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Home Affairs Minister welcomes BMA’s sting operation at Beitbridge

Location: News

Home Affairs Minister welcomes BMA’s sting operation at Beitbridge

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the commendable management of South Africa’s borders by the Border Management Authority (BMA).

This follows a successful sting operation at the Beitbridge port of entry on Saturday.

The BMA border guards, the Counter Corruption and Security Services Branch of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a sting operation at the port of entry wherein 42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched.

During the search, 443 unaccompanied minors under the age of eight were found in the buses being brought into South Africa with no consent of parents or guardians.

“The hard work of the Border Management Authority is commendable, showing we’re pulling out all stops to prevent acts of crime and illegal entry into the country. Clearly the BMA is hard at work and is making inroads in effective border law enforcement,” Minister Motsoaledi said in a statement.

All persons in the 42 buses were refused entry into South Africa, and after engaging with the Zimbabwean Authorities, they were all taken back to Zimbabwe, including the children.

All the children who were found, were handed over to the Zimbabwean authorities for processing.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms these acts of criminality especially where the interest of the child is at stake. It’s unacceptable that these minors were not with their parents or guardians throughout this ordeal.

“Protecting children, especially in this period of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, is paramount,” Minister Motsoaledi said.

In the same night, 150 adult Zimbabwean nationals were also apprehended and prevented from entering the country.

“The BMA, Home Affairs officials and members of the SAPS are on the ground establishing all relevant details of the incident,” BMA Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato said.

“Further work is being done and will continue to be done to ensure detection of all perpetrators in order to bring all of them to book,” he said.

“The entire episode at Beitbridge shows great achievements of the BMA and in a very short space of time. It’s a good sign in tackling sharply the outcry on porous borders.

“We’ll continue relentlessly to act swiftly in enforcing immigration and other laws in the interest of national security and safety of all persons in the country, especially during this peak period, the festive season, and beyond,” Minister Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 08:46

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Bowmans appoints Pride Jani as a partner in Johannesburg

Location: MyPR

Leading African law firm, Bowmans, has enhanced the breadth and depth of its offering in banking and finance with the appointment of Pride Jani as a partner in its Johannesburg office. ‘Pride has extensive experience advising clients, lenders and borrowers on finance transactions and structures, and will add new capacity to our General Finance Practice,’ …

Read moreBowmans appoints Pride Jani as a partner in Johannesburg

Class of 2023 urged to celebrate responsibly

Location: News

Class of 2023 urged to celebrate responsibly

As the Class of 2023 nudges closer to finishing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has urged learners to stay safe and act responsibly in their celebratory moments. 

The Minister said this when she briefed the media on Sunday in Pretoria.

This week marks the final week of exams with only six NSC papers left to write.

“Now that the Class of 2023 is about to finish writing, we urge them to be safe. This may mark the end of the 12 years that you spent in the basic education sector; however, it is certainly not the end. Many of you are gathering in various places to celebrate the end of exams. As you do so, I urge you to act responsibly,” the Minister said. 

Motshekga said the department noted with great concern that learners were hosting and attending “pens down” parties.  

“What is clear is that as much as this time is cause for celebrating, hundreds of our youth are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking, and even finding themselves in trouble with the law.  

“You may have turned 18 years of age and therefore reached the legal age to consume alcohol but you must understand that adulthood comes with lifelong responsibilities,” she said. 

The Minister said the Gauteng Liquor Board has highlighted the dangers of overindulgence in drinking alcohol. This is in addition to the call to retailers to refrain from selling alcohol to underage children.

She said the department hopes to see more of these efforts across the country.

“May we always remember the tragedy of Enyobeni Tavern in the Eastern Cape, and many other such events, where the lives of young people were cut short, in incidents that could have easily been avoided.

“We urge parents, to know where your children are, with whom they are, and what they are doing. We need them back in 2024, as they continue with their education journey,” she said. 

Rewrites

There will be rewriting opportunities for candidates who experienced technical challenges during the writing of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 in five provincial education departments and Information Technology Paper 1 in one provincial education department and those who could not complete due to load shedding. 

This also includes Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT): 19 candidates in the Northern Cape and 32 candidates in the North West.

The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 and Information Technology Paper 1 will be written in the morning of 6 December 2023.

Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Paper 1 will be written in the afternoon on 6 December 2023

Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Paper 2 will be written in the morning of 7 December 2023.

The Minister announced the matric results announcement will take place on 18 January and the provincial release will take place on 19 January.

The department, she said, is confident that the all-important marking process, capture of results, standardisation, resulting and release of results will proceed according to plan. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 13:43

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Read moreClass of 2023 urged to celebrate responsibly

Matric exams enter final week

Location: News

Matric exams enter final week

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.

This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.

The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.

“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.

“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.

The NSC examinations commenced on Monday, 30 October 2023 with government having said that more than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system were registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.

“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams.

“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”

The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.

“There are lots of…disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.

“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [against] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and care givers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29

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Read moreMatric exams enter final week

Matric final exams enter final week

Location: News

Matric final exams enter final week

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.

This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.

The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.

“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.

“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.

The NSC examinations commenced on Monday, 30 October 2023 with government having said that more than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system were registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.

“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams.

“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”

The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.

“There are lots of…disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.

“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [against] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and care givers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29

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Read moreMatric final exams enter final week

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

Location: News

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it is implementing a comprehensive plan including longer border post operating times and more boots on the ground for its festive season operations.

This according to the BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.

He said the BMA expects at least six million people to move through South Africa’s borders during the festive season.

Masiapato said the BMA has engaged with South Africa’s six immediate neighbouring countries on the “synchronisation of processes and other work modalities” including working hours.

“While some of our busiest ports already operate on a 24-hour basis, the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has already approved our request to extend the operating hours on other identified critical ports on certain dates that we agreed with our immediate neighbouring countries,” he said.

The following working hours will now be operational at ports of entry:

  • Grobler’s Bridge to Botswana: 6am to midnight on 15, 16, 22 and 23 December
  • Swartkopfontein to Botswana: 6am to 8pm from 14 to 17 December, 22 to 24 December, 2 to 4 January as well as 13 and 15 January
  • Kosi Bay to Mozambique: 6am to 6pm from 14 December to 14 January
  • Mahamba to Swaziland: 7am to midnight on 15, 23, 24 December
  • Jeppes Reef to Swaziland: 7am to 10pm from 22 December to 2 January
  • Mananga to Swaziland: 7am to 8pm from 18 to 23 December
  • Sanipass to Lesotho: 6am to 8pm on 15, 16 December as well as 21 to 24 December
  • Caledonspoort:  6am to midnight 15, 16 and 23 December and 2 January. On 22 December, the port will operate for 24 hours.
  • Van Rooyensgate: 6am to midnight on 15, 16 and 24 December as well as 8 January. It will operate for 24 hours on 23 December and 2 January
  • Monontsa Pass: 7am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January
  • Pekabridge: 8am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January

“In addition, we will be deploying about 380 additional personnel at the selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support during this period. There are also a number of senior members from the Border Technical Committee (BTC) who have been allocated individual ports for their visitation during the identified critical dates to provide support to the operational teams on the ground,” he said.

Load shedding

Masiapato said additional infrastructure has also been sought including generators to mitigate the effects of load shedding on operations.

“After engagement with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), they will be providing additional infrastructure such as temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, Jojo tankers for the provision of water to the travellers at the identified critical land ports.

“In addition, generators with the appropriate un-interrupted power system are well serviced ready to provide required energy during instances of load shedding. We have also deployed additional IT support teams to various ports to immediately address any kind of system glitches experienced on the ground,” Masiapato said.

Illegal activities

He emphasised that the BMA will also be keeping a close eye on any illegal activity.

“We would also be focusing on curbing illegal movement of persons and goods with specific focus on cross-border organised criminal elements and other general crimes perpetrated in the ports of entry and border law enforcement area.

“We have put all measures in place to detect and confiscate narcotics, contraband, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We therefore want to urge all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality as they will be detected, arrested, declared undesirable, and then deported. 

“On the corridors leading to our land ports of entry, we would like to urge all drivers to desist from disregarding existing traffic laws, including instructions from the traffic officers on the ground as that has the potential to cause traffic jams which poses serious challenges of traffic flow towards our ports entry. Drivers are encouraged to accordingly follow the que and in no time, they would be assisted,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:21

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Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

Location: News

Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that he has issued directives to extend the validity of the exemption permits in respect of Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to 31 December 2024.

“I call upon all the affected Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to make use of the window of opportunity to apply for new exemption permits through VFS Global,” Motsoaledi said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Friday, Motsoaledi said both Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits.

He said a holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit, due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period of validity, will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit. A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit,” Motsoaledi said.

Motsoaledi explained that new exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025 and that a holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit will be allowed freedom of movement between Lesotho and South Africa or any other country. A holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, during the validity of the permit issued.

“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in South Africa,” Motsoaledi said.

Zimbabwe permit

The Minister said affected Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits under the following terms and conditions:

“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit due to expire on 31 December 2023 or June 2024 and such extended period of validity will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit.

“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit and that the exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025.

“A holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in the Republic of South Africa,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi explained that a holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 during the validity of the permit issued.

“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or 28 June 2024 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in the Republic of South Africa.

Motsoaledi has granted exemptions to approximately 54 653 Lesotho nationals for a period of two years and approximately 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals.

Motsoaledi said a dedicated team will be set up to deal with the applications for new exemption permits.

“VFS Global has also been instructed to fast-track the application process for new exemption permits,” the Minister said.

The first Zimbabwean special dispensation started in 2009 and was called the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Permit. It provided for the documentation of qualifying Zimbabweans for a five-year period. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:06

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Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

Location: News

Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

With 14 days left before the start of the festive season peak travel period in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on freight and public transport operators to ensure their drivers are fit and healthy to be on the road.

“This is also an opportune time for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with relevant legislation. Vehicle licence discs must be renewed and defects such as cracked windows, worn out wipers, smooth tyres and brakes must be fixed,” the RTMC said on Friday.

To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za where they can opt for their discs to be delivered to their doorstep.

“Tyre bursts and slippery wet surfaces account for 2.5% and 2.4% respectively as contributory factors to fatal road collisions thus highlighting the importance of having properly functioning brakes and tyres in vehicles.

“With rainfall predicted on some of the traveling days, it is important to fit proper wipers and functioning lights to ensure visibility on the road. Drivers should opt to travel during the day instead of at night where possible, as visibility is drastically reduced when it’s dark,” the RTMC said.

Motorists are further advised to ensure they always carry a valid driving licence card. Driving without a valid driving licence card is an infringement and is punishable by law.

Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended operational hours to renew their driving licences at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).

RTMC DLTCs centres are open seven days a week between 7am – 9pm.

“With chronic lifestyle diseases reportedly on the increase, it is pivotal for freight and public transport operators to ensure that their drivers are allowed to undergo medical tests and those on treatment receive their medication before embarking on long distance travel.

“Drivers of private vehicles are also urged to ensure that they are in a fit and healthy state before embarking on long distance travel. Drivers must have sufficient sleep before travel and have access to fresh water during trips to avoid dehydration,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:35

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Premier calls for swift arrest in rape of female security officers

Location: News

Premier calls for swift arrest in rape of female security officers

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators involved in the attack and rape of female security officers at the Transport Department offices in Durban.

According to reports, about eight armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices at Merebank in eThekwini by scaling the wall and took hostage all six security guards on duty, bound them with their own shoelaces and assaulted them at gunpoint. 

In another room, three female officers were raped at gunpoint in full view of their colleagues. The criminals also stole equipment belonging to the Department of Transport which is used for road maintenance.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has strongly condemned the sexual attack of the three female security officers.

“We would like to offer our support to the victims of this senseless and barbaric act of criminality and violation of women’s dignity. The latest sexual attacks and rape of these three women is an embarrassment and an indication that some men do not belong in our society and should be stripped of all the freedoms set aside for normal people,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said it was unfortunate that the attack comes at a time when the province should be observing the 16 Days of Activism campaign. 

“This incident comes as the country is thick in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) having launched the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign only on Saturday. 

“We are deeply saddened that these barbaric and animalistic attacks on women still persist. The men who commit these crimes against their sisters and mothers, in all honesty are less than human, and should be condemned to long-term imprisonment without the option of a parole,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier described the incident as a heinous act that has shaken the province to its core. 

“We also urge communities to come together in solidarity and support for gender-based violence survivors, fostering an environment where survivors feel safe to report such crimes and seek the help they need,” the Premier said. 

The provincial government has assigned psycho-social support to the victims and affected staff, as well as the necessary protection to support the victims. 

The Premier commended the Department of Transport for speedily visiting the site and attending to the staff traumatised by the incident. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 14:46

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SAPS proud of its men and women in blue

Location: News

SAPS proud of its men and women in blue

As the country observes the 25th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (25 November to 10 December), the South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on profiling a series of untold stories of its men and women in blue.

This is to celebrate the men and women who go beyond the call of duty to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Today, the spotlight is on Captain Karin Botha, a forensic social worker attached to the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.

Forensic Social Work is a specialised field of Social Work practice within the FCS environment, which is characterised by the social worker's primary function of providing expert testimony in courts of law.

Moreover, a forensic social worker’s core function is to conduct forensic interviews in the investigation of child abuse cases using age appropriate techniques in order to obtain accurate information from child victims to assist courts to make just and fair decisions.

Botha holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Forensic Practice.

Some of her career highlights include when the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced a 42-year-old father to four life terms and an additional 73 years direct imprisonment on multiple counts of rape, statutory rape, sexual grooming, incest, possession of child pornography and sexual abuse, earlier this year.

The father pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against him for raping and sexually abusing five child victims - two of  whom are his biological daughters, between 2019 and 2020. The victims were aged between nine and 13 around the time of the abuse.

Botha was assigned to obtain these victims' statements and compiled their competency assessment reports, which assisted the court to hand down an appropriate sentence.

She was also assigned to compile a victim impact report and testified in court as an expert witness in the sentencing of Nicholas Ninow, dubbed the ‘Silverton Dros rapist’.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced Ninow to life in prison and an additional 10 years imprisonment in 2019 on charges of rape, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice.

Ninow attacked and raped a 7-year-old girl in the restroom of the DROS restaurant in Silverton, Pretoria, in September 2018.

In 2020, Botha was awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Police for the instrumental role she played in the sentencing of a paedophile to life in prison and an additional 100 years imprisonment for multiple counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography, as well as child abuse. 

Botha said she assesses over 100 sexually abused child victims a year, who fondly refer to her as ‘tannie Karin'. Botha feels humbled by her profession that allows her to make a difference in abused children’s lives.

“Parents, caregivers, teachers or any other adult should never doubt or dismiss a child when they are disclosing the possibility of sexual abuse. Contact your nearest police station, open a case and act in the best interest of our children,” Botha said.

Captain Botha is the personification of ‘real heroes do not wear capes’, as she continues to be a voice for ‘voiceless’ child victims. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 09:29

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Prison security to be beefed up to avoid ‘threats’ this festive season

Location: News

Prison security to be beefed up to avoid 'threats' this festive season

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, on Wednesday said the department will enhance prison security to address any potential risks ahead of the festive season. 

“Proactive measures will be taken to prevent the smuggling of contraband and to deter any attempts at disorder,” Thobakgale said.

The Commissioner was speaking in Durban during the official launch of the department’s National Festive Season Security Operations Plan.  

“We are going into the holiday season, a time of joy, a time of celebration, and a time of togetherness for many. Yet, the festive season is also a period where the country experiences unique challenges related to elevated crime and security breaches in correctional facilities.

“Today’s launch of the DCS Festive Season Security Operations Plan is our commitment, as Correctional Services, towards safe and secure correctional centres.”

He told the attendees that the safety of correctional officials is the department’s number one priority. 

However, he raised concerns about the officials who continue to live under a cloud of insecurity following several recent attacks.  

“This shocking and appalling behaviour by those who try to stop law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties will not be tolerated. An attack on law enforcement institutions is an attack on the State, and government views this in the most serious light.” 

He described the correctional facilities as an essential part of the justice system, as they are tasked with the rehabilitation responsibility and safe custody of those who have transgressed the laws that govern society. 

“The safety of both correctional officials and inmates is paramount,” he stressed. 

According to the Commissioner, overcrowding, gang activities, contraband smuggling and violence have become pervasive. 

And this, according to him, does not only jeopardise the lives of those within facilities but also communities to which offenders eventually return.  

“These challenges underscore the pressing necessity to enhance security measures within correctional centres.” 

Thobakgale believes that the festive season poses specific risks, including heightened emotions and increased social interactions among inmates. 

“It is during these times that our collective vigilance becomes even more critical.” 

He stressed that this year’s festive season plan was not only about maintaining security but about fostering an environment where both inmates and staff can experience a sense of peace and stability.  

“We aim to ensure that the spirit of the season is not overshadowed by incidents that compromise the safety of our facilities.” 

Interventions 

To achieve this, Thobakgale said they will implement multi-faceted operations. 

These include increased vigilance and traffic monitoring as holidays often result in an increased number of visitors to correctional facilities as families try to maintain ties during special occasions. 

“Strict visitor screening procedures will be in place to prevent the introduction of contraband, and to ensure that only authorised individuals are allowed access.”

In addition, the department will also encourage inmates to participate in positive engagement programmes and activities as a distraction from potential conflicts, which also contribute to the rehabilitation process.

“We will strengthen our collaboration with external partners, including various law enforcement agencies and community organisations to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to security. 

“Information-sharing and joint initiatives can help track and apprehend individuals attempting to orchestrate criminal activities from within correctional centres,” said Thobakgale.

He is of the view that by addressing these factors and maintaining a proactive approach to safety and security, correctional facilities will be better equipped to function with ease.

“As a result, the well-being of both staff members and inmates during the holiday season shall find resonance.” 

The Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated correctional officials who work tirelessly to maintain order and abide by the code of conduct in their daily routine.  

“Your commitment to public safety is commendable and your efforts are invaluable. Working in a correctional facility is challenging, and your resoluteness must be valued at all times.” 

He reminded his colleagues that their mission extends beyond the physical confines of correctional facilities. 

But, according to the Commissioner, it is about fostering a safe society, with respect and dignity. 

“Tightening security in our facilities is not merely a matter of institutional concern. It is a collective responsibility that impacts the safety and well-being of the entire society.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 15:26

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SAICC warns about the impact of South African foreign policy on local exporters

Location: MyPR

November 2023, Johannesburg: The South Africa Israel Chamber of Commerce (SAICC) notes with alarm, the current moves within the US Senate to review South Africa’s (SA’s) eligibility for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Democratic Senator, Chris Coons is currently lobbying support for a proposed law to renew AGOA for 16 years that …

Read moreSAICC warns about the impact of South African foreign policy on local exporters

Employment and Labour conveys condolences to the families of the 11 departed miners in Implats 

Location: News

Employment and Labour conveys condolences to the families of the 11 departed miners in Implats 

The Department of Employment and Labour has sent its deep condolences to the families of the 11 miners who tragically lost their lives at the Impala Platinum Mine in Rustenburg in the North West.

On Monday, Implats reported that a serious safety incident involving a winder rope occurred at its 11 Shaft operation at Impala Platinum.

According to the mine, workers were being brought to the surface at the end of their shift when the conveyance system that carries workers up and down an underground shaft 1 000 metres deep began a rapid descent. 

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said the department views the occurrence as the most painful. 

“Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost and those touched by this tragic incident. The department will ensure relevant support is provided where necessary and needed.
 
“The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 11 miners, their families, colleagues, and the mining industry as a whole,” the Minister said.

The department also wished the 75 employees who were hurt a speedy recuperation.

Nxesi also urged those responsible for Health and Safety in the mines to conduct quick investigations, to establish whether there was negligence or not. If there was, the Minister emphasised that the law should take its course, within the relevant prescripts. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:02

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Read moreEmployment and Labour conveys condolences to the families of the 11 departed miners in Implats 

Men in blue set their sights on perpetrators

Location: News

Men in blue set their sights on perpetrators

As the country marks the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted the work of its men and women in blue who work tirelessly to put behind bars those involved in the abuse of women, children and vulnerable groups.

One such example is Warrant Officer Alistair Rezant who is attached to the Western Cape SAPS’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.

With an overwhelming success rate, W/O Rezant has managed to secure a total of 1 105 years imprisonment sentence for rapists.

This year, the investigator secured a lengthy conviction for Riegard David Myburgh who was found guilty for numerous counts of rape and sexual assault charges. Myburgh is a paedophile who targeted young boys between 8 and 11 years of age between 2014 and 2019.

Because of Warrant Officer Rezant’s meticulous investigation, Myburgh’s name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) which records the names of persons who have been convicted of charges of sexual offences committed against a child or a mentally disabled person.

The member was also instrumental in securing the conviction of Mark Labuschagne who was a handyman at a retirement village in the Western Cape.

Labuschagne was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for sexually assaulting an elderly women at the retirement village and for performing acts of self-masturbation in front of the elderly. His victims were aged between 70 and 96 years of age.

Labuschagne’s name was also recorded in both the Sexual Offences Register and the Abuse of Elderly Persons Register. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and also unfit to work with children

The member has vowed to put more of such offenders behind bars.

“Cases related to GBV and sexual offences remains a priority for me. I always oppose bail applications for GBV perpetrators and ensure that all cases relating to rape and abuse are watertight so that they are not withdrawn at the court of law,” said W/O Rezant.

“These hefty sentences meted against sexual offenders should serve as a deterrent to would be offenders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:31

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Indonesian Consulate General in Cape Town Holds Event Socializing 2024 Election, Indonesian Citizen Protection Abroad

Location: News

Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Capetown, The Republic of South Africa
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The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Cape Town, in an effort to better protect Indonesian citizens abroad, held a socialization event to around 200 Indonesian citizens in the city (26/11). The activity aimed to increase the awareness of Indonesian citizens on the importance of self-reporting to the Consulate, as well as providing information on the upcoming 2024 General Election in Cape Town and its monitoring efforts.

In his remarks, the Consul General has made clear that the protection of Indonesian citizens is mandated by the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 37/1999 on Foreign Relations. This protection is considered a priority of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially considering that Cape Town is one of the Indonesian missions in a region considered unsafe. The Consul General also emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens exercising their political rights in the 2024 elections for President and Vice President as well as members of the House of Representatives, as a form of participation in determining democratic and quality national leadership.

Meanwhile, the Consul for Protocol and Consular Affairs in his presentation emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens reporting themselves through the Peduli WNI Portal (peduliwni.kemlu.go.id). By registering Indonesian citizens' information on the portal, it is expected to make it easier for authorities to contact them or their families in their homeland in emergency situations such as war, social conflict, or natural disasters.

Regarding the 2024 General Election, PPLN Cape Town noted a number ship crews who have not been registered in the permanent voter list, and will be followed up immediately. Meanwhile, the General Election Committee in Cape Town emphasised that election monitoring is carried out to create quality elections.

One of the things that emerged during the event was the hope of the crew representatives present to be able to exercise their voting rights online, so that they can vote even though they are at sea. In response, PPLN Cape Town will forward this aspiration to the General Election Commission (KPU) as an effort to facilitate the democratic participation of Indonesian citizens in remote locations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Capetown, The Republic of South Africa.

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