MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal

KZN disaster teams respond to areas affected by severe thunderstorm

Location: News

KZN disaster teams respond to areas affected by severe thunderstorm

The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department says provincial disaster management teams are responding to the trail of destruction caused by severe thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and lightning, in Dannhauser, Estcourt, Vryheid and Ulundi.

The department said three learners from Mandlamasha Primary School in Dannhauser (under Amajuba District) were struck by lightning on their way home from school on Monday. 

One learner died on the spot, while the other two were rushed to hospital, where they are recovering. 

KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has expressed condolences to the family of the departed learner and wished a speedy recovery to the two who were hospitalised.

“It is deeply sad that such a young person has left us in a tragic manner. We express our deepest condolences to the family, and we wish a speedy recovery to the other two learners that are in hospital. 

“Our disaster team will reach out to the families,” Sithole-Moloi said.  

Sithole-Moloi said a number of households in the three areas were severely impacted, as the strong wind tore roofs apart, causing damage to the valuables of many families. 

She said public infrastructure was not spared from the disaster as power lines were destroyed by the strong winds, resulting in power outages in some areas.

“Our initial reports suggest that the most affected areas were Wembezi in Estcourt (under Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality), Nhlazatshe in Ulundi and Ozwathini and Mhlongo farm under Abaqulusi Local Municipality.

“It is deeply saddening that the inclement weather has caused yet another disaster in our province, as many municipalities are currently repairing homes and infrastructure after last month’s heavy rains. We have sent teams that are currently on the ground to assist affected families with immediate relief and to attend to the needs of those affected,” the MEC said.

Sithole-Moloi has instructed the disaster teams to work together with all affected municipalities, and the department has coordinated with other departments to come to the aid of affected families. 

“Some families have lost their valuables, such as furniture and important documents and medication. We are engaging with the Department of Health, Home Affairs, and SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] to assist with the replacement of important documents and medication. 

“The disaster team is providing immediate relief, as it continues with assessments to establish the full extent of the damage in all affected areas. More details will be confirmed at a later stage,” Sithole-Moloi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 12:40

127 views
Read moreKZN disaster teams respond to areas affected by severe thunderstorm

Absa Raises R1.5 million for sustainable food gardens, bringing green initiatives to schools across five provinces through the Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY Series

Location: MyPR

6 February 2024: Absa has reaffirmed its commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves, by launching sustainable food gardens in schools across five provinces. As the proud title sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K Series since 2021, the bank unveiled its 2023 campaign, aptly named “Together we can do …

Read moreAbsa Raises R1.5 million for sustainable food gardens, bringing green initiatives to schools across five provinces through the Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY Series

Over one million novel voters added to the voters’ roll

Location: News

Over one million new voters added to the voters’ roll

The Electoral Commission says 1.2 million new voters have been added to the voters’ roll since November 2023, as the country prepares for this year’s National and Provincial Elections.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the final voter registration weekend on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the two registration weekends have given the country a growth of 1.2 million citizens on the voters’ roll. 

“Following these two registration drives, the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. Regarding the past registration weekend, over 2 million (2 060 754) citizens interacted with the commission by either visiting the 23 303 voting stations or using the online voter registration portal. 

“The interactions ranged from applying for registration as new voters or updating the registration details in the case of those already registered. Of the 2 million transactions recorded this past weekend, 457 384 or 22% were new entrants on the voters’ roll,” Mamabolo said.

Of the new registrations, 77% are young people under the age of 29 entering the voters’ roll for the first time. New registrations for young people stands at 352 524.

Mamabolo said a total of 1 606 370 or 88% voters inspected and updated their registration details, and this is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district where they reside, unless they notify the commission of an intention to vote elsewhere.

A total of 1 818 379 applications were also captured at the voting stations, while 240 789 were recorded online.

KZN records highest number registrations

Mamabolo said KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of registrations with 2 510 670 transactions, followed by Gauteng which recorded 452 596, while the Eastern Cape came third with 305 460 transactions recorded.

KwaZulu-Natal also recorded the highest number of young people registered at 103 647 followed by Gauteng at 82 168, and the Eastern Cape at 43 673.

The gender of the new registrations was evenly split with female registrations accounting for 233 364, which is 51%, while the male new registrations account for 224 020, which is 49%. 

Mamabolo noted that Gauteng remains the province with the biggest voting population at 6.4 million voters, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 5.7 million, then the Eastern Cape at 3.4 million voters. 

“The age category 20-29 at 4.3 million now represents 48% measured against the voting age population. The online registration portal has greater usage in the province of Gauteng at 99 522, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 43 240 and the Western Cape at 33 822. 

“Young persons under the age of 29 account for 47% usage of the online registration portal. Females are more likely to use the online portal more than males do at 58% or 139 313. With two registration weekends under its belt, the commission now turns its focus on ramping up preparations for the National and Provincial Elections 2024,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 14:53

284 views
Read moreOver one million novel voters added to the voters’ roll

Register to vote at your local municipal offices

Location: News

Register to vote at your local municipal offices

The Electoral Commission is urging those who could not make it to their local voting stations to register or rectify their details to visit its online facility and local municipal offices for assistance.

“The Commission extends its gratitude to thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited our registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.

“Our online facility and local municipal offices will remain open for registration and verification of details until the date of the elections is proclaimed by the President,” said the Commission.

This as the Commission held its second Voter Registration Weekend on 3 and 4 February.

The registration weekend was held in preparation for the country’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The Commission extended its gratitude to the thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited the registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.

In a statement on Sunday, the Commission said day two of the registration weekend went well.

According to the Commission, by 8am, over 99% of the 23 303 voting stations had opened with the remainder opening before 8:30am.

“At 1pm … a total of 564 715 registration transactions had been recorded at voting stations,” said the Commission.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the Commission recorded 67 200 online registration transactions. The figure for online registrations on Sunday stood at 34 293.

The provincial breakdown of the registrations recorded is as follows:

Province                     F                         M                       Grand total

Eastern Cape             50 504                43 335                93 839

Free State                  17 496                16 462                33 958

Gauteng                     55 990                60 294                116 284

KwaZulu-Natal           68 305                63 126                131 431

Limpopo                     32 166                25 276                57 442

Mpumalanga              20 426                21 367                41 793

North West                 18 963                17 871                36 834

Northern Cape           6 827                  6 869                  13 696

Out Of Country          519                     494                      1 013

Western Cape           18 781                19 644                 38 425

                                  289 977              274 738               564 715

The Commission reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections.

“That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to the Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said.

Details of the modalities of notification will be outlined after the registration process.

The Commission held the first voter registration weekend from 18 - 19 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:56

109 views
Read moreRegister to vote at your local municipal offices

Home Affairs pleased with response to extension of operating hours

Location: News

Home Affairs pleased with response to extension of operating hours

The Department of Home Affairs has assisted more than 33 500 people in its offices and 105 mobile units that were deployed in the first two days of the service delivery blitz during the Voter Registration Weekend.

 
The majority of the people, that is, more than 25 700, visited on Saturday, 03 February 2024. Nearly 7 900 visited during the two additional operating hours from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, 02 February 2024.

 
“This public response is galvanizing us to do more as we prepare to welcome those people who want to visit our offices today. We are open from 8am until 5pm,” Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza said on Sunday.

This as the Electoral Commission is holding the country’s second Voter Registration Weekend ahead of the national elections.

According to the department, the overwhelming public response led to two offices and four mobile units operating beyond 5pm in the Eastern Cape.

One office in the Western Cape operated beyond the closing time while there were three offices and two mobile units that did the same in Mpumalanga. In Gauteng, four offices operated beyond 5pm while one office did in KwaZulu-Natal.

 
Over the two days, nearly 23 400 people came to collect their IDs. Another 9 100, mostly first-time applicants, came to apply for IDs. More than 920 people applied for and received their Temporary Identification Certificates on the spot.

There were 148 people who were referred by the Independent Electoral Commission to Home Affairs to update their status on the Voters’ Roll. People who came to collect their passports were also assisted.

 
“We continue to encourage first-time applicants to come and collect their documents. Home Affairs takes up to 13 working days to deliver an ID from the day of application. Therefore, if it has been more than two weeks since you applied, please come back and collect your ID,” Nzuza said. 

The department has further set up dedicated queues for collection in offices that have space for such, to make the collection process faster. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 13:39

213 views
Read moreHome Affairs pleased with response to extension of operating hours

WorldSkills competitions hold value for youth

Location: News

WorldSkills competitions hold value for youth

Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, has emphasised the importance of the WorldSkills Competitions saying that they hold immense value for young people. 

“By participating in these competitions, they not only showcase their skills but also gain exposure to international standards and best practices. 

“The experience gained at these competitions is invaluable and can shape the future trajectory of their careers. Therefore, we must continue to support and promote the participation of our young people in such events,” Manamela said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during the opening of the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The WorldSkills Conference is taking place under the theme “Skills Change Lives”. 

World Skills South Africa has biennial national competitions where students from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and Universities of Technology compete in various artisan trades.
 
This year, students will participate in 21 different skill areas and the winners will represent South Africa at the World Skills International competition in Lyon, France in September 2024.

The Deputy Minister said the department’s responsibility extends beyond the organisation of events and competitions. 

“We are committed to improving the quality of apprenticeship and artisan training across the board. We recognise the importance of providing the necessary support to ensure the production of highly skilled artisans who can contribute meaningfully to our economy.

“To achieve this, we are working towards aligning our training programs with industry needs. We are constantly evolving our curriculum to ensure relevance and responsiveness to changing market demands.”

Government is also implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the quality of training provided by higher education institutions.

He added that the post-school education and training system is required to respond to the needs of the economy and the labour market through imparting skills. 

This is done in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, organised business, organised labour, and many other stakeholders. 

Last year, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande launched the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET).

Launched in September 2023, the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated post-school education and training.

Manamela also highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders. 

“It is through our collective efforts that we can overcome the challenges and harness the opportunities posed by skills development.

“Let us continue to work hand in hand, leveraging each other's strengths to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of our apprenticeship and artisan development initiatives,” he said. 

Support

In preparation of the WorldSkills International Competition taking place in Lyon later this year, the Deputy Minister said the department has taken robust measures to support the competitors throughout their journey.

He said the department’s foremost plan is to provide comprehensive support to competitors as it is understood that proper training and skill development play a pivotal role in achieving success at such competitions. 

“Therefore, we have planned a series of initiatives to enhance skills development within our participating teams. To begin with, we will organise workshops and training sessions led by industry experts and experienced professionals for our national competition winners.
 
“These sessions will focus on honing the technical skills of our competitors and preparing them for the challenges they will face in Lyon. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields.”

He further encouraged everyone to actively participate in fruitful deliberations throughout the conference, sharing their valuable insights and experiences. - SAnews.gov.za

 

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:46

400 views
Read moreWorldSkills competitions hold value for youth

Mchunu to engage stakeholders on Mfolozi river catchment resource development

Location: News

Mchunu to engage stakeholders on Mfolozi river catchment resource development

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, will next week meet with various stakeholders in the water sector to hear their inputs on the water resource development projects in the Mfolozi catchment area in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Apart from Pongola and Mkuze Rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, the Mfolozi River Catchment is one of the rivers that supplies water to uMkhanyakude and Zululand District Municipalities. 

The department said 75% of allocated water from Mfolozi River is used for domestic use, afforestation, and irrigation. 

However, the department said the growing population in the two districts has resulted in increased water demands for household consumption and from other sectors like forestry and agriculture.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation, together with its sector partners, has developed a water resource reconciliation strategy for Mfolozi catchment, which consists of surface water resource development projects, including the raising of Klipfontien Dam, construction of Usuthu Dam and the development of a dam in lower Mfolozi,” the department said.

Mchunu and Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, together with Umkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor, Siphile Mdaka, will on Tuesday meet with different stakeholders, including Mtubatuba traditional leaders, to get their inputs on the development and implementation of the water resource reconciliation strategy for Mfolozi catchment. 

The meeting will be held at KwaMshaya in Mtubatuba.

Update on Phoenix and Tongaat water supply challenges 
 
Meanwhile, Mchunu will over the weekend hold a meeting with residents from Verulam, Phoenix and Tongaat to provide updates on measures aimed at resolving water supply challenges within the three areas.

The meeting follows water supply challenges in areas under eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, particularly Verulam, Phoenix and Tongaat, north of Durban.

In a detailed joint statement issued on 26 January 2024, the Department of Water and Sanitation, including the City of eThekwini, and uMngeni-uThukela Water, outlined current and future measures to be implemented to address the continuous water supply challenges, which continue to plague the city, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rains.

During the meeting to be held on Sunday, Mchunu, together with eThekwini Executive Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, will address the residents, and provide a progress report on measures to restore water supply. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 13:12

218 views
Read moreMchunu to engage stakeholders on Mfolozi river catchment resource development

SCTIE in Partnership with TIKZN Hosts Investor Workshop on Ugu District One Pause Shop Services

Location: MyPR

Port Shepstone Civic Centre under Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality was a hive of activity on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 as local SMEs attended the Investor Workshop on the new Ugu District One Stop Shop. Hosted by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) in partnership with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), the workshop showcased investment …

Read moreSCTIE in Partnership with TIKZN Hosts Investor Workshop on Ugu District One Pause Shop Services

President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges

Location: News

President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme remains one of government’s top priorities as these bridges improve the safety, well-being, and access for communities in rural areas.

On Wednesday, the President handed over complete bridges at the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a result of the objectives announced in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that outlined government’s plan to construct at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.

Some 11 bridges have been completed in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 58 other bridges currently under construction throughout the country.

“Because of climate change, extreme weather events like flooding are becoming increasingly common. Communities living along and close to rivers are particularly vulnerable. That is why we see building more Welisizwe rural bridges as a priority.

“The purpose of the programme is to improve safety and well-being for rural communities who have to cross rivers on a daily basis, to boost the local economy by making mobility easier, and to create jobs and support local businesses.

“The bridges that have been handed over today will make it easier for communities to get to the clinic and hospital, to school, to town and to places of work. It will make it easier for them to fetch supplies and to take produce to market,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that during the construction of these bridges, community members benefitted through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.

“In addition to these workers, each bridge site uses SANDF [South African National Defence Force] engineers and artisans who do work such as welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.

“Since its inception, this programme has supported skills development by appointing graduates to work in bridge assessment, project management and maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.

“The bridge components are all locally sourced from South African companies that specialise in the manufacture and supply of steel-modular type bridges.  Local suppliers have also benefitted through the supply of materials such as stones, cement, concrete, road sign paint and personal protective equipment,” he said.

Historical mission

The President reflected that since the dawn of democracy some 30 years ago, government has built bridges “as we work to overcome the divisions of the past”.

“Over centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, the needs of the majority of South Africans were deliberately neglected, especially in our rural communities. Infrastructure was built for the benefit of a privileged minority.

“The historical lack of infrastructure in black communities contributed to the deep levels of poverty and inequality that we continue to grapple with today.  We remain determined to correct the imbalances in infrastructure.”

He urged community members to protect the bridges from vandalism and destruction.

“It is time to build bridges, not to destroy or burn them. It is time to build together a South Africa that we will be proud to leave for future generations.

“Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 08:53

125 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges

Suspects involved in serious crimes, shot and killed during shootout

Location: News

Suspects involved in serious crimes, shot and killed during shootout

Three suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at the Lungelani Informal Settlement in La Mercy in the early hours of this morning.

KwaZulu-Natal police said in a statement that police received intelligence that a group involved in serious crimes, including murders committed in the Inanda area, were hiding at the informal settlement.

“A team comprising various police disciplines, including members of the Hawks, descended on the location. Realising that they were surrounded, the suspects opened fire at the police and a shootout ensued,” said police.

Three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout and two pistols were allegedly found in the possession of the suspects.

It is believed that other members of the group managed to escape during the shooting.

“The operation continues in search of other suspects who have been terrorising the residents of KwaZulu-Natal," the statement reads. – SAnews.gov.za  

Edwin
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:11

80 views
Read moreSuspects involved in serious crimes, shot and killed during shootout

Here’s why contractors need to protect themselves when natural disasters strike

Location: MyPR

The recent storm and flood damage in KwaZulu-Natal is estimated to be R2.5 billion and with more heavy weather warnings on the way, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng is calling for a state of disaster in the province. While major infrastructure like roads, bridges, railways, and schools has sustained massive damage, …

Read moreHere’s why contractors need to protect themselves when natural disasters strike

SAPS notes report on July unrest

Location: News

SAPS notes report on July unrest

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, together with the management of the police service, has noted the report released on The National Investigative Hearing into the July Unrest by the South African Human Rights Commisson (SAHRC) and Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.

The report is a detailed look into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives. The full report can be found on https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.

The report contains various recommendations and findings on the events that took place in July 2021, including the policing of the unrest, the gathering of intelligence and the response of the SAPS.

SAPS said in a statement on Monday that while it will study the report in detail, "it is important to highlight notable progress made where key milestones were achieved to ensure the SAPS is better prepared to respond to such incidents".

READ | SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

Crime intelligence

SAPS said the filling of critical and key vacancies within the crime intelligence environment has been addressed, such as the appointment of a permanent Divisional Commissioner and a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.

All structures within the Crime Intelligence environment are being reviewed to enhance service delivery in all provinces.

"It is also important to note that the Crime Intelligence environment has greatly improved its mandate of detecting and collecting of information on crime, which informs and assists in the coordination and planning of joint multidisciplinary operations with other key role players in the fight against crime," the statement read.

Human and physical resources

Through Project 10 000, the SAPS trained and deployed 20 000 police officers in the last two years to capacitate frontline policing services, as well as specialised units with a key focus on the Public Order Police (POP) unit.

Seventy-nine police officers have been trained and deployed as drone pilots to assist in crime prevention and policing operations.

Public Order Police

In the past year, 5 000 police officers have been trained in crowd management and deployed to serve in the POP unit.

R150 million was also allocated to procure resources to bolster crowd management equipment for the unit.

Training has also been enhanced for members and now includes crowd psychology to improve the management and policing of crowds and gatherings.

The SAPS has also benchmarked and compared with other police organisations, in terms of use of the minimum force to disperse large crowds and found that its current equipment and techniques, such as the use of water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd situations, is in line with international standards.

However, the SAPS is continuously researching and updating training material in respect of techniques and equipment in use during crowd management to minimise the risk of human rights violation and prevent the excessive use of force.

Rebuilding trust between SAPS and communities

The Ministry of Police is continuously taking part in community participation programmes through community engagements during izimbizo, walkabouts and policing operations such as roadblocks.

Various community policing concepts are being implemented by the SAPS.

"Through the Community Police Forum (CPF) and sector crime forums, SAPS is able to forge and promote a shared responsibility on crime prevention and community safety.

"All 1 163 police stations currently have fully functional CPF forums. R70million was allocated in this financial year to resource and capacitate these CPF structures," SAPS said.

Case management

SAPS arrested 5 341 suspects, with 505 of those arrested being found guilty of various charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, arson, possession of stolen property, and malicious damage to property.

A total of 394 cases are still in court

Incitement to commit violence cases

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating eight cases of incitement to commit violence.

The DPCI has arrested 68 suspects, 65 of them were charged for contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA).

One accused has already been sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit public violence.

"The SAPS respects the work done by the two Commissions, especially as they are Chapter 9 institutions and will respond accordingly in terms of the timeframes reflected in the report," said SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:06

215 views
Read moreSAPS notes report on July unrest

SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

Location: News

SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has released its report into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives.

The violence and destruction also caused damage to infrastructure and businesses costing South Africa’s economy some R50 billion, with a further two million jobs being lost or affected.

Speaking at the release of the report, SAHRC Commissioner Philile Ntuli said the commission found that myriad factors contributed to the outbreak of destruction and violence during the riots.

“The violence and destruction were symptomatic of unresolved systemic conditions, including post-COVID-19 economic recovery, high unemployment, lawlessness, discrimination, socio-economic divides, and issues within the security sector.

“The Commission concluded that organised groups and individuals opportunistically exploited these conditions to attempt to usurp the rule of law,” Ntuli said.

The Commission’s work focused on four issues namely:

  • The social, economic, spatial, and political factors prevalent in the various affected areas, and the extent to which these played a role in the unrest.
  • The causes of the alleged racially motivated attacks and killings in the country.
  • The causes of the apparent lapses in law enforcement by State Security agencies, particularly in the South African Police Service, and the role of private security companies in the unrest.
  • The causes of the July unrest, with particular focus on Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The SAHRC made a series of findings on and recommendations for each issue - including on the South African Police Service and the country’s intelligence services.

The full report can be obtained at https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.

Ntuli described the unrest as a well-orchestrated and a “violent culmination of deep-rooted political and social challenges” that South Africa had been facing.

“The unrest was largely attributed to typologies of organisation and orchestration of public discord, crime and protest.

“Evidence indicated that the acts during the unrest were well-orchestrated, including the blocking of the N3, destruction of factories and warehouses, attack on government communication facilities, and bombing and theft of ATMs. These events were interconnected and required significant resources.

“Two types of actors were identified during the unrest: primary actors, who led and executed widespread destruction, and secondary actors, who participated in theft. The timing of the events coincided with the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma, leading to a perception that the two were related,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli said while evidence suggests that the unrest was well orchestrated, the Commission “did not receive clear evidence identifying specific groups or individuals as primary actors, while… the common purpose or intention behind the unrest remained unclear”.

In her concluding remarks, Ntuli said the July 2021 unrest must be a “marker and a lesson” as South Africa continues its journey “from our colonial past”.

“Building a united, inclusive, safe and prosperous South Africa requires confronting the past, acknowledging present challenges, and working together for positive change. The unrest was a wake-up call, nudging us all to the reality of the fragility of the peace and security that some enjoy.

“It was a reminder that the process of democracy and constitutionalism has to benefit all, if it is to be sustained. It was a confrontation with the reality that the Bill of Rights must be realised for all, and particularly for those of whom the same rights were deprived by the colonial and apartheid governments,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:23

270 views
Read moreSAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

On Monday, 29 January, the National School of Government is hosting a webinar on artificial intelligence (AI) from 11:00 to 13:00.

On Tuesday, 30 January, is the opening ceremony of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers (COM) responsible for Trade.

On Tuesday, 30 January, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Pinky Kenana will conduct a frontline monitoring and Back to School Campaign at Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

On Wednesday, 31 January, is South Africa’s launch of the preferential trade ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Council of Ministers.

Also on Wednesday, 31 January, President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Presidential Welisizwe Bridges hand over in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, will lead the hand over ceremonies of the Kei Mouth and Qoloha plantations, followed by the Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, 31 January.

On Wednesday, 31 January, The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment. 

 

 

 

 

Janine
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17

285 views
Read moreGovernment activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

President to officiate launch of SA’s first shipment under AfCFTA

Location: News

President to officiate launch of SA’s first shipment under AfCFTA

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday officiate the launch of South Africa's first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The launch ceremony will take place at the Port of Durban and occurs on the margins of the 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting to be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 30 - 31 January 2024.

South Africa is the first among the four Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries to practically realise the AfCFTA agreement.

The 37th African Union Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will, at its annual convention next month, take stock of the progress made thus far in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to lead to diversification of exports, increased productive capacity, acceleration of growth, increased investment, increased employment opportunities and incomes and most importantly, broaden economic inclusion both in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

It provides South African exporters with new market access opportunities to key markets in the African continent and can unlock growth.

President Ramaphosa will be joined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene. Other dignitaries will include the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, who will witness the first shipment of Proudly South African products exported to the continent.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said the launch ceremony will be a historic step and an instrumental tool in generating meaningful trade on the African continent through the shipment of made-in-South Africa products.

“The main message being sent to Africa and the rest of the world through this event is to illustrate that companies can trade under the AfCFTA procedures to expand their markets within a legally binding framework,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:59

154 views
Read morePresident to officiate launch of SA’s first shipment under AfCFTA

Over R6 million pledged for kids of slain police officers 

Location: News

Over R6 million pledged for children of slain police officers 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has observed this year’s National Police Day by raising funds for the children of police officers who died in the line of duty.

“On National Police Day, the SAPS remembers the sacrifices that our men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa,” the police statement read. 

Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day in 2005.

The latest data shows that the SAPS lost 140 police officers in the last four years. These, according to the police, are men and women in blue who died in the line of duty, serving and protecting all people living in South Africa. 

“The majority of them were breadwinners in their families.”

On Thursday, 25 January 2024, more than 100 golf players from various corporate companies across the country came together to pledge and raise funds for the South African Police Education Trust Fund (SAPSET).

According to SAPS, R6.6 million rand was raised and will go towards the educational needs of the children.

SAPSET currently funds children from Grade RR to the tertiary level.

To date, the fund has assisted 1 078 children, of which 54 have graduated and 146 of them have passed matric and have a National Senior Certificate (NSC). 

The management of the SAPS, led by Police Minister General Bheki Cele, expressed gratitude to all the sponsors and donors for their support.

“These funds go a long way in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children left behind. The least we can do is to ensure these children don’t carry the extra burden of stressing about school fees, books, and school uniforms knowing their educational needs have been taken care of.

“We hope more corporates and the overall business fraternity will in future come on board to support this cause,” said Cele. 

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, thanked all the men and women in blue for risking their lives daily to keep all people in South Africa safe.

“On this day, we pay gratitude to you, our men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to hunt down dangerous criminals, remove illegal and unlicensed firearms, remove drugs off our streets and work hard to ensure successful convictions in court for perpetrators of crime.”

He encouraged the police members to continue to work hard to rid the country of criminality. 

“We urge communities to embrace our police officers and work together with them to stop the killing of our own. From January 2023 to date, 33 police officers were killed on duty and today we are laying a Constable to rest who was run over by a truck while assisting at an accident scene in KwaZulu-Natal. These killings have to stop, and they can only stop if communities take a stand against them,” Masemola added. 

SAPSSET is managed by a board of trustees under the leadership of Vuyani Jarana whose responsibility it is to ensure they source and raise funds to keep children in school. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 01/28/2024 - 07:39

137 views
Read moreOver R6 million pledged for kids of slain police officers