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Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of kids

Location: News

Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of children

Cabinet has raised concern on the spate of food poisoning of children from eating expired and contaminated foodstuff from spaza shops and street vendors.

This follows the recent death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops, which were reported in Gauteng and North West provinces.

“Cabinet is encouraged by the law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a post Cabinet briefing on Monday.

Ntshavheni reported that during the recent International Migration Workshop, some of the key outcomes included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities. 

The workshop was hosted by the Home Affairs Department and joined by the Departments of Small Business Development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements, as well as traditional leaders and mayors from metropolitans and district municipalities. It focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops.

“There will be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by the Departments of Labour, Health, Small Business Development and Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws,” Ntshavheni said.

The workshop also decided that an audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities, will be undertaken. 

The Minister said there are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities.

“Business licensing legislation is being amended to support all those who wish to trade in the informal sector.”

Police commended for dealing with international drug syndicates

Meanwhile, Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for dealing a massive blow to international drug syndicates.

This follows the discovery of cocaine valued at R80 million, which was seized at a warehouse at Dube Trade Port, within the King Shaka International Airport, on 20 October 2023.

Two days prior to the seizure, another R70 million worth of cocaine was seized from a container at the Durban Harbour.

“Cabinet applauds the SAPS for their work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to our communities and the nation. Operation Safer Festive Season is already yielding results, with police arresting over 140 suspects, including an alleged illegal mining kingpin, and seizing unlicensed firearms,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:05

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SA calls on Israel to protect civilians and fast-track repatriation as tension flares

Location: News

SA calls on Israel to protect civilians and fast-track repatriation as tension flares

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has once again called on Israel to adhere to its obligations under international law and protect civilians as required under the Geneva Conventions and under International Humanitarian Law. 

This comes after reports from Al Jazeera suggested that Israel may delay the repatriation of nationals from countries such as South Africa, Brazil and Ireland due to these countries having called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“According to reports from the ground in Gaza, Israel is reportedly choosing countries that it considers ‘friendly’ to allow their nationals to leave first. 

“Those countries such as South Africa, which Israel considers ‘unfriendly’ and which have taken a strong stance on the ongoing onslaught are being pushed to the bottom of the list. At the current slow pace at which the Israelis are approving foreign nationals, the turn for South Africans could be after 20 days," DIRCO said in a statement. 

The department said it believes that it is not only foreign nationals who must be allowed to freely exit the Gaza Strip in a timely manner. 

According to the latest data, the department said at least 9 227 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 7 October. 

Meanwhile, more than 1 400 Israelis, including settlers and soldiers, have been killed in Israel.

“Over the past few days, a school, a hospital, an ambulance, and civilians on roads travelling South have been bombed. 

“The bombing of the ambulance at the gate of Al-Shifa Hospital on Friday killed 15 people, injuring 16 others,” the department said.

It said the targeted air strikes on civilians fleeing South killed 14 Palestinian civilians, among them children. 

“These are serious breaches of international humanitarian law and are war crimes. These actions again illustrate the need for an immediate ceasefire, as overwhelmingly voted for by members of the United Nations General Assembly.”

Meanwhile, the department said ongoing threats by Israel to bomb the Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals, where thousands of displaced civilians are sheltering, must be condemned by the international community.

“South Africa invested resources, together with its IBSA partners, India and Brazil, to build a state-of-the-art cardiothoracic unit at Al-Quds Hospital over six years ago, as Israel at the time was preventing Gazans from leaving to get medical treatment in the West Bank. Threats to bomb the hospital put this investment at risk, but more importantly, countless human lives,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 10:20

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Disability rights awareness: Making access a lived reality

Location: News

Disability rights awareness: Making access a lived reality

By Nomonde Mnukwa

Since the dawn of our democracy, one of our nation’s priorities have been increasing accessibility for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

Today, in a democratic South Africa, the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, promoted and advanced through legislation and the Constitution, which leaves no room for discrimination on any grounds.

While our laws and policies have been enacted to promote people with disabilities, they should not be viewed by the private and public sector simply as a compliance issue.

Equality for people with disabilities must become a lived reality to enable a societal shift that will ensure people with disabilities fully contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth and development.

As we mark National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December, it is a time for introspection on how we can advance the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated in every area of our society.

Government remains unwavering in its commitment to uplift and improve the lives of disabled people. To facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities, public spaces are being equipped according to the needs of those with disabilities, for example wheel chair-friendly environments.

These spaces improves the quality of life for people with disabilities by enabling their participation and improving accessibility. This supports social cohesion priorities of government and promotes the rights of disabled people.

The recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Through the enactment of the SASL, the language needs of people with hearing impairments are met, helping increase their access to economic and learning opportunities. Moreover, it ensures they have equal protection and benefit under the law.

Learning for children with hearing difficulties is being facilitated through the use of sign language in teaching and learning by the Department of Basic Education. This initiative is helping empower and equip these children to develop their lives beyond their circumstances.

Government is working towards creating economic opportunities for people living with disabilities to enable them to actively participate in the economy and provide for themselves and families. These economic opportunities also give them a sense of fulfilment.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities together with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have collaborated to accelerate inclusion for women, youth and persons with disability in the agricultural sector.

The SASSA disability grant enables over 1 million people with disabilities to live integrated lives in communities.

Whilst government strives to improve access for people with disabilities, we urge organisations, Non-Profit Organisations and civil society to work with us in creating an enabling environment for people with disabilities.

These include spaces with wheel chair ramps, assistive devices, incorporating sign language facilitators for deaf people and braille materials for the blind.

Everyone can lend a helping hand to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. It can be through helping a disabled person cross the road, volunteering at shelters or learning sign language.

Our actions are inspired by our former President Nelson Mandela who advocated for the rights of disabled persons. Madiba said: “The new South Africa we are building should be accessible and open to everyone... Only then will the rights of the disabled to equal opportunities become a reality”

While we have come a long way in breaking some barriers of access and entry for people with disabilities, more needs to be done to move disability issues into the mainstream. Together we can further advance our democracy by improving access for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 09:58

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US Secretary reiterates President Biden’s commitment to extend AGOA

Location: News

US Secretary reiterates President Biden's commitment to extend AGOA

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated President Joe Biden’s commitment to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond 2025 when it expires. 

“President Biden fully supports the reauthorisation of AGOA. But we don’t just want to extend AGOA – we want to work with the United States Congress to make it better. And that’s what this week’s dialogue is about,” he said on Friday. 

Blinken was addressing delegates through a video speech at the three-day AGOA Forum at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 

Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market. 

“Last year, I travelled to South Africa to lay out the United States strategy to sub-Saharan Africa and to its core, it’s about partnerships -- what the United States can do with African nations and not for African nations.” 

Blinken believes that AGOA is critical to realising this vision as thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa have benefited in the past two decades. 

“AGOA has meant new jobs, new skills, new connections and new investment. It has meant less corruption and greater human and labour rights.” 

The piece of legislation, according to the United States Secretary of State, has translated into partnerships to advance new solutions to shared challenges from the climate crisis to food insecurity, to supply chain disruptions and vulnerabilities. 

“More inclusive, sustainable growth is good for Africa and good for America and good for the world,” Blinken said.

In addition, he said America was dedicated to December’s African Leaders’ Summit commitments, which are essential to creating economies and societies where trade and investment can flourish. 

Through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, Blinken believes his country is lending a helping hand to finance projects like the Lobito Corridor between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Angola, which will enhance connectivity and make it easier to do business in and with Africa. 

In addition, the United States, Blinken said, is mobilising US$8 billion in private and public investments to bolster climate resistance and advance women’s economic empowerment. 

“We remain the single biggest country investor by far in food security and public health in the region and we’re working on new efforts like our VACS initiative to strengthen African seeds and soils,” he said, adding that they will support elevating African voices in global diplomacy. 

Blinken welcomed the African Union joining the G20 and International Monetary Fund, which is working to expand sub-Saharan representation on its Executive Board. 

On the other hand, he said the United States remain committed to reforming the United Nations Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa.  

“This flourishing partnership between the United States and Africa gives me tremendous hope. And through gatherings like this, we continue to shape a future where workers and businesses are equipped and empowered, where governments are transparent and accountable, where all our people can thrive, and where our nations can come together for the good of our people and the world.” 

AGOA is a United States Trade Act enacted on 18 May 2000 as Public Law 106 of the 200th Congress. 

The AGOA legislation has been renewed on different occasions, most recently in 2015, when its period of validity was extended to September 2025. 

The legislation significantly enhances market access to the United States for qualifying sub-Saharan African countries by allocating special programme indicators to about 6 800 tariff lines in the American tariff schedule. 

This allows United States importers to clear goods sourced from eligible African countries duty-free under AGOA. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:06

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KZN police commended for bravery in taking down suspects

Location: News

KZN police commended for bravery in taking down suspects

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has praised police officers for their determination and bravery after four suspects, who were believed to have been terrorising the community of Inanda, were fatally wounded in a shootout with police this week.

A team comprising various police disciplines, private security, the National Intervention Unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) conducted an operation after intelligence led them to a house near Dube Village Mall in Inanda.

As the police officers approached the house, they were met with gunfire. A member of the National Intervention Unit was shot in the leg and was transported to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Following a heated gun battle, four suspects were fatally wounded. Police found four pistols in their possession. A manhunt continues for more suspects. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been summoned for further investigations.

Mkhwanazi commended the police officers for remaining composed during the gun battle, which lasted for about half an hour.

"We will continue to hunt down these ruthless criminals, who are terrorising innocent civilians in Inanda. It is quite obvious that they are hell bent on taking down police officers and will not submit themselves to face the might of the law," he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 10:42

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Measures in space to ensure safe and secure AGOA

Location: News

Measures in place to ensure safe and secure AGOA

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) has put measures in place to ensure the 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum takes place in a safe and secure environment.

NatJOINTS includes various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA).

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said a safety and security operational plan is already being enforced, with all critical role players already on the ground to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

Mathe said police visibility has been heightened in and around the Johannesburg Expo Centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, before, during and post the event.

She emphasised that only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. 

“Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. Lost cards must be immediately reported to the South African Police Service. It is a serious offence to exchange cards amongst colleagues.
 
“Residents of Johannesburg and those who are operating businesses within the vicinity of the Johannesburg Expo Centre are advised about road closures for the duration of the event,” Mathe explained. 

The affected intersections in the Nasrec precinct as reported by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) include: 
•    Nasrec Road and Recreation Road;
•    Nasrec Road and Randshow Road;
•    Randshow Road and Commerce Street;
•    Nasrec Road and Landbou Road; 
•    Golden Highway Road and Randshow Road;
•    Ring 1 and Ring 2;
•    Golden Highway and Stadium Road and
•    Nasrec Road and Stadium Road.

NATJOINTS assured all dignitaries, attendees and spectators that multidisciplinary and integrated teams are already on the ground and are ready to deliver a safe and secure event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 09:49

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AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum

Location: News

AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum

By Michael Currin

Growing business, trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African nations that are part of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act and the United States (US) holds enormous benefits for the two regions.

Last year the combined two-way trade between AGOA beneficiaries and the United States exceeded $46 billion and there is strong potential for further growth as trade and investment is deepened.

These trade and investment opportunities will be explored at the 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which is being hosted by South Africa at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 2-4 November 2023.

The forum, attended by a senior delegation from the United States and 35 Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Ministers, will seek to strengthen trade and investment. Moreover, with African Regional Economic Communities, civil society, organised and business representatives in attendance, it also encourages regional integration.

There is ample room for growth between the US and Africa, particularly in the critical mineral value chain which is at the centre of the global clean energy transition. The continent is a major producer of cobalt, copper, bauxite, chromium, high purity iron ore, platinum group metals and lithium which is needed for the global energy transition.

Those who partner with the continent will have access to these critical resources to spur on and benefit from the clean energy revolution. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2022 foresees demand for these critical minerals more than doubling by 2030 and quadrupling by 2050.

The forum also reaffirms Africa as a capable economic partner and a lucrative destination for growth and investment. Sub-Saharan African economies are on the rise following the impact of COVD-19 with the International Monetary Fund's Regional Economic Outlook forecasting their growth by 4.2 per cent in 2024 from 3,6 per cent in 2023.

Alongside the forum will be the Made in Africa exhibition that will display the products of more than 500 companies from across Sub-Saharan Africa. It will exhibit the region’s agricultural, automotive, chemicals, metals and minerals, mining and machinery, clothing and textiles, leather and footwear and the boatbuilding sector products.

Significantly, this forum is the last engagement hosted in Sub-Saharan African before the expiry of the current iteration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act in June 2025.  AGOA has been at the core of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.

It was signed into law on 18 May 2000 to provide duty-free exports of goods from 40 sub-Saharan African countries to the United States, giving them a competitive advantage in the lucrative US market.

There are over 5240 tariff items that qualify for the AGOA ranging from apparel and footwear, wine, certain motor vehicle components, a variety of agricultural products, chemicals as well as steel.

The 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum is an opportunity to lobby for the renewal of AGOA beyond 2025 as a mutually beneficial platform for global exchange and growth for the industries involved, and as a gateway to the vibrant African market. An extension of AGOA will promote inward investment in Africa and deepen the impact of industrialisation on the continent. 

Furthermore, it will also support our efforts to increase trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that covers 54 countries and 1.4 billion people. It is anticipated that Africa’s trade will be greatly boosted by AfCFTA and the US stands to gain access to a single market, which is projected to grow to 1.7 billion people and $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending by 2030.

The trade relationship between the US and South Africa has greatly benefitted from the AGOA agreement.

South Africa remains a key source of raw materials for the American economy and has become one of the region’s top 3 exporters to the US. The most success has been in our automobile sector which is the country’s biggest single beneficiary of the programme. Our local citrus industry has also benefited with the Western Cape exporting approximately R1.6 billion worth of citrus to the US under AGOA in 2022.

Other leading exports to the US included iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals and precious stones. It helped create a total of 62 395 direct and indirect jobs, while overall AGOA generated an estimated 350 000 direct and 1.3-million indirect jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

South Africa looks forward to welcoming stakeholders from the US and across the continent to the forum. The stronger ties will ensure reciprocal trade and investment that will benefit both the US and Africa.

* Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System
 

Janine
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 08:54

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COVID-19 social grant extended until 2025

Location: News

COVID-19 social grant extended until 2025

Government has extended the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) until March 2025 while it considers social security policy reforms and a funding model.

The grant was introduced to support low-income individuals affected by the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivering the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) to Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said R34 billion has been allocated to extend the grant by another year.

“Over the medium term, a provisional allocation is retained while a comprehensive review of the entire social grant system is finalised. The 2023 Budget indicated that the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant was only funded until March 2024.

“Government proposes that the fiscal framework make provision for funding for the grant for 2024/25. Beyond this, a comprehensive review of the entire social grant system by the Department of Social Development and the National Treasury is required,” Godongwana said.

Over the 2024 medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period, 61%  of consolidated non-interest spending goes to the social wage — combined public spending on health, education, housing, social protection, transport, employment and local amenities.

“Of this amount, R945.9 billion will be spent on social protection transfers, including the old age grant, the child support grant, the disability grant and the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant. South Africa’s social protection expenditure programme, measured as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), is one of the largest among developing countries,” he said.

The 2019 MTBPS noted that by 2040/41, social assistance beneficiaries – excluding the temporary COVID-19 social relief of distress grant – were projected to increase to 22.5 million, necessitating spending on social grants amounting to 3 % of GDP annually.

“This is in line with current grants spending, excluding the temporary grant. If that or a similar type of new grant is made permanent, beneficiaries are projected to expand from 27.3 million in 2023/24 to 40.4 million in 2040/41, which will cost 3.8 % of GDP in 2040/41 and require a corresponding permanent source of funding, such as additional revenue measures,” he said.

Education

Although additional funding has been provided to implement the 2023 public-service wage agreement, provincial education departments are constrained in hiring additional teachers.

The Minister warned that this could lead to larger class sizes and higher learner-teacher ratios, possibly resulting in weaker educational outcomes.

“To mitigate this, the sector will improve the approach to allocating teachers to schools, ensure that learner and teacher support materials are used cost-effectively, manage infrastructure projects more tightly and focus on plans to catch up on lost teaching time,” Godongwana said.

Institutions in the post-school education and training sector, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, will need to bring their student enrolment and bursary allocations in line with their budgets.

Planned infrastructure spending will be brought in line with institutions’ ability to spend.

Continued health services

The Minister said the health sector is aiming to maintain service delivery amid budgetary constraints.

“While additional funding is provided to cover wage increases, baseline reductions are being implemented as part of fiscal consolidation. To minimise negative effects, the sector will need to improve efficiency in areas such as overtime payments, medical supplies and security services, and to delay infrastructure projects.”

The South African Law Reform Commission is finalising a report on legal reform to manage medico-legal claims, which constitute a significant financial risk.

“To address funding fragmentation for oncology services, allocations will be shifted from the national health insurance grant to the national tertiary services grant.

“A single grant is also proposed to consolidate the existing personal and non-personal services components of the national health insurance indirect grant. Funding is also redirected towards the Office of Health Standards Compliance to strengthen the Health Ombud,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:07

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Multi-stakeholder workshop looks into migration impact on rural areas, local government

Location: News

Multi-stakeholder workshop looks into migration impact on rural areas, local government

Government has set out to review areas of cooperation among various stakeholders following the successful International Migration Workshop with traditional leaders and mayors from metro and district municipalities earlier this month.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, co-hosted the workshop in October in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The purpose of the workshop was to provide a platform for stakeholders to share practical experiences on how migration impacts the communities they lead at local level, and to identify possible areas of cooperation.

Motsoaledi and Nkadimeng were joined by other ministries who, in view of their legislative mandates, are directly affected by the issue of international migration.

They included Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi; Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, led by Acting Director-General, Malebo Mabitje -Thompson.

Other key stakeholders were the Public Service Commission Chairperson Prof Somadoda Fikeni, Border Management Authority Commissioner Dr Mike Masiapato and a delegation from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), led by President Cllr Bheki Stofile, Mayors and Speakers from Districts, Metropolitan and Local Municipalities.

There were also leaders from the National House of Traditional and Khoi and San leaders led by its chairperson, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, all provincial houses of traditional leaders led by their chairpersons, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (“CONTRALESA”) led by  its President, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, the National Khoi and San Council led by Deputy Chairperson, Mr Anthony Peterson and the Royal Leaders of South Africa (“ROLESA”) led by Secretary-General, Kgoshigadi Moremadi Mothapo.

The workshop agreed on key areas of cooperation to achieve effective management of migration, and these include:

  • Review of international agreements (Conventions and Protocols) with a view to accede to them with reservations where necessary, taking national interest into consideration.
  • Policy and legislative reforms, including the following legislation: Citizenship Act (Act 88 of 1995), Identification Act (Act 68 of 1997), Refugee Act (Act 130 of 1998) and Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002).
  • Introduction of Omnibus by-laws to promote standardised and effective enforcement by all municipalities. This will address the challenges relating to trading and enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities.

“In support of this intervention, there will be immediate joint inspections of businesses by labour, health, trade, industry and competition and immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws.

“Government will assist in strengthening the planning units in municipalities so that they are able to interpret the data and prepare development plans that are aligned to the current trends. [The auditing] of spaza shops in villages and townships and mechanisms to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities [should also take place],” the Department of Home Affairs said.

The meeting also looked at reviewing of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (Act 19 of 1998) to facilitate the effective implementation in instances of illegal occupation of land.

The meeting also agreed on the following:

  • Strengthening Local Economic Development (LED) through, among others, supporting citizens who wish to trade in the informal sector; ensuring that business licensing legislation is amended, and promoting the assignment of LED Officers, who would also interface with traditional authorities.
  • Supporting the Department of Human Settlements process of reviewing the 1994 White Paper to respond to current needs and challenges related to informal settlements and illegal occupation of buildings in inner cities.
  • Coordination and collaboration of border law enforcement between government, traditional and Khoi-San leaders and the Border Management Authority (BMA).
  • Supporting traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities
  • Reviewing resource allocation for municipalities to address the unique resources pressures of municipalities and also capacitation of municipalities on data analysis.
  • The establishment of a working group that will meet regularly to track progress on the work done by various entities and government departments to ensure a ‘whole of government and civil society’ approach towards managing international migration and its effects.

“We are pleased that SALGA has already issued a statement on the workshop. This is in the spirit of cooperation and partnership which the workshop called for. We look forward to more role players coming on board to lend their hand in this important matter of national importance,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 09:32

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Operation Shanela nets 597 suspects in the North West

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets 597 suspects in the North West

The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted various high-density operations in the North West province last week, which resulted in 597 suspects being arrested for various crimes.

The suspects were arrested during an Operation Shanela initiative which was held from Monday, 23 October 2023, to Sunday, 29 October 2023.

According to a statement by the police, among others, four arrests were made for drug-related offences, 11 for dealing in liquor, 21 for driving under the influence of liquor, three for possession of firearms and ammunition and 66 were undocumented persons who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

The following arrests were made for serious and violent crimes: six for murder, four for attempted murder, five for armed robbery, 149 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, three for business robbery, 41 for burglary, 30 for malicious damage to property, 13 for rape and 104 for common assault.

During the operations, two firearms with ammunition, eight cellular phones as well as a variety of drugs and precious metals were confiscated.

Some of the suspects have already appeared before court while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts in the province.

During the operations, 93 premises were searched, 12 road blocks were held and 11 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.

In one of the incidents, a 45-year-old police officer was attacked with a sjambok in Extension 4, in Lebaleng location, Makwassie, by an alleged tuck shop owner while a law enforcement team was conducting consumer inspections.

The suspect attacked the police officer from behind, while he was removing expired products from the tuck shop. The officer was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment.

Investigations are underway and an arrest is imminent, said police.

The Provincial police Commissioner in the North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said an attack on a police officer is an attack against the state and it will not be tolerated.

He warned that consumption of expired goods could cause people to fall ill and even die, therefore the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 09:50

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Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Location: News

Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Four cash in transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with law enforcement agencies in Mmakau in the North West province on Monday afternoon.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a multi-disciplinary team received intelligence about a group of suspects planning to commit a cash in transit robbery between the North West and Gauteng.

“The information was operationalised and led the team to the N4 highway where the identified suspects' vehicle was observed. 

“The suspects' vehicle was spotted as it turned towards Mmakau. A high-speed chase and shootout ensued as soon as the suspects realised they were about to be captured. 

“The suspects lost control of their vehicle and collided with a fence. Four of the suspects were fatally wounded and three unlicensed firearms, two handguns as well as a rifle were recovered from the scene,” said the police.

The suspects are aged between 30 and 45-years-old.

The multi-disciplinary team - comprising the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, Badboyz Security, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, FRS-Falcon Risk Solutions, SAPS PHO Crime Intelligence, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team – have been applauded for foiling the would-be cash in transit heist.

Police said further investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:46

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Government partners with business to tackle economic challenges

Location: News

Government partners with business to tackle economic challenges

Government has established a partnership with business to work together in four critical areas, including energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and employment to give impetus to efforts currently being undertaken.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said this while delivering an address to the nation updating on the Economic Recovery progress on Monday.

“We continue to collaborate with organised labour and civil society to ensure a whole-of-society approach to addressing the most important challenges our country faces. All of this gives us hope that we are turning the tide on the many challenges that we face,” the President said.

This month marks three years since government embarked on the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which outlined the actions that it would take to rebuild the economy and create jobs in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

The President acknowledged that the last three years have been extremely challenging, as the country emerges from more than a decade of stagnant economic growth, compounded by the impact of the pandemic.

“We are working to reverse the legacy of the past era of corruption and mismanagement of our State-owned enterprises, which has left us with a persistent energy crisis and an inefficient ports and rail network.

“And we are contending with a range of global and domestic pressures which have set back our economic recovery. And yet, there are clear signs that our efforts are showing results. Electricity supply is improving. Jobs are being created.

“Houses, roads, bridges and dams are under construction. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on criminal syndicates. The proceeds of State capture are being recovered. These are reasons for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.

Since then, in the midst of severe load shedding and increased global volatility, he highlighted that the economy has continued growing, albeit too slowly. He added that the economy has shown a significant degree of resilience and is now larger than it was before the pandemic.

Reforms – Energy Action Plan

Turning to one of the main challenges in the country, President Ramaphosa told the nation that progress is being made towards ending load shedding.

“We are making progress towards ending load shedding. Our greatest priority has been to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding to achieve energy security. Over the last few months, there has been a measurable decline in the severity of load shedding,” the President said.

He noted that the Energy Action Plan he announced in July last year is showing positive results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.

The President said that regulatory reforms that have been initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000MW of confirmed projects in development.

Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, he said that the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500MW in the last year.

“The steady progress we are making in resolving the energy crisis is a reason for hope,” he said.

Infrastructure

Another commitment made in the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan was to fix South Africa’s infrastructure through renewed investment in maintenance and construction of new projects.

The President highlighted that several significant infrastructure projects are underway.

“These projects are both contributing to greater economic activity and jobs, and providing much-needed infrastructure for the growth of our economy and the needs of our people.

“These infrastructure projects range from social housing, road construction, rural bridges, and dam constructions,” he said.

President Ramaphosa further highlighted that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has to date restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors.

To continue with the restoration of the country’s commuter rail corridors, he said R50 billion will be spent over the next three years to modernise the passenger rail network.

As part of the infrastructure build, the President said that the sixth administration is undertaking significant water infrastructure projects. These include Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Mzimvubu water project in the Eastern Cape, which will involve an investment of R17 billion.

“Around the country, water treatment works are being upgraded, pumping stations are being repaired, and pipes are being laid to get water to under-serviced areas,” he noted.

Logistics system

President Ramaphosa said the country is making progress in restoring its logistics system to world-class standards, so that SA can export goods to global markets.

The National Logistics Crisis Committee is overseeing a range of interventions to stabilise and improve the performance of the logistics system in the short term, in addition to ongoing reform to improve its efficiency and competitiveness in the long term.

He said the Transnet board has developed a turnaround plan, which aims to increase volumes transported on SA’s network.

“Progress is also being made with the introduction of private sector participation in container terminals. I want to make it clear that South Africa’s port, rail and electricity infrastructure are strategic national assets, and that they will remain in public ownership.

“However, introducing competition in operations – both in electricity and logistics – will create greater efficiency and reduce prices in the long term, just as the introduction of competition in the telecommunications sector has led to greater choice and enormous benefits for consumers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 21:50

348 views
Read moreGovernment partners with business to tackle economic challenges

Social protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery position

Location: News

Social protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery plan

The introduction of measures designed to cushion the effects of the economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID pandemic has played a substantial role in keeping millions out of poverty in South Africa.

Speaking to the nation on Monday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa said one of the key pillars of the reconstruction and recovery plan, post COVID-19, was the expansion of social protection and public employment.

The President was frank about the mammoth task that lies ahead in moving the country forward, in terms of creating the requisite jobs and expanding the economy. However, he commended the role played by the country’s commitment to strengthening social protection through initiatives designed to propel the recovery trajectory.

“Over the last two years, the number of people with jobs has increased by two million, bringing the level of employment close to its pre-pandemic level.

“The special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] Grant, known as the R350 grant, which we introduced in 2020, has kept millions of people out of poverty, and continues to provide much-needed support for those who are unemployed.

“The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created over 1.2 million opportunities since its establishment, representing the largest expansion of public employment in South Africa’s history,” the President said.

To date, over four million young people have registered on the SAYouth online platform, and more than one million of them have been able to access opportunities for learning and earning.

“Every one of those jobs created is a reason for hope. Every person who no longer lives in poverty is a reason for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.

Acknowledging the sustained challenges imposed by domestic and global pressures on the South Africa economy, the President made it clear that constraints to growth, including load shedding and the underperformance of the ports and rail network, must be overcome if the country is to realise its own economic growth targets.

Government spending, the President noted, has exceeded revenue since the 2008 global financial crisis, without a commensurate increase in economic growth.

“As the Minister of Finance has noted, for every rand that government collects in revenue, 18 cents go towards servicing our national debt. This means that we are now paying more in interest on our national debt than we are budgeting for the police force.

“Ultimately, more rapid and inclusive growth is the only solution to unemployment, poverty and inequality. Growth is also necessary for the sustainability of public finances.”

The President reiterated the commitment to stabilising the levels of debt and adopting a responsible fiscal policy, saying that the Minister of Finance will set out government’s plans to achieve this trajectory in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 1 November.

Strengthening municipal performance

The President said urgent and necessary interventions are being undertaken at municipal level in order to improve service delivery in the areas of water and sanitation, electricity, roads and waste collection.

“These interventions are accelerating service delivery where basic services have collapsed.  

“While addressing the immediate problems, we are introducing necessary institutional reforms and professionalisation in the appointment of senior municipal officials.”

Spending on health, education, policing and other essential services will be protected as far as possible, the President said.

“As we move to target spending on programmes that are working for the poor, we need to acknowledge that our social grants, including the SRD Grant, as well as our public employment programmes, are vital in supporting those who are vulnerable.

“These programmes have not only reduced poverty, but have enabled recipients to search for jobs and to engage in other economic activity to support their livelihoods.”

The Minister of Finance is expected to provide more details on these and other spending priorities when he presents the MTBPS on Wednesday.

Tackling crime and corruption

The President said the South African Police Service has established 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams throughout the country to protect critical infrastructure and tackle the “construction mafia”.

“We are seeing results in arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. Increasing the number of police men and women will further strengthen our capacity to curb acts of criminality.

“I have also extended the employment of 880 members of the SANDF [South African National Defence Force] to support the police in combating criminal activity that targets critical economic infrastructure. The police have arrested several people for extortion at construction sites and made over 3 000 arrests for illegal mining.

“Through the intensive efforts of our law enforcement agencies, dozens of illegal mines, unregulated coal yards and unregistered second hand dealers have been shut down.”

Additionally, the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks, coal and other metals.

Turning to State capture, the President acknowledged that over the last four years, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate has taken 34 State capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons.

Freezing orders of R14 billion have now been granted to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for State capture related cases. Around R5.4 billion has to date been recovered and returned to the State.

“As recommended by the State Capture Commission, we are putting in place laws, institutions and practices that reduce the potential for corruption of any sort and on any scale.

“We are continuing to build meaningful compacts with key stakeholders in a number of areas,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 22:13

296 views
Read moreSocial protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery position

South Africa calls for International World to hold Israel Accountable for breaches of International Law

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Download logo

Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world's conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3 257 children are reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3 195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7 703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel's indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.

All of these children killed since 7 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation, which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself' using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel's right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.

Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.

While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.

It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel's, commentary on South Africa's stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary' approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor's call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This includes scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.

One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.

South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.

All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreSouth Africa calls for International World to hold Israel Accountable for breaches of International Law

South Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Download logo

Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world's conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3 257 children are reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3 195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7 703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel's indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.

All of these children killed since 7 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation, which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself' using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel's right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.

Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.

While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.

It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel's, commentary on South Africa's stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary' approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor's call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This includes scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.

One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.

South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.

All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreSouth Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment

Operation Shanela efforts pay off

Location: News

Operation Shanela efforts pay off

Efforts by various law enforcement agencies to curb various crimes in communities continue to yield successful outcomes with over 300 suspects having been arrested over the weekend in Gauteng.

The joint efforts comprised members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Gauteng Traffic,  the Community Policing Forum, the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies.

During the integrated Operation Shanela on Saturday, law enforcement agencies arrested two suspects for possession of three unlicensed firearms and ammunition while executing their duties at Moleleki Extension 2.  The two were arrested after law enforcement officers went to a car wash and noticed a man hiding something in one of the cars. The police immediately approached the car and upon searching it, discovered two AK47 rifles, a pistol and ammunition.

“Among the suspects arrested this weekend, 277 suspects were nabbed by detectives who were tracing suspects in the District Policing precincts during their Shanela operations conducted on Saturday, whereby 129 [suspects] were arrested for contact crime, 21 for contact related crime, five for property crime, two for tempering with essential infrastructure, five for crimes depending on police action and 34 for gender-based violence,” said police on Sunday.

Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended the efforts by the teams to reduce crime.

Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, 62 suspects were arrested for various crimes in KwaDukuza on Friday following an Operation Shanela initiative in the central business district.

Various disciplines from the KwaZulu-Natal police joined forces with multiple stakeholders to remove criminals from the streets.

The suspects were arrested for various offences such as possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, illicit cigarettes, illegal medicines as well as  counterfeit goods.

A total of 36 illegal immigrants were also detained for contravention of the Immigration Act.

The police also recovered 60 heroine capsules as well as dagga and counterfeit goods with a street value of R140 000. A number of scrapyards were also searched and the police seized scaffolding equipment and a bakkie.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 10:00

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Read moreOperation Shanela efforts pay off

Enjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS

Location: News

Enjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it will monitor places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings ahead of, during and post the 2023 Rugby World Cup final match.

The National Crime Combatting Forum (NCCF) consisting of all Provincial Commissioners has met under the command of National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to discuss the operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security of these gatherings and that police are on hand to enforce the law at all times.

The SAPS said in a statement on Saturday that General Masemola was satisfied with the plans to monitor tonight’s festivities, as part of Operation Shanela, which includes regular roadblocks, stop and searches as well as the tracing of wanted suspects.

“It is on this note that the SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.

“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and most importantly not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly,” said the police.

The Springboks will play against New Zealand at the Stade de France in France, where the team hopes to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup.

Kickoff is set for 21:00 this evening and will be broadcast on sports channels and SABC. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Sat, 10/28/2023 - 10:23

150 views
Read moreEnjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS

Tracking PRASA’s pace

Location: News

Tracking PRASA’s progress

Many of us will recall seeing family members rushing off to catch the train to work or school thanks to it being largely an affordable means of getting around.

“Passenger rail plays a pivotal role in driving economic activity by transporting millions of people to and from their workplaces daily,” says Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Group CEO Hishaam Emeran.

This as PRASA, which is responsible for 2 228 kilometres rail tracks countrywide, has been in the process of rebuilding the passenger rail infrastructure and refurbishing vandalised stations across the country.

According to Emeran, the rebuilding and reopening of the corridors is transporting some 19 million passengers to and from places of work and economic opportunities.

In the 2020 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed government to fixing commuter rail “which is vital to the economy and to the quality of life of our people.”

At the time he said government was modernising the agency’s rail network. He added that work that would be conducted on the lines included station upgrades, parkway replacements, new signalling systems and overhead electrical traction upgrades. 

“The positive impact of resuming passenger rail services on the livelihoods of commuters who spend over 40% of their income on transport cannot be overstated. We have saved commuters thousands of rands in travel costs, as a train ticket costs less than a litre of petrol.

“For example, a trip from Germiston to Johannesburg now costs just R7.50, easing the financial burden on commuters. These efforts underscore our commitment to stimulating local economies and long-term prosperity,” Emeran told SAnews.

The agency is making significant progress in rebuilding the passenger rail infrastructure and refurbishing vandalised stations. The rebuilding efforts have had a positive impact on the health of the economy.

“Through our rebuilding efforts, we've injected over R3.6 billion into the economy, creating over 6,000 job opportunities, with 211 small, medium, and micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) appointed. Among these job opportunities, 856 were for women, and 4,061 were youth employment opportunities,” he said.

He adds that the commitment and determination of PRASA employees who worked tirelessly to restore passenger rail services, has helped the agency in the repair of the country’s passenger rail corridors.

“A multidisciplinary war room was set up led by engineers and corridor project leaders and other senior PRASA senior managers to manage the rebuilding project effectively and efficiently. To expedite the recovery of services, an Acceleration Programme was developed to make sure targets and deadlines were met consistently.”

The end of September saw the commuter rail service from Pretoria to Kempton Park resume its commercial service, bringing the number of recovered lines by the agency to 20.

At a recent Southern African Railway Association conference in Johannesburg, the Group CEO said significant strides are being made in recovering the passenger rail network.

“To date, 26 of the 40 corridors have been recovered, with over 19 million passengers using the services to date. Just on the corridor recovery we have spent R3.6 billion to date in this financial year, with more than 6 000 jobs created,” he said at the gathering.

Asked about the public’s response to the restoration of services, Emeran said that the PRASA services have brought much-needed financial relief to commuters who on average were spending 40% of their income on transport costs.

“PRASA has restored corridors across the country to the relief of 19 million commuters that are now using the trains. We are bringing a modern travel experience for commuters and the commuters and communities love the new trains. We have introduced new high-tech electric trains on some of the corridors,” he said.

Modernisation

The new Isitimela Sabantu trains sport automated doors, built-in safety features, CCTV cameras, and they don’t move when the doors are open for the safety of commuters. The air-conditioned cars are designed for the comfort of commuters.

Meanwhile, PRASA is set to increase its capital spending over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) with a budget of over R50 billion for rolling stock and infrastructure investments. The increased capital spending is due to the reopening of some of the key corridors.

“Now we plan on spending R50 billion from this financial year and over the next three years to support the modernisation of the passenger rail network and the implementation of our turnaround plans," he said.

Progress made in rehabilitating the lines includes that of the Leralla-Germiston line, which cost under R600 million in rebuilding and rehabilitating. The rehabilitation included the six stations the train stops at, the overhead electrical cables that power the trains and the substations that feed power to the network. The train stops at Leralla, Limindlela, Tembisa, Kempton Park, Rhodesfield and Germiston stations.

Security

In the fight against theft and vandalism, in August the agency announced that its Protection Services Officers had been declared Peace Officers as per Section 334 of the Criminal Procedures Act, giving them law enforcement powers similar to those of police officers.

The Peace Officer status gives them the powers to make arrests, issue written notices in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, complete dockets, and powers to detain.

“They have been deployed to key corridors to safeguard the rail infrastructure and ensure the protection and safety of our commuters.”

The group CEO added that there are plans to train more PRASA Protection Officers to be Peace Officer across the country.

The agency has also developed an integrated security plan, collaborating with law enforcement agencies.

“Part of the strategy is to increase boots on the ground, in our trains, stations and platforms. Since implementing this comprehensive security plan, we have seen a 70% reduction in security-related incidents, an achievement that we commend,” he said.

Festive season

While the country continues to mark Transport Month, it is also inching closer to the busy festive season and the agency has plans in place to transport commuters to their various holiday destinations.

“The festive season is our busiest period for our long-distance transport services.  Plans are in place for the long-distance traveling for the holiday season – whether by bus or train. Shosholoza Meyl and our Autopax bus services – Translux and Transnet, will be moving people to their various destinations during the holiday period,” said Emeran.

No doubt PRASA is on track to deliver services. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 14:28

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Read moreTracking PRASA’s pace

SARS apologises to taxpayers

Location: News

SARS apologises to taxpayers

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has put on hold the SMSs that were sent out earlier this week, referring to possible prosecution of taxpayers for their failure to file their returns, as they are legally obligated to do.

“The SMS that was sent out earlier this week, in relation to outstanding returns fell short of the high professional standard we seek to uphold. SARS therefore sincerely apologises for the manner in which this matter was handled, the frustration it may have caused honest taxpayers, and any inconvenience caused,” SARS said on Thursday.

SARS said the intended message was meant as a genuine and helpful reminder to taxpayers to file tax returns due and fulfil their legal filing obligation.

“While SARS is empowered by law to remind all taxpayers that are still registered with SARS of their legal obligation to file their relevant returns by the due date, SARS does not commence legal action before engaging with taxpayers.”

SARS said that a company is expected to file a return if it meets the following conditions:

  • Derived gross income of more than R1 000;
  • Held assets with a cost of more than R1 000 or had liabilities of more than R1 000, at any time;
  • Derived any capital gain or capital loss of more than R1 000 from the disposal of an asset to which the Eighth Schedule of the Income Tax Act applies; and/or
  • Had taxable income, taxable turnover, an assessed loss or an assessed capital loss.

Taxpayers who meet the above conditions must file their returns.

“Unfortunately, SARS’ reminders are ignored by some taxpayers, which means that their situation escalates to levels where legal action may be required. Even then, they are reminded about their obligation to file the outstanding returns,” SARS said.

SARS has reminded taxpayers that it remains their legal obligation to ensure that their tax affairs are regularised, where these are not in order.

“SARS will engage with taxpayers with respect to outstanding returns at the appropriate time. We need to be clear that taxpayers who continue to ignore reminders and fail to regularise their tax matters, in accordance with the law, will eventually have to answer for their continued non-compliance.

“Lastly, SARS appreciates the effort of honest taxpayers who diligently comply and fulfil their obligations. We value your valuable contribution to the important work incumbent on us.” –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 11:58

97 views
Read moreSARS apologises to taxpayers