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Border authorities arrest Lesotho nationals at Qashasnek

Location: News

Border authorities arrest Lesotho nationals at Qashasnek

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato has commended the interception of four Lesotho nationals who were in the country illegally and in possession of over R1.4 million in cash at the Qashasnek port of entry.

The arrests were made during a joint operation by the BMA, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police (SAPS) after a vehicle was stopped for searching as part of routine check at a Vehicle Check Point (VCP) of a Bi-National operation between South Africa and Lesotho on 25 June 2024.

“Five Lesotho nationals were in the vehicle and four were found to be previously declared undesirable and had been banned from entering the country in terms of the Immigration Act. The above-mentioned persons were searched and found to be in possession of concealed South African currency worth R1 480 050.

“The four who did not have the requisite documents were arrested for being in South Africa illegally and a case was opened. The money which was counted, and underwent counterfeit verifications, was then deposited into the state bank account pending further investigations on the matter,” the BMA said on Saturday.

The Commissioner commended the crime prevention contributions of BMA officials at Qashasnek port of entry and their detection systems.

"As the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation. To this end, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities at our ports of entry.

“We will rigorously enforce the law and take decisive action against any illegal activities to maintain the integrity of our borders. The Junior Border Guards continue to display great effort in protecting our country. Their dedication and hard work are vital in maintaining the safety and integrity of our nation," Masiapato said.

Masiapato said that any individuals caught engaging in criminal behaviour, will face the full might of the law. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 12:07

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Read moreBorder authorities arrest Lesotho nationals at Qashasnek

DWS assures enough water supply amidst Lesotho Highlands tunnel closure

Location: News

DWS assures enough water supply amidst Lesotho Highlands tunnel closure

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured Gauteng residents that water supply will not be affected during the closure of the Lesotho Highlands tunnel closure for maintenance.

Speaking at the recent City Meets Business Engagement Session, hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni, the Head of Department in Gauteng, Justice Maluleke, assured the public, including stakeholders in the water sector, that the department has taken all the necessary measures to ensure that water supply will not be affected by the closure of the tunnel, which will commence in October until March 2025.

“The main message is that we are ready for the tunnel closure and the public must not panic [as] we have all the plans in place, and we will be communicating,” Maluleke said.

According to Maluleke, the department is working with all stakeholders from Lesotho, including the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Rand Water, City of Tshwane, City of Ekurhuleni, and the City of Johannesburg and entities to ensure that there is no water shortage in the province during the shutdown of the tunnel. 

While Maluleke acknowledged that there may be challenges along the way, he expressed confidence in their preparedness to manage any obstacles that may arise.

“In a worst case scenario of shortage of water supply, the Integrated Vaal River System has 13 dams that supply water to the Vaal River system. This is only at the worst-case scenario when the Vaal dam is around 18%, but since the closure will be during the rainy season, we do not anticipate that that is going to happen,” Maluleke said.

Maluleke also reassured businesses that they have nothing to worry about and further advised them to build on-site storage facilities for water, in order to continue with their operations.

Celiwe Ntuli, Scientist Manager from System Operation at the National Department of Water and Sanitation, echoes Maluleke’s statement, stating that the analysis shows no risk of water shortage in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). 

During her presentation, Ntuli said Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands transfers 700 million cubic meters of water per year into the IVRS, whilst Phase 2 project will add 490 million cubic meters per year into the IVRS. 

According to the treaty signed between Lesotho and South Africa in 1996, maintenance is required every five to ten years. The last maintenance was conducted in 2019 where the need for Phase 2 was discovered. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/25/2024 - 10:00

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Read moreDWS assures enough water supply amidst Lesotho Highlands tunnel closure

Inauguration guests start arriving at the Union Buildings

Location: News

Inauguration guests start arriving at the Union Buildings

Excitement at the Union Buildings in Pretoria is palpable as packed buses have started dropping off guests and members of the public who will witness the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa later this morning.

Many braved the cold winter morning and started arriving early, with their hearts set on being present at the swearing-in of the President-elect Ramaphosa following his election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.

With the inauguration signifying the beginning of the President's second term of office Khula Community Development Project Director Petros Majola told SAnews civil society was ready to work with government for the best interests of communities.

“Today is a very big day, which comes after we have cast our vote. [This means that] we will have a government that will take us through for the next five years. We are ready to work with a government that will deliver in the best interests of our vulnerable groups, especially the victims of crimes and violence.

“After the inauguration, we expect delivery of services to those people (vulnerable groups) because those people have hope in the government that they voted for,” Majola said on Wednesday.

Avid sports fan Mama Joy Chauke told SAnews she was excited to see the President-elect Ramaphosa being inaugurated.

“Today is an important day for South Africa. I am here to witness our President being inaugurated and lead us…we are waiting for him to lead us. We are waiting for him to do the best and we are here to support him,” Chauke said.

The President-Elect will be sworn in by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.

The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.

Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.

To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.

Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.

 The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth.” – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 07:49

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Read moreInauguration guests start arriving at the Union Buildings

Heads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration

Location: News

Heads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration

Dignitaries from across the world – including current and former Heads of State and Governments – are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

This according to a statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday.

“The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.

“Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN),” the statement read.

The Presidency said at least 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend.

Additional confirmations are being received.

“Countries that will be represented at a high level at the inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda, the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba,” the Presidency said.

The President-elect held a walkabout at the venue on Tuesday afternoon to assess the state of readiness.

Members of the public are encouraged to use the park and ride at Tshwane Showgrounds. People can park their cars and take a free bus to the Union Buildings.

The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 9am.

Formal proceedings will get underway at 11am.

For more information go to https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:24

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Read moreHeads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration

2024 Presidential Inauguration

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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The Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, tomorrow following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.

The swearing-in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings' Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.

The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.

Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.

To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Governmen,t and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.

Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People's Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.

The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.

The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 09h00.

The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa's cultural diversity with our guests.

This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy.

During the formal proceedings from 11h00, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as a demonstration of allegiance to the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief. The ceremonial elements will include:

  • a 21-gun salute,
  • A salute flight by the South African Air Force (SAAF),
  • Inspection of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Battalion,
  • A Battalion march past, and
  • A massed fly past.

The newly sworn-in President of the Republic will deliver his Inaugural Address.

President-Elect Ramaphosa first became President of the Republic following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma in February 2018.

Following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, President Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as President of the Republic.

President Ramaphosa was re-elected by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024.

The Presidential Inauguration will be broadcast and streamed on a broad range of platforms nationally and internationally and The Presidency invites South Africans to follow this event.

Members of the public are advised to note that tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, is a normal working day.

People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read more2024 Presidential Inauguration

Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits recalled

Location: News

Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits recalled

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is urging consumers in possession of 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo contained in Dark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits (Regular, and Super) and Dark and Lovely Anti Breakage Kit to discontinue use of the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
 
NCC’s Deputy Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza said the manufacturer, Loreal informed the Commission that it detected the presence of bacteria in the 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo during regular quality controls.

“While this is single-use shampoo, we urge South Africans who might still have these products in their possession to stop use and return to the point of purchase for a full refund. According to the manufacturer, using this shampoo may lead to scalp infections in those with compromised immune systems” Mabuza said.
 
The product, which was produced in April 2023, was distributed nationally, and exported to neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Morocco, and Nigeria.

“The Consumer Protection Act requires that manufacturers and producers of products produce, and supply goods and products are of good quality and free of defects. We urge suppliers and manufacturers to always prioritize consumer safety. The Commission is monitoring the recall based on its Recall Guidelines” Mabuza said.

The NCC is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 11:30

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Read moreDark and Lovely Moisture Plus Kits recalled

Historic Win for Gelant at Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

Location: MyPR

Ten years after winning his first Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, Elroy Gelant turned back the hands of time with another memorable performance at South Africa’s premiere 21km race. The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, incorporating the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Half Marathon Championships, got off to a wet and windy start on Marine …

Read moreHistoric Win for Gelant at Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

Location: News

Call for caution amid expected cold snap

With a drop in temperatures expected in various parts of the country, the City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to stay safe during the cold weather.

“A drop in temperatures over parts of the country, including the City of Tshwane as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), is noticeable. The possibility of thundershowers with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday, 02 June 2024 extending to Monday, 03 June 2024,” the City’s Emergency Services Department said on Sunday.

The city has called on residents to keep warm but remain safe this winter by observing the following safety precautions:

  • If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
  • Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide so do not leave it in the house when sleeping.
  • Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
  • Improper use of space heaters (izimbawula, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, among others) should be avoided.
  • Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).

The city said the safety tips are no exhaustive and encouraged citizens to do everything they possibly can to stay safe.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,” it said.

Floods in Eastern Cape

Meanwhile, some parts of the Eastern Cape are flooded, including the Sarah Baartman, Nelson Mandela, Amathole, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities.

Two people have reported died, two are missing and 65 people have been rescued.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.

Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said MEC Williams.

He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.

Drop in temperatures

In a statement on Friday, the SAWS said that following a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.

The weather service said this was a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday.

“Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter.”

The weather service added that cold temperatures, between 12 and 17°C, are expected across the western and southern parts of the country spreading to the central and eastern parts (including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal) on Monday.

Very cold temperatures, with a maximum temperatures below 10°C, with mountain snowfalls are possible over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the eastern high ground of the Western Cape, the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, parts of the Drakensberg and in Lesotho on Monday, it said.

The system is expected to weaken and exit over the country's southern coast on Tuesday, with rainfall still expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.

“The remainder of the country will see the return of clear weather conditions, but temperatures will remain cold,” said SAWS, adding that forecasts might change during the course of the weekend. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 13:43

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Read moreCall for caution amid expected cold snap

Springboks, Kolisi honoured by African Union for Rugby World Cup (RWC) triumph

Location: Sport

South African Rugby
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The Springboks added prestigious continental awards to their impressive list of accolades following their back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles last year, when they received the Team of the Year and Sportsman of the Year awards at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Sports Awards in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday.

The glittering awards ceremony, to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting excellence, was attended by athletes, sports luminaries, and government dignitaries from across the ten countries that make up Region: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The awards add a continental flavour to the accolades received by the world champions, with the Springboks most recently being crowned the Team of the Year at the SA Sports Awards and SA Rugby Awards, while Kolisi received the People's Choice and Sports Star of the Year Awards.

SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander congratulated the team and Kolisi for being honoured in such a prestigious manner: “This award underlines the continental significance of the Springboks' consecutive Rugby World Cup victories and the key role Siya played in guiding the team both on and off the field.

“They deserve all the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices over several years to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in France last year and Japan in 2019, and we are delighted to see how far and wide their achievements have reached.

“The team and Kolisi have been critical in showing what unity, teamwork, and overcoming numerous barriers on and off the field can achieve in nation-building and building winning teams, and we hope this inspires teams across Africa to follow in their footsteps and achieve similar success.”

The competition for these awards was stiff, with the Springboks going up against the Malawian Scorchers – the national women's football team – and Botswana's senior men's 4x400m relay team, while Kolisi triumphed in a highly competitive category, edging out notable athletes such as Bayapo Ndori from Botswana, and Mancoba Mahlatsi from Swaziland.

The ceremony's keynote address was delivered by Her Excellency Mutale Nalumango, Vice President of Zambia. The African Union Sports Council Region 5 is committed to the development and promotion of sports within the Southern African region. The council, through various programmes and events, aims to foster unity, enhance athletic performance, and support athletes in achieving their highest potential.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women's Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

Read moreSpringboks, Kolisi honoured by African Union for Rugby World Cup (RWC) triumph

Electronic payment system for child maintenance and other services suspended

Location: News

Electronic payment system for child maintenance and other services suspended

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has announced the temporary suspension of electronic payment system for third-party funds – including child maintenance – following “attempts to compromise the system”.

The department said an investigation into the incident is underway.

“In light of this development, child maintenance beneficiaries are urged to promptly visit their nearest court with their original identity documents to receive manual payments until the electronic service is fully restored.

“The Department has assembled a dedicated forensic team to thoroughly investigate any suspicious activity. We are committed to continually fortifying our systems to prevent and mitigate the risk of future breaches.

“We sincerely apologise to all beneficiaries for any inconvenience caused and deeply appreciate the patience and understanding during this period,” the DJCOD said.

Meanwhile, this morning (Friday), DJCOD Minister Ronald Lamola, is expected to preside over the launch and renaming of the refurbished Justice College.

The launch will also be attended by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, and Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Mandisa Maya. 

“Established in 1957, Justice College has grown into reputable institution, offering comprehensive training programs for legal practitioners. From its modest beginnings as Justice Training, it now encompasses diverse aspects of legal education, including specialised training for judicial officers, prosecutors and interpreters.

“[The] Justice College’s influence extends beyond South Africa’s borders. Officials from Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, the Republic of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda regularly attend our courses, fostering regional collaboration.

“The refurbished college boast[s] state-of-the-art training facilities, ensuring an optimal learning environment for future legal professionals,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:31

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Read moreElectronic payment system for child maintenance and other services suspended

African Union Election Observation Mission arrives in South Africa ahead of the 2024 General Elections

Location: News

African Union (AU)
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The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has arrived in South Africa ahead of the 29 May 2024 General Elections. At the invitation of the Government of South Africa and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, approved the deployment of the short-term AUEOM to assess and report on the conduct of this election.

The AUEOM is led by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya and is comprised of 60 short-term observers (STOs) drawn from ambassadors accredited to the African Union, officials of election management bodies, members of African civil society organisations, African election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and representatives of youth organizations. The observers are drawn from 24 countries which include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The AUEOM will base its assessment on the legal framework governing elections in the Republic of South Africa and the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, the standards and obligations stipulated in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the International Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Election Observation among others.

The Mission shall interact with state authorities, the Independent Electoral Commission, political parties, the media, civil society organisations and representatives of the international community. The Mission will also interact with other election observation missions deployed to observe the 2024 General Elections in South Africa.

The Mission will release its preliminary findings and recommendations on the conduct of the elections on 31 May 2024 in a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.  A final and comprehensive report will be released within two months from the date of announcement of final election results and will be posted on the AU Commission website.

The Mission's Secretariat is located at the Hilton Hotel, Sandton, South Africa.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Read moreAfrican Union Election Observation Mission arrives in South Africa ahead of the 2024 General Elections

Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Location: News

Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in partnership with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has donated 40 houses to families living in the Kgubetswana Township in Clarens, Free State.

The residential houses were built by TCTA as accommodation for out-of-town staff members working on the construction of the Ash River Outfall during the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1 (LHWP-1). 

The organisation started leasing out the houses to the residents of Kgubetswana with the intention of selling them to occupying residents at a discounted price. 

However, according to TCTA Chief Executive, Percy Sechemane, the TCTA struggled to sell the houses to the resident occupants over the last 28 years due to affordability issues, as most of the occupants were either elderly or unemployed.

After consultations between the department and TCTA, the parties decided to donate the houses to their original occupants who were part of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mchunu emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring the upliftment of communities.

“The donation of these houses demonstrates our commitment to better the lives of citizens, wherever we can. Through the TCTA, we will continue to develop initiatives that bring dignity and progress to our communities. This quality and the size of houses is the best, and I would have loved to do more, but that in the hands of the mayor now, the standard has been set,” Mchunu said.

In 2006, the houses were valued between R65 000 and R85 000, however, a recent valuation in preparation for the transfer of ownership to the beneficiaries indicated that the current value of the houses was between R380 000 and R640 000.

“The value of the properties being donated to the 39 families and an NGO servicing persons living with disabilities is R16 720 000. The property sizes range from 208m² to 302m²,” Mchunu said.

Sechemane said the process of property transfer is currently being finalised at the Deeds Office, and all new owners will be receiving their title deeds in the next six weeks. 

“It is believed that such a massive transfer of property ownership to these families and the escalation of the property value to multiple times the original value, will make a significant contribution in boosting the property values in the area,” said Sechemane.

One of the beneficiaries and a local community leader, Sonwabo Morgan Ngubane, expressed the beneficiaries’ profound gratitude for being granted the opportunity to own their homes. 

“Today we made history. We have been working diligently with TCTA over the years, helping to resolve all the outstanding issues to ensure that the organisation can reach this day,” Ngubane said. 

The handover of houses to new owners was preceded by an engagement between the Minister, TCTA and representatives from Free State municipalities on water and sanitation services in the province. 

During the engagement, Mchunu implored municipalities in the province to do all it can to overcome any challenges hindering water and sanitation services provision in the province.

TCTA re-assured municipal representatives that the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure from October 2024 to March 2025 for maintenance, will not adversely affect water provision in both Free State and Gauteng provinces. 

“We continue to work with the DWS provincial office in Free State and local municipalities to explain all the processes we are following to ensure that water provision will continue uninterrupted during the six-month period of maintenance,” Sechemane said.
   
TCTA is a state-owned entity under the Department of Water and Sanitation and is responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure in South Africa, including the South African portion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a multi-phased initiative established by a 1986 treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, designed to provide water to South Africa’s Gauteng region and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho. 

The project includes the construction of a series of dams to harness the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in Lesotho’s highlands, for the mutual benefit of both countries. 

Phase I of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, with Phase II currently underway and expected to be completed by 2028. The project is envisaged to yield a capacity of 14 cubic metres per second to the Vaal River System. – SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:07

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Read moreHomes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

The Coca-Cola System in Kenya Announces Major Investment

Location: Business
Coca Cola Beverages Africa

The Coca-Cola system, consisting of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorised bottler Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (https://www.CCBAGroup.com), has announced its intention to grow its investment in Kenya by up to $175 million over the next five years, should the business achieve its anticipated growth targets in the country.

Hosting Kenyan President H.E. Dr William Ruto at The Coca-Cola Company's headquarters in Atlanta, Sunil Gupta, CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, said, “The Coca-Cola system has been an integral part of Kenya's landscape for more than 75 years. Today, we are excited to announce our intention to strengthen this legacy through a substantial investment.”

“This investment is aimed at accelerating the Coca-Cola system's capacity and capability expansion over the next five years. Our decision to invest underscores our belief in the long-term potential of Kenya's economy,” Gupta said.

Luisa Ortega, President of The Coca-Cola Company's Africa Operating Unit, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government to create a stable policy environment. "The Coca-Cola system has been part of communities in Kenya for more than seven decades. We are excited to continue growing our business and supporting communities across Kenya for many years to come," said Ortega.

The Coca-Cola system has a rich legacy of refreshing Africa and making a difference in the East Africa region, where it is a major employer, directly employing 10,000 people.

The Coca-Cola system also works with over 500,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across the region, giving the company a direct connection to the experiences shared by many businesses in Kenya and across the East African region.

“Our value chain supports livelihoods for over a million people in distribution, sales and other roles,” said Gupta. “We source close to 8,000 metric tons of mango puree from East African farmers. We believe in the region's potential and its ability to achieve significant growth through collaboration between public and private sectors. Our business in Kenya is centered on a local approach - we hire locally, produce locally, distribute locally and source locally.”

“We are optimistic and fully committed to Kenya's future. We foresee great social and economic advancement, and this is why we continue to invest in our Kenyan business as well as community programs that help strengthen Kenya's prosperity,” Ortega concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.

ISSUED BY:
Wendy Thole-Muir
Group Head of Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 83 795 8524
Email: WThole-Muir@ccbagroup.com

Clifford Machoka
Senior Director
Public Affairs
Communication & Sustainability
East & Central Africa
Coca-Cola Africa
Tel: +254 734 109 260/1
Email: cmachoka@coca-cola.com

About The Coca‑Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee, and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42DbAWX), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bKvZ0m) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4bpOQ03).

About Coca-Cola Beverages Africa:
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments. CCBA shareholders are currently: The Coca-Cola Company 66.5% and Gutsche Family Investments 33.5%. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho and Malawi.

Learn more at  https://www.CCBAGroup.com

Follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4dfq8AC)

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Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure will not affect water availability

Location: News

Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure will not affect water availability

Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, has assured Gauteng residents that the planned closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Tunnel for six months will not affect water supply to Rand Water and the availability of raw water.

Phillips was briefing the media in Pretoria on Friday on the planned maintenance work on transfer and delivery tunnels of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which is scheduled to start from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The tunnel system includes a transfer tunnel, linking Katse Dam with Muela Power Station and Muela Dam, and a delivery tunnel linking Muela Dam with the Ash River Outfall Works between Clarens and Bethlehem.

Phillips said the inspections and maintenance of the tunnels must be conducted at intervals between five and 10 years.

“The last maintenance was conducted in 2019. During the shutdown of 2019 it was found that the steel liners in the tunnel urgently need extensive maintenance on both the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho side,” Phillips said.

The planned maintenance work is being overseen by the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, a joint governance body between South Africa and Lesotho and will be jointly undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which is an entity under Water and Sanitation Department.

Phillips said the work required to be undertaken during the shutdown period includes grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, and other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown. 

Phillips reiterated that the work to be undertaken requires a lot of time as it is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years.

“This much-needed maintenance is critical to maintain the integrity of the delivery tunnels as a tunnel failure will risk the transfer of the 780 million m3/annum of water to the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), from which Rand Water draws water to supply its customers. The six months period required to conduct maintenance is thus crucial to avoid any catastrophic event which may result from a lack of maintenance.”

On the impact of the maintenance work on the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) and Rand Water, Phillips noted that 700 million m3 per annum will be transferred in 2024, a shortfall of 80 million m3 from the normal annual transfer volume. 

After the shutdown period, he said, the water transfers will be increased to enable the shortfall in transfers to be recovered. 

The Director-General said an analysis was undertaken in May 2023 to assess the risk to the IVRS’ performance due to the outage, and to determine the impact of the shutdown on water availability to users in South Africa. 

“The analysis indicated the impact of the outage on the overall IVRS will be insignificant considering that dams in the IVRS such as the Sterkfontein Dam and others are relatively full.

“This means that the closure of the tunnel for maintenance will not result in any disruption of water supply to Rand Water, and to the municipalities in Gauteng and other provinces which are customers of Rand Water.

“The standard operating rule is that Sterkfontein Dam releases water to the Vaal Dam when the Vaal Dam reaches a minimum operating level of 18%. The department’s analysis indicates that this is unlikely to occur at any probability level in the 2023-2024 operating year. Hence, releases from Sterkfontein Dam to support the Vaal Dam are not envisaged for the current 2023-2024 operating year and Sterkfontein Dam remains full to date,” Phillips explained.

He said further analysis will be undertaken in May 2024 to ensure there are no likely risks to water supply from the IVRS in the 2024-2025 operating year. 

“The fact that the Sterkfontein Dam is full means that it can provide a reserve supply of water to top up the Vaal Dam as needed.

“The shutdown will also not have any significant water supply implications for domestic users along the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries in the Free State during that period.

“Licensed irrigators along the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries will be provided with notices to restrict their abstraction during the shutdown period to certain days of the week, so that they abstract water from rivers fed by the Saulspoort Dam in a sustainable way during the tunnel closure,” Phillips said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 04/26/2024 - 12:24

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Nine sentenced to a cumulative 10 939 years

Location: News

Nine sentenced to a cumulative 10 939 years

The sentencing of nine people for a cumulative of 10 939 years for committing various crimes including money laundering, fraud and forgery, has been welcomed by National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

The sentence was handed down at the South Gauteng High Court for 391 counts of money laundering, fraud, forgery, uttering, assisting another to benefit from unlawful activities and acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of unlawful activities.

They also contravened legislation in relation to birth and death registration, the Identification Act as well as the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

“It is reported that during 2009 and 2016, the accused were members of various entities registered in terms of the Close Corporations Act, No 69 of 1984 and/or the Companies Act, No 61 of 1973 and thus also registered their companies for Value Added Tax (VAT) in terms of the South African Revenue Services Act.

“A total of 23 cases were opened at the Johannesburg Central police station against the accused for investigation.  These cases were referred to the Gauteng-based Serious Corruption Investigation for in-depth probe,” the DPCI said on Thursday.

The accused, while acting in furtherance of a common purpose, submitted fraudulent VAT returns for and on behalf of the said close corporations and/or companies claiming undue VAT refunds from the South African Revenue Services (SARS).

“In support of their claim, the accused forged and uttered invoices to SARS. The undue VAT refund was then paid by SARS into various bank accounts of the said various entities, and were then transferred into various other accounts, which were under the control of the accused or withdrawn.

“The entities in question were not trading or conducting any business during the period they claimed the undue refund which is from 2009 to 2015 and did not incur any input expenses to warrant a refund from SARS therefore prejudicing SARS R300 million,” the DPCI said.

Initially, 13 people were charged in the case, however, two passed away during the course of the trial while the other two turned state witness.

The accused were sentenced as follows:

  • Jeremiah Nyasha Musiwacho Dube (59), a Zimbabwean male, was sentenced to 3 376 years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 65 years having taken into consideration mitigating circumstances.
  • Rebecca Dube (51), a South African female, was sentenced to 1 596 years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 25 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Mavudzi Maxwell Ndlovu (59), a Zimbabwean male, was sentenced to 3 272 years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 65 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Moliehi Constance Ramone (44), a Lesotho female, was sentenced to 953 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 15 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Edward Shoniwa (56), a Zimbabwean male, was sentenced to 168 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 15 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Zamaswazi Audrey Radebe (51), a South African female, was sentenced to 73 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 5 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Bongani Mbonani (42), a South African male, was sentenced to 57 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 5 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • Sello Atlone Rathethe (52), a South African male, was sentenced to 1557 years imprisonment. The court ordered that the accused should serve only 15 years having considered mitigating circumstances.
  • The last accused, Christopher Dube (56), a Zimbabwean male, absconded just before conviction and his warrant of arrest has been authorised by the court.

- SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 04/26/2024 - 10:04

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Launch of cutting-edge recycling facility in Namibia

Location: News
Coca Cola Beverages Africa

A N$24 million (over US$1.2million) investment through a partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAgroup.com) in Namibia and Plastic Packaging has culminated in the opening of a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flaking plant in Okahandja which will double the capacity of the only mechanical recycler of plastic waste in the country.

The plant was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta.

“The Coca-Cola system aims to drive systemic change through a circular economy for packaging. We are leading the industry to help collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one we sell by 2030. We have a responsibility to help solve complex plastic waste challenges facing our planet and society, and we're leveraging our scale and reach to achieve our sustainability goals and reduce packaging waste,” said CCBA Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer, Tshidi Ramogase.

“This facility is an example of how we work with partners across business, government and civil society to support or create closed loop systems to ensure our packaging is collected and recycled or reused.

“Supporting the establishment of a circular economy for packaging has both environmental and economic benefits since recycling has the potential to create jobs and to empower the informal waste collection sector in a circular economy.

“Unlike a traditional linear economy in which packaging is made, used and disposed of; a circular economy preserves the economic value of packaging through robust collection and recycling systems,” said Ramogase.

The completion of this cutting-edge recycling facility will enable Namibia Polymer Recyclers (NPR), a subsidiary of Plastic Packaging, to recycle up to 500 tons per month.

The recycling plant transforms discarded beverage bottles made from PET material into PET flakes with an international market value. The flaking process of post-consumer PET bottles involves sorting, shredding it into PET flakes, hot-washing and drying of flakes, which are then sent for further processing into recycled PET pellets and other end-uses.

This reduces the need to use virgin PET, while diverting waste from landfills and the environment.

“We are investing in infrastructure and exploring ways to support additional recycled PET capacity in each of the regions where we operate. These investments not only provide a source of recycled content for our packaging but also create additional demand for empty packages, driving increased collection.

“At CCBA, we are a proud industry leader in developing increasingly sustainable ways to produce, distribute and sell our products. We use our industry leadership to be part of the solution to achieve positive change and to build a more sustainable future for our planet,” said Ramogase.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.

Issued By:
Enid Johr
PACS Director
CCBA in Namibia
Tel: +264 81 778 5381
Email: ejohr@ccbagroup.com

Wendy Thole-Muir
Head: Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 83 795 8524
Email: WThole-Muir@ccbagroup.com

Follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4dfq8AC

About CCBA: 
CCBA is the 8th largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 720,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. The group was formed in July 2016 after the successful combination of the southern and east Africa bottling operations of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages businesses of The Coca-Cola Company, SABMiller plc and Gutsche Family Investments. CCBA shareholders are currently: The Coca-Cola Company 66.5% and Gutsche Family Investments 33.5%. CCBA operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Learn more at https://www.CCBAgroup.com

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Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) advises on R3 billion sale of BevCo to Varun Beverages in a landmark Indo-Africa deal

Location: Business
Rand Merchant Bank

India-listed Varun Beverages Limited (“VBL”), the largest PepsiCo bottler outside of the USA and China, entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited (“BevCo”). RMB (www.RMB.co.za) acted as sole financial advisor to BevCo and selling shareholders, including a Private Equity Fund managed by The Rohatyn Group (post the completed merger of Ethos Private Equity with The Rohatyn Group in April 2023) and Nedbank Private Equity, in a deal with an enterprise value of R3 billion.

BevCo, is one of the largest carbonated soft drinks producers in Southern Africa. Their portfolio consists of the recognisable brands Jive, Coo-ee and Reboost. BevCo also bottles and distributes PepsiCo-branded non-alcoholic beverages in South Africa and has five manufacturing facilities in the country, in addition to operations in Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana.

“Having invested in 2017, The Rohatyn Group's Africa Private Equity team together with our partners and the management team have built a focused non-alcoholic beverage platform. We executed our original investment thesis over a seven-year period and today the consolidated BevCo is in excess of three times the size and continues to grow its market share organically. VBL brings significant resources and expertise to invest in BevCo's product offering and grow PepsiCo's brands in Southern Africa, while expanding their presence on the continent,” says Glynn Potgieter, Managing Director at The Rohatyn Group.

There are always multiple challenges with cross-border transactions, in this instance including the requirement for compliance with both the Indian Stock Exchange and South African regulations. Regulation in India required a restructure of the BevCo group as well as the transfer of its debt facilities and subsequent deregistration/liquidation of more than ten entities within the group structure. This had implications on what would normally be a standard warranty and indemnity insurance policy. The transaction showcases RMB's advisory capability in successfully navigating complex cross-border transactions and ability to access international buyers for high quality South African assets.

In addition to the corporate finance advisory role to BevCo, RMB's South African and India teams assisted with refinancing the existing debt within BevCo as well as providing incremental acquisition finance for the transaction, in addition to facilitating the flows and foreign exchange conversion for the deal. This demonstrates RMB's expertise and comprehensive solutions offering across the Indo-Africa corridor. With a footprint and expertise based both in South Africa and India, RMB can support clients on both sides of the corridor to enable seamless end-to-end transactions.

“The Indian market reacted extremely positively with VBL's share price increasing in excess of 10% and reaching an all-time high on the day the transaction was announced. The transaction represents a significant investment and an important vote of confidence in South Africa by a large global player in the sector,” says Gareth Armstrong, Corporate Finance Executive at RMB.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.

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President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Struggle Veteran and Pan Africanist Dr Motsoko Pheko

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of liberation struggle veteran and former Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) President Dr Motsoko Pheko.

Dr Pheko passed away at the age of 93 on Friday, 19 April 2024.

President Ramaphosa offers his condolences to the family, comrades and associates nationally and internationally of Dr Pheko who formerly served as the PAC Representative to the United Nations and as a Member of Parliament during his distinguished political career.

He was a lawyer, author of 45 books, theologian, academic and historian.

President Ramaphosa said: “With the passing of Motsoko Pheko, we are grateful for the extended lifetime during which this son of Lesotho became a champion of our liberation struggle and fought for the rights of dispossessed and landless people who had endured colonialism and apartheid.

“His diverse qualifications and interests made Motsoko Pheko an invaluable contributor to human development and the intellectual heritage of our nation and that of our continent whose causes and accomplishments were uppermost in his consciousness and activism.

“As we observe 30 Years of Freedom, we honour all individuals and political traditions who brought about the dispensation in which we live today and to whom we remain indebted.

“May Motsoko Pheko rest in peace.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Dr Ernest Pheko

Location: News

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Dr Ernest Pheko

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of liberation struggle veteran and former Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) President, Dr Ernest “Motsoko” Pheko.

Dr Pheko, aged 94, passed away on Friday.

He was a lawyer, author of 30 books, theologian, academic and historian.

According to a statement by the Presidency, President Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the family, comrades and associates, both nationally and internationally, of Dr Pheko who formerly served as the PAC Representative to the United Nations and as a Member of Parliament during his distinguished political career.

“With the passing of Motsoko Pheko, we are grateful for the extended lifetime during which this son of Lesotho became a champion of our liberation struggle and fought for the rights of dispossessed and landless people who had endured colonialism and apartheid.

“His diverse qualifications and interests made Motsoko Pheko an invaluable contributor to human development and the intellectual heritage of our nation and that of our continent whose causes and accomplishments were uppermost in his consciousness and activism,” President Ramaphosa said.

As South Africa observes 30 years of freedom, the President said: “We honour all individuals and political traditions who brought about the dispensation in which we live today and to whom we remain indebted.”

“May Motsoko Pheko rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Sun, 04/21/2024 - 08:55

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Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA

Location: News

Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year. 

“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.

The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year. 

“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining  responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.

However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.

Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.

During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.

Operations

The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.

He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.

Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.

The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.

He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.

“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”

In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000. 

“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”

The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.  

They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry. 

In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections. 

The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area. 

“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.” 

In addition, about R641 of dagga with  the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.

Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.

Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.

“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17

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International messages of support on launch of Freedom Month

Location: News

International messages of support on launch of Freedom Month

Several international nations have joined a chorus of voices in commemorating and congratulating South Africa as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom this year.

The launch of Freedom Month was held at Freedom Park on Tuesday morning in Pretoria with much fanfare, including the unveiling of the 30 Years of Freedom logo.

Delivering her message of support during the programme, High Commissioner of Zambia to South Africa, Mazuba Bernadine Monze, encouraged South Africans to remember and speak of the historical ties that the two countries share.

During the fight for liberation, Zambia was a sanctuary for safety for anti-apartheid freedom fighters, including Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki.

“This celebration is truly Zambia’s celebration. I bring a message that is succinct and clear to the peoples of South Africa [that] across the Limpopo lies a land that has and will continue to stand firm in solidarity and brotherhood, and that land is called Zambia. To those of you who know the story, share it. Tell it to the generations and even those that are yet to come about our deep historical ties that bind us together as countries.

“The role of Zambia in South Africa’s liberation struggle… during the dark period of apartheid in South Africa, emerged as a beacon of hope and a steadfast supporter of the liberation struggle. Please allow me to congratulate [South Africa] on this auspicious occasion and wish… the people of this great nation a happy 30th anniversary of your freedom,” Monze said.

Ambassador Enrique Orta González of Cuba praised South Africa as a “symbol of solidarity and the struggle justice” for the downtrodden peoples of the world.

The nation of Cuba contributed to the fight against apartheid by offering training, medical care and study for struggle heroes in the 1960s.

“Today, on the eve of the 30 years of democracy in this beautiful country, we can affirm that South Africa has become a symbol of solidarity and struggle for justice. We are glad to see today an apartheid free, independent, sovereign South Africa in solidarity with the people fighting for the just causes of the world – supporting Palestine, Western Sahara, Venezuela and Cuba.

“Three decades after the defeat of apartheid, South Africa has risen as an example of the global South on how a society can leave hate and discrimination behind in order to be a better country, in order to become a true symbol of reconciliation, and give voice to those who stay in silence for many years.

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the South African government and people on the 30th anniversary of democracy. On behalf of the government and people of Cuba, our sincerest wish is for prosperity, well being and happiness for our dear sister, the Republic of South Africa,” González said.

The High Commissioner of Lesotho, Ntsime Jafeta, noted that South Africa “defied all odds” by achieving democracy in the face of the brutal apartheid regime.

“On behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho… I wish to extend our sincere greetings and best wishes as you celebrate Freedom Month. We note with great joy and satisfaction the fact that this year’s commemoration coincides with the Lesotho bicentennial celebration to mark 200 years since the formation of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824.

“Despite your vulnerability and pressure from the apartheid regime, you defied all odds. You stood firmly on the side of freedom, peace and democracy. Let us… celebrate the gains brought by the struggles of our forebears, and ensure that sweat and blood nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of peace, democracy and justice to make the world a better place,” Jafeta said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 13:55

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Kenya’s Langat and Chepkorir secure victory at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Location: MyPR

Kenya’s Vincent Kibet Langat and Diana Chepkorir claimed top honors in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, at the 2nd annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 7 April 2024. Langat boasted a winning time of 28:01 and Chepkorir 31:15. At the age of 37, veteran South African top runner Elroy Gelant is …

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