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Government activities for the week 7 – 11 October 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 7 – 11 October 2024

On Monday, 7 October, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the Olympic and Paralympics Sponsors’ Dinner at the Sandton Convention Centre.

On Monday, 7 October, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture hosts the 2024 Annual National Oral History Conference at the Emakhosini Conference Centre in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. The conference will conclude on 11 October.

On Tuesday, 8 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts an Inspectors Employment Standards Conference to discuss maximum compliance to employment and labour laws. The conference will conclude on 10 October.

On Tuesday, 8 October, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will attend the official opening of a Germiston Rail line.

On Wednesday, 9 October, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, will launch the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey in Pretoria.

On Wednesday, 9 October, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, Deputy Ministers Sibiya and Mgcina host an Inspections and Enforcement Conference in Durban. The conference will conclude on 10 October. 

On Thursday, 10 October, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, leads the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction in Polokwane, Limpopo.

On Friday, 11 October, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will officially launch the Durban Rail line. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:58

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SIU to probe academic fraud at Fort Hare

Location: News

SIU to probe academic fraud at Fort Hare

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed six new and two amended proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at various institutions. 

The SIU has on Friday been given the green light to probe several provincial government departments and the affairs of the University of Fort Hare. 

According to the SIU, the agency’s investigation period for the university has been extended to start from 1 January 2004 until 4 October 2024. The new scope allows the unit to probe the registration or admission of non-eligible people to enrol for, study for or be awarded degrees, including Bachelor’s, Honour’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.

“Without limiting the scope of non-eligibility grounds, this includes persons who did not have the requisite degrees or matriculation results to enrol for, study for or be awarded the degrees in question,” the SIU explained. 

Investigators will probe the maintenance of the university’s infrastructure from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2023 and zoom in on the installation of CCTV cameras and associated security features at the staff village in Alice in the Eastern Cape from 18 March 2022 to 2 June 2022. 

They will also look into the refurbishment and maintenance of student residences at the university’s Alice campus in 2009 and the Capacity Building Programme for the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature.

The SIU will further investigate the appointment of a Head of Department and the affairs of the university in the Nguni Cattle Development Trust.

“Serious maladministration and malpractices, as well as conduct which may seriously harm the interests of the public in the affairs of the university regarding the administration and payment of allowances for food, accommodation, books, stationery, cash and study-related costs to qualifying students.”

In addition, investigations will cover the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences’ Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme in Health and the Master of Public Health Programme including the registration or admission of non-eligible people to enrol for, study for or be awarded degrees. 

Further, the provincial Departments of Transport will be put under the microscope. 

According to the agency, the SIU’s investigation will continue to probe the registration and licensing of motor vehicles, registration of motor vehicle ownership or licensing details, issuing of driving licences, learner’s licences or professional driving permits, conversion of foreign driving licences and military driving licences to driving licences, and issuing of roadworthy certificates. 

The state agency will investigate conduct at the Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and provincial Health Departments in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. 

The SIU will also probe the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Tlokwe Local Municipality. 

In the provincial departments and the municipalities, the matters are mostly related to tenders and contracts. 

The SIU will examine if the contracts adhered to National Treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the State. 

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.”

In line with the SIU Act, the agency said it would refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. 

Meanwhile, the agency is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the high court or a special tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Sun, 10/06/2024 - 11:29

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Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs

Location: News

Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs

Four male suspects, aged between 26 and 38, have been apprehended at separate locations during routine operational duties conducted by various police units across the Capricorn District in Limpopo. 

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a foreign national was nabbed on Friday at Lebowakgomo RDP, Zone F for possession of 28 plastic bags containing dagga estimated at R28 000 and a substantial amount of cash.

The SAPS said the operation was led by the members of the Lebowakgomo police with the Polokwane SAPS, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP). 

Then, at around 2pm on the same day, members of the POP received information about a 38-year-old foreign national male who was allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes at a local Spaza shop in the Lebowakgomo complex.

“Police responded to a tip-off that resulted in the illicit cigarettes, valued at R300 000, being discovered inside the shop and further confiscated a white Mercedes Benz motor vehicle belonging to the owner suspected to be the transporter.” 

In addition, a 32-year-old male suspect was nabbed by the Provincial Organised Crime Intelligence Unit in Polokwane central business district (CBD) while in possession of heroin and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R1 700. 

The Provincial Crime Intelligence Cluster Coordination Narcotics Task Team jointly with the Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested a 26-year-old male suspect along Indian Centre in Polokwane at about 7:20pm for possession of drugs.

“The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of 50 sachets of nyaope and eight sachets of crystal meth drugs with an estimated value of R2 500.” 

The suspects are expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo and Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon, as police investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 10/06/2024 - 11:46

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Read moreFour suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs

Basic Education top brass visit Gauteng

Location: News

Basic Education top brass visit Gauteng

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will today visit Gauteng as part of the ongoing National Listening and Learning Tour.

This tour aims to directly engage with provincial education stakeholders, school leadership and the broader community to address challenges in the province's education sector. 

“This provincial visit will focus on critical issues such as the annual influx of learners to the province, school safety, literacy and numeracy levels, teacher training, as well as budget constraints...

“The purpose of these engagements is to identify areas for improvement, share best practices, and collaboratively develop solutions to the unique challenges within the province's educational landscape,” the Department of Basic Education said in a statement.

Gwarube and Mhaule will address the media following their engagements with provincial education stakeholders, providing updates on the outcomes of the visit and plans to strengthen the education system in Gauteng.

WATCH | National Listening & Learning Tour has arrived in Gauteng

 

The media briefing will be held at Olympia Park School in Springs, Ekurhuleni. 

The National Listening and Learning Tour commenced in the Eastern Cape on 2 September, with a visit to Limpopo on 16 September. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 10/04/2024 - 09:53

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Mining’s potential remains high: Mantashe 

Location: News

Mining’s potential remains high: Mantashe 

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has told an indaba that there is evidence to suggest that mining is “the bedrock of our economy” and that the country is an attractive investment destination for mining.

According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, the industry contributed some 6.3% to South Africa’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.

“There is a strong case emerging out of the study on ‘The State of Mining’ that the South African mining industry not only remains the bedrock of our economy, but an attractive investment destination for mining. 

“Coupled with the draft South Africa’s ‘Critical Minerals Strategy’, the study points to the reality that the South African mining industry is diversifying from the gold mining era to an industry with wide-ranging mineral resources, including the world’s largest known deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, chrome, coal, gold, copper, vanadium, and other natural resources that are considered critical for the just transition,” the Minister said at the Annual Joburg Indaba in Sandton on Thursday.

He added that with the diversification of the industry, its potential to continue growing remains high.

“Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the gold mining sector, including deep level mines and heightened safety concerns, the 2023 gold production statistics positioned South Africa as the world’s thirteenth and Africa’s fourth largest gold producer. 

“Despite the fluctuating prices of palladium and rhodium, of which South Africa supplies 38% and 81%, respectively, to the global commodities market, the PGMs sector is poised to play a catalytic role in sustaining the South African mining industry, and in the growth of our economy.

“Considering South Africa’s reserves of known manganese and chrome deposits, as well as being the largest producer and exporter of manganese and chrome ore, the South African manganese and chrome sectors are poised to continue playing a significant role globally driven by their use in the automotive and construction industries,” Mantashe said.

Addressing challenges 

He acknowledged that during last year’s Joburg Indaba, industry players raised issues that “we needed to resolve for the sector to thrive, including the need to ensure the necessary policy and regulatory certainty for investment”.

“Although the South African mining industry’s regulatory framework is stable and predictable, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). 

“This is so as to address its shortcomings and ensure that areas that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice. The amendments will further improve the business environment while keeping in sync with our socioeconomic fabric.

“The completion of the migration process to the new efficient and transparent mining licensing system, in June next year, is poised to modernise our licensing system, ensure regulatory certainty, and the sustainability of the South African mining industry. 

“Having completed the first phase of the project, which included the assessment of the current environment to establish the baseline and its readiness, and the requirements with respect to system hosting, software integration, and the enhancement of cybersecurity, the development of the new system is therefore progressing very well,” the Minister explained.

READ | Presidency transfers Department of Mineral Resources and Energy legislation

Furthermore, the Minister told the industry leaders that between April 2023 and March this year, the department has processed and finalised 127 mining rights, 1 527 prospecting rights, and 2 313 mining permits and ancillaries.

There are no backlogs in the Western Cape and the Free State while backlogs in the Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been significantly reduced. Mpumalanga is the only province with a significant backlog.

“As we come to the end of this year’s Indaba, we wish to encourage the South African mining industry to continue sharing insights about the realities of this industry, advance beneficiation at source, and support our exploration initiatives.

“We further encourage junior miners to take up the opportunities presented to them in order to transform the industry and ensure that the people of South Africa derive value from their country’s mineral endowment,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:09

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Government working with communities to find suitable land for housing

Location: News

Government working with communities to find suitable land for housing

The Department of Human Settlements intends to partner with traditional leaders to identify disaster-resilient areas suitable for human settlements development, using geo-mapping.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi made the announcement at meeting held with Members of Executive Councils (MINMEC) responsible for Human Settlements across the country on Thursday.

Kubayi said the collaborative initiative with traditional leaders aims to enable traditional leaders to identify safe land parcels for settlement purposes and avoid disaster-prone areas in vulnerable provinces.

She said the department intends to pilot this approach in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces, paving the way for proactive disaster mitigation and sustainable human settlements.

“By leveraging geo-mapping technology, the department aims to inform decision makers to make better land allocation decisions, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities. We cannot be chasing after or reacting to disasters.

“We must be proactive and put measures in place to mitigate future disasters. Climate change is upon us, and we should be better prepared and be able to respond accordingly,” Kubayi said.

The Minister convened the meeting with the MECs, focusing on the 2024/2025 human settlements priorities.

This was the second meeting in the seventh administration included the Mayors and Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs) for Human Settlements in metropolitan municipalities and representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to tackle key critical areas.

These include prioritising vulnerable groups in housing allocation, the Title Deeds Restoration Programme, housing for military veterans, emergency housing, and an update on the Human Settlements White Paper.

The meeting discussed the finalisation of the White Paper and MINMEC was informed that extensive consultations have been undertaken to ensure that all sectors of the community took part in shaping the new policy.

Approved by Cabinet in 2023 for public consultation, the draft White Paper seeks to address the prevailing gaps and inconsistencies in the housing and human settlements sector by responding comprehensively to contemporary sector reforms.

The meeting heard that sectors including NGOs, civil society, labour, academics, developers and contractors, and identified government departments were consulted.

The draft White Paper will be presented to Cabinet for approval, and once approved, a nationwide awareness campaign will be launched to educate the public on the policy's key points through various media channels.

The Minister also underscored the importance of building integrated communities including rural areas, saying human settlements should be where people are, feel safe and have access to economic opportunities and social amenities.

“Accordingly, the government has availed resources to build social amenities in rural areas including community halls and other facilities to encourage development within the communities,” the Minister explained.

Assisting those affected by disasters

On emergency response to people affected by disasters, MINMEC welcomed a briefing on the Emergency Housing Framework developed to ensure immediate response to people affected by disasters.

MINMEC stressed the need to clarify roles and responsibilities since the national department has assumed responsibility.

The meeting adopted a proposal outlining disaster response protocols, dividing responsibilities between the National Department of Human Settlements, provinces, and metros based on disaster severity.

“Significant and severe disasters, affecting 51 to 100 or more households, will be jointly responded to by the National Department and provinces/metropolitan areas, while minimal and minor disasters, impacting 1 to 50 households, will be addressed by provinces working with metros,” Kubayi said.

In response to disasters, the Emergency Housing Guidelines provide four key interventions, and these include restoration, rebuilding, relocation, and repairs.

MINMEC emphasised the need to address historic disasters that occurred from 2019 to April 2024, which have affected numerous households, with estimated damages totalling R1 billion. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:58

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Citizens encouraged to participate in National Science Week

Location: News

Citizens encouraged to participate in National Science Week

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has urged South Africans to participate in National Science Week (NSW) activities. 

This year’s theme is “Living in a high-tech world: Should we be concerned?” and it aims to inspire young people and involve the public in understanding the importance of science in addressing societal concerns. 

The National Science Week activities across South Africa kickstarted on Monday, 30 September, and will wrap up on Saturday, 5 October 2024. 

A flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), National Science Week is a platform for schools, universities, research institutions and community organisations to participate in a range of interactive events, exhibitions and seminars countrywide. 

The Minister officially opened the annual science engagement initiative in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Almost 1 500 learners attended the launch event at the Central University of Technology, which included a science, technology and innovation (STI) exhibition.

In his opening address at the launch, Nzimande said South Africa needs to foster a culture of using STI in the country to drive economic growth and respond to issues such as sustainable development and social inequality. 

He said this year’s theme responds to the highly technology-driven world in which the country finds itself. 

Through this theme, he said, “We seek to encourage a culture of critical conversations among ordinary people and especially our youth about the value of science to society”. 

According to Nzimande, the country has made commendable progress since 1994 in increasing the numbers of black and women scientists.

“There is, of course, still more work that needs to be done in this regard, but we cannot deny the progress that has been made over the past 30 years.” 

The Minister reminded the learners in the audience that they have more opportunities today than their grandparents who grew up during the dark days of apartheid when Black people were told they did not need mathematics and science. 

“My message to all the learners here today is that you were born into a democratic order, for which your grandparents fought. Unlike your grandparents, you have available to you many opportunities to develop yourselves.”

The Minister urged the young people to make use of the opportunities that are available to them. 

“Most importantly, we expect you to take up the various careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) so that we can produce the critical skills we need to deal with such things as poverty, inequality, pandemics and the impact of climate change.”

The Minister highlighted the stellar achievement of a Grade 10 learner, Munei Netsharotha, from Tshivhase Secondary School in Limpopo, who constructed a hydrogen-fuelled vehicle. 

The Minister said Netsharotha’s invention is well aligned with the hydrogen economy, which is one of the department’s priorities. 

Other brilliant innovators included mechatronics apprentice, Hlompho Malehodi, who spoke about her career. 
Malehodi studied electrical engineering at a technical vocational education and training college and recently won a gold medal in the South African leg of the WorldSkills Competition. 

She became the first Black woman in mechatronics to represent South Africa in the international WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. 

The public is encouraged to participate in the activities in their communities and to follow the event on social media using the hashtag #NSW2024 for live updates and information and visit https://www.saasta.ac.za/programmes/focus-weeks/national-science-week/. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:15

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Limpopo police discover drug lab, seize mandrax worth R4 million

Location: News

Limpopo police discover drug lab, seize mandrax worth R4 million

A joint operation involving the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad and Lebowakgomo police has led to the discovery of a drug lab at the Makotse village in Lebowakgomo, on Sunday. 

Drugs valued at approximately R4 million were seized and three suspects aged between 25 and 33 were arrested.

“The police discovered a significant quantity of mandrax at the suspect’s residence and located a nearby drug manufacturing lab containing various chemicals and substances used in drug production.

“The SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory has been alerted to investigate the drug lab further. Security measures will remain in place at the site until the investigation is completed,” said the police.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, commended the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved in the operation aimed at dismantling drug-related crimes in the province.

The suspects appeared before the Thabamoopo Magistrate's Court on Monday facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs. 

Their case has been postponed to 7 October 2024 for a formal bail application. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 10:21

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Media Invite: Top Performing Businesses in Limpopo Honoured

Location: MyPR

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and Productivity SA, the government entity tasked with enabling employment growth, invite the media to the Limpopo Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. This event aims to increase the efficiency of Limpopo businesses thereby enabling economic growth and job creation. The MEC Limpopo Department of Economic Development, …

Read moreMedia Invite: Top Performing Businesses in Limpopo Honoured

SA Weather Service forecasts warm week followed by light snow

Location: News

SA Weather Service forecasts warm week followed by light snow

South Africa is set to experience a mix of warm and cool temperatures in the coming days, with a significant drop in temperatures and even light snowfall expected later this month, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

This after the weekend’s freezing temperatures and snowfall in some parts of the country caused havoc on the roads, resulting in one fatality.   

READ | Heavy snowfall on N3 claims life of a 39-year-old woman

Forecaster at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Lehlogonolo Thobela provided an outlook for the week ahead, highlighting warm conditions across much of the country.

“Today we are expecting just warm temperatures over the central parts, ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, that’s on average in the Northern Cape province. 

“In Gauteng, the weather will be cooler in the south but warm in the northern areas, with maximum temperatures reaching about 25 degrees in the north and about 24 to 22 degrees over the southern parts,” Thobela said.

The Eastern Cape will experience varied conditions, with cool weather in the northeastern parts but warmer and even hot temperatures in the south. 

“It will be quite cool over most parts of the northeastern parts of the Eastern Cape but warm over most of the province and hot over the southern parts,” Thobela explained.

The Western Cape, meanwhile, will see cooler conditions in the west but warmer weather in the east. 

“Just warm temperatures are expected across the country,” Thobela said.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, Thobela forecasted hot temperatures in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, with highs of 34 degrees Celsius, and similarly warm to hot conditions in Limpopo. 

“It will be warm over most parts of the country, with maximums between 25 and 30 degrees over the central parts,” he noted. 

He said that cooler weather will persist in the Western Cape, especially along the west coast, where temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 22 degrees.

The heat is set to continue through the week, especially in Limpopo and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with hot conditions predicted for the 26th and 27th of September. 

“It will be hot over most parts of Limpopo on the 26th and 27th,” Thobela said.

Central regions like the Free State, North West, and Gauteng will remain warm during this period.

However, a significant temperature drop is expected later in the month, starting on the 29th of September. 

“It will be cold over the southern parts, and the Western Cape will be very cold, with maximums ranging between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius,” Thobela said. 

The Eastern Cape will remain cool, with colder conditions in the central and southwestern parts.

On the 30th of September, cold conditions will spread to KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Free State. 

“There is some light snow expected over the highland areas of the Eastern Cape, as well as the southwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the border of Lesotho, between the 30th [of September] and the 1st of October,” Thobela revealed, though he assured that the snowfall would be light.

The cold snap will extend to the escarpment of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on the 1st of October, with temperatures starting to recover by the 2nd.

South Africans are advised to prepare for fluctuating temperatures and possible snow in high-lying areas over the next week. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/24/2024 - 13:09

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Government dealing with outbreaks including bilharzia affecting Limpopo

Location: News

Government dealing with outbreaks including bilharzia affecting Limpopo

Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and assess water quality in affected areas, following the emergence of the waterborne parasitic disease, bilharzia, in various locations within the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, situated in the Mopani District.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed the media on Friday regarding the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the latest reports, the bilharzia outbreak has significantly impacted areas such as Nkowankowa, Khujwana and Dan villages.

Earlier this month, the provincial department said over 150 learners from Malwandla Primary School were diagnosed and are receiving treatment with anti-parasitic medication. 

Bilharzia is described as a waterborne disease transmitted through contact with contaminated water.

The public is urged to prevent children from swimming in contaminated water and to seek medical treatment immediately if symptoms arise.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo provincial government has established a provincial testing centre to address the outbreak after several people contracted the disease. 

Bilharzia can present a range of symptoms, which include but are not limited to abdominal pain, fever and chills, bloody diarrhoea, blood in urine, urine tract infections, persistent headaches, and fatigue.

The Minister said early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing and treating bilharzia effectively.

In addition, the Minister said there has been a restriction on animal movement in the Eastern Cape due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in the Kouga and Koukamma municipalities that falls under the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. 

“Cabinet reminded South Africans that the transportation of livestock from one place to another requires a transport permit from a local state veterinary office,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister also touched on the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures to mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in South Africa.

She emphasised regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitisers to prevent the disease's transmission after 25 cases were reported since the outbreak. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 13:26

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Cabinet hails progress in fight against crime with Operation Shanela

Location: News

Cabinet hails progress in fight against crime with Operation Shanela

Cabinet has welcomed progress being made in the fight against crime through Operation Shanela, which continues to make its mark in rooting out criminality. 

“Between 2 and 8 September 2024, law enforcement agencies arrested 13 691 suspects for serious crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post Cabinet media briefing on Friday. 

Since its inception in May 2023, Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus on murder and rape suspects, and compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers. 

Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks, as well as stop and searches - police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that they serve.

Since its launch, Operation Shanela has resulted in the arrest of 850 375 suspects, and seizure of 824 illegal firearms and over 17 282 rounds of ammunition. In addition, drugs worth over R13 million were seized at the OR Tambo International Airport over the past two months, and copper worth over R20 million was recovered from a scrapyard near Durban, with a suspect arrested.

“Through a coordinated multidisciplinary and intelligence-led operations, law enforcement agencies are focused on dismantling extortion syndicates across the country. In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were arrested in various provinces,” Ntshavheni said.

Restoring Integrity of Law Enforcement Officers

Through a multidisciplinary collaboration, law enforcement agencies have arrested 14 suspects in Mpumalanga on charges of fraud and corruption for issuing illegal learners’ and driver’s licences. Meanwhile, 11 traffic officers were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists along the N1 freeway in Limpopo.

“Three off-duty police officers and a civilian were arrested in Durban, KZN, for soliciting a R100 000 bribe from a businessman in exchange for the release of confiscated goods, and four more police officers handed themselves over to the SAPS on the same case,” the Minister said. 

Furthermore, eight suspects were arrested for alleged involvement on tender fraud and corruption amounting to R850 million in the City of Cape Town, Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 14:11

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Basic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations

Location: News

Basic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says all systems are in place for it to administer the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for the Class of 2024.

The department briefed the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education this week on a preliminary report regarding the state of readiness for this year’s Grade 12 final examinations.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and Director-General Mathanzima Mweli led the departmental delegation to Parliament.

The examinations are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024, and marking will commence immediately thereafter. 

“There are 55 053 markers appointed, who will be stationed at 188 marking centres. The results will be released to candidates on 16 January 2025. The Minister will announce the results on 15 January 2024,” the department said. 

Delivering opening remarks, Gwarube said the DBE had done a lot of work to prepare both the candidates and the system for this year’s examination. She said this was a pivotal moment for the learners, who are in their last weeks in the basic education system.

In terms of system readiness, the Chief Director for National Assessment and Public Examinations, Dr Rufus Poliah, reported that there were 732 448 full-time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year, which is 8 400 more than in 2023.

“KwaZulu-Natal has the largest Grade 12 population with 172 213 candidates, while Gauteng contributes the second largest number with 136 620. Eastern Cape has 103 975 and Limpopo has 94 236. Mpumalanga has 68 455 and the Western Cape has registered 64 552 candidates. The North West has 41 480, while the Free State has 37 737 and the Northern Cape has 13 180 registered candidates this year. 

“There are 136 195 part-time candidates registered to sit for various subjects this year. The examinations will take place in 6 909 centres across the nine provinces,” the department said.  

Poliah said a total of 162 question papers for the 2024 October/November examinations have been approved by Umalusi and are ready for handover to provinces for printing.

The Class of 2024 is the seventh cohort that will sit for South African Sign Language (SASL) Home Language (HL) examinations in November 2024. Twenty- three schools in nine provinces have 210 candidates registered for SASL HL, compared to 134 candidates in 2023.

In terms of learner readiness, the Deputy Director-General for Curriculum, Dr Barney Mthembu, highlighted several factors that need to be taken into account regarding the current cohort of Grade 12 learners. 

“Firstly, the Class of 2024 was in Grade R in 2012, the year of implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in foundation phase. Secondly, they entered Grade 8 in 2020 at the height of COVID-19, which means their transition from primary to secondary school was seriously disrupted.

“Thirdly, their Grade 9 year (2021), which is crucial for subject selection in Grade 10, was also disrupted due to COVID-19,” Mthembu said. 

He said learners experienced social distancing, which limited group work between teachers and group assessment activities. Rotational attendance affected coverage of the curriculum and created content gaps. At the height of COVID-19, teacher absenteeism affected teacher curriculum coverage negatively for this cohort.

In spite of these disruptions, the department said this cohort started to benefit from the Learning Recovery Programme at primary school.

“Strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the academic setbacks of COVID-19 were introduced. In Grade 10 (2022), the system was beginning to recover from the COVID-19 restrictions, which led to a return of the majority of learners to school.

“This saved this cohort from rotational attendance and loss of teaching and learning time. It also helped them to complete the Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs). In Grade 11 (2023) this cohort had an advantage of the removal of social distancing and other related restrictions. This helped it to cover the Grade 11 Annual Teaching Plans,” the department said. 

This year, in Grade 12, they are benefiting from a wealth of resources that were developed to assist the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 with learning and studying. These include previous diagnostic reports, question papers and study material.

Mweli has visited 162 study camps in different parts of the country throughout the year to support the Grade 12 learners.

The department further highlighted that the Class of 2024 has also benefited from being taught by teachers who have improved subject results in 2022 and 2023, making them motivated to improve performance in 2024. 

The Class of 2024 reached Grade 12 when schools had mastered the skill of using the diagnostic reports of the previous years for examination preparation. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:23

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Read moreBasic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations

Deputy President’s NCOP briefing postponed

Location: News

Deputy President's NCOP briefing postponed

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has written to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Tsipane, to request a postponement of the session for oral reply to questions scheduled for later today.

“The Chairperson has kindly acceded to the Deputy President’s request.

“In line with questions from the NCOP, Deputy President Mashatile was due to brief the council on the seventh administration’s plans to improve the performance of municipalities and accelerate service delivery challenges in some municipalities,” the statement read. 

According to the Presidency, the Deputy President’s request was occasioned by two considerations. 

These include the passing of former Minister and stalwart Pravin Gordhan, whose funeral is underway in Durban. 

“The Deputy President thought it prudent to allow members and former colleagues of the Minister the opportunity to pay their respects fully and to show their support to the Gordhan family at this difficult time.”

In addition, the Deputy President has been advised by his medical team to take a week off from his official duties to rest and recuperate following the medical incident over the weekend in Tzaneen, Limpopo.

READ | Deputy President well after N’wamitwa Day celebrations address

“While the Deputy President is no longer in any danger and is in high spirits, he is following the medical team’s advice and has withdrawn from scheduled official duties for the current week,” the statement read. 

According to his Office, the country’s second-in-command takes parliamentary oversight extremely seriously and has worked tirelessly during his time to boost the national executive’s accountability to the National Assembly and the NCOP. 

“As such, he will work closely with the NCOP Chairperson to find a suitable date for the rescheduling of the session as soon as possible.” 

The Presidency said the Deputy President looks forward to having an opportunity to appraise Parliament of the Government of National Unity’s efforts to improve municipal governance and service delivery, accelerate the process of land reform and boost South Africa’s agricultural output and food security. 

The Government of National Unity is also looking into the imminent rollout of plans to fight crime, and deal with the emergent scourge of criminal extortion and other forms of economic sabotage.

“The Office of the Deputy President and the NCOP will communicate the alternative arrangements for the postponed session as soon as they are agreed and finalised.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:17

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Read moreDeputy President’s NCOP briefing postponed

Cooler weekend expected, says weather service

Location: News

Cooler weekend expected, says weather service

While many South Africans are experiencing a hot to very hot start to spring with the first heat wave of the season occurring over parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, cooler weather is expected from Thursday.

Weather conditions are expected to change significantly as a cold front and cut-off low-pressure system will introduce wintery conditions to the Western Cape, southern parts of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape from Thursday, 19 September 2024. 

Significantly colder conditions will then spread to KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Mpumalanga on Friday, 20 September, and reach Gauteng, North West and Limpopo on Saturday, 21 September.

“Disruptive snowfall and bitterly cold conditions are expected to affect the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape (especially the north-eastern high-ground) from Thursday, spreading to the eastern and southern high-ground of the Free State, the western and southern high-ground of KwaZulu-Natal and extending as far as the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga on Friday into Saturday morning,” the SA Weather Service (SAWS) said in a statement. 

The public and small stock farmers are advised to take the necessary precautions ahead of the expected adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety and health of their animals.

A cold front arrives in the Western Cape today resulting in showers and rain over the south-western parts, spreading to the Garden Route and Little Karoo by this evening and to the Eastern Cape tomorrow. 

“It will be cold to very cold over parts of the Western Cape interior and the Eastern Cape on Thursday. Strong to near-gale force winds with rough seas of 4 to 6 metres are likely along the Western Cape coast today, spreading to parts of the Eastern Cape coast overnight and to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow.  

“Light snowfalls are likely to occur over the eastern mountains of the Western Cape and the northern high-ground and mountains of the Eastern Cape, mainly from Thursday afternoon into the evening, while becoming disruptive over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape later in the evening,” the Weather Service said.

In contrast, very hot to extremely hot temperatures - exceeding 38 to 40°C - are expected to occur over parts of the Limpopo Valley and Lowveld of Limpopo ahead of this system.

On Friday, an intense cut-off low pressure system will develop along the border of the Northern and Eastern Cape provinces and will move into the southern parts of the Free State in the evening.

This system will result in widespread showers and thundershowers over parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (with possible heavy rainfall along the coastal regions), while scattered thunderstorms are possible over parts of Gauteng, western Limpopo, the eastern parts of the North West and the Free State as well as parts of Mpumalanga. 

Bitterly cold daytime temperatures of 4 to 8°C can be expected over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the eastern Free State, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, where widespread snowfall is likely. 

SAWS said current numerical weather prediction models indicate the possibility of light snowfall over the southern parts of Gauteng and the remainder of the Highveld of Mpumalanga on Saturday morning. 

“However, there is significant uncertainty regarding this outlook, as the forecast may still change.”

Disruptive snowfall of 15 to 30 cm can be expected over the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the western and southern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State and the southern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga, mainly on Friday continuing into Saturday morning. 

“This may result in the closure of mountain passes, loss of livestock and crops, and affect major traffic routes (parts of the N3, N5 and N11). Cold to very cold daytime temperatures (8 to 12°C) can also be expected over Gauteng and the eastern parts of North West on Saturday, 21 September. 

The cut-off low is expected to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday across eastern South Africa. 

The weather service will therefore continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required. 

The public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 14:58

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Read moreCooler weekend expected, says weather service

Trek Africa Hunting 2024 Hunting in Africa Packages

Location: MyPR

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Read moreTrek Africa Hunting 2024 Hunting in Africa Packages

Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga

Location: News

Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga

Law enforcement agencies have arrested a further 13 traffic officers in different towns in Mpumalanga in a clean-up anti-corruption operation aimed at restoring discipline and ethical conduct in the traffic law enforcement sector.

This brings the total number of arrested officials to 39 following the arrest of 14 officials in the same province on Monday while 11 other officers were handcuffed in Polokwane, Limpopo last week and a weighbridge master was caught in Belfast, Mpumalanga.

The 13 officers arrested on Tuesday were caught in a joint operation conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Anti-Corruption Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Mpumalanga based Crime Intelligence. 

The 13 suspects were nabbed in Nelspruit, Kabokweni, KwaNyamazane, Hazyview, Barberton, White River and Calcutta just outside of Mbombela.

Some of the suspects have appeared in different magistrate courts and were all granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R10.000. 

They are expected to hand over their passports to the investigating officer, and not leave their hometowns without permission from the investigating officer. 

RTMC Chief Executive Officer Advocate Makhosini Msibi has welcomed the arrests and said they will send a message that corruption within traffic law enforcement will not be tolerated.

“Corrupt officials have for a long time operated with impunity and turned the noble duty of enforcing the law into a self-enrichment scheme. This must come to an end. South Africa deserves ethical officers who conduct themselves with discipline and integrity,” he said.

He commended all the officers involved in the investigations that led to the arrests to a job well done. He called on them not to rest until all the “rotten apples have been removed”.

Corrupt officers erode public confidence in the traffic law enforcement and create condition where motorists can violate the rules of the road without consequence leading to avoidable road crashes and fatalities. 

The RTMC urges the public to report traffic fraud and corruption on Ntacu@rtmc.co.za or Whatsapp on 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:16

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Read moreCorrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga

Limpopo Ncop Delegates Set to Conduct Site Visits to Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure Projects in Waterberg District

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Limpopo's permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will, together with their provincial counterparts, conduct inspection in loco to incomplete, delayed, or abandoned infrastructure projects under Lephalale, Thabazimbi and Mogalakwena local municipalities from Tuesday to Thursday.

These oversight visits form part of the NCOP's flagship National Provincial Week programme marked under the theme: Confronting the challenges facing the timely delivery of viable public infrastructure to communities.

On Tuesday, the programme will begin with presentations on the state of provincial and municipal infrastructure through a hybrid meeting at the Lephalale Local Municipality offices located at the corner of Joe Slovo and Douwater roads in Lephalale.

The following are expected to brief the permanent delegates together with Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs): The Premier; MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure; MEC for Co-operative Government, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs; Mayors of Waterberg District Municipality as well as Lephalale, Thabazimbi and Mogalakwena local municipalities; South African Local Government Association, the Auditor-General and the Department of Water and Sanitation.

In the afternoon, the permanent delegates and MPLs will then conduct inspection in loco to housing and water projects in Marapong and Thabo Mbeki townships.

On Wednesday, 18 September 2024, they will visit the Northam's wastewater treatment plant, water reticulation upgrading project and internal roads in Ward 8, as well as the housing project at the Regorogile Extension 8 in Ward 9.

On Thursday, they will proceed to a road project at R572 between Tomburke and Swartwater; as well as water boreholes in Taolome, Van Wyk's span and Ga-Masipa Village; Waterberg Nursing College and Valtyn Moshate Local Stadium.

The programme will then be concluded on Friday with a report back session on the state of provincial infrastructure and progress in confronting the challenges facing the timely delivery of viable public infrastructure to communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreLimpopo Ncop Delegates Set to Conduct Site Visits to Provincial and Municipal Infrastructure Projects in Waterberg District