking and isolation of reservoirs, and water theft via illegal connections in informal settlements, among others.

Mchunu said the persistent water supply challenges in Johannesburg are of great concern and negatively reflect on all the stakeholders in the sector.

“It requires us to continue engaging on measures to completely address them. The projects required are seemingly easily identifiable, but there are funding constraints that we need to address and resolve," the Minister said.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for 18 March 2024.

Working visit to Greater Kokstad

Meanwhile, Mchunu will on Friday embark on a working visit to Greater Kokstad in the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to assess the status of water and sanitation. 

The department said during the visit, Mchunu will hand over the contractor for the raising of the Kempsdale Dam Wall and the construction of a pump station, which is envisaged to augment water supply capacity in areas including Kokstad Town, Kokstad C-Max Prison, Shayamoya and Bhongweni.

“Approximately 69 146 people are expected to benefit upon the completion of this project,” the department said in a statement. 
 
After the handing over of the contractor, Mchunu will hold a meeting with various stakeholders and the community of Kokstad to solicit their views, concerns and comments on the state of water and sanitation provision in the area. 

The community engagement will be held at Bhongweni Youth Centre in Kokstad.

The Minister will be accompanied by Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor Zamo Nxumalo, as well as local municipality mayors and traditional authorities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:55

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Read moreMchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges

Four foreign nationals, South African found guilty of fraud and corruption

Location: News

Four foreign nationals, South African found guilty of fraud and corruption

Five people, including four foreign nationals and one South African national, have been found guilty of fraud and corruption by the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said Tausi Majani Kahwere (25) and John Majani Kahwere (44), who are both Congolese, were convicted on Monday.

Other three accused, Morshed Alam (25), Saiful Islam Sujon (43), both Bangladeshi nationals and Oliver Whendle Hurriparsad (42), a South African national, were found guilty on Tuesday. 

Mogale said the convictions follow a lengthy investigation by the National Serious Corruption Investigation, in collaboration with Department of Home Affairs' Counter Corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, which resulted in a lengthy trial until all the accused pleaded guilty.  

It is reported that during 2021, a Department of Home Affairs official, Judy Zuma, operating with a foreign national’s syndicate, colluded with South African citizens to assist foreign nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Democratic Republic of Congo to obtain South African passports by using their identity documents and biometrics. 

“The foreign nationals fraudulently replaced the owners’ photos with theirs and assumed the names of the South African citizens. The official, Judy Zuma, has since pleaded guilty and convicted on 1 159 counts of fraud, corruption, contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and contravention of the Identification Act,” Mogale said.

Mogale said the foreign nationals were arrested between 2021 and 2023 as they were boarding flights to different destinations, and already gone through the airport processes. 

The suspects were found guilty of all seven charges brought against them, including fraud; corruption: Contravention of Section 3, Act 12 f 2004; Contravention of Section 18 (1) (a) of the Identification Act, Act 68 of 1998; Contravention of Section 49 (7) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002; Corruption under Section 3, Act 12 of 2004; and Contravention of Section 18 (1) (a) (c) of Identification Act. 

Mogale said the Congolese duo will be sentenced on Friday, while the trio will be sentenced on 21 May 2024, and Zuma will be sentenced on 05 April 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:51

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KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike

Location: News

KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike

The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has assured the business community in eThekwini that the provincial government is dealing accordingly with the strike by eThekwini Municipality workers.

READ | eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers

Dube-Ncube and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda met with the business community, led by the KZN Growth Coalition, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and individual businesses to brief them on government’s interventions to deal with the strike which started on 27 February 2024.

The meeting comes after a meeting held between the provincial government and the municipality to devise practical solutions to protect infrastructure and citizens from what the province has called “clear sabotage”.

Highlighting the progress made to deal with the situation, Dube-Ncube said a technical task team, including officials from all spheres of government, has been established to implement coordinated interventions by the relevant departments.

To address the challenge of intimidation and attacks on non-striking workers, Dube-Ncube said the Metro Police and private security have been sourced to escort staff to service delivery points, including the clearing of roads, electricity faults, water leaks, burst pipes and refuse removal. 

“Both the municipal and provincial law enforcement agencies are on high alert and will act without any fear on the acts of impunity. We are confident that this intervention will allow staff to respond to reservoirs overflowing or running empty, valves being closed, burst pipes and water leaks.

“As part of the business continuity plan, the municipality has made provision for some key employees to work remotely. Contractors have also been engaged to do some work, such as refuse collection and attending to water and electricity faults,” Dube-Ncube said.

A team has also been set up to analyse all video footage of the destruction of property, including the abuse of State vehicles that were in the hands of municipality officials who participated in the illegal strike. 

The Premier said this process is well underway, warning that “culprits are being identified through internal processes and they will be arrested soon”.

She said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has provided a four-person team to fast-track the disciplinary action of those who would be found to have been involved in untoward behaviour.

“The eThekwini leadership will meet with the leadership of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) to explain to them that no amount of grievances should result in destruction of infrastructure and denying citizens their rights to basic services. 

“Importantly, those who are involved in this anarchy will be liable for litigation for damages. Our legal units have been tasked to analyse that area,” Dube-Ncube said.

The municipality has further engaged the Department of Water and Sanitation, COGTA and Umgeni-Uthukela Water to provide technical assistance and additional water tankers.

Through Operation Sukuma Sakhe, the Premier said all field workers have been activated in the province to conduct clean-up operations throughout the city, as part of Operation Mbo (an integrated service delivery events within a particular area to ensure services are delivered to many community members at the same time).

On the strike, Dube-Ncube said the municipality has not received a memorandum of grievances or petition from SAMWU, apart from the Ekurhuleni Municipality pay scale, which was submitted to the Office of the City Manager on 27 February 2024.

“Based on the information submitted, it would seem that SAMWU is demanding pay parity to that of Ekurhuleni Municipality and/or implementation of Category 10 pay scales. The matter regarding the implementation of the Wage Curve is still under negotiation at national level, as it is a national competence,’’ Dube-Ncube said. 

The municipality has since obtained an urgent interdict in the Labour Court, which prohibits the striking employees from intimidating, harassing, assaulting, threatening or perpetuating acts of violence against employees, service providers or those accessing offices or workstations.

“We want to emphasise that all spheres of government are working together to resolve this challenge and we are in discussion with the national government to support the city and province through the provision of intelligence services and deployment of additional police officers in key hotspots to enhance safety and security capacity,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 14:33

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Read moreKZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike

eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers

Location: News

eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers

The eThekwini Municipality has obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees, including the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) members, who are taking part in the ongoing illegal and unprotected industrial action.

The interdict prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the city's activities, services and operations.

In a joint media briefing held on Monday to update the public on the ongoing strike, which started on 27 February 2024, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube issued a firm warning that lawlessness will not be allowed to prevail.

Dube-Ncube noted that while one of the rights in the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practice; right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union and the right to strike, the Constitution is also clear on the limitations of rights. 

“It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube said the violent nature of the strike has resulted in essential municipal services being severely impacted, as some employees are fearing for their lives after seeing their colleagues being attacked and infrastructure being vandalised.

She said the strike action came at a time when the municipality was making progress in repairing the infrastructure that was damaged by the consecutive severe disasters over the past five years, including COVID-19, July 2021 civil unrest, 2022 and 2023 floods.

Noting some of the damage caused by the strike, the Premier said there has been continued intimidation and attacks on non-striking employees, resulting in the city’s failure to respond to faults and restore basic services, including water, refuse collection and electricity in the entire city.

“Access to primary healthcare services has also been hampered by the intimidation of health workers in various municipal-run health facilities, putting the lives of ordinary citizens in danger. In the case where the public cannot access the city’s health facilities, we are redirecting them to the provincial clinics.

“We have observed with great concern the attacks of city employees at service delivery sites. Some have been shot while attending to service delivery complaints and a number of water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, including vehicles, have been damaged or completely destroyed,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier condemned the cruel actions inflicted by strikers on patients and ordinary citizens, which has seen blockages of access to State buildings, including several clinics, potentially endangering the lives of innocent patients.

Dube-Ncube warned that the provincial government will no longer tolerate the atmosphere of fear, trespassing on premises and forceful removal of staff from their work posts, denial of patients' rights to gain access to healthcare facilities, including vandalism of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity.

“Communities who have been without water and electricity for several days are bearing the brunt of this unlawful strike action. Scenes witnessed over the past few days are pure criminality, economic sabotage and tantamount to treason.

“Government is extremely concerned and upset about the violence accompanied by intimidation and extensive damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The municipality is currently conducting an assessment on the impact and financial implications of the strike,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:45

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Two suspects arrested for attempted police killing

Location: News

Two suspects arrested for attempted police killing

The swift response by police in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal, has led to the arrest of two suspects within a few minutes after they had attempted to kill an on-duty police officer in Newlands.

The police constable was on Thursday driving a State vehicle at the corner of Inanda Road and Marbleray Drive when a white Ford Figo approached from the side. Two men got out of the vehicle, carrying a firearm. The officer immediately reversed, as he attempted to take cover.

The two suspects got back into their vehicle, made a U-turn and drove counter traffic as they chased the police officer, firing shots at him. The constable returned fire and the suspects fled.

"The suspects' vehicle was circulated and vigilant Ntuzuma police officers spotted the vehicle at the corner of Mswenya and Nyala roads in Ntuzuma.

"The vehicle was intercepted and during a subsequent search. The suspects were found in possession of a firearm, whose serial number was erased. Police also found Gauteng province registration plates and several bank cards in the vehicle," the police said.

The suspects, aged 20 and 30, who are from Ntuzuma, were arrested and will appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of attempted murder of a police officer and illegal possession of a firearm. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:26

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Policy to improve water, sanitation services on privately-owned land

Location: News

Policy to improve water, sanitation services on privately-owned land

Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has launched a landmark policy aimed at improving the delivery of water and sanitation services on privately-owned land.

The launch took place on Friday at Cool Air Sport Grounds in Dalton under the uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The launch was part of activities planned for National Water Month, which is observed annually in March.

READ | DWS kick-starts National Water Month  

The Water and Sanitation Services on Privately Owned Land Policy was propelled by a court case in 2019, which sought to enforce the provision of basic services to farm dwellers and others who reside on privately-owned land in different parts of the country.

Following this, the department developed a policy, which underwent extensive nationwide consultative processes for 90 days from December 2022 to March 2023. It was subsequently approved by Cabinet on 29 November 2023 for implementation.

Addressing hundreds of farm dwellers attending the policy launch held collaboratively with uMngeni-uThukela Water, the Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA), uMgungundlovu District and uMshwati Municipality, Mchunu reiterated the department’s commitment to ensure equitable provision of water and sanitation services.

“The purpose of the policy is to outline government’s intentions regarding water and sanitation services provision to residents living on privately-owned land.

“It establishes a framework for enhancing water and sanitation services provision in such areas, with specific strategies to be developed at provincial, district and local municipal levels. We are not here to just say we are launching the policy and then leave it there.

“We have measures put in place to ensure the effective and successful implementation of this policy, working collaboratively with other sister departments, civil society organisations and all spheres of government,” he said.

A comprehensive status quo analysis has been done by uMgungundlovu District Municipality in response to the 2019 court judgment.

Thus far, four boreholes in uMngeni, two in iMpendle, one in uMshwathi, nine in Mkhambathini and two in Richmond have been developed to ensure access to clean water.

A total of 231 basic sanitation facilities have been provided within the uMngungundlovu District Municipality.

Added to this, uMsunduzi Local Municipality has started with the planning process and has conducted a census of all farms under their jurisdiction needing clean water and safe sanitation services. This will enable them to allocate resources and start with the implementation of the policy.

Mchunu emphasised the commitment to implement the policy nationwide, not only in KwaZulu-Natal.

“As much as the policy is being launched under the uMgungundlovu District, its implementation will cover all corners of South Africa. We are calling upon all stakeholders to avail their resources and work alongside the department to ensure the full implementation of the policy.

“This policy is not just a document, but a programme of action to provide basic services to people living on privately-owned land,” Mchunu said.

The launch of the policy marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the Department of Water and Sanitation and the sector as a whole.

It is a commitment to a shared future where communities thrive, the environment flourishes, and every individual experiences the dignity that comes with access to basic water supply and sanitation services.

The launch provided residents, stakeholders and duty-bearers with a comprehensive understanding of the policy's key features and benefits, which includes improved access to reliable and safe water sources, enhanced service delivery and increased transparency and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 11:45

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Read morePolicy to improve water, sanitation services on privately-owned land

DWS kick-starts National Water Month  

Location: News

DWS kick-starts National Water Month  

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will be embarking on advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month.

Today, the department kick-starts National Water Month, which is conceptualised along the annual commemoration of World Water Day.

World Water Day is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and is observed on 22 March.

The UN uses World Water Day to focus attention on the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, with the aim of aspiring nations to commit to long-term action.

This is to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030, while not impacting the environment. 

World Water Day also brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

This year’s Water Day will be observed under the theme, 'Leveraging Water for Peace', which encourages communities and countries to use water as a tool for peace, when cooperating over this precious shared resource.

The theme also highlights that water can spark and intensify conflict when access is denied and usage unfairly shared. 

The department said National Water Month will be used to reflect and deliver the department’s mandate in response to these challenges, with the strategies to avoid the projected deficit.

Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land

The ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately owned land, scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal, will be the highlight of this year’s National Water Month. 

“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch this holistic policy with the intention of unifying and simplifying the provision and regulation of sustainable and equitable water services to residents living on privately-owned land,” the department said. 

The month-long activities will also see Mchunu visiting Limpopo to assess progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which will benefit 24 villages.

This follows his commitment to accelerate the project through, among others, optimisation of the Giyani water treatment works to its original capacity and increase the project scope to ensure 55 villages benefit from the scheme. This is through funds allocated for reticulation and expanding access to yard connections. 

To this end, the department said 24 villages are in various stages of construction and some of the villages will soon be receiving water in their taps. 

“Minister Mchunu will also meet with his four counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to sign the amendment of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) by the four riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.

“The agreement signed in 2003, will be amended to formalise the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers to be the main policy and decision-making body on transboundary, water resource management issues in the Limpopo River Basin,” the department said. 

The department has reiterated its call to all South Africans to make a difference by changing the way they use, drink and manage water in their respective lives. 

“South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global annual average of 814mm. Thus, it has limited water availability, which is diminishing compared to other countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:58

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Read moreDWS kick-starts National Water Month  

DWS kickstarts National Water Month  

Location: News

DWS kickstarts National Water Month  

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will be embarking on advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month.

Today, the department kick-starts National Water Month, which is conceptualised along the annual commemoration of World Water Day.

World Water Day is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and is observed on 22 March.

The UN uses World Water Day to focus attention on the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, with the aim of aspiring nations to commit to long-term action.

This is to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030, while not impacting the environment. 

World Water Day also brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

This year’s Water Day will be observed under the theme, 'Leveraging Water for Peace', which encourages communities and countries to use water as a tool for peace, when cooperating over this precious shared resource.

The theme also highlights that water can spark and intensify conflict when access is denied and usage unfairly shared. 

The department said National Water Month will be used to reflect and deliver the department’s mandate in response to these challenges, with the strategies to avoid the projected deficit.

Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land

The ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately owned land, scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal, will be the highlight of this year’s National Water Month. 

“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch this holistic policy with the intention of unifying and simplifying the provision and regulation of sustainable and equitable water services to residents living on privately-owned land,” the department said. 

The month-long activities will also see Mchunu visiting Limpopo to assess progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which will benefit 24 villages.

This follows his commitment to accelerate the project through, among others, optimisation of the Giyani water treatment works to its original capacity and increase the project scope to ensure 55 villages benefit from the scheme. This is through funds allocated for reticulation and expanding access to yard connections. 

To this end, the department said 24 villages are in various stages of construction and some of the villages will soon be receiving water in their taps. 

“Minister Mchunu will also meet with his four counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to sign the amendment of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) by the four riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.

“The agreement signed in 2003, will be amended to formalise the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers to be the main policy and decision-making body on transboundary, water resource management issues in the Limpopo River Basin,” the department said. 

The department has reiterated its call to all South Africans to make a difference by changing the way they use, drink and manage water in their respective lives. 

“South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global annual average of 814mm. Thus, it has limited water availability, which is diminishing compared to other countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:58

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Read moreDWS kickstarts National Water Month  

KZN plans to recruit 1000 social crime prevention volunteers

Location: News

KZN plans to recruit 1000 social crime prevention volunteers

In a bid to further strengthen the fight against crime in KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial government plans to recruit 1000 social crime prevention volunteers who will be deployed throughout the province.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, made the announcement when she was delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.

Highlighting some of the provincial government’s initiatives aimed at fighting crime in communities, Dube-Ncube said police capacity has over the past four years been augmented by new members with a total of over 4 000 new police officers received in the past two years.

Dube-Ncube also announced that the Department of Community Safety and Liaison will in the 2024/25 financial year establish a Community Safety Intervention Unit (CSIU) which will work with other law enforcement agencies as a force multiplier, proactively and reactively fighting crime in communities.

“The SAPS has also announced significant improvements in the allocation of resources with more vehicles and trainee Constables being made available in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The Department of Community Safety and Liaison has bought 60 safety patrol cars that will be used by the Community Safety Committees and Community Police Forums to complement the work of the police,” Dube-Ncube said.

Specialised team to tackle cross border crime

On cross border crime, Dube-Ncube said the province is pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure that South Africans’ properties that are illegally stuck in sister countries are returned to their rightful owners.

“In this regard, we met with the Mozambican High Commissioner to South Africa last year to discuss this matter. We have installed jersey barriers at exit points to make it difficult for stolen vehicles to cross into Mozambique,” Dube-Ncube said.

The provincial government is working closely with the SAPS’ Specialised KZN Stabilising Team to address issues of criminality in and around the Manguzi area.

She said the interventions have resulted in the arrest of several highly sought criminals, and who are currently facing justice.

“When we visited there late last year with Police Minister Bheki Cele this special team had arrested 103 suspects [and] four had been convicted. Fifty-six dockets were in court, 193 motor vehicles had been identified or which 63 had been handed back to the owners,” the Premier said, adding that 42 cases were also under investigation,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 15:05

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Dube-Ncube commends setting up of victim-friendly rooms at police stations

Location: News

Dube-Ncube commends setting up of victim-friendly rooms at police stations

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has commended the installation of victim-friendly rooms at 28 police stations, boreholes and streetlights at a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) hotspot in Nongoma.

The victim-friendly rooms were installed by lsibaya Casino, while Vodacom installed the boreholes and streetlights.

Dube-Ncube said at least 755 survivors of GBVF accessed services in government supported GBVF shelters, with 112 964 survivors receiving psychosocial support services from the Department of Social Development and their partners.

“A total of 3 540 victims of GBV and crime accessed Khuseleka/White Door houses and shelters. District focal points and stakeholders from 11 districts were trained as master trainers,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier said there are currently 74 functional ward-based rapid response teams integrated into war rooms.

The Premier emphasised that one of the best ways is to assist GBV survivors through economic empowerment, highlighting that 26 401 women were reached with economic empowerment programmes this year.

“Three hundred women in business have been supported with card machines by the Office of the Premier. A GBVF App with a panic button is being developed by the Moses Kotane Institute, with funds from lsibaya Casino.

“We are determined to ensure that women are continuously empowered and in this regard, through the Department of Social Development, SEDA [Small Enterprise Development Agency] and EDTEA [Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental], we have trained over 500 women in business skills,” the Premier said.

She said most of these women were survivors of GBV and to this end, they have received start-up packs to set up and run their own businesses. 

Forging partnerships for GBV response programmes

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier has forged strategic partnerships for the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Programmes.

The office, as the coordinating office, is leading the implementation of the Provincial GBVF Strategic Implementation Plan, which was approved by the provincial Executive Council in 2022.

“These partners include the KZN Gaming Board, lsibaya Casino, United Nations Population Fund, AIDS Foundation of South Africa, TBHIV Care, Cloud Therapist, Vodacom, lmbumba Foundation, SAB, and Spar Group. This structure is responsible for addressing high profile cases and supporting District Rapid Response Teams,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 15:11

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KZN continues quest to remain most favoured investment destination

Location: News

KZN continues quest to remain most favoured investment destination

While unemployment figures may cause despair, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, says the rate of investment into the province is a sign that tomorrow will be better than today.

“As KwaZulu-Natal, we faced an uphill battle in ensuring that investor confidence is unwavering, despite challenges with load shedding, the civil unrest, ageing utilities' infrastructure, some of which could not withstand the recent floods. Yet we remain determined to continue in our quest to ensure that investors know that KwaZulu-Natal is and remains the most favoured investment destination in Southern Africa,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier made the remarks when delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday.

Dube-Ncube said during the South African Investment Conference (SAIC) held last year, where President Ramaphosa’s target was exceeded by some R306 billion, KwaZulu-Natal’s share included 55 companies in the province, which invested over R300 billion.

Dube-Ncube said some of the investments are located in the province's Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Richards Bay and Dube Trade Port, and around the province. 

“Targeted business expansion and retention support activities amounted to over R23 billion, resulting in 37 201 jobs being created. Added to this are investments attracted by Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) over the last two decades, amounting to over R60 billion and creating over 95 000 jobs,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier said KwaZulu-Natal is committed to the establishment of new leather and textile Special Economic Zones in the Newcastle and Ladysmith corridor, which are estimated at R600 million. 

She said the two new SEZs will add to the two provincial SEZs of Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), and will create 4 500 employment opportunities.

According to the Premier, 35 Black Industrialists have been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and for grant funding, and they will create approximately 4 000 jobs. She said the target is to support 10 new Black Industrialists in the coming financial year.

“KwaZulu-Natal has 35 small scale fisheries cooperatives comprising 1 000 small scale fishers registered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Government has rolled out training to capacitate these fishers in the variety of Ocean Economy and Maritime technical skills,” the Premier said.

Dube-Ncube also highlighted some government-led projects to create jobs, including the Port of Durban's R1.34 billion investment programme aimed at upgrading port facilities to mainly increase port capacity. This created 1 328 jobs.

The Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA) has also spent over R900 million in KwaZulu­-Natal through its capital programme on investment and infrastructure works. 

“This includes projects on rolling stock upgrades, including the Bridge City Development with a new rail network, new access gates and CCTV cameras and stations, and the Dalbridge turnaround facility and general infrastructure station improvement. These were never there prior to this government.

“In 2023, the R2 billion Dr Pixley ka lsaka Seme Regional Hospital was officially opened with 500 beds and a full package of regional services provided. This hospital has changed lives, especially in the Phoenix, lnanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (PINK) area, and created 5 312 jobs during construction,” Dube-Ncube highlighted.

The Premier acknowledged that government alone cannot address the enormous developmental challenges faced by the province. 

“In order to accelerate development, we have partnered with the private sector to stimulate our economy. The public and private projects, worth over R129 billion, have created over 339 000 jobs,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 10:05

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Work to complete Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme continues

Location: News

Work to complete Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme continues

The Ministry of Water and Sanitation says it is accelerating the completion of the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme to ensure sustainable water provision in Zululand.

The water supply scheme aims to bring relief to the community of Mandlakazi, which is between Kwa-Nongoma and Mkhuze towns in Zululand District Municipality, as well as Hlabisa under uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

Giving an update on the progress made to move the project toward completion, the department said on 14 December 2023, Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu convened a meeting between the department, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Zululand, and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities.

The meeting was held to check on the status quo of the project progress.

At the meeting, presentations were made by both district municipalities, with visibly identifiable gaps and overall slow project progress.

This was followed by the Minister’s announcement that the scheme would be taken over by the department and transferred into a Ministerial Scheme. 

“The decision to take over the project was as a result of the delayed nature of the project and its huge socio-economic impact, as it is cuts across two districts,” departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained. 

During a meeting held on 3 January 2024, Mchunu also announced the appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water as the implementing agent, responsible for certain aspects of the project. 

In addition, the Zululand District Municipality has been appointed to implement Phases 5 and 6 of the project, which will benefit 279 297 people. 

“Phase 5 includes the construction of the main pipeline that will abstract water from Jozini Dam to Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works, and several other pipeline projects within the entire Mandlakazi project footprint.  Phase 6 concerns the construction of a network water reticulation pipelines to provide water to the households of the entire Esiphambanweni community.”

While waiting for the Mandlakazi Scheme to be completed, Mavasa said the department has provided funding for emergency storage reservoirs and connection to supply water to the Hlabisa area.

Mavasa said, as of 20 February 2024, the project have been tested and commissioned, and reservoir 12 Mthwadlana and reservoir 22 Miyaneni, will now be able to receive water.

Reservoir 12 Mthwadlana feeds all reservoirs to the east of Hlabisa in the villages including Matshamhlophe, Majukujukwini, Ophaphasi, Nhlwathi, Nqamu, Ngodini, Mcwabakazi, Makhowe, and others. 

Reservoir 22 Miyaneni is a command reservoir that feeds all reservoirs to the west of Hlabisa, including Mpembeni, Hlabisa Town, Mhlambanyathi, Mgangatho, Mansiya, among others.

“The technical teams are currently doing pressure testing and checking the functionality of some of the pipelines, since the reservoirs are now at full capacity,” Mavasa said. 

Mavasa reiterated the Ministry, and the department continue to provide support and oversight to the project, to ensure that it meets its deadlines as outlined, and that communities identified receive sustainable potable water upon its completion. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:15

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Suspects in AKA murder case to appear in court

Location: News

Suspects in AKA murder case to appear in court

The six suspects arrested in the murder case of musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known as AKA, and his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane are due to appear in court on Thursday.

The suspects were arrested on Tuesday evening. They face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, among others.

The announcement was made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, at the SA Police Service provincial headquarters in Durban.

The briefing was also attended by the police top brass, including Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Mkhwanazi said Forbes was the main target of the shooting, and not Motsoane, who was "at the wrong place at the wrong time".

“The six suspects have played different roles during the operation. We have the coordinator, who is the master of everything. We have two shooters that we all saw on social media. We have two spotters. One of the spotters was inside the restaurant observing Mr Forbes and his friends, as well as the organiser of firearms and vehicles used as getaways,” Mkhwanazi said.

Mkhwanazi said the spotter initially followed Forbes from the airport to the hotel and to the restaurant where he was fatally shot.

Forbes was gunned down in Durban’s Florida Road on 10 February 2023 as he was leaving the Wish restaurant. Motsoane was also murdered.

According to Mkhwanazi, some of the cars used at the time of the murder were rented.

On 22 April 2023, the first suspect was arrested in Belhar, Cape Town. He was the alleged organiser who hired vehicles and guns. He was also in police custody for several unrelated murders.

On 24 October 2023, the second suspect, who was an alleged spotter, was arrested. He was linked to another unrelated murder in the Berea area.

Mkhwanazi said the suspects were linked to the AKA murder through four vehicles that were used in the planning, spotting and getaway, including a Mercedes Benz, BMW, Hyundai i10 and VW Polo.

Two of the vehicles had been rented and have since been returned to their owner, who has furnished the police with a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:13

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R1 billion investment to boost tugboat availability

Location: News

R1 billion investment to boost tugboat availability

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is injecting a R1 billion investment in its marine fleet renewal programme through the acquisition of seven tugboats aimed at enhancing marine operations at its commercial seaports.

“The seven tugboats will replace marine craft that has reached its operational lifespan at the ports of Durban [in KwaZulu-Natal] and East London [in the Eastern Cape]. TNPA has awarded two contracts to a shipbuilding company, Damen Shipyards Cape Town, to deliver the seven tugboats from April to August 2024,” Transnet said on Tuesday.

From this procured tug fleet, the Port of Durban has been allocated five tugboats and two will go to the Port of East London.

“This investment demonstrates TNPA’s ongoing commitment in providing reliable marine craft at our South African ports, which will enable us to effectively service the marine industry and respond to global shipping demands,” TNPA Chief Harbour Master, Captain Rufus Lekala said.

The procured tugboats boast the latest hull design and propulsion, as well as a 60-ton bollard pull, which is a much-needed improvement from the bollard pull of the existing tugboats that will be replaced that ranges between 32 and 40-ton bollard pull.

“The 60-ton pollard pull meets international standards and makes the craft highly manoeuvrable while guiding larger and newer vessels safely in and out of the ports.

“TNPA’s marine fleet programme demonstrates a reimagined focus in ensuring that the Ports Authority delivers on its mandate of providing a competitive port system in its role as an enabler of economic growth,” Transnet said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:10

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KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases

Location: News

KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases

While efforts to prevent rhino poaching have resulted in positive outcomes in national parks across the country, South Africa has seen a shift in rhino poaching with the majority of cases in the past year being recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The pressure again has been felt in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park facing the brunt of poaching cases losing 307 of the total national poaching loss. This is the highest poaching loss within this province,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday.

Last year, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves and/or farms. This was an increase of 51 in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.

Addressing a media briefing on the 2023 national rhino poaching statistics in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister said the province recorded 49 arrests and 13 firearms were seized by multi-disciplinary teams that continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to slow the pressure on rhino poaching.

The Kruger National Park (KNP) recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with a total of 78 rhino poached in 2023. No rhinos were poached in any other National Parks. 

“As part of the government’s poverty relief program there are a number of fence monitors employed from neighboring communities that patrol the western boundary fence of the KNP and report fence breakages, illegal tracks and people entering the KNP as well as animals escaping from the KNP,” Creecy said.

Various interventions can be attributed to the decrease of rhino poached at KNP in 2023:

  • Strong collaboration between external stakeholders permanently based in KNP and attending to various Wildlife Crime cases such as the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Skukuza SAPS and SAPS forensic teams.
  • An extensive and ongoing dehorning programme, which focuses on the dehorning of all rhino in core areas.
  • The continued implementation of the KNP Ranger Services Integrity Management Plan, which is a holistic approach that assesses the drivers and dynamics of corruption, and then addresses these with a comprehensive set of actions that focuses on building individual integrity and organisational resilience to corruption.
  • Improved access control through the installation of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and gate cameras.
  • Radar detection systems that remotely track any illegal entry by poachers on foot into the KNP.

The Minister commended the work performed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – the Hawks - in several regional and transnational engagements to enhance the government’s integrated approach to combat wildlife trafficking.

“Responsible partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the financial and transporting sectors remains critical in combating international wildlife trafficking.

“The approach is not exclusive to South Africa but is followed within the region and transnationally working with the transit and end user countries in South-East Asia, especially with the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Qatar, Malaysia and Vietnam,” she said.

In relation to rhino prosecutions, verdicts were handed down in 36 cases of which 35 resulted in guilty verdicts and one in a not guilty verdict.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Environmental Working Group (EWG) meets on a biannual basis to share best practice in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime and to address challenges experienced.

These meetings also foster closer collaboration between the provincial conservation authorities dealing with wildlife trafficking cases and to help identify repeat offenders moving around the country to further the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) strategy.

“Further to this, real time information pertaining to arrest is shared, which enhance collaboration between prosecutors and the law enforcement agencies significantly. A national environmental cases audit has been conducted to establish the number of cases being dealt with by the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA).

“A consolidated list of investigating instructions pertaining to rhino and abalone cases has been developed to ensure that comprehensive investigations are requested,” the Minister said.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) embarked on a consultative process to revise both the Black and White Rhinoceros Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) in line with the provision of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. 

“The revision of the BMP aims to address the needs of both black and white rhino, provide a strategic approach and detailed action plan to conserving rhino in South Africa and for engaging with range States to the north.

 It consolidates previous work at policy and planning level on rhino management into a single integrated tool in order to usher in a whole of society approach in the interest of both the rhinos and the people of South Africa. The revised draft BMP will be published in a Government Gazette for public participation in the near future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:53

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Investigation into KZN bus crash ferrying ANC supporters

Location: News

Investigation into KZN bus crash ferrying ANC supporters

An investigation has been launched into a bus crash which claimed the lives of nine people who were returning home to Mpumalanga after the African National Congress (ANC) election manifesto launch in Durban.

According to media reports, the bus accident happened at around 5am in Paulpietersburg under the eDumbe Local Municipality in Zululand on Sunday.

“The law enforcement team on the scene has so far confirmed nine fatalities. However, they have not concluded the full recovery of the bus at the accident scene.

“Scores of other occupants sustained injuries, with four being more critical [and] they have all been taken to a local hospital. The cause of the accident is being investigated, and experts will be deployed to assist with the forensic investigation,” KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Sipho Hlomuka said.

The MEC said a team was deployed on the scene to work with all law enforcement agencies. 

“The investigation has already started, and we are in touch with the bus owner. Our investigation is looking at the condition of the road, condition of the bus, weather during the times of the accident, and the condition of the driver,” Hlomuka said.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the ANC and all affected families and wished those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

The MEC encouraged road users, especially public transport movers, to be extra cautious on the road. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:37

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Condolences for bus crash victims

Location: News

Condolences for bus crash victims

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on the R33 road in Paulpietersburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Nine individuals lost their lives, and several others were injured in the accident on Sunday.

“It is reported that the accident occurred when the driver lost control, leading to the bus overturning. The incident involved a passenger bus, which was transporting African National Congress (ANC) supporters from Durban back to Mpumalanga,” the Department of Transport said on Monday.

Chikunga extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to all those injured.

The Minister reiterated the department’s call for responsible driving on the roads and urged citizens to obey road safety precautions.

Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Sipho Hlomuka also joined the Minister in conveying his condolences while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The MEC encouraged road users, especially public transport movers, to be extra cautious on the road. ––SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:32

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Breakthrough in Learnership Accessibility Challenges

Location: MyPR

EduPower’s Innovative Learnership Model Enables Skills Development in Under-Served Communities Learnerships provide invaluable skills but for many eager candidates, they remain inaccessible as most training venues are predominantly situated in city centres. The daily commute for potential learners who live some distance from these locations, therefore, can pose financial challenges. In an innovative first for …

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Ignition Encourages A Love Of Reading – One Library At A Time

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

February 2024: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – “Literacy is a fundamental human right and a pre-requisite for even the most basic employment,” says Samantha Botha, Head of Group Marketing for Ignition Group (Ignition). “With eight out of every 10 children unable to read properly, South Africa’s reading crisis is a reality for many of our young people and creates a stumbling block …

Read moreIgnition Encourages A Love Of Reading – One Library At A Time

KZN, Transnet Pipelines meet to discuss areas of support

Location: News

KZN, Transnet Pipelines meet to discuss areas of support

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is committed to supporting the Transnet Pipelines (TPL) in implementing interventions to address the challenges faced by the organisation.

KZN Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, made the commitment during a meeting held with Transnet Pipelines Acting Chief Executive, Sibongiseni Khathi.

The focus of the meeting was to provide the Premier with a comprehensive understanding of TPL's operations, emphasising the strategic significance of the fuel pipeline in safeguarding energy supply.

TPL, an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, owns, manages and controls South Africa's network of 3 114 kilometres of high-pressure petroleum and gas pipeline network in South Africa. 
 
The meeting also familiarised the Premier with the upcoming capital projects scheduled for commencement in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Richards Bay and TM1 Accumulator Tanks in Island View. 

The two projects are poised to make a substantial economic impact in the province.
 
During the engagement, held on Friday, Khathi presented the challenges related to fuel theft from the organisation’s pipelines and encroachments along the pipeline servitude. 

Khathi also underscored the importance of securing necessary licenses and approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) timeously for the upcoming projects. 

“Building strong relationships with the KZN government is fundamental to our commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. The discussions were insightful, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for collaborative efforts to growing the economy of the region.

“TPL remains dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with key stakeholders, and the engagement with Dube-Ncube marks a significant step towards mutual understanding and cooperation,” Khathi said.
 
The Premier said the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the meeting signifies a shared commitment to the success of TPL's operations and the realisation of the upcoming capital projects.
 
“We have a vested interest in the resolution of these challenges because we appreciate that the province’s economic performance which translates to job creation and addressing unemployment, is determined by how well strategic entities like TPL operate,” Dube Ncube said.

The meeting formed part of several engagements undertaken by the Premier with various stakeholders in different sectors, ahead of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) to take place on 28 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 09:52

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