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Society urged to condemn violence against women and children ahead of Human Rights Day

Location: News

Society urged to condemn violence against women and children ahead of Human Rights Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for society to frown upon the scourge of violent crimes committed against women and children as the country marks National Human Rights Day next week.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, who was briefing media on the President’s public programme, on Friday at the Union Buildings. 

Magwenya said the President is pleased with the journey travelled to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in all facets of society, particularly for women, the elderly and children.

“We mark this Human Rights Day under the recurring and persistent scourge of attacks on the basic rights of vulnerable groups in society.  

“Hence, the President reiterates his call for society to frown upon the scourge of violent crimes committed against women and children, which is a direct onslaught and threat to the progress we have made in the adherence of human rights.  

“The President believes that everyone must enjoy their constitutionally given rights freely as the inherent basic principles of freedom and democracy,” Magwenya said.  

He emphasised that President Ramaphosa remains committed to the protection of rights not only for this month of March, but as a continuous daily practice in South Africa.  

“We look forward to the President delivering the key note address during the national Human Rights commemoration on 21 March,” he said. 

Magwenya highlighted that the Constitution enshrines the rights of all citizens and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom, irrespective of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.

He further urged all South Africans to commemorate and remember all those gallant men and women, whose blood, sweat and tears secured today’s freedom. 

“We are united in the progress we have made and unified in the work we need to do to address the lingering socio-economic challenges,” he said. 

Human Rights Day is commemorated to honor the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police.

Fighting GBVF

Government continues to intensify the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which the President has described as the country’s ‘second pandemic’.

As part of interventions, Magwenya said government has introduced new laws to protect women and children in South Africa from abuse and violence.  

“We are implementing new legislation which has strengthened the criminal justice system, put more effective deterrents in place to promote accountability, and enabled better protection and support for survivors.

“These include the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, which regulates the reporting obligation on people who are aware that sexual offences have been committed against persons who are vulnerable,” Magwenya said.  

READ | Government committed to ending GBV

He further emphasised that the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act is vital, as it introduces mandatory DNA collection for certain crimes.

The Domestic Violence Amendment Act and Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act are further interventions that will help in protecting vulnerable groups in South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:27

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Read moreSociety urged to condemn violence against women and children ahead of Human Rights Day

A Betrayal of Trust and Empathy by Community Leaders

Location: MyPR

The case of the missing six-year-old, Joslin Smith, starkly exposes the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a party more concerned with political maneuvering and slander than with genuine empathy and care for the communities it claims to represent. The plight of little Joslin’s disappearance should have evoked immediate compassion and support. In such unfortunate times, there …

Read moreA Betrayal of Trust and Empathy by Community Leaders

President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration

Location: News

President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration

President Cyril Ramaphosa will join His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini who will be leading the Royal family and amabutho at the 110th anniversary commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo at KwaCeza in Zululand on Saturday. 

According to Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the President will commence the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial at Ebukhosini, where he will lay a wreath in honour of the late Ingonyama.  

“King Dinuzulu was a symbol of resistance against colonialism as he confronted various onslaughts which included imprisonment from colonial government which disregarded the institutions of traditional authority. 

“He succeeded his father King Cetshwayo as king of the Zulu nation. The commemoration is a stark reminder of the untold sufferings and humiliation in the struggle journey which our forebears confronted that led to the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” Magwenya said on Friday.

In a collaboration with the Royal Household, academics, historians, and cultural groups, various activities are underway, among them the King Dinuzulu Commemorative Conference, Choral Music festival, research and publication on the role of King Dinuzulu and notable Traditional leaders in influencing South Africa's trajectory towards democracy.  

“This commemoration serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Dinuzulu and the continued importance of acknowledging shared history.

“The commemoration event will take place at KwaCeza, a venue of historical significance where King Dinuzulu launched a decisive attack against colonial forces, emerging victorious in the eastern parts of the town of Nongoma.”

State of Human Rights in SA Conference

Updating the nation on the President’s diary, Magwenya said the first citizen will on Monday, 18 March 2024, address the National Conference on the State of Human Rights Conference marking the 30th anniversary of constitutional democracy and human rights in South Africa.

The conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from 18-20 March 2024 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg under the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.  

The Conference is premised on the department’s mandate which is the custodian of the Constitution and effective administration of the law. 

The Conference will also assess the institutions that are meant to uphold Constitutional democracy in South Africa.

The outcome of the conference is envisaged to be the baseline for benchmarking government’s implementation of the social contract.

Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly

Meanwhile, the President will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 officially attend to the call by the National Assembly to respond to Questions for Oral Reply. 

The President’s appearance in the National Assembly will complete the Fourth Term Parliamentary Programme cycle.

“This is in accordance with the President’s obligation in terms of the Rules of the National Assembly. The President will reflect on questions ranging from the land reform programme in the agricultural sector, lifestyle audits will be done starting with Members of the Executive and Presidential Employment Stimulus amongst the some of the questions,” Magwenya said.  

Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA)

Magwenya also announced that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 host the third instalment of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa. 

The symposium will provide visibility of the infrastructure project pipeline and focus on closing the infrastructure investment gap. 

It will be a platform where the public sector will engage with the private sector. Amongst the issues that will be unveiled is the new pipeline of economic infrastructure project that will receive projects preparations from infrastructure South Africa. 

There will also be the launch of the inaugural 2024/25 construction book. There will be about 22 Ministers that deal with infrastructures in their respective countries across the African continent.

Black Industrialists Summit

President Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, deliver the keynote address at the Second Black Industrialists and Exporters conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. 

President Ramaphosa participated in the inaugural conference in 2022. 

“The President will acknowledge the contribution made by Black Industrialists to the South African economy, while reflecting on the progress made in advancing redress and transforming a skewed racialized economy while discussing further initiatives to strengthen economic transformation in support of greater diversity in the ownership of the economy,” Magwenya said.

The intended second Black Industrialist Conference will among others celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003.

It will further showcase the success of transformation policies including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and the Black Industrialist programme. 

More than 600 firms supported by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the DTIC) showed a turnover of about R80 billion during the 2023/24 financial year, illustrating the tangible results of drawing more black entrepreneurs into the industrial economy.

Human Rights Day

The President will address this year Human Rights commemoration which coincides with significant milestones of the 30 year anniversary of freedom and democracy on Thursday, 21 March 2024. 

This year’s official commemoration will take place in Sharpeville, Gauteng under the theme “Three decades of respect for and promotion of Human Rights”. 

This day remains a fundamental landmark in our history and the reminder of those who fought against apartheid and colonialism. The United Nations has also declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit

Lastly on 26 March, the President will address the Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit. 

The gathering will bring together stakeholders ranging from all spheres of government, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, communities, people and youth among others. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:29

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Read morePresident to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration

eThekwini municipal workers’ strike infringes on human rights

Location: News

eThekwini municipal workers' strike infringes on human rights

Cabinet has expressed concerns at the illegal protest action by eThekwini municipal workers, which has seen violence as well as water and power outages.

“The impact of the strike has seen many residents without water, electricity and waste removal, which is an infringement of the rights of people and a contravention of the Constitution.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated. Cabinet calls on law enforcement agencies to do all it takes to protect the rights of people,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at the post Cabinet briefing on Thursday.

Ntshavheni said the closing of critical services, such as clinics, is tantamount to sabotage and a threat to life.

“Those found guilty will face the full might of the law,” the Minister said.

READ | KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike

The EThekwini Municipality has served 79 employees with notices of misconduct for engaging in unlawful conduct, as outlined in the Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement. These employees, from different units, face various charges in relation to their participation in the unlawful industrial action, which started on 27 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:24

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Read moreeThekwini municipal workers’ strike infringes on human rights

Debunking the misconceptions that young professionals have about wills

Location: MyPR

Planning for the future is a smart move for any young professional. But while most people recognise the need to include savings, investments and even life insurance in these plans, one of the vital components of effective planning for the future is often overlooked: having a valid will. In fact, according to the Master of …

Read moreDebunking the misconceptions that young professionals have about wills

Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers

Location: News

Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers

The Department of Employment and Labour, working with other law enforcement agencies, have issued over 50 contravention notices and compliance orders against non-compliant employers in Rustenburg in the North West. 

Nine undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during a joint blitz inspection by the department and other law enforcement agencies. 

The three-day blitz inspection that started in Rustenburg on Monday was led by the Inspection and Enforcement Services unit of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Liquor Board and the South African Police Services (SAPS). 

“The first blitz inspection has led to 18 contravention notices, three prohibition notices, three improvement notices, and 31 compliance orders being issued to non-complying employers and to the arrest of nine undocumented foreign national workers,” the department said in a statement. 

The inspections are part of an ongoing national programme by the department with the aim to gather all relevant law-enforcing government institutions to conduct inspections around major towns and cities in the country.

Its main purpose is to test the level of compliance in terms of the labour laws such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act (UICA) and the Employment Act.

It also focuses on other consumer-related legislations in the wholesale and retail sector and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.

According to the provincial chief inspector for the North West Province, Chris Sithole, the blitz inspections are unannounced visits.

“We (were) in the Bojanala District on an unannounced visit, and… on day one we managed to issue so many notices and orders to non-complying employers … we are not here to intimidate anyone; we are here to ensure that labour laws are upheld as it is our mandate to ensure that the country’s workforce is protected,” Sithole said.

 The department said the undocumented foreign nationals who are working without the relevant work permits will be handled by the Department of Home Affairs and the SAPS.

“The employer will also be charged accordingly for contravening the Employment Services Act of the Department of Employment and Labour, which demands an employer to make sure that a person employed in South Africa from a foreign country should have the relevant work permit and a certain skill that is not found in the country,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:16

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Read moreInspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers

Committee Adopts National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill and Will Recommend Adoption by National Assembly

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has adopted the B-list version and committee report of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill, which brings to an end the committee's consideration of the Bill. Having adopted the Bill and a report, the committee will recommend that the National Assembly adopts the Bill.

The National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Bill seeks to ensure a sustainable, equitable and reliable supply of water from national water resources infrastructure while meeting constitutional obligations, including the national and regional social and economic objectives of national policy. The Bill also seeks to address the current fragmentation of asset management and revenue collection functions for national water resource infrastructure. Currently, functions between the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, the Water Trading Entity and the department's infrastructure branch are fragmented.

As part of the process, the committee received 120 public submissions, with oral submissions received from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the National Treasury and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

Some of the concerns raised during the public hearings included that there was no socio-economic impact assessment (SEIAS) on the Bill. The Department of Water and Sanitation has now confirmed that the Presidency approved the final SEIAS in June 2023, and the National Treasury has independently reviewed and assessed a business case for the NWRIA.

The portfolio committee proposed and adopted numerous amendments relating to the following clauses: 1, 3, 7, 9, 17, 34 and 35. Of critical importance to the committee was strengthening parliamentary oversight over the agency and critical amendments were made to ensure the submission of annual corporate plans and quarterly reports to Parliament, emphasising the role of the parliamentary committee in reviewing and engaging with these.

The Chairperson thanked Members of Parliament, departmental officials including legal officers, the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor and Parliament's legal unit for their help in enabling the committee to reach this point.

Meanwhile, the committee adopted its legacy report and is satisfied with the work it has undertaken in the sixth term of Parliament. This work includes the reintroduction of the Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, which were published following the committee's strong recommendations. Nonetheless, the committee remains cognisant of the enormous challenges facing the sector generally and emphasised that there should be more focus on service delivery in the seventh Parliament. This focus should emphasise strengthening the framework for intergovernmental relations to ensure that the provision of water and sanitation improves.

Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need to continue monitoring consequence management within the water value chain to ensure that individuals and companies found to have transgressed laws and regulations are held accountable. The committee remains of the view that the eradication of corruption is critical in achieving the mandate of water and sanitation provision to the people.

The committee has also highlighted the need to focus on monitoring the implementation of water and sanitation projects to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee Adopts National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill and Will Recommend Adoption by National Assembly

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

Location: News

Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission says over 27.79 million voters - the highest since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, are eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

According to the Commission, the voters’ roll will be certified by the Chief Electoral Officer today.

Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the voters' roll will be published by making it available at the Commission’s head office, each of the nine provincial offices of the Commission and at each municipal office of the Commission.

“The certification follows the finalisation of objections by the Commission on the provisional voters’ roll that was published for inspection on 26 February 2024. Certification signals confirmation of those citizens who are eligible to vote in the elections,” he said.

Mamabolo said the electronic copies of the voters’ roll, which contain the redacted identity numbers of voters, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act will be provided to all political parties and independent candidates who have qualified to contest the elections.

“Since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.

“The provincial breakdown of the registered voters indicate that Gauteng remains the biggest voting block, followed by the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.

“The highlight of the certified roll is the increase in the rate of representation by persons in the age cohort 18 - 39 years. This age band accounts for 42% (or 11. 7 million) voters on the voters’ roll,” he said.

Mamabolo said of the 27.79 million voters, 15 million are female, representing over 55%.

“The introduction of the online self-service voter registration modality has contributed to the increased rate of registration by younger voters in the country, as well as by citizens who are resident outside of the Republic,” he said.

Mamabolo said compliance verification of the candidate nomination submissions is under way.

“In terms of the law, a party submission must contain a list of candidates accompanied by payment of the applicable deposit for it to be compliant. In respect of unrepresented parties, the submission must in addition, be accompanied by proof that the requisite number of signatures have been uploaded on the nomination portal,” he said.

According to Mamabolo, the requirements for independent candidates are that a prescribed nomination form must be submitted by the cut-off time, accompanied by the prescribed form confirming that the candidate has submitted the requisite number of signatures and payment of the relevant deposit.

“Failure by a party or independent candidate to comply with any of these foundation nomination requirements cannot be remedied and will result in the disqualification of the party or independent candidate,” he said.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The President Ramaphosa has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Electoral Commission on the election date.

READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

READ | IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:04

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Read moreOver 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections

Almost all universities pay NSFAS February allowances

Location: News

Almost all universities pay NSFAS February allowances

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has commended the cooperation from all universities and Student Representative Councils (SRCs) who ensured that the February allowances payment was implemented seamlessly.

This follows a media briefing held on 4 March 2024 where NSFAS reported that universities would be facilitating the payment of allowances for the months of February and March 2024.

In a statement issued over the weekend, NSFAS reported that 25 out of 26 universities have paid the February allowances, as per their commitment dates. 

The allowances paid include the book, accommodation, transport, food, and personal care allowances. 

“The University of South Africa (UNISA) is finalising the process of determining allowances based on the number of modules registered by students. All the universities will also be handling the payment of March allowance,” NSFAS said. 

The scheme reminded institutions to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, while they continue with payments.

Universities are also reminded that direct payments of allowances for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024.

“The process of the payment of allowances to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges commenced on 6 March 2024 and NSFAS will provide further details on these processes within by the forth coming week,” NSFAS said.

Private student accommodation

On the pilot private student accommodation project, NSFAS has called on all institutions, both universities and TVET colleges, and students who have not been onboarded on the NSFAS portal to do so immediately, as this is a requirement to ensure that accommodation allowances are paid without any delays. 

“Failure to onboard students will result in delays in the payment of accommodation allowances. Accommodation providers are therefore requested to ensure that leases that are generated through the portal are signed by all students in their residences,” NSFAS said.

The scheme also reiterated that it does not have any arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers.

“NSFAS is against any form of corruption and bribery that is alleged to be taking place in some institutions, between accrediting agents, accommodation providers, officials responsible for accommodation in institutions, and student leaders.

“This will not be tolerated….the scheme will work with law enforcement agencies to investigate all these reported cases of corruption. NSFAS will conduct sting operation in institutions to ensure that students are not further exploited,” NSFAS warned.

The scheme encouraged students and members of the public to report any suspected fraud to NSFAS through the whistleblowing hotline Vuvuzela. The toll free number is 0860 247 653 or they can SMS Call-back to 30916.

NSFAS warned it will not take lightly any security compromise from the accommodation provider and will always hold property owners accountable for the safety of students in their properties.

On students’ transport, NSFAS reminded accommodation providers who are within a 5km radius and above of their responsibility to provide transport to students to their respective campuses and back.

Intimidation at University of Zululand

Meanwhile, NSFAS has strongly condemned the acts of intimidation and holding of its officials hostage at the University of Zululand (UniZulu).

The incident, which took place on Friday, follows a meeting held by NSFAS Board Sub-committee on student accommodation, including UniZulu and Accommodation Providers (APs) on 5 March 2024, to discuss the onboarding and payments of student accommodation.

“The meeting resolved that NSFAS will send officials to assist both students and accommodation providers in the onboarding process for all NSFAS-qualifying students who are currently residing in various private accommodations. 

“This intervention was aimed to ensure that private accommodation providers are paid for all NSFAS-qualifying students who have been approved for accommodation allowances,” the scheme said.

Following Friday’ incident, NSFAS said it was considering measures to take against the accommodation providers who participated. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 11:16

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Read moreAlmost all universities pay NSFAS February allowances

Public sector pension funds amendments published  

Location: News

Public sector pension funds amendments published  

The National Treasury has published the proposed amendments to various pieces of legislation governing public sector pension funds.

“The amendments provide the necessary legislative amendments required to effectively implement the two-pot retirement system changes in public sector funds,” National Treasury said on Monday.

The proposed amendments relate to the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Proclamation 21 of 1996), Post and Telecommunications-related Matters Act, 1958 (Act 44 of 1958) and Transnet Pension Fund Act, 1990 (Act 62 of 1990).

“The proposed amendments insert certain definitions to provide for the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit; to provide for the appropriate account of a member’s interest in the savings, retirement, and vested components and to provide for deductions that may be made by the funds.

“These amendments seek to align pension laws across all sectors to ensure that pension funds can amend the fund rules and implement the two-pot retirement system on the effective date of 1 September 2024,” National Treasury said.

The amendments to the public sector pension laws will be proposed for inclusion in the Pension Funds Amendment Bill [B3—2024], which is currently under consideration of the Standing Committee on Finance.

Parliamentary hearings on the Pension Funds Amendment Bill will be held on 12 March 2024, including these public sector pension laws amendments.

The proposed amendments to the public sector laws may be found on the National Treasury website www.treasury.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:06

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Read morePublic sector pension funds amendments published  

Financing Energy Projects: Legal Considerations and Strategies

Location: MyPR

In an era where sustainable energy is not just a preference but a necessity, South Africa stands on the brink of significant energy transitions. This necessitates a robust legal framework and solid financing strategies to effectively navigate the complexities of energy project development. In this article we examine critical legal considerations and strategies pivotal to …

Read moreFinancing Energy Projects: Legal Considerations and Strategies

Navigating Media Legality: Insights into South Africa’s Regulatory Landscape

Location: MyPR

What is Intellectual property? Intellectual property (IP) is a legal concept that protects the creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, and names. It grants creators exclusive rights to their creations, similar to physical property rights. IP law encompasses various categories, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, each …

Read moreNavigating Media Legality: Insights into South Africa’s Regulatory Landscape

Lebowakgomo police arrest four illegal mining suspects

Location: News

Lebowakgomo police arrest four illegal mining suspects

Police in Lebowakgomo have successfully apprehended four male suspects for engaging in illegal mining activities and violation of immigration laws at Makurung village in the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo.

The arrest of the foreign nationals, aged between 22 and 35, forms part of the ongoing high-density Operation Vala Umgodi.

“Acting swiftly, the members of the SAPS Capricorn District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted a targeted operation on Wednesday at approximately 20:30 in the Lebowakgomo policing area, leading to the discovery of an illegal mining site in Makurung village.

“Upon approaching the scene, the police noticed an idling power generator. As they moved closer to the site, they discovered the four male suspects actively engaged in illegal mining. The suspects attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended,” said the police in a statement.

They said during the arrest the police seized various mining equipment utilised in the illicit activities, including three shovels, two electrical cables, two fans, one spade, one rake, one pick, one container containing chrome, one jackhammer, one power generator, one drill point and two cellphones.

In a separate incident, the SAPS Vhembe District Illicit Mining Task Team successfully recovered abandoned mining equipment at an illegal mining site in the Muchipise village, outside Malamulele.

The recovered items included three picks, three spades, one hammer, two headlamps, two cellphones and a 10 kg bag filled with precious stones.

“Upon realising that the police had arrived at the scene, the suspected illegal miners swiftly fled in various directions, managing to evade arrest and leaving their equipment behind.

“The team confiscated the items and continued with their efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities through a series of crime prevention techniques, including foot patrols, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search operations,” police said.

During the course of Operation Vala Umgodi in Malamulele, a total of 30 vehicles and 122 individuals were subjected to thorough searches.

The police said they would remain vigilant in pursuing the individuals involved in illegal mining and those who fled from the scene to avoid arrest.

“This ongoing endeavor underscores the commitment of the police in combating illicit activities and upholding the rule of law in the province.” – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 14:00

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President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital

Location: News

President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conducted a site visit and inspection of the newly constructed Middelburg Hospital in Mpumalanga.

“This is most impressive. It’s a modern, state-of-the-art and it’s going to serve the community of about 330 000 people. This is development. This is how we are developing our country from a social and health point of view and we’re doing it cost-effectively as well,” the President said on Thursday.

This was ahead of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo held at Emalahleni in the province the same day.

“I also appreciated the way there was thorough consultation with various stakeholders in the area to bring in small and medium enterprises, and to bring in communities, who participated in one shape, form or the other in the construction of the hospital,” the President said at the site visit.

He praised the participation of the community in the construction of the hospital and said it has many benefits.

“This is what we should do because in many ways, it also avoids this very bad practice that has emerged of construction mafias. When the community is well-organised and is part of the construction of a facility, everybody feels like they own the facility and they can benefit from a job point of view, and from a supplying point of view.

“I appreciate also the funding model that was used. It was funded from the budget but over a five-year period in various phases, not all at once. To do it over a set period is clearly the way to go,” he said.

President Ramaphosa added that the hospital serves as a precursor for things to come.

“This is going to be a clean, well-run hospital and a really good demonstration of what the NHI [National Health Insurance] is going to be all about. So this is a very good precursor to the NHI.

“Those who have been criticising the NHI [we now]... have... an improved facility and improved infrastructure… this is it. We are ready for the NHI at this site. When the NHI Bill is signed [into law], this is going to be one of the exciting sites for NHI implementation,” he said.

READ | NHI receives in excess of R1 billion allocation

The President will later lead government’s interaction with communities and stakeholders.

Themed ‘Leave No One Behind’, the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province.

The imbizo will get underway at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium in Emalahleni. - SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:32

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital

Road safety initiative for children launched in Gauteng

Location: News

Road safety initiative for children launched in Gauteng

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has partnered with Santam on an initiative to reduce the high proportion of children who lose their lives in road-related incidents.

Santam Head of Market Development, Neptal Khoza, said they have identified a need to roll out scholar patrol projects in townships where many children walk or commute to school without adult supervision and often need to cross dangerous, multi-lane roads.

The scholar patrol initiative will be set up in at 10 schools in the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng.

Safety patrollers on duty will be trained effectively, given the appropriate uniform and equipment, including umbrellas and rain ponchos during the rainy season.

Patrollers will also receive certificates of recognition for their participation. The initiative will provide much-needed temporary employment opportunities for the surrounding communities.

Post-matric, unemployed youth will be recruited as patrollers in a bid to contribute towards the government’s objective to provide an avenue for labour absorption and income transfers to poor households in the short- to medium-term.

“The project has the potential to prepare youth for future careers in road safety, traffic police and general law enforcement. This project is one of many initiatives that we will plug into the existing community enhancement structures in achieving our broader goal of building communities that are more resilient. We foresee that learners, as well as their families and communities, will benefit immensely form this service.

“We call on other corporate and private sector entities to join us in partnering with the public sector in ways that can benefit greater society and ultimately provide existing initiatives with the boost they need to reach their full potential,” Khoza said on Wednesday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety of 2023 cites that road traffic injuries remains the leading cause of death for children.

“Pedestrian safety remains the most significant road safety challenge in South Africa. Our records as the RTMC indicate that on average 10.2% of pedestrian fatalities are of the 0 to 14 age brackets. For the past three years, 47% of fatal crashes involved pedestrians, with Gauteng as one of the main contributors to the high pedestrian fatality rate.

“Funding for road safety remains a challenge for the RTMC. There has been continuous effort to engage the private sector for collaboration on the implementation of road safety initiatives. The school intervention by Santam in the road safety programme will go a long way in creating safer communities and save more lives,” said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.

ChildSafe spokesperson and Executive Director, Zaitoon Rabaney, said they will continue to advocate for the 30 km/h speed restriction around schools, as well as environmental modifications that influence driver behaviour to adhere to slower speeds in school areas.

“Equipping our children and their families with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate roads safely is paramount. Through educational programmes, campaigns and targeted outreach efforts, such as the scholar patrol initiative, we can foster a lasting positive impact on the safety culture on our roads, especially around schools.

“These alarming statistics, however, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road safety measures, particularly those focused on protecting our most vulnerable road users – children,” Rabaney said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:12

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Intellectual Property and AI: Who Owns Machine-Created Content?

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Defining machine-created content  Machine or AI-generated  content refers to any work or output produced by artificial intelligence (AI) systems rather than by human creators. This type of content can encompass a wide range of forms, including but not limited to text, images, music, and more. AI systems generate this content by processing large datasets, learning …

Read moreIntellectual Property and AI: Who Owns Machine-Created Content?