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The Blue Flag beaches and internationally renowned dive sites on the KZN South Coast attracted a high number of visitors over the festive season. Alongside enjoying the sites, many holidaymakers were attracted to the region’s incredible property developments, affordable yet quality investments, and infrastructure upgrades to local infrastructure. Sam Wenger, Development Director of Serenity Hills, …
Services resumed after a meeting with community leaders
Zulu congratulates social grant beneficiaries for passing Grade 12
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has praised the Grade 12 students, who benefit from Social Development services and have successfully completed the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Of the 897 775 Grade 12 learners who wrote their NSC, 543 786 full-time learners were social grant beneficiaries, with 62 out of 110 social grant beneficiaries amongst the top performing learners in different categories, as awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
According to the department, social grant beneficiaries formed the largest number of learners who wrote their 2023 National Senior Certificate and 441 871 learners passed the NSC examinations which is an overall pass rate of 82.9%.
About 202 156 received a Bachelor's pass, which gains them access to institutions of higher learning, with 160 326 distinctions.
The Minister said that the child support grant formed the biggest grant type received by these learners, with the majority of them from KwaZulu-Natal, the second-best performing province after Free State.
The South African Constitution, through the Child Justice Act, also obligates the state to provide care and support services to children in conflict with the law, including educational opportunities.
According to the data from the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development, 1 630 children in conflict with the law registered for the 2023 NSC.
“Providing educational opportunities for children in conflict with the law is a key element of rehabilitating and re-integrating them back into society. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC), which South Africa ratified in 1995, recognises the importance of education for children in conflict with the law,” Zulu said.
The Minister detailed that the Social Development sector has been integrating the social protection administrative data system to ensure better coordination of services and tracking of health and educational outcomes for beneficiaries of various government services aimed at tackling child and adult poverty.
She asserted that the linking and sharing of administrative data systems within the social cluster departments - Social Development, SASSA, Department of Basic Education, and NSFAS - ensure information is shared on the academic performance of social grant beneficiaries.
“One such success story of the benefits of linking and sharing of data systems was the agreement between Social Development and NSFAS on the exemption of social grants beneficiaries from the means test, a decision that has significantly bridged the higher education gap as it opened the doors of learning for many, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” the Minister said.
Zulu emphasised that education has the power to break the cycle of poverty and transform lives. By accessing education opportunities at institutions of higher learning, she said, many social grants beneficiaries have succeeded in creating a better future for themselves and their families, thus breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and inequality.
“The benefits of social grants extend beyond individual beneficiaries to broader society. Our government’s pro-poor policies such as our social assistance programme, no-fee schools, school nutrition, school uniforms, free health care including sanitary dignity packs have made significant impact over the past 30 years in reducing poverty by bridging the education gap for learners from impoverished backgrounds. We will continue to build on the success of these impactful interventions that have lifted many of our people out of poverty," Zulu said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 12:10
Traffic official arrested for alleged R15 000 bribe
The Hawks' Bellville-based serious corruption investigation team have arrested Renay Claudine Ruiters for acts corruption.
Ruiters, 47, is a traffic official who allegedly extorted R15 000 from a person whom she arrested for driving under the influence of liquor in September 2023.
The matter was brought to the attention of the Hawks and the arrest was effected on Wednesday.
Ruiters is out on R1000 bail after she briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. The matter is postponed to 05 April 2024 for further investigation.
Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, appreciated the arrest as law enforcement officials are mandated to uphold and enforce the law.
He said this would hopefully send a strong message to other law breakers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:33
Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions
A man is due to appear in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate's Court today following his arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, as well as for contravention of the Firearm Control Act of South Africa.
A multi-disciplinary team consisting of members from the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime, Criminal Record Centre, Provincial Designated Firearms Officers, Elukwatini Detectives, VISPOL, as well as officials from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) played a major role in the breakthrough.
According to a report, information was received by law enforcement agencies regarding a firearms cache stored by an old man inside a house at Elukwatini.
Further information indicated that the man, 67, was in some way part of a certain security company but was suspected to be non-compliant.
The team coordinated their resources to establish if he was compliant to the PSIRA regulations. As a result, the team paid him a visit at Elukwatini on Thursday afternoon.
A search warrant was obtained and upon arrival at the premises as per information provided, the law enforcement agencies conducted a search.
The members discovered a total of about 106 firearms as well as 1704 various assorted live rounds of ammunition.
Among the weapons found in the house are 14 rifles, eight shot guns, 84 pistols with ammunition, 718 9mm pistols, about 921 live rounds of ammunition for a rifle and 65 live rounds of ammunition for a shotgun.
It is further reported that the firearms were not kept inside a safe but rather stored underneath a bed while some were kept inside the wardrobe.
The members discovered that licences for some of the firearms, owned by a certain security company had already expired. The male suspect could not account for about 20 firearms.
In addition, the members established that he did not have licences for four pistols, which had ammunition hence he was arrested and charged accordingly. Part of the probe is to determine how he got hold of the firearms. Police investigations are continuing.
The firearms as well as the ammunition were confiscated for further investigation.
As a norm in the police, the confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine any linkages to crimes committed in the country.
At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues, in relation to contravention of the Firearms Control Act.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspect as well as the recovery of the firearms with ammunition.
"Indeed the proliferation of firearms remains a thorn in the flesh in our endeavour to win the battle against crime.
“Therefore when we succeed in recovering these firearms as well as arresting suspects, it gives us courage that we are really moving towards the right direction whilst removing firearms from the wrong hands. We commend the whistle blowers and members for the job well done," said the General. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:54
Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s unequivocal call for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, Palestine.
The President on Friday delivered the country statement of South Africa during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit being held in Uganda.
The Israeli-Palestinian war erupted in October 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – killing at least 1200 people.
The Israeli retaliation on Palestine has been far greater with estimates that more than 20 000 Palestinians have been killed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting the internal displacement of some 1.9 million people in Gaza.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza.
“As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the ongoing conflict lays bare the “inadequacy” of global governance organisations such as the United Nations (UN).
“South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.
“The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” he said.
World challenges
Fixing attention on the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the gathering takes place at a time when international challenges – “exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world” – are abound.
“The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.
“At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.
“South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes,” he said.
President Ramaphosa called on the NAM to work together in pursuance of:
“This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces.
“We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:03
Currently the Department of Water and Sanitation cannot directly intervene when municipalities fail to supply drinking water up to standard
Judge gives scathing ruling with punitive cost order
Arrests made in connection with fake certificates
Over the last six months, police have arrested at least 11 people in relation to the buying and selling of fake certificates.
This according to Umalusi CEO, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, who was speaking during a media briefing on Monday.
“Since the [National Senior Certificate exams] State of Readiness Media Briefing held on 13 October 2023 during which we, amongst others, informed the public about the safeguards implemented to ensure the authenticity and credibility of Umalusi certificates, eleven suspects have been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on different dates.
“The first two suspects were arrested in Burgersfort in Limpopo on 27 October, one suspect was arrested in Pretoria in November, the next three were arrested on 20 November, and the last five were nabbed on 13 December 2023 again in Burgersfort, Limpopo,” he said.
Furthermore, a Department of Higher Education and Training official is facing a charge of corruption for issuing a diploma certificate in exchange for cash.
“Police investigations are ongoing and Umalusi will continue to work closely with the law enforcement agencies in whatever way possible to ensure that the scammers or fraudsters are made to face the full might of the law,” Rakometsi said.
He asserted that the education quality assurance body “has got no business with fake certificates” and is mandated to issue authentic certificates to qualifying candidates.
“Fake certificates are issued by scammers or fraudsters who are not employees of Umalusi.
“We advise all employers both in the public and private sectors to consider verifying their current and future employees’ qualifications through the verification agencies whose contact details are available on the website of Umalusi (www.umalusi.org.za).
“On the landing page, you simply click on the Certification & Verification icon,” Rakometsi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/15/2024 - 14:30
Prof Lourens Van Staden appointed as NSFAS acting Chair
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced the appointment of Professor Lourens Van Staden as acting Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) with immediate effect.
This after NSFAS Board Chairperson, Ernest Khosa, voluntarily tabled a notice of 30 days leave of absence for the organisation to deal with allegations against him as contained in the recordings distributed by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
The OUTA is accusing both Khosa and the Minister of defrauding the scheme through kickbacks from service providers.
Van Staden is the former Vice Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
“I have already had a briefing session with him emphasising the importance of NSFAS to prioritise readiness for the beginning of the 2024 academic year. The acting Chairperson will also prioritise the employment of a new CEO and fully implement the Werksmans report that was commissioned by NSFAS,” Nzimande said on Sunday.
Last year, the NSFAS Board appointed law firm Werksmans Attorneys and advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to probe claims of irregularities involving a tender awarded to four firms to pay allowances to students.
The investigation follows allegations against the now-axed NSFAS CEO, Andile Nongogo, relating to his conflict of interest in the appointment of service providers.
According to the findings, Nongogo actively participated in the presentation to the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) of proposals by service providers.
The probe also found he violated the public procurement processes of NSFAS, which he was employed to safeguard and uphold and has since been fired.
Labour court decision and report
In addition, last week, the Board of the NSFAS welcomed the Labour Court’s decision to declare the termination of the contract of employment of Nongogo as lawful and valid.
“The NSFAS Board further welcomes the decision by the Court to dismiss with costs the application by Mr Nongogo to strike out certain paragraphs as contained in the Werksmans Attorney’s report, which implicates him of irregular conduct concerning the appointment of direct payment service providers.
“The decision by the court vindicates the NSFAS Board in terminating Mr Nongogo’s contract of employment following his irregular involvement in the appointment of the direct payment service providers.”
The financial aid scheme said it views the report as a necessary and important measure to push “NSFAS to a much more elevated level of consciousness to fight corruption and the capture of NSFAS by some unscrupulous people masquerading as business people”.
In addition, NSFAS believes that the document also serves as a measure for NSFAS to further strengthen its own internal supply chain management systems and controls.
“Following this groundbreaking judgement, NSFAS will vigorously continue with its legal process towards the termination of contracts of direct payment service providers.”
The implicated firms include Tenet Technologies, Coinvest, eZaga Holdings and Norraco Corporation.
“The termination of the direct payment service providers will be handled with due care not to disrupt the disbursement of the allowances to students in the 2024 academic year.
“NSFAS will now focus all its efforts towards its immediate task of preparation for the seamless beginning of the 2024 academic year.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/15/2024 - 10:34
Gauteng communities urged to nominate Clinic Committee members
The Gauteng Department of Health is urging communities to nominate individuals to serve as Clinic Committee members in more than 370 public clinics in the province.
“Residents of Gauteng have an opportunity to improve the quality of service and patient experience of care at their local clinics by nominating individuals to serve as Clinic Committee members in more than 370 public clinics in the province. Nominations are now open until the end of January 2024,” said the provincial department in a statement on Sunday.
The department further added that Clinic Committees play a vital role in ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in the governance of public clinics through public participation, assisting in addressing health needs of the communities they serve, and ensuring accountability and effective management of the facilities.
“They are statutory bodies appointed by the MEC for the Health and Wellness in accordance with Section 42 of the National Health Act, No.61 of 2003. Members are appointed for a three-year term, and they may serve for not more than three consecutive terms.
“We would like to urge communities to nominate individuals who will voluntarily conduct oversight in an effort to improve health services and patient experience of care at our clinics. The committee consists of eight members who include five community members, three ex-officio members who may be a local councillor, health representative, and a community development worker,” explained MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The criteria to qualify as a Clinic Committee member in Gauteng is that the nominated individual must:
Nominations opened on Sunday, 14 January and will close on Wednesday, 31 January 2024 at 4:30 pm.
Nomination forms are available at clinics across the province or can be downloaded on the Gauteng provincial government website on www.gauteng.gov.za under the Department of Health/publication page or using this link: https://www.gauteng.gov.za/Departments/CPM-001006/Announcements.
Submissions should be made to the respective local clinic and must include the contact details of the person or organisation making the nomination, the profile or CV of the person being nominated with the contacts of relevant references for the nominee. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 01/15/2024 - 10:44
SASSA clarifies report on 74 000 deceased ghost accounts
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has noted the story aired on the SABC news channel, which stated that over 74 000 deceased recipients were wrongly paid by the agency.
This was revealed by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
The agency said that its fraud and compliance unit is addressing corruption.
“As much as we are aware of some corrupt activities taking place which our fraud and compliance unit is dealing with daily, as SASSA we can confirm that the majority of this is not due to corruption.
“But rather the timing of reporting of death by the responsible family members and the date on which SASSA extracts payments for the affected clients,” the agency explained.
As part of the normal social grant payment extraction process, SASSA said it extracts payment beneficiary details and compares them with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) monthly.
“The key purpose is to test if the beneficiaries are still alive or deceased. This process takes place just around the 22nd or 23rd of every month.
“In an instance that the client is found to be deceased, such a record is deactivated on the SASSA system before extraction of payment – no money is generated for such clients.
“This interface process with the Department of Home Affairs as explained is automated and it is executed every month without exceptions.”
However, when a client dies at their different residential areas, the only time on which SASSA gets to know if the client has died is when family members report such a death to SASSA or report such to the DHA.
“In instances where death is reported late at SASSA or Department of Home Affairs, such eventuality can result in some payment being prematurely released. There are instances where death is reported after a number of days from the actual date on which death would have occurred.”
According to the statement, the late reporting of death to home affairs or SASSA results in exceptions for monies released prematurely.
“Unfortunately, this element of late reporting of death, neither SASSA nor the Department of Home Affairs has any control over it.”
Review
In addition to these mechanisms, SASSA said it conducts a review of beneficiary personal details to ascertain if the beneficiary circumstances are still the same.
Currently, the agency said a review process is conducted through face-to-face interactions between SASSA staff and the affected beneficiaries.
“If a client is not alive, such a client will not be able to present themselves for a review process.”
According to SASSA, the number of 74 000 deceased beneficiaries as reported in the media, is the number of beneficiaries who were reported to have died in the past three years.
This means that of the 18 million clients paid monthly, there is an average of 2 055 clients that died every month in the past three years whose circumstances could have been one of the few reasons outlined, which are beyond SASSA’s control.
This includes the death reported late to the Department of Home Affairs or SASSA by family members, days after payment has been processed.
“Therefore, this implies that the number of 2 055 clients represents 0.01% of the total population paid by SASSA every month.”
SASSA said its cut-off payment date is the 22nd of every month and that it determines the payment of the deceased depending on the Home Affairs registration.
“SASSA is presently working tirelessly with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the systems are connected. This is to ensure that we curb corruption.”
In the past, the agency said it worked closely with the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies to curb corruption.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies for the betterment of our organisation.”
In addition, SASSA said a fraud-prevention strategy aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, has been implemented, while fraud awareness campaigns are conducted regularly to increase awareness. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:27
SA appeals to top UN court in Israel-Palestine matter
Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Ronald Lamola, fears that without the intervention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Palestinians will be destroyed.
This was as South Africa approached the ICJ, under the Genocide Convention, for acts committed by Israel in the context of its attacks on Gaza.
He said the Israeli actions were reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide 30 years ago.
“We are here, on behalf of South Africa and the global community, to seek justice for the victims, particularly children, women, and the elderly. We believe that without the intervention of this court, of the international community, we will see the total destruction of the Palestinian people.
“Remaining silent in the efface of this, in and of itself, would be a gross violation of international law,” he pleaded.
The Minister was addressing the media on Thursday outside the ICJ. South Africa presented its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands.
“We are asking the court to intervene and stop the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Today, it is a common cause that the Rwandan genocide could have been prevented.
“Former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, expressed this regret when he said, ‘The international community failed Rwanda, and that must leave us always with a sense of bitter regret and abiding sorrow’.
“Let us not have to live with the same regret when it comes to Palestine.”
Israel, which South Africa is accusing of genocide, was on Friday on the floor in a legal battle to defend itself at the top United Nations (UN) court.
“The government of the Republic of South Africa, led by His Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, entrusted me with representing its commitment to the rule of just law, a universal respect for human rights, and specifically the right of the Palestinian people to sovereignty, to peace, to life.”
Finding a solution
South Africa, added the Minister, has supported various resolutions of the UN and other international solutions to support a just and lasting solution that will bring peace to Palestinians and Israelis.
This is in addition to President Ramaphosa calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian interventions on numerous occasions.
“The world has watched in horror as Palestinian men, women and children were slaughtered, blown up, buried alive under the rubble of their homes, left to die painful deaths in un-resourced hospitals, resulting in over 23 000 deaths,” he added.
This, according to the Minister, was done through the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, water treatment plants and other public infrastructure.
“Sadly, the world has not succeeded in stopping the genocide that is currently unfolding in Gaza.
“The international community has largely remained passive in response to these atrocities.”
He also cited Secretary-General António Guterres who last year called on the world to “press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and unite in a call for a full humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants”.
“This plea for ubuntu, a plea for the humanity of the international community to prevail was simply ignored. Israel’s institutional impunity was reinforced.”
Measures
Lamola also explained that South Africa has also asked the ICJ for provisional measures which include an immediate suspension of Israeli military operations in and against Gaza.
“The philosophy of ubuntu means ‘humanity’ and is reflected in the idea that we affirm our humanity when we affirm the humanity of others.
“It has played a major role in the forging of a South African national consciousness and the process of its democratic transformation and nation building.”
He also reflected on the country’s history of repression and violence, human rights abuses, apartheid as a crime against humanity, discrimination and distrust between people born on the same soil.
“This history enjoins us to stand in principle in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
He is of the view that the esteemed institution has the opportunity to not only reaffirm but also strengthen humanity's commitment to justice.
“This can be achieved by infusing the Genocide Convention with vibrancy and bringing it to life with action and meaning.
“We trust that, after hearing us presenting the facts, the legal arguments, the truth, the court will grant them the protection they seek.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:44
Kiviet visits Lebombo border post
Public Service and Administration Minister, Noxolo Kiviet and her Deputy, Dr Chana Pilane-Majake have visited the Lebombo port of entry as part of a service delivery outreach engagement.
“The purpose of the ministerial visit was to get information and insights into the operations of the border under the Border Management Authority (BMA),” the Ministry of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said of Thursday’s Ministerial visit.
According to the DPSA, the border post between South Africa and Mozambique is one of the busiest in the country and is managed by the BMA, which was officially launched in October 2023.
The Ministers were briefed by BMA Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Major General (retired) David Chilembe and other senior managers on the achievements, challenges and plans in the operations of the border post since the BMA took over from the Department of Home affairs.
The authority is responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.
The BMA said the visit allowed the Ministers to acquaint themselves with the day-to-day work of the authority at the border post through exposure to the pedestrian office, main port, cargo by-pass, borderline, stop and search (main gate).
In addition, the BMA said it was cooperating with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to fast track the movement of trucks.
This as the DPSA complimented the authority for the work it has done thus far with limited resources.- SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:14
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements heads to court to evict the occupiers
SA speaks at ICJ case
Israel’s response to the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 has crossed the line and breaches the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide also referred to as “the Convention”.
This is according to Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, who delivered his opening remarks at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, on Thursday.
“Madam President, ‘in extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is at one’. These were the words of President Nelson Mandela. This is the spirit in which South Africa acceded to the Convention,” Lamola told the packed court on Thursday.
South Africa is currently on the floor in the ICJ in a legal battle against Israel, which is accused of genocide in Gaza.
South Africa approached the ICJ, under the Convention, for acts committed by Israel in its continued attack on Gaza that has claimed thousands of lives and injured many.
The Convention defines genocide as acts such as killings “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.
The Minister believes that the violence and destruction in Palestine and Israel did not begin on 7 October 2023.
“The Palestinians have experienced systemic oppression and violence for the last 76 years, on 6 October 2023 and every day since October 7.”
Meanwhile, he said that since 2005, Israel has continued to exercise control over the airspace, territorial waters, land crossings, water, electricity, civilian infrastructure and other key governmental functions.
“Given that continuing effective control by Israel over the territory, Gaza is still considered by the international community to be under belligerent occupation by Israel.”
In the same breath, he took the stand to condemn the targeting of civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups and the taking of hostages in October last year.
“That said, no armed attack on a State’s territory no matter how serious — even an attack involving atrocity crimes — can provide any justification for, or defence to, breaches of the Convention, whether as a matter of law or morality.
“Israel’s response to the 7 October 2023 attack has crossed this line and gives rise to breaches of the Convention.”
It is for this reason that he believes South Africa has a responsibility to prevent genocide as contained in Article 1 of the Convention.
He also welcomed Israel’s involvement with the case, to have the matter resolved by the court.
Legal counsel
South Africa’s case is presented by a team of six legal counsels, including Dr Adila Hassim, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Professor John Dugard, Blinne ni Ghrálaigh, Max du Plessis, and Professor Vaughan Lowe.
Hassim accused Israel is committing “acts of genocide” during its war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza.
The advocate also showed the map of Gaza, describing it as one of the most densely populated places in the world and home to about 2.3 million Palestinians, almost half of them children.
She said Palestinians in Gaza are being killed by Israeli weaponry and bombs from the air, land and sea.
“Israel deployed 6 000 bombs per week. At least 200 times, it has deployed 2 000-pound (907kg) bombs in southern Gaza, which it designated safe.”
According to Hassim, more than 1 800 Palestinian families in Gaza have lost multiple family members.
“Hundreds of multi-generational families have been wiped out with no remaining survivors – mothers, fathers, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, cousins, often all killed together. This killing is nothing short of the destruction of Palestinian life.
“It is inflicted deliberately, no one is spared, not even newborn babies. UN [United Nations] chiefs have described it as a graveyard for children.”
Ngcukaitobi, who was the second lawyer to take the floor, said South Africa is not alone in drawing attention to Israel’s genocidal rhetoric against Palestinians in Gaza.
However, he said 15 UN special rapporteurs and 21 members of the UN working groups have warned that what is happening in Gaza reflects a genocide in the making.
Both South Africa and Israel are expected to lay bare their arguments during the two-day public hearing at the ICJ.
The arguments continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 13:11
South Africa’s legal team is presenting at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, on Thursday about the devastating effects of the ongoing war in Gaza
Limpopo Premier condemns gender-based violence
Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has strongly condemned all forms of violence against humanity, especially women and children.
This is after the province reported an increase in incidents of violence in the past few days.
“These inhumane acts seem to have continued to rise in the province, especially during the 2023 festive season. The province is mourning the deaths of women, children, and men whose precious lives were mercilessly cut short,” said the Premier in a statement.
The recent spine-chilling incidents involve the gruesome discovery of the body of an 18-year-old girl on Monday, who was murdered in an abandoned house at Mokomene, Ga-Thoka village, under the Botlokwa policing precinct.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has since appealed to the community to provide valuable information to assist the police with its investigation.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), their members received a complaint about the lifeless body of a woman at an abandoned house and rushed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they found the body of the woman in an advanced state of decomposition. The deceased’s identity will be released in due course as the investigation is still in its preliminary stages,” the SAPS statement read, adding that the motive behind the gruesome act has not yet been established.
The Premier’s Office also raised concerns about the heartless murder of Dr Johannes Mehlape, who was the Department of Education Circuit Manager of the Lebopo Office in the Capricorn District.
According to reports, Mehlape was gunned down at his home during an alleged robbery on 28 December 2023 at night after two unknown suspects accosted the victim and his two children.
“Enough is enough; we cannot let our lives continue to be cut short in this manner. I implore all to work with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these atrocities are arrested.
“Let us join hands in combating these barbaric acts and uproot them in our communities,” Mathabatha stressed.
He has since urged residents not to look away, but to report crime. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 09:01
More than 40 stalls and containers were demolished and removed from main road in Cacadu
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on January 11 and 12, 2024, on genocide in Gaza will include the first formal response by Israel before an independent and impartial court to allegations of atrocities against the Palestinian people since October 7, 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. On December 29, South Africa filed a case with the court alleging that Israel is violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
On January 2, Israeli officials confirmed that Israel would be represented at the ICJ to oppose the South African government's application. South Africa contends that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention by committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and by failing to prevent it, including by not holding senior Israeli officials and others accountable for their direct and public incitement to genocide. The case is not a criminal proceeding against individuals but seeks a legal determination of state responsibility for genocide.
“South Africa's case is about Israel's obligations under the Genocide Convention and puts its conduct in Gaza in sharp focus before the United Nations' highest judicial body,” said Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch. “South Africa has asked the World Court to issue urgent measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza who face catastrophic living conditions as a result of war crimes carried out by Israeli authorities.”
While the case may take several years to reach a final ruling, South Africa has asked the court to order provisional measures to protect the Palestinian people in Gaza from further harm, ensure Israel's compliance with the Genocide Convention, and safeguard South Africa's ability to have the case fairly adjudicated. South Africa has asked the ICJ to issue these measures “as a matter of extreme urgency,” saying that Palestinians in Gaza are in “urgent and severe need of the Court's protection.” Arguments on the request for provisional measures are the subject of the January 11 and 12 hearings.
Among the provisional measures sought are for Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in Gaza and abide by its obligations under the Genocide Convention. South Africa also seeks measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of any evidence related to the underlying case – including by giving fact-finding missions, international mandates, and other bodies access to Gaza.
South Africa also asked the court to require Israel to report to it on steps taken to carry out a provisional measures order within a week of its issuance and then at regular intervals until the court issues its final ruling. In its oral arguments on January 11, South Africa could specifically ask the court to make Israel's reports public.
In its application to the ICJ, South Africa says that Israel is killing Palestinians in Gaza in large numbers, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, imposing measures intended to prevent Palestinian births, and inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians as a group. South Africa cited expulsions and mass displacement; deprivation of access to adequate food and water, medical care, shelter, clothes, hygiene, and sanitation; and the destruction of the fabric of Palestinian life in Gaza.
South Africa further contends that the “acts of genocide” should be placed in “the broader context of Israel's conduct towards Palestinians during its 75-year-long apartheid, its 56-year-long belligerent occupation of Palestinian territory and its 16-year-long blockade of Gaza.”
South Africa contends that numerous statements by Israeli political and military officials amount to evidence of a clear intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group. It says that the “clear inference from the acts of the Israeli army on the ground…is that those genocidal statements and directives are being implemented against the Palestinian people.” South Africa's application refers to several statements by UN experts who have warned of a risk of genocide.
The court will hear Israel's formal response on January 12. Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a published statement on December 29, 2023, described South Africa's application as “blood libel” and that the claim “lacks both a factual and a legal basis and constitutes despicable and contemptuous exploitation of the Court.” One media report said that the Israeli Foreign Ministry instructed its diplomats to press officials in their host countries to issue statements against South Africa's case. The Israeli foreign minister has also specifically urged the United Kingdom to oppose South Africa's application. The media reported on January 9 that UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that he did not think the ICJ case was helpful.
The United States National Security Council spokesman described South Africa's application as “meritless, counterproductive, and completely without any basis in fact whatsoever.” The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said separately that Washington had not “at this point seen acts that constitute genocide” and that the ICJ case was “not a productive step at this time.”
A number of parties to the Genocide Convention have welcomed South Africa's application including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Jordan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Nambia, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also issued a statement in support of the case. France's UN ambassador in New York said France is a strong supporter of the ICJ and would back the court's decisions. Governments should speak out in support of ICJ proceedings and publicly commit to supporting compliance with the court's decisions, Human Rights Watch said.
Israeli authorities and Palestinian armed groups have committed serious abuses during the current hostilities. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups deliberately killed hundreds of civilians in Israel on October 7 and took more than 200 hostages. The Israeli government then cut electricity, fuel, food and water to Gaza's population and severely curtailed life-saving humanitarian aid, all acts of collective punishment, a war crime. Israeli authorities are also using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in Gaza, which is also a war crime, Human Rights Watch said.
Past ICJ practice suggests that a decision on provisional measures could be delivered within weeks. Though such an order would be legally binding on Israel, it would not prejudge the merits of the allegations that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention. A provisional measures order is automatically sent to the UN Security Council pending a final decision in the case.
The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms. When two countries have a dispute and the court does not include their nationals on the bench, the governments can appoint ad-hoc judges to hear that specific matter. In this case, South Africa has appointed Dikgang Moseneke, former deputy chief justice of South Africa, and Israel has appointed Aharon Barak, a retired Israeli Supreme Court president, as ad-hoc judges.
South Africa, which ratified the Genocide Convention in 1998, brought its case under article 9 of the convention, which allows for disputes between parties to be submitted to the ICJ. The court previously confirmed that all member states of the convention have a duty to prevent and to punish genocide. Israel has been a party to the Genocide Convention since 1951.
South Africa together with Bangladesh, Bolivia, the Comoros, and Djibouti also referred the Palestine situation to the International Criminal Court prosecutor in November 2023. South Africa asked the prosecutor, Karim Khan, to investigate the crime of genocide among other grave abuses in Palestine with a view to charging the individuals responsible. Khan confirmed that his office has been conducting, since March 2021, an investigation into alleged atrocity crimes committed in Gaza and the West Bank since 2014, and that he has jurisdiction over crimes in the current hostilities between Israel and Palestinian armed groups that covers unlawful conduct by all parties. He visited Israel and Palestine in December.
In a related matter, in December 2022 the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel's prolonged occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. The General Assembly first asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion related to the Occupied Palestinian Territory 20 years ago. In 2004, the ICJ's advisory opinion found that the route of Israel's separation barrier violated international law and that it should be dismantled. The December 2022 request is wider in scope. South Africa, among other countries, filed a written statement in the proceeding. The ICJ will convene public hearings on the request starting on February 19.
“How many more alarm bells have to ring and how many more civilians must unlawfully suffer or be killed before governments take action,” Jarrah said. “South Africa's genocide case unlocks a legal process at the world's highest court to credibly examine Israel's conduct in Gaza in the hopes of curtailing further suffering.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Drugs seized at OR Tambo airport
Customs officers of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized 23kg of narcotics disguised as moulded artwork with an estimated street value of R37 million at the cargo sheds of the OR Tambo International Airport.
The customs officers were doing their inspection rounds last week when they came across a box headed for New Zealand.
The box contained items of moulded artwork, which looked suspicious. The officers used a narcotics test kit and some of the items tested positive for crystal meth, which weighed 10kg.
A test by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on other items tested positive for fentanyl, which weighed 13kg. The narcotics were handed over the SAPS for further investigation.
In a statement on Saturday, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter praised the vigilance of the customs officers who detected the narcotics.
“SARS Customs will spare no effort in stopping the export or import of narcotics and any illegal substance which cause so much pain and hardship for families, particularly their youth.
“Drug smugglers must know that our Customs Division is fully committed to this objective, and will act without fear or favour against those criminals involved in the drugs trade. They must know that they will face the full might of the law,” Kieswetter said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 01/08/2024 - 09:27
As the opening of the 2024 academic year approaches, many prospective tertiary students find themselves without the means to afford their studies. As the last Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, but how does one afford to educate themselves with the high price …
Tributes for Magubane continue
Tributes for the late veteran photographer Peter Magubane have continued to pour in.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, have joined the nation in mourning the passing of Magubane.
Magubane who passed away on Monday, cut his teeth as a photojournalist during apartheid and at the height of political segregation and oppression of the black majority in South Africa.
The Presiding Officers said Magubane made his name by documenting the country’s political and socio-economic injustices and major political events through scintillating photos.
“Mr Magubane stood out among the few journalists who braved the brutality of the apartheid regime by documenting the struggles of the black majority. He used his lens to shine a spotlight on the injustice meted out by the government of the day,” said the Presiding Officers in a statement on .
They said his photographic records of events like the Sharpeville massacre, the arrest of the late Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the Rivonia Trial, the Women’s March to the Union Buildings against Pass Laws, and many other iconic moments were evidence of the might of his camera lens.
“His passing saddens us as it marks the end of an era of brave and fearless journalists who risked their lives to tell the South African story in every way possible. Through his lens, he contributed to the hard-earned democracy that we enjoy today. As a nation, we owe it to his legacy to continue to work tirelessly to get rid of all social ills,” said the Presiding Officers.
Parliament extended its deepest condolences to the Magubane family, his associates in the media and arts fraternity, and to all South Africans.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation also passed its condolences to the family and friends of Magubane.
“As an activist and documentary photographer, he was renowned for his courage in face of apartheid state brutality. His photographic record of the life and times of Nelson Mandela is both extensive and full of emblematic images.
“At critical moments during the years of struggle, he provided support to Mandela family members.”
The foundation worked closely with Ntate Magubane over the years on a variety of projects.
“In 2008 we became the custodians of his original exhibition “Mandela: Man of the People” and have presented versions of it to the public in our own facility and in partner institutions. We will miss Ntate Magubane’s dry sense of humour and his sharp eye, and will always value a body of work carrying great historical and artistic significance,” it said.
Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, visited the family of the legendary photographer and anti-apartheid activist in Johannesburg on Wednesday to pay his respects.
The Minister was joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Morakane Mosupyoe.
The Minister, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mosupyoe are among those who have expressed their condolences following the passing of the 91-year-old icon.
“I have learned with great sadness of the passing of… Peter Magubane. On behalf of government and the nation, I offer my deep condolences to the Magubane family, our veteran’s friends and his countless associates around the country and globally,” said President Ramaphosa.
The life and times of an icon
Magubane was born on 18 January 1932 Vrededorp (now Pageview, a suburb of Johannesburg), and grew up in Sophiatown. He began taking photographs as a schoolboy.
In 1954, he read a copy of Drum magazine, which detailed the effects of apartheid. He decided he wanted to be part of the magazine.
Magubane started employment at Drum as a driver. After six months of odd jobs, he was given a photography assignment under the mentorship of Jürgen Schadeberg, the chief photographer. He covered the 1955 African National Congress (ANC) convention.
Magubane photographed most of South Africa's historic moments, such as Sharpeville in 1960 and Nelson Mandela's Rivonia trial in 1964.
He was arrested in June 1969 while photographing protesters outside Pretoria Central Prison, where Winnie Madikizela Mandela was jailed. Magubane was later held in solitary confinement for 586 days.
Magubane has worked for Rand Daily Mail and has worked on assignments for Time magazine, the United Nations and Sports Illustrated photographing a series about the South African teenage runner, Zola Budd.
Following Mandela’s release from prison, Magubane became his official photographer in 1990, until he became the country’s President.
Magubane received several prestigious awards and honours throughout his illustrious career. Some of the notable recognitions he received include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Press Photographers' Association (NPPA).
In 2017, Magubane was honoured with the Order of Luthuli in silver.
Other notable achievements include:
1958 – First black South African to win a photographic prize in the country – first and third prizes were awarded to him for Best Press pictures of the year.
1985 – Robert Capa Gold Medal.
1986 – Dr. Erich Salomon Award.
1992 – Special Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism.
1995 – Martin Luther King Luthuli Award.
1997 – Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mother Jones Foundation and Leica Cameras.
1997 – Fellowship by the Tom Hopkinson School of Journalism and Cultural Studies, University of Wales, Cardiff
1999 – Order for Meritorious Service Class II from President Mandela.
2003 – Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of South Africa.
2006 – Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Fort Hare.
2006 – Honorary Doctorate of Technology from the Tshwane University of Technology.
2006 – Doctor of Law (honoris causa) Rhodes University.
2008 – Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society, UK.
2010 – Cornell Capa Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography.
2010 – Honorary doctorate degree from Columbia College (Chicago).
2015 – Nat Nakasa Award for Media Integrity.
He published a total of 17 books, two of which were banned by the apartheid regime. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 01/04/2024 - 13:11
Small Business warns against fake Facebook accounts
The Ministry of Small Business Development has warned members of the public about a number of fake Facebook accounts, which purport to belong to the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
The ministry has strongly condemned the fraudulent use of the Minister’s name, profile and pictures to create fake accounts, whose sole intention is to defraud and scam innocent citizens, especially small business owners.
“We would like to remind and advise all law-abiding citizens that neither the Minister nor the department will ever request ‘upfront fees’ from members of the public in exchange for accessing funding or business opportunities.
“To date, we have identified over 25 fake accounts that impersonate the Minister. We can confirm that the only legitimate Facebook account of the Minister is this one: https://www.facebook.com/stella.ndabeni,” the ministry said.
Anyone who has already fallen victim to this fraudulent activity is urged to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The fake accounts have already been reported to Facebook. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/03/2024 - 09:09