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Nzimande to open current uMgungundlovu TVET college campus

Location: News

Nzimande to open new uMgungundlovu TVET college campus

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, will on Friday officially open a new campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The uMgungundlovu TVET College was opened in 2002 after a merger of the then Edendale, Plessislaer, Midlands, Msunduzi and Northdale Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges. 

uMgungundlovu TVET is the only college that serves communities from in and around the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Natal Midlands. The college has seven teaching campuses and three skills centres.

The new campus, Msinga, was built by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as part of the department’s TVET Infrastructure Development Programme funded in part through the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).

The new infrastructure includes the administration block, theory building that consists of two computer laboratories, and the engineering block that consists of four workshops and skills centres.

During the launch, Nzimande will lead the Education and Science Imbizo in which the SETAs and the Department of Science and Innovation entities will share with the public the opportunities that are available in their sectors. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:10

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Cox Yeats Adds To Annual Awards Haul With Best Lawyers® Win For 2024

Location: MyPR

COX YEATS ADDS TO ANNUAL AWARDS HAUL WITH BEST LAWYERS® WIN FOR 2024 The legal profession’s oldest and most respected peer-review title, Best Lawyers® has announced the winners in the 15th Edition of Best Lawyers® in South Africa for 2024. A total of 15 Cox Yeats lawyers were recognised in their areas of speciality on …

Read moreCox Yeats Adds To Annual Awards Haul With Best Lawyers® Win For 2024

The Liberalisation Of The Energy Sector And Climate Change

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

THE LIBERALISATION OF THE ENERGY SECTOR AND CLIMATE CHANGE Durban, South Africa – Since the President’s State of the Nation Address in 2022, significant steps have been taken by Government to liberalise the energy sector, loosen the hold which Eskom has on the generation and distribution of electricity and move from a monopolistic electricity supply …

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World Business Angels Investment Forum kicks off in Durban

Location: News

World Business Angels Investment Forum kicks off in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will on Tuesday welcome hundreds of international delegates attending the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) 2023 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

The World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), is a strategic global organisation whose mission is to ease access to finance for businesses from start up to scale up.

In 2021, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, put forward a successful bid to host the WBAF 2023.

Dube-Ncube said hosting the gathering of global leaders is a welcome boost for the province, particularly because it aligns with the province’s economic recovery and development strategy, which puts supporting and financing innovation, start-ups and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) at the centre.

She said the province also the event which brings together entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers from different parts of the globe, saying they will make meaningful connections and match-making for provincial local businesses.

“As we rebuild our economy, we recognise the importance of entrepreneurship and international investment. In particular, we welcome the fact that as an affiliate of G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), WBAF 2023 focuses on the digital and business transformation of small businesses. 

“There is also a special focus on the quality of local investors as part of efforts to increase financial inclusion in local economies in post-pandemic times,” Dube-Ncube said.

The meeting will take place from 21 - 22 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:06

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SA Connect project forges ahead

Location: News

SA Connect project forges ahead

The government-driven SA Connect broadband connectivity project is going full steam ahead, with a report on Phase two of the project considered by Cabinet.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who was addressing the media on the outcomes of the recently held Cabinet meeting.

“On progress with Phase 2 of the project, Cabinet was pleased that 1 000 households were connected with broadband and that 1 000 community Wi-Fi hotspots are planned to be installed by December 2023.

“In addition, the project has rolled out infrastructure for internet connectivity that allows households to access internet at cheaper rates. For R249 per month, a subscribing household has unlimited access to robust internet, with cheaper data costs as low as R5 for one gig per day,” she said.

Ntshavheni explained that the SA Connect project aims to “to bridge the digital divide by connecting households and government institutions and provide Wi-Fi access to communities across the country”.

“It is estimated that the project will also contribute to economic participation through provision of 4 505 semi-skilled and 169 skilled employment opportunities, and will support over 75 small to medium-sized companies.

“In addition, high demand spectrum will be provided to more than 18 000 schools, 943 libraries, 5 731 health facilities and 8 241 Tribal authorities over the next months through the social obligations to telecommunications companies.

“It is anticipated that the project will deliver connectivity to more than five million households and 32 000 community Wi-Fi hotspots across the country over the next 36 months,” Ntshavheni said.

On broadcasting digital migration, Ntshavheni said Cabinet noted the progress made in migrating from analogue to digital.

“As of 23 July 2023, all 123 analogue transmitters above 694 MHz were switched off in the remaining four provinces namely; the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng. This will free up the spectrum needed for mobile broadband, and other information and communications technology related needs. 

“Cabinet was briefed that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies had determined December 2024 as the final date for switch off of all analogue broadcasting services, and that progress is on to meet the set target date,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:47

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KZN Premier attributes employment increase to concerted efforts

Location: News

KZN Premier attributes employment increase to concerted efforts

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has attributed the marked increase in employment figures and the fall of the unemployment rate in the province to government’s targeted interventions, practical programmes and meaningful collaboration.

This follows Statistics South Africa’s (StatsSA) latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data, which showed a significant improvement in employment numbers in the province.
 
According to the QLFS findings for the third quarter, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the largest employment increase, while the unemployment rate has fallen by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2023.

According to the survey, the number of employed persons increased in eight provinces between quarter two and three in 2023. Large employment increases were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (up by 152 000), Limpopo, North West and Mpumalanga.

Dube-Ncube said the data provides valuable insights into the current state of the labour market in the country, and is a welcome development on Quarter 2 of 2023 in which the province also recorded growth.

“This is good news and the fruit of efforts of the entire provincial government working with business and other social partners to address unemployment. We remain committed to working together with labour, business and the local and international investment community to drive economic growth which is necessary to address unemployment and poverty,” Dube-Ncube said.
 
Dube-Ncube pointed to the S’thesha Waya-Waya stimulus initiative as just one of the programmes rolled out to create jobs through various entities of the state.

She said youth unemployment continues to be a concern, and the province will continue to address this issue, through targeted programs and policies that empower young people with skills and opportunities needed to enter the workforce. 

“This includes the disbursement of the Youth Empowerment Fund through which we allocate R90 million to youth-owned entities. Another R100 million window of this fund will open soon to benefit more youth-owned entities.

“We recently launched our Planting Season and through Operation Vula, we are opening economic opportunities to youth, women, military veterans and those with disabilities to take part in the economy.”

The Premier also highlighted that through public private partnerships, the provincial government has been able to create opportunities in various sectors, including maritime and aviation sectors.

“Further, our drive is to penetrate the digital economy through the Broadband Rollout in the province. The 4IR Commission is fast tracking the Provincial Connected Smart Province plan which aims to create more jobs for young people in the digital space.

“We see the Quarterly Labour Survey as a reliable indicator to understand the dynamics of the labour market. We will continue to engage with StatsSA, labour, business and stakeholders especially the private sector to continue to contribute to initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects for all South Africans,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 11:01

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Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Location: News

Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the scourge of child labour, and recognise the collective duty to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in agriculture.

“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts,” the Minister said. 

Nxesi was delivering the keynote address at the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa launch event in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a European Union-funded child labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.

To tackle this grave issue, Nxesi said the world must first understand its root causes. He cited poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness about child rights as creating an environment where child labour thrives.

Nxesi said the Durban Call to Action adopted at the 5th Global Conference last year in Durban, resonates with this approach, in that it commits different role players to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate child labour.

“Education lies at the heart of this endeavour. We must invest in educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to quality education, we empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. 

Simultaneously, the Minister said enforcing existing laws and regulations is paramount. He said that stringent penalties for those exploiting children for labour, coupled with rigorous monitoring mechanisms, will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. 

Moreover, he said, support systems must be put in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been rescued from child labour situations, ensuring they receive the care, counselling, and education necessary for their holistic rehabilitation and development.

“Additionally, we must raise awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the detrimental effects of child labour, and the legal consequences associated with it, can act as a powerful deterrent.

“What remains constant in all these endeavours is that collaboration between government, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society, and international agencies is crucial for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions,” he said. 

Nxesi told delegates at the launch that together, they possess the strength, knowledge, and determination needed to create a world where no child is robbed of their innocence, their education, or their dreams. 

“In our quest to eradicate child labour, collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. No single entity, whether it is governments, NGOs, businesses, workers or communities, can tackle this issue in isolation. We need to join hands, share expertise, and combine resources to create a formidable force against child labour,” he said. 

The Minister said they are thankful to the European Union (EU) for approving the funding of this project, and to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its continued support in their endeavours to fight the scourge of child labour. 

The Minister said that the project launched today will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

He urged all stakeholders to continue to collaborate, to innovate, and to advocate, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing environment – free from the shackles of child labour.

“Together, we can create a supportive environment where families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play by adopting ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that the products we consume are not tainted with the sweat and tears of innocent children,” he said. 

The Minister concluded that the fight against child labour in the agricultural sector is a moral imperative that demands an unwavering commitment. 

“We look forward to the replication of these pilot projects across the country as a whole, and the eventual elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector – and beyond. 

“Let us stand united in our resolve to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced, the advocates for those who are vulnerable, and the champions for those who deserve a brighter future,”  Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37

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R1.5b plant nears completion at Richards Bay IDZ

Location: News

R1.5b plant nears completion at Richards Bay IDZ

Plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw materials required by the Wilmar Palm Oil refinery plant in Richards Bay. 

This is according to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Speaking during a tour of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Acting Head of the Department, Dr Thandeka Ellenson, who was representing MEC Siboniso Duma, expressed her appreciation to the IDZ Board for the amazing work that has been done by the management and all categories of staff.  

“MEC Siboniso Duma is encouraged by the fact that the construction of Wilmar Palm Oil, originally from Singapore, is nearing completion. About R1.5 billion has been invested to produce margarine and other edible oils,” Ellenson said.

Ellenson said plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw material required by the plant.

Wilmar has been successfully convinced to ensure the optimisation of local content, whereby sunflower and soya beans could add into raw input that could be sourced locally.

“To achieve this, a cluster for local content will be developed to do an operation to crush sunflower oil. This is done to ensure sustained access to jobs and economic opportunities for local communities in the land under Amakhosi,” Ellenson said.

Richards Bay IDZ Board Chairperson Advocate Bheki Mbili emphasised the need for the board to continue to play a strong oversight role over management and all categories of staff. 

“This would ensure that the vision of the entity is realised for the benefit of millions of unemployed people who are waiting impatiently for jobs and access to economic opportunities,” Mbili said.

The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has the responsibility of encouraging international export competitiveness. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

GabiK
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 13:18

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Community upliftment drives Renishaw Coastal Precinct’s ongoing success

Location: MyPR

For the 1 300-ha, mixed-used Renishaw Coastal Precinct to thrive on the KZN mid-South Coast, it’s vital that everyone is benefitting from the development. This ethos has seen the precinct developers investing in local talent, with one woman showing how some quality skills training can lead to a successful business enterprise. After passing Grade 11 …

Read moreCommunity upliftment drives Renishaw Coastal Precinct’s ongoing success

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

Location: News

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms resulting in strong, damaging winds and possible large amounts of small hail.

This is expected to cause damage to infrastructure, flooding, damaging winds over the North West, Gauteng, north eastern parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and south western KwaZulu-Natal.

“This warning remains valid until 11pm tonight. In addition, a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued with damaging winds and hail expected over the northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

“On Friday and Saturday, we expect showers and thundershowers over the central interior extending to the east,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni.

He was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

“South Africa, like many other countries across the globe, is prone to hazardous weather events. These include heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, droughts, floods, storms and wildfires. Consequently, the need for the people of South Africa to be WeatherSMART cannot be stressed enough.”

He said a WeatherSMART person is safe, more informed, alert, resilient, and has timely access to relevant information and services where matters of weather and climate are concerned. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:40

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Balwins Green Edge: Sustainable Homes and Trade-In Program

Location: MyPR

Balwin Properties, a prominent JSE-listed residential property developer in South Africa, has made significant strides in offering a range of sustainable and modern living solutions. Here’s an overview of their recent developments, innovative trade-in program, and sustainability initiatives: Current Developments Balwin Properties offers a range of apartments for sale across various locations in South Africa, …

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62 small-scale fishing co-operatives obtain fishing rights in W Cape

Location: News

62 small-scale fishing co-operatives get fishing rights in W Cape

Government has allocated 15-year fishing rights to 62 small-scale fishing cooperatives, with a total membership of 3 850 declared fishers, in the Western Cape.

This marks the final province where these rights have been granted for the first time in South Africa's history.

“This achievement signifies the end of the interim relief era and the formal inclusion of Western Cape fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been intertwined with fishing for centuries. Historically, these communities faced systematic exclusion due to past injustices, hindering their participation in fishing operations.

“From today, the fishing cooperatives will promote employment and economic development in fishing communities, as well as support food security, and decriminalise traditional fishing.

"The department is [aware] that much more needs to be done to support the sector's growth and development, and we are very committed to this process,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Wednesday.

She made these remarks during a virtual media briefing on the finalisation of the appeals on the verification of small-scale process and the allocation of small-scale fishing rights in the Western Cape.

In the lead-up to fishing rights allocation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) worked with community-based organisations and fishing communities to register cooperatives and  identify suitable species and fishing areas to be used by the cooperatives.

The department has also commenced with providing two-day training workshops aimed at registering cooperatives as community-based legal entities earmarked for the allocation of small-scale fishing rights.

The Minister said the department is still in the process of developing a sustainable and financially viable basket of species for the small-scale sector.

Some of the species that have been granted to date include commercial traditional line-fish species, West Coast Rock Lobster, Seaweed, bait species, abalone aquaculture ranching sites, net-fish species, white mussels, oysters and hake handline.

A few years ago, the DFFE conducted a survey to understand the challenges facing small-scale fishers in the Western Cape. This survey revealed a lack of access to markets, suitable infrastructure, and access to the broader fishing value chains.

“Consequently, the department developed a support strategy, which includes formalised agreements with the Department of Small Business Development and with one of the maritime academies.  

"Many other partners, such as the National Development Agency, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) have committed their support to the small-scale fishing co-operatives of the Western Cape,” the Minister said.

The DFFE will appoint 62 mentors so each cooperative will have dedicated direct support for the next three years.

Before 2014, the fishing rights framework only acknowledged access rights in the recreational, commercial and subsistence sectors, thus marginalising many local fishing communities.

During this time, small-scale fishers were often deemed illegal fishers, as they were not authorised to participate in regulated fishing sectors.   

In 2019, the Marine Living Resources Act was amended to include small-scale fishers and to recognise an individual as a small-scale fisher if that person is “a member of a small-scale fishing community engaged in fishing to meet food and basic livelihood needs, or directly involved in processing or marketing of fish”.

During the period between 2016 to 2019, the DFFE initiated a process to allocate of small-scale fishing rights, nationwide.  Rights were finalised in the Northern Cape in 2018, and in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

In 2019, the department received a total of 8 646 applications from individual applicants seeking to be recognised as small-scale fishers in the Western Cape alone.

Only 29% of the applicants were allocated rights.

In 2020, as a result of several fishing communities submitting complaints against the verification process and its outcomes in the Western Cape, the Minister called for an audit inquiry into the findings of the verification process.

Based on audit findings, the Minister sought an order from the Western Cape High Court to review and set aside the verification process for the Western Cape and to remit the verification process to the department for reconsideration.

Working collaboratively with community-based organisations, the department redesigned a fair process on the verification of small-scale fishers, resulting in over 5 000 applications from 109 fishing communities in the Western Cape.

The Delegated Authority’s final list declared over 84% of applicants successful, a significant improvement from the 2019 process success rate of 29%.

Aggrieved applicants were again entitled to lodge an appeal against the decision taken by the Delegated Authority to refuse their application. The department worked closely with the communities to provide the necessary information, support and guidance to enable appellants to lodge their appeals in an administratively and legally sound manner.

“The department received a total of 461 appeals and I considered each of these appeals on its own merits. In my consideration of these appeals, I followed the principle that all applicants are successful unless they were unable to provide proof that they met all the required criteria as set out in the Small-Scale Regulations.

“I was also mindful of the unique circumstances of fishing communities and that the completion of application forms may have been a challenge for certain individuals. I am satisfied that the process was inclusive, addressed various historical imbalances, and therefore the outcome is fair and correct.

"Four hundred and thirty-one of these appeals were upheld and this translates into a success rate of 93%,” Creecy said.

The launch of the small-scale fisheries sector in the Western Cape coincides with the commencement of the West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season.

For the full “General Published Reasons for Decisions on for the Verification of Small-Scale Fishers in the Western Cape Province” click on this link. https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/appeals/13nov23gpr_smallscalefisheries_reallocation.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:54

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Groutville High School learners celebrate as they receive a sustainable food garden from Absa

Location: MyPR

Tuesday, 14 November 2023: Leading Pan-African bank, Absa, in partnership with Urban Harvest, is proud to announce the provision of another sustainable garden as part of the bank’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative. Groutville High School in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, has received the much-needed garden. The partnership with Urban Harvest showcases Absa’s commitment to being a force for …

Read moreGroutville High School learners celebrate as they receive a sustainable food garden from Absa

Official unemployment figures decrease in third quarter of 2023

Location: News

Official unemployment figures decrease in third quarter of 2023

The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 399 000 to 16.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 16.3 million in the second quarter of 2023. 

In the same quarter, the number of unemployed persons decreased by 72 000 to 7.8 million during the same quarter.

“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 160 000 to 13.1 million, while the discouraged work-seekers decreased by 26 000 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net decrease of 186 000 in the not economically active population,” Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.

The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.7 of a percentage point from 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023 to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2023.

“The unemployment rate, according to the expanded definition, decreased by 0.9 of a percentage point to 41.2% in Q3:2023 compared to quarter 2 of 2023.

Formal sector employment increased by 287 000 in quarter 3 of 2023 and informal sector employment increased by 29 000 over the same period.

Industries that recorded increases include finance (up by 237 000), community and social services (up by 119 000) and agriculture (up by 61 000), recording the largest employment gains.

Employment losses were recorded in manufacturing (down by 50 000), mining (down by 35 000), transport (down by 20 000) and utilities (down by 16 000).  

The employment increases were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (up by 152 000), Limpopo (up by 70 000), North-West (up by 61 000) and Mpumalanga (up by 44 000), which was the largest employment increases in quarter 3 of 2023.

Employment losses were only recorded in Free State (down by 3 000) during the same period.

“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, however, the third quarter of 2023 results show that the total number of unemployed youth (15 – 34 years) decreased by 174 000 to 4.6 million while there was an increase of 237 000 in the number of employed youth to 6.0 million.

“This resulted in a decrease in the youth unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points from 45.3% in quarter 2 of 2023 to 43.4% in quarter 3 of 2023,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:07

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Ithala At The Forefront Of Providing Banking Services To The People Of Africa

Location: MyPR

The concept of a bank for the people by the people sounds like a noble idea. In a country with a history where the majority of its citizens were excluded from the mainstream economy and continue having limited access to economic opportunities and banking services, the realization of this concept is paramount. Building an inclusive …

Read moreIthala At The Forefront Of Providing Banking Services To The People Of Africa

KZN government moves to assist Clairwood flame victims

Location: News

KZN government moves to assist Clairwood fire victims

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has mobilised resources to provide emergency relief to displaced residents in the Clairwood informal settlements after the fire that destroyed more than 200 shacks last week Friday.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, together with Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Sipho Nkosi and eThekwini Municipality Speaker, Thabani Nyawose, visited Clairwood on Monday to assess the extent of the damage, to understand the impact on the community and express solidarity with the affected residents.

“Government has mobilised resources to provide emergency relief to those affected. Shelter, food, and other essential supplies are being arranged for displaced residents,” Dube-Ncube said, adding that attention is also being paid to long-term recovery.

Dube-Ncube said a big challenge facing the province is that people are invading privately-owned land, which is not suitable for housing construction.

The other problem, she said, is people who already own RDP houses, but decide to stay in informal settlements so that they rent out their houses.

“We cannot give them services because it's privately-owned land and we can't provide building materials here because we will be doing something illegal. 

“We need to make sure it's legitimate people who get assistance. Normally when such a tragedy happens, you find a lot of people come and register, claiming they are victims,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said government is working with law enforcement agencies and the community to crack down on people who intimidate tenants.

The Premier said the actions taken and promises made during the visit will be closely monitored, as they hold the potential to bring hope and relief to the hundreds of affected residents, who are patiently awaiting assistance in their time of need. 

The Premier is also expected to meet with local authorities and emergency services to coordinate a comprehensive response plan. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:25

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Progress made in the battle against criminality

Location: News

Progress made in the fight against criminality

Government is making inroads into destroying criminal activities as well as syndicates and has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that criminals are dealt with, says Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise.

“We will make sure that as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, we create a safe and secure environment for our people to live [in],” Modise said on Friday.

The Minister was addressing a JCPS cluster media briefing to provide progress made in combating organised crime which she said, is a growing concern as it negatively impacts on the livelihood of citizens, the economy and compromises the safety and security of people.

“South Africans have borne the wrath of criminals masquerading in our communities causing disruption in their daily lives. In some parts of our communities, extortion and protection fees demanded by criminal syndicates have become the order of the day.”

She added that infrastructure mafias continue to destabilise the construction industry through intimidation and the threatening of people’s lives.

 “These and other criminal activities have put fear in our people and undermine the authority of the state.”

Operation Shanela

Through the South African Police Services’ Operation Shanela, South Africa has adopted a decisive approach in reducing the high levels of crime.

Operation Shanela is the SAPS crime combating high density operations incepted in May 2023.

 “It is through Operation Shanela, that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully arrested 213 059 suspects for various crimes such as cash-in transit robberies, extortion at construction sites and kidnappings in the past six months.

“During the same period, 2 657 illegal and unwanted firearms were confiscated,” Modise said.

The operation has led to the arrest of 19 299 suspects who were arrested for drug possession while 7 580 were arrested for drug trafficking and dealing in the last six months.

On cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and crimes associated with it, law enforcement agencies continue to make inroads with the police having arrested 75 wanted suspects in the past six months.

“The arrests were made during foiled CIT attempts, during the commission of these crimes and during targeted tracing operations,” she said.

On the drugs front, the latest drug busts are a clear indication that government remains committed to the fight against drug trafficking. Law enforcement is hard at work in identifying emerging trends in the transportation and packaging of these drugs and closing down of clandestine laboratories.

 “It is therefore encouraging that nine drug laboratories worth more than R3 million were dismantled in Gauteng, North West and the Western Cape. In a space of three weeks, police have intercepted large quantities of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

“The latest cocaine consignment was seized last week at the sea port in Gqeberha where R65 million worth of cocaine was seized from a vessel that was coming in from Brazil,” Modise said.

Two other drugs busts were made in KwaZulu-Natal where R150 million worth of cocaine was seized in the space of two days.

With regard to extortion at economic and construction sites, Modise said various threats were identified that impact negatively on the economy of the country.

“From April 2023 to date, 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused have already been convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment.”

On kidnapping for ransom, Modise said from April 2023 to date, 98 suspects have been arrested for these crimes and more than 30 victims have been rescued.

The cluster said government continues to deploy Anti-Gang-Unit members in provinces prone to gang violence such as the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“190 arrests have thus far been effected in 145 cases,” she said.

Also speaking at the media briefing held in Pretoria was Police Minister, Bheki Cele, who said police operations are continuing to ensure that criminals are flushed out.

“They are interfering with the lives of communities. They are armed, they need to be pursued,” he said, adding that law enforcement has identified some of the people involved in illegal mining and is on their trail.

“Some of these people are from our neighbouring countries and relevant Ministers are dealing with the matter. We are hoping to find a lasting solution to this matter,” he said.

Illegal mining

Responding to a question on illegal mining, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said there is a plan to seal all the illegal mines.

“The Department of Mineral Resources is working on the policy matter to close all the illegal mines in the country,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said some of the mine owners can’t be traced.

Modise said in the past twelve months, government has witnessed an increase in incidents where illegal miners held communities at ransom, committing various violent crimes, including murder and rape.

“Illegal mining has also been linked to other organised crimes such as gangsterism, human trafficking, money laundering, dealing in illegal weapons and explosives, tax evasion, illegal immigration and transnational organised crimes,” she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has roped in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist in dealing with illegal mining in the country.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:24

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