Eastern Cape municipality hires manager facing corruption charges
Ntabankulu Local Municipality says it has done nothing wrong, but residents are protesting over the appointment
law
NGOs respond to being blamed for Johannesburg fire
They say they make sure the law is upheld, while the City of Johannesburg has failed to provide alternative accommodation for evicted people
Expansion project to address DNA backlogs
Expansion project to address DNA backlogs
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in the analysis of DNA retrieved from crime scenes.
This, after the President Ramaphosa officially opened the DNA expansion project at the Forensic Science Laboratory at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
With the new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, police can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases.
“The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators,” he said.
He added that people who commit crimes against women and children have no place in society.
“We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put [in] prison and remain there.
“It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed at six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to commend and appreciate all women in the integrated security and law enforcement agencies across all the ranks.
“It is these women who continue to make significant strides in what was previously considered to be male-dominated environments.
“Women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, tactical response teams, search and rescue teams, flying squads and highway patrol units.
“More and more women are becoming pilots and airborne law enforcement officers; forensic, ballistic and DNA analysts; and crime scene reconstruction experts,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said there should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women and no area where they are not able to excel.
“Let me commend the Ministry of Police and the management of the SAPS, and all the heads of other law enforcement agencies, for ensuring that the goal of gender equality in the workplace is closer to becoming a reality.
“Let me also recognise and commend efforts by other departments like the SANDF, Correctional Services, metros and traffic police who are also working to make sure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement.
“We appreciate the struggles of women over the generations that laid the foundation for these accomplishments. We welcome this kind of integration of multiple forces and capabilities led by women in the security and law enforcement space,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:06
336 views
Building fire tragedy ‘a very difficult lesson’ that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa
Building fire tragedy 'a very difficult lesson' that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa
The building fire which claimed the lives of at least 74 people in Johannesburg should serve as a “wake up call” for the urgent need to resolve housing challenges in the inner city, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was addressing the media at the site of the building – called the Usindiso Building – on Thursday evening.
“We are very saddened as government about the passing of so many people here in Johannesburg. This is unprecedented. Johannesburg has never had an incident like this where so many people die as a result of a fire in the centre of the city. This is tragic, this is very sad and I want to pass my condolences and that of the government to the families of those who have passed on and those who are still in hospital.
“We’ve got to [get] to the bottom of what caused this fire. It’s a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city that a building like this…once the lease had expired, it was then hijacked and we need to get on top of this and find effective ways of dealing with problems of accommodation of housing and services in the inner city,” he said.
Swift response
President Ramaphosa said the emergency and social response in the aftermath of the report of the fire in the early hours of Thursday morning was in line with expectations.
He said this demonstrates that the “determination to care for the people of South Africa is…a top priority”.
“I’m told that as soon as the fire was reported at 1:19 in the morning, in ten minutes the firefighters were here. That is a real good and quick response which we must recognise on the part of the province, the city, that they have been ready for calamities and events like this. A response of 10 minutes when such a devastating fire is something that needs to be recognised.
“The sad part is that much as they fought the fire, they were not able to save everyone and some people were saved…but it’s said that we have lost up to 74 people and some of them children who must have died very tragically and this is the type of death that we never wish on anyone.
“The ministers, the MECs and the province and the city are working now full out to make sure that those who need assistance from accommodation to trauma counselling to hospitalisation are being looked after,” he said.
Rooting out criminality
The President addressed the fact that the Usindiso Building belongs to the City of Johannesburg but was hijacked by “criminal elements” who prey on those in desperate need for accommodation.
“The lesson for us is that we’ve got to address this problem and root out those criminal elements because it is these types of buildings that are taken over by criminals who then levy rent on vulnerable people and families who need and want accommodation in the inner city.
“There needs to be law and order in the inner city. The initiatives that we are embarking on through our security forces…one of those, working with the city and with the province, we are going to ensure that we root out all criminal elements and restore the livelihoods of people who live in the city,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that when dealing with buildings such as the Usindiso Building, government must carefully balance the constitutionally mandated right to housing with dealing with criminality.
“We are not standing here to shift blame and to pass blame on anyone. And if anything, we are all responsible for the calamity that has occurred and we need to take it in [our] stride and say, yes this should never have happened, yes we should be learning a lesson and sometimes these are very difficult lessons that have been sparked off by loss of life.
“But nonetheless, this is a lesson and yes, I repeat, a wake-up call because we don’t want to see a repeat of what has happened here. So therefore, we need to look at…the regulations, the laws and everything.
“We have achieved a great deal. Our constitutional construct has given all of us a right that we’ve always yearned for. But we’ve always found that we go through a number of processes as we try to do the right thing. At the same time, there’s either too many delays, too many detours that then make it difficult for us to do the right thing at the right time,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 20:02
239 views
Committee Receives Briefing from Department on Restructuring of Eskom and its First Quarter Performance
The Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises received briefings from the Department of Public Enterprises on its first quarter performance report for the 2023/24 financial year, and on progress regarding Eskom restructuring yesterday.
Briefing the committee, the Acting Director-General of the department, Ms Jacky Molisane, informed the committee that the department has drafted the National State-owned Companies Bill, which is currently undergoing consultations. She said a draft business case for the proposed holding company has been prepared for consultation.
The committee heard that following broad consultation on the Eskom Debt Relief Bill, it was passed by National Assembly and sent to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for concurrence in May 2023, where it was passed on 21 June 2023. The Bill was sent to the President for assent and it was assented into law on 5 July 2023 (Act 7 of 2023). The committee also heard that the National Treasury is finalising the strategic conditions of compliance for Eskom to enable the conversion of the loan into equity.
Regarding the three Eskom companies that were separated and operationalised, Ms Molisane said that the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) was established, it was registered and incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom. Ms Molisane told the committee that application of approval for the revised transmission licence was submitted to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in September 2022.
On 27 July 2023, the NERSA approved the licence of the NTCSA to operate the transmission system (excluding the Trading and the Import/Export applications) within the national boundaries of the Republic of South Africa. NERSA stated that trading and the import/export applications will require further consideration before being submitted to NERSA's electricity subcommittee.
The committee was concerned about the department's delayed processing of the SOC Bill. The committee also questioned the need for Eskom to be unbundled into three companies, including one for distribution, without considering municipalities for distribution. The committee stressed that the municipalities should have full control of the distribution of electricity in communities within their jurisdiction.
The committee indicated that Eskom supplies electricity to the entire country, converting debt to equity. It said Eskom is not generating revenue, which has a direct impact on Eskom's liquidity, hence the government must intervene all the time.
On Transnet, the committee was of the view that Transnet has made progress in creating space for the private sector to participate, but questioned why the private sector would invest in an unprofitable business and what this says about job security for Transnet employees.
On the issue of the closure of the department, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he delivered the 2023 State of the Nation Address, Ms Molisane said they are awaiting promulgation by the President. The department will start the process of closure after that.
The Deputy Minister of the department, Mr Obed Bapela, who led the department during presentations, said: “The DG and the team are engaging officials in that the department is coming to an end, the matter of officials. The process is under way to discuss a way forward, which also includes organised labour.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Call for swift arrest of suspects behind councillors’ murders
Call for swift arrest of suspects behind councillors’ murders
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called on the police to leave no stone unturned to catch the attackers and killers of councillors in the province.
The call follows the recent attack of National Freedom Party (NFP) councillor Mphathiseni Manqele from Ward 4 in KwaNongoma, who was attacked by a suspected hitman.
The suspect was apprehended by the community who handed him over to the police.
Manqele’s attack was followed hot on the heels by the murder of an African National Congress (ANC) Msunduzi Local Municipality Councillor, Mabhungu Mkhize, who was killed last Friday.
Speaking at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature hybrid sitting on Thursday, Dube-Ncube said drastic measures need to be taken to curb the murder and attack of councillors in the province.
“The killings of councillors are senseless and barbaric, and have no place in our society. As government [we] are not going to tolerate such violence and will do all in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We call on the police to work swiftly so that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We also urge the communities to work with law enforcement authorities to prevent such crimes from happening,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube has conveyed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mkhize, and wished Manqele a speedy recovery.
Multi-stakeholder crime summit
Giving an update on the outcomes of the multi-stakeholder crime summit, held on Tuesday to discuss crime fighting strategies, Dube-Ncube reported that various crime issues were discussed, with participants highlighting how crime chase away investors from the province.
The summit, which was convened by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, in collaboration with the Office of the Premier, was attended by representatives from government, the private security sector, civil society, and religious organisations.
Dube-Ncube said, the summit participants also considered ways to improve community safety and to build trust between the police and the public.
The summit was a follow-up on the commitments made during the State of the Province Address, where provincial government pledged that each provincial department will set aside R10 million, earmarked to curb and conquer crime in the province.
“One of the key collaborative areas with the private security sector emphasising the effective use of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) as a pivotal link between the community and the police, involving the KwaZulu-Natal Crime Prevention Association (KZN CCPA), an organisation formed by amalgamating community-initiated associations with a shared goal of combating crime, and also to use technology used by the private security sector,” Dube-Ncube said.
Condolences to Gauteng fire victims' families
Meanwhile, Dube-Ncube has send her deepest condolences to the people of Gauteng for the tragic fire that engulfed a Johannesburg building in the early hours of the morning, and reported to have claimed 73 lives with several others injured.
“We are saddened and we will continue to pray for all the survivors and wish them a speedy recovery,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:58
41 views
Lottery corruption: Limpopo couple’s bid to hold on to their luxury homes
I did nothing wrong, says Collins Tshisimba as the Special Investigating Unit moves to freeze two properties
Lamola tables NPA Amendment Bill for anti-corruption efforts
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola (MP), has tabled the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in parliament after receiving approval from the cabinet on 14 August 2023. The bill was approved subject to a technical amendment on other ad hoc investigative directorates in the future, in line with the cabinet's direction.
President Ramaphosa's pronouncement in the State of the Nation Address will be realized once the parliament passes the amendment, making the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption a permanent feature of our anti-corruption law enforcement efforts. This move is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.
The Investigative Directorate Against Corruption investigates corruption-related crimes uncovered by the commission and the commissions of the South African Revenue Service and Public Investment Corporation.
Adopting a prosecution-led investigation model is the most effective way to prosecute crimes like corruption, as demonstrated by international best practices. This bill will allow the NPA to apply the experience gained from South Africa's efforts to tackle high-level corruption, said Lamola.
The bill is a significant step towards enhancing the NPA's independence and ability to prosecute high-level crimes. It creates a specialized entity within the NPA, staffed with trained individuals who enjoy the requisite level of independence, resources, and security of tenure to tackle corruption head-on.
Over the last four years, the Investigative Directorate against corruption has enrolled 34 matters, with 203 accused. During the 2022-23 financial year, it enrolled 18 new matters and authorized 13 new investigations, totalling 97 matters authorized over the previous four years. The Directorate has also contributed significantly to the recovery of R2.5 billion, which was paid into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.
Overall, this bill is a crucial step in strengthening South Africa's anti-corruption efforts and ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable for their actions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Uber Eats rolls out recent safety initiatives for delivery people
At a recent event, Uber Eats reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of delivery people with two new initiatives. As part of this, Big Boy Fourways, have agreed to provide delivery people with helmets at a 50% discounted rate. “Our relationship with delivery people is of the utmost importance,” says Charles Mhango, Head of Operations, …
SAPS’s Operation Shanela nets 1614 suspects
SAPS’s Operation Shanela nets 1614 suspects
The South African Police Service's (SAPS) Operation Shanela has yielded success as 1614 suspects were arrested for serious, violent and other crimes.
This successful intelligence-driven, high-density patrols and actions, which was conducted from 21 August 2023 to 27 August 2023, was aimed to disrupt criminal activities before and during the weekend which usually threatens the safety of communities within the province.
Of the total arrests (1614), the breakdown includes the following:
- 38 wanted suspects;
- 12 arrests for murder and 20 for attempted murder;
- 86 arrests were made for property related crime such as burglaries and thefts;
- 195 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm;
- 290 for common assaults; and
- 314 arrests were affected for an array of other crimes.
Seizures from the same operation include the following:
- 33 firearms;
- 746 rounds of ammunition from different calibres;
- 321 dagga and 11 099 mandrax tablets;
- 1,355 litres of liquor;
- 29.8kg of copper cable; and
- 85 dangerous weapons.
The high density integrated operations comprised various units such as Vispol, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, AGU, POP, Law Enforcement, other specialised units, K9, private security companies and neighbourhood watch structures.
Operations targeted illegal liquor outlets, suspected drug outlets and compliance inspections carried out at licensed liquor outlets.
All the arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts once they have been charged. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:27
1 view
Lawyer in Amazon controversy caught in qualification lie
Timothy Dunn, an attorney in the River Club dispute, does not have the master’s degree he claims to have
Constitutional Court Denies NEASA And SAEFA Leave To Appeal In Major Victory For Centralised Collective Bargaining In The Metals Industry
Written by Lucio Trentini is the Chief Executive Officer of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa On the 25 August 2023, the Constitutional Court dismissed the leave to appeal sought by NEASA and SAEFA. This follows the rejection of their previous appeals by both the Labour Court and the Labour Appeals Court. …
PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng
PRASA spends R2.1 billion on rail infrastructure in Gauteng
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has spent R2.1 billion in recovering the rail infrastructure in Gauteng to date.
“PRASA is making significant progress in rebuilding the passenger rail infrastructure and refurbishing vandalised stations. Today, PRASA has recovered 18 corridors, with seven corridors now operational in Gauteng with the new Electrical Motor Units, Istimela Sabantu,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Monday.
She was addressing the launch of the Leralla-Germiston line, which cost under R600 million in rebuilding and rehabilitating the line that first ran commercially on 6 July and now carries 10 000 people daily.
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.
“R28 million was invested in refurbishing the stations; R292 million spent on the overhead cables, and R276 million spent on the substations. R44 million was spent to rehabilitate and restore the Elandsfontein substation,” Chikunga said.
The Minister said work is in progress to extend the service from Germiston all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, with a total budget of R130 million allocated to this project.
“Our interventions to restore urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable. The plans are part of our wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.
“Through PRASA’s Capital projects, we will ensure that PRASA continues to invest in local communities and boost local economies by creating job opportunities. We are pleased to announce that 191 jobs were created in this project, with 15 young women under the age of 35 employed, 3 women with disabilities and 21 women over the age of 35. Four Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) from local communities benefited from this project,” she said.
The Minister said it is also prudent that the informal economy benefits from the railway stations and the access they provide to people.
“The Germiston station is one of our biggest intermodal facilities in Gauteng, with taxis and buses feeding into the station, thus supporting a vibrant informal economy where informal traders can ply their trade and sell their wares to passengers and people from surrounding areas.
“The micro-economic activities at the Germiston station clearly demonstrate the role of intermodal facilities in providing transport solutions, convenience, accessibility, and economic opportunities.
“The increase of patronage numbers is vital to the sustainable livelihoods of informal traders and commuters at large who rely on this affordable mode of transport. Plans are in place to regain patronage numbers, including the rebuilding of critical stations for commuters to access the trains,” Chikunga said.
PRASA’s national resignaling programme will ensure that the organization increases the frequency of trains while ensuring the safe passage of our new modern trains and safety for our passengers.
“We are also pleased to announce that since the implementation of PRASA’s integrated security plan, we have seen a reduction of security related incidences in the PRASA environment by 75%.
“Recently, PRASA’s Protection Officers were declared Peace Officers under the Criminal Procedures Act, giving them more law enforcement powers, similar to the police, including powers to arrest. We would like to congratulate all the 286 PRASA Peace Officers who are now trained in Criminal Law and Law in General, amongst many other modules,” the Minister said.
Additionally to the Peace Officer Status, PRASA’s Protection Officers are multiskilled in Armed Response, platform marshalling, CCTV monitoring, and many more.
Their deployment areas include on board the trains, staging yards, rail infrastructure, supported by the SAPS Railway Police and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 13:45
137 views
Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape
Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape
Nelson Mandela Bay District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, has commended the men and women in blue following significant arrests and confiscations that were recently made.
In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape said the relentless crackdown on criminals sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
This as SAPS Humewood arrested a 20-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a business robbery at 12:06 in Govan Mbeki Street. It is alleged that the complainant was in the shop when the suspect entered and threatened him and demanded money. The complainant scuffled with the suspect and managed to apprehend him and confiscated a replica firearm. The suspect was arrested on charges of business robbery.
In another unrelated matter on Wednesday, near Truckers Inn, Public Order Policing were performing crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspect standing nearby. Upon being searched, the suspect was found in possession of a silver revolver (serial number filed off) with six rounds of ammunition. The 25-year-old was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
On Thursday night, police arrested two suspects involved in a house robbery in Perridgevale. It is alleged that the suspects entered a residence occupied by students in Haven Road and stole four cell phones and fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Golf.
SAPS Mount Road members received information that the blue VW Golf was driving in Sydenham. Suspects were found in Milner Street. The two suspects aged 21 and 22 years were arrested.
On Friday, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a house in Bowles Street in Bloemenda. A revolver with its serial number filed off and eight rounds of ammunition were found. A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
A firearm of which the serial number was filed off, was found when police responded to a complaint in Chase Street, Walmer Location. In addition, 82 rounds of ammunition were found at the scene and confiscated.
The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and Illegal possession of ammunition.
Some of the suspects that were arrested over the course of last week have already appeared in court while others are expected to appear in various courts today, 28 August 2023.
“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens. Your actions would not go unchecked,” Ncata said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 10:50
206 views
Court challenge to 30-year extension of West Coast diamond mining rights
Fishers say they were ignored when the original rights were awarded between 1994 and 1998
Truck drivers learn about risks of human trafficking
Truck drivers in southern Africa who have been recruited to traffic or smuggle people illegally are learning about the risks involved thanks to the UN drugs and crime agency, UNODC.
“I used to transport sugar from Malawi,” said an anonymous driver, who was arrested for migrant trafficking. “In 2016, I had to wait for several days at a border crossing in Tanzania for customs checks. I was approached by a man who offered me a lot of money to transport goats.”
His story is not unique.
Malawi is located at the crossroads of several significant flows of people fleeing conflict, instability, and poverty in Central Africa and the Horn of Africa.
Such movements provide lucrative opportunities for smugglers and traffickers and for Malawi's 5,000 registered international truck drivers.
The driver who shared his story said he was paid in advance, and the man who offered him the deal took photos of both him and his truck. The driver proceeded to spend some of the money and send more to his wife.
“On the day I was due to leave, the man told me the ‘goats' were actually 30 illegal migrants from Ethiopia,” he said. “They looked very sick, tired, and malnourished. He said I had to take them to a location in Malawi that's close to a large refugee camp.”
Smuggler threats
When the driver tried to protest, the smuggler demanded his money back and threatened to take the truck and share photos of him with the authorities.
“This is how it all started, and soon it became my main business,” he said. “The man would pay me a lot of money and escort me in a small car, so he could bribe corrupt police and immigration officers along the way.”
According to the driver, he was initially not aware that what he was doing was illegal.
Then, in 2019, he was arrested in Mozambique while transporting 72 migrants from Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“Now I'm sick, unemployed, and divorced,” the driver said.
Trafficking risks
Truck drivers based in Malawi are now learning about the risks of transporting migrants and trafficking victims, thanks to a programme supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The courses, which began in February, are already proving to be a success.
Feckson Chimodzi, a truck driver who transports farming products from countries in Southern Africa into Malawi and also participated in the course, said drivers who work with smugglers and traffickers often do it “out of necessity” to supplement their low salaries.
“Our employers need to improve our working conditions and give us comprehensive training about the dangers of getting involved in these crimes,” Mr. Chimodzi said.
Strict penalties
Criminals who smuggle or traffic humans within countries or across borders use all possible routes and modes of transportation to transfer people for profit and exploitation.
If apprehended by authorities, the truck drivers are usually arrested and imprisoned, explained Maxwell Matewere, a UNODC National Project Officer on trafficking in persons.
“There's a lack of understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the region, and payment for illegally transporting people is much larger than the regular truck driver's salary,” said Mr. Matewere, who conducts the training.
“Most drivers know what they're doing is illegal, but are told that when they cross borders, corrupt officials will let them pass,” he said. “So, they take the money and the risk.”
Vehicle confiscations and arrests
Following a series of vehicle confiscations and arrests in neighbouring countries, the Professional Drivers Association of Malawi asked UNODC to train its members on the dangers of transporting smuggled migrants and victims of trafficking.
A total of four courses for around 400 drivers have been conducted, with further sessions scheduled in October. The participants are informed about the penalties they face if caught, including the loss of both their truck and employment, a criminal record, and potential imprisonment of up to 14 years in a foreign country.
Positive impact, new allies
Since the start of the UNODC courses, the Professional Drivers Association has reported a reduction in the number of arrests of Malawian drivers on charges of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
Many drivers who attended the training are proving to be “very useful allies” in the prevention and detection of cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking, said Mr. Matewere said.
“We explain that migrant smuggling and human trafficking are serious organized criminal activities punishable by laws in Malawi and the countries the drivers transit, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique,” he said.
“Furthermore, the drivers are told that these crimes are linked to exploitation, abuse, and violence and can even result in death, and we tell them about the connections to other illicit activities such as drugs and firearms smuggling,” he added.
Last year, Malawi's Ministry for Homeland Security appointed a new group of law enforcement officers to counter the increasing cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
“We've established contact between the truck drivers we trained and this specialised unit, so they now know who to inform when they've been approached by criminals to carry people in their vehicles,” Mr. Matewere said.
Since May, seven attempts of human trafficking and migrant smuggling have been stopped by authorities at border crossings due to information from truck drivers. A recent case involved 40 Malawians, including children, who were being taken in three trucks to South Africa and intercepted on the border with Zambia.
The awareness-raising courses are organized through UNODC's human trafficking and migrant smuggling section, with the cooperation of Malawi's Ministry of Homeland Security and financial support from the Government of Sweden.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
Gauteng Premier promises a “realistic” region for services in Slovo Park
The settlement has waited for over two decades to be upgraded despite a 2016 court ruling in residents’ favour
Taxi strike cost Western Cape R5-billion MEC tells Parliament
The strike was called without notice and badly affected businesses, learners, clinics and government services
Mchunu welcomes appointment of modern Water Tribunal
Mchunu welcomes appointment of new Water Tribunal
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the newly appointed members of the Water Tribunal, a structure set to hear water related appeals against the department or any responsible authority in line with the National Water Act.
The Water Tribunal is an independent body established in terms of Section 146(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) as amended, and members are appointed on a four-year term.
The Act provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to establish a Water Tribunal to presides on appeals against the decisions taken regarding declining of water use licence applications, adverse decisions on transfers of water use rights or during the processing of water use authorisations applications, directives issued, as well as claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs.
Welcoming the nine members, Mchunu said their appointment completed the institutional arrangement needed for the water sector to thrive.
“As you start your four-year term and execute your role, I would like to implore you to be conscious, sensitive and considerate of the role you will be playing in a developmental state this country is. I am looking forward to working with you and hope you will work objectively and within the parameters of the law.
“We are dependent on you to work with us in continuing to clean the image and the perception that the department had garnered overtime- that of tardiness, delays, inefficiencies and corruption- by promoting good governance, zero tolerance to corruption and ultimately making sure that the country occupies a good space and lead in the continent and globally as a sector,” Mchunu said.
He added that the principals have been working very hard to reposition the department to be where it is now, and “cannot be seen to be going backwards”.
The Minister further implored the newly appointed chairperson of the Water Tribunal to fast-track the finalisation of the amendment of rules governing the processes of structure, as it is one of the main contributors to delays in concluding matters before the Tribunal.
The newly appointed tribunal is composed of nine members, including the chairperson and deputy chairperson, as well as seven additional members.
The newly appointed members are:
• Advocate Puseletso Loselo (Chairperson)
• Unathi Mbeki (Deputy Chairperson)
• Advocate Nomusa Lekgetho
• Rainy Disebo Mashitisho
• Maxwell Sirenya
• Khuliso Mudau
• Peter-John Veldhuizen
• Lahlane Malema
• Emmanuel Mpanza
In terms of the Act, the Water Tribunal has jurisdiction in all provinces of the country and may conduct hearings anywhere within the Republic.
Some of the decisions that can be appealed through the tribunal, include directives issued by a catchment management agency under section 19 (3) or 20 (4) (d) by the recipient; a claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs by affected person; a decision to decline a water use licence application in terms of section 40 of NWA; a decision of a responsible authority on the verification of a water use under section 35 by a person affected; as well as against amendment of a condition of a licence by a responsible authority.
Appeals and applications to the Water Tribunal take the form of a rehearing, written or oral evidence and all parties are given opportunity to make their own representation, question or be questioned in terms Rule 7 of the Water Tribunal Rules.
The judgment is then sent to the office of the Registrar for publication on the Tribunal website. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:36
294 views
We bought dagga. It was probably illegal. Here’s why
The Medicines Act is being misused while Parliament dithers
Government must intervene in Intercape bus attacks
Judge “determined not to be misunderstood” in ordering transport minister, Eastern Cape MEC and police to take action
Rich countries urged to honour $100-billion climate finance goal
Rich countries urged to honour $100-billion climate finance goal
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged developed countries to keep their promises to developing nations by meeting the climate finance commitment of US$100 billion.
This is after rich nations made a pledge in 2009 to the less wealthy countries at a UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, to assist them in adapting to climate change and alleviate rises in temperature by 2020.
Guterres also called on the wealthy nations to double adaptation finance, replenish the Green Climate Fund, and operationalise the loss and damage fund this year.
“As a matter of justice, Africa must be considered a priority in all these efforts,” he stressed.
He delivered the remarks at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, which was held during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Guterres said the climate crisis was spiralling out of control and urged world leaders to step up their efforts to tackle it.
“I have put forward a Climate Solidarity Pact in which developed countries provide financial and technical support to help emerging economies – in Africa and beyond – to promote an equitable and just transition to renewable energy.”
He told delegates that he presented an Acceleration Agenda, which aims to see developed countries committing to reach net zero by 2040 and developing nations as close as possible to 2050.
The Secretary-General also touched on the crisis of cost of living.
He stated that poverty, hunger, and inequalities are growing against the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development’s objectives.
“Geopolitical divides and conflicts are multiplying with profound global implications, especially the impacts from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Multipolar world
While nations were eyeing a multipolar world, he said multipolarity was not enough to guarantee a peaceful or global community.
“To be a factor of peace, equity, and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported by strong and effective multilateral institutions.”
Guterres is advocating for a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law.
“Today’s global governance structures reflect yesterday’s world. They were largely created in the aftermath of World War II when many African countries were still ruled by colonial powers and were not even at the table.
“This is particularly true of the Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions.”
For multilateral institutions to remain universal, he said they must reform to reflect today’s power and economic realities.
“In the absence of such reform –– fragmentation is inevitable.”
Cooperation
Guterres said the world cannot afford a divided global economy and financial system, diverging strategies on technology, and conflicting security frameworks.
“The IMF [International Monetary Fund] estimates that such a fracture could cost 7% of global GDP [gross domestic product] – a cost that would be disproportionately borne by low-income countries, mainly in Africa.
“And so I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message, in a fracturing world with overwhelming crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation.”
He advised leaders to urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism for the 21st century.
“This requires the courage to compromise in the reforms necessary for the common good.
“It requires full respect for the UN Charter, international law, universal values, and all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil, and political. And it requires much greater solidarity,” he stressed, admitting that none of this was easy.
“But it is essential. And is essential, especially for Africa.”
He acknowledged that Africa, a historical victim of slavery and colonialism, continues to confront grave injustices.
“On average, African countries pay four times more for borrowing than the United States and eight times more than the wealthiest European countries.”
Guterres also noted that African states account for just 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but are an epicentre of climate chaos.
“Looking ahead, I see two priorities for action and justice. First, on the economic front. Redesigning today’s outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair global financial architecture is necessary, but I know it won’t happen overnight. Yet we can – and must – take practical action now.”
He has since proposed an effective debt workout mechanism, and other steps necessary to multiply the resources available for developing countries are vital for sustainable development in Africa and its people. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 13:42
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BRICS adopts Johannesburg II Declaration
BRICS adopts Johannesburg II Declaration
The 15th BRICS Summit has successfully adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration, a document that encapsulates significant BRICS viewpoints on matters of global economic, financial and political significance.
This was announced by the Chair of BRICS President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday during a media briefing to announce the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit.
“We adopted the Johannesburg II Declaration which reflects key BRICS messages on matters of global economic, financial and political importance. It demonstrates the shared values and common interests that underlie our mutually beneficial cooperation as the five BRICS countries.
“BRICS itself is a diverse group of nations. It is an equal partnership of countries that have differing views but have a shared vision for a better world,” the President said.
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 22 to 24 August 2023 for the XV BRICS Summit.
The Summit was held under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".
This is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global travel restrictions.
The BRICS leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, strengthened collaboration and consensus.
As the bloc builds upon 15 years of BRICS Summits, it further committed to strengthening the framework of mutually beneficial BRICS cooperation under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
Partnership for Inclusive Multilateralism
The bloc has also committed to enhance its strategic partnership for the benefit of its people through the promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth.
“We reiterate our commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as its indispensable cornerstone,” President Ramaphosa said.
The BRICS leaders expressed their concern about the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are incompatible with the principles of the Charter of the UN and produce negative effects notably in the developing world.
“We reiterate our commitment to enhancing and improving global governance by promoting a more agile, effective, efficient, representative, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system.
“We call for greater representation of emerging markets and developing countries, in international organizations and multilateral fora in which they play an important role. We also call for increasing the role and share of women from EMDCs at different levels of responsibilities in the international organizations,” the Declaration read.
Local currencies
The BRICS leaders emphasised that they are ready to explore opportunities for improving the stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture.
In the declaration, the leaders said they recognise the widespread benefits of fast, inexpensive, transparent, safe, and inclusive payment systems.
Therefore the Summit agreed to task the BRICS Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the BRICS leaders by the next Summit.
“We look forward to the report by the BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) on the mapping of the various elements of the G20 Roadmap on Crossborder Payments in BRICS countries. We welcome the sharing of experience by BRICS members on payment infrastructures, including the interlinking of cross-border payment systems.
“We also encourage strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the BRICS countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies. We task our Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms,” the leaders said.
New Development Bank (NDB)
The summit further recognised the key role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in promoting infrastructure and sustainable development of its member countries.
The Summit congratulated Dilma Rousseff, former President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as President of the New Development Bank (NDB) and are confident that she will contribute to the strengthening of the NDB in effectively achieving its mandate.
“We expect the NDB to provide and maintain the most effective financing solutions for sustainable development, a steady process in membership expansion, and improvements in corporate governance and operational effectiveness towards the fulfilment of NDB's General Strategy for 2022-2026,” the leaders said.
The leaders further welcomed the work of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance in their first in-person engagement with leaders, particularly welcoming the participation of youth representatives in the Summit.
They further addressed expectations for the BRICS economic partnership to generate tangible benefits for communities and deliver viable solutions for common challenges faced by the global South.
The Summit further reaffirmed the importance of BRICS people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation.
Brazil, Russia, India and China commend South Africa's BRICS Chairship in 2023 and expressed their gratitude to the government and people of South Africa for holding the XV BRICS Summit.
The bloc further extended its full support to Russia for its BRICS Chairship in 2024 and the holding of the XVI BRICS Summit in the city of Kazan, Russia. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 12:39
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