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Limpopo
Traffic officer sentenced for accepting a bribe of R200
Traffic officer sentenced for accepting a bribe of R200
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the imprisonment sentence imposed on a provincial traffic officer in Limpopo in connection with bribery of an undercover agent.
The Mokopane Magistrate court on Monday, 2 October 2023, found the traffic officer guilty on charges relating to accepting a bribe of R200 from an undercover anti-corruption agent from RTMC.
The court sentenced Vincent Madiga (53) to three year’s direct imprisonment without the option of a fine.
“The arrest took place during a joint operation, named Operation Siyabangena, by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC and the Hawks in 2018. The RTMC believes that the conviction of this officer will send a message to others that are still hell bent on committing such crimes, that crime does not pay.
“The officer now no longer qualifies to work as a traffic officer because of his criminal record and this means that we have succeeded in removing a bad element from the ranks of our traffic officers,” the RTMC said on Tuesday.
A total of 13 traffic officers were arrested as part of Operation “Siyabangena” and their cases are continuing in different courts in the province. Some have already been imprisoned for their offence. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 09:29
576 views
SAWS warns of heatwave conditions
SAWS warns of heatwave conditions
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of heatwave conditions resulting in persistently high temperatures from Wednesday until Friday.
These conditions are expected over the eastern parts of both the North-West and Free State, southern parts of Gauteng as well as Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo District Municipality of the Eastern Cape from 04-06/10/2023.
“Under these conditions a prolonged exposure to the midday sun poses health risks, hence it’s advisable to seek shades and keep hydrated. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over Northern Cape, western and northern parts of North-West, Western Bushveld of Limpopo, Amajuba Local Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal as well as Joe Gqabi District Municipality and Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality of Eastern Cape,” SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 09:43
3627 views
President Ramaphosa to officially launch the BMA
President Ramaphosa to officially launch the BMA
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo.
The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.
The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.
As part of the launch, President Ramaphosa will receive President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe to hold official talks and undertake a guided tour of the Beitbridge border, supported by members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on the BMA.
The President will then proceed to officiate the launch of the BMA at the Musina Show Grounds and also handover a Sword to the Commissioner of the BMA to delegate the powers to lead the third law enforcement authority in the Republic.
The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.
In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.
The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.
The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.
It is intended that the BMA will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:00
519 views
IEC concluded the revision of voting district boundaries
IEC concluded the revision of voting district boundaries
The Electoral Commission has concluded the revision of voting district boundaries in an effort to increase voter access in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
As a result, some new voting districts have been created, others have been disestablished, while some existing voting districts have changed shape.
The revision of voting district boundaries, a process known as re-delimitation, has given rise to 23 296 voting districts, compared to 23 148 for the 2021 Municipal Elections – an increase of 148 voting districts, or 0,6%.
“This increase in voting districts, however slight, implies increased access and convenience to voting for voters,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo in a statement.
Unlike wards, voting districts are not political boundaries, but are the creation of the Electoral Commission for the purposes of electoral efficiency and planning.
Mamabolo said the Electoral Commission will embark on a campaign of targeted communication and re-registration of voters affected by the voting district boundary changes on Monday, 2 October 2023.
The campaign will continue until Friday, 27 October 2023, ahead of voter registration for the forthcoming elections.
By law, eligible voters must be registered in the voting district in which they ordinarily reside in order to participate in elections.
“Nationally there are 1 925 affected voting districts identified for this campaign, the majority of which are in KwaZulu-Natal (774), the Eastern Cape (332) and Limpopo province (296),” said Mamabolo.
The targeted communication and re-registration of voters affected by the voting district boundary changes will be done by a combination of methods, including trained fieldworkers walking from house to house in certain affected voting districts, and the use of direct messaging with affected voters via SMS and other digital channels to inform them of the need to re-register in their new voting districts.
“Our fieldworkers, identifiable by identification card and vest clearly marked with IEC branding, will be equipped with voter management devices (VMDs) to re-register voters on the spot,” Mamabolo said.
Where voters are not home, a flyer will be dropped off communicating details of their new voting district and station, the national registration weekend dates, and also directing them to the Voter Portal where they can self-register online 24/7.
Voters are encouraged to check their voter registration status on the Electoral Commission’s Voter Portal.
Visit www.registertovote.elections.org.za or scan the QR code in the banner below, or SMS your ID number to 32810 to get a notification of the current voting district and station on record for you.
When you visit the Voter Portal or use the SMS line, your registration details will be displayed, including your voting district and station. If you have moved to a new home, you are most likely in a different voting district.
“We appeal to voters that if your voting district has indeed changed, it is important that you re-register in your new voting district to ensure that your name appears on the voters’ roll segment for your voting district on Election Day,” Mamabolo said.
The Electoral Commission will host the first registration weekend for the 2024 Elections on 18-19 November 2023, when all voting stations will be open from 8am to 5pm on both the Saturday and Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:16
296 views
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, today welcomed the lengthy sentences recently meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in two different cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes.
Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani national who was arrested in a sting operation that included the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March 2022 at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Brixton Magistrate Court.
He was sentenced for the passports that were found in his house following his arrest in Krugersdorp. The department awaits his sentencing for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate.
Ahmed is a kingpin of a passport syndicate that sought to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently procuring South African passports for Pakistani nationals who did not have a legal right to possess South African passports.
He was working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.
While the Pakistani is languishing in jail, the 12 corrupt Home Affairs officials who enabled his scheme have already been fired and submitted to the Hawks for criminal investigations.
In another important development, the Durban Magistrate Court sentenced Anda Ngozi and Nomathandazo Mboyane to 26 and 24 years, respectively. The two were officials of the Department of Home Affairs employed at the office in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape.
They used to travel 650km each way at a time during the night to Home Affairs offices in Commercial Road and in Prospecton in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to fraudulently process 52 passports for foreign nationals, mostly from the DRC, who are not legally entitled to them.
They were paid between R3 000 and R5 000 for each passport. South Africans who were prepared to lend their identities for this nefarious scheme were paid a paltry R500. These were usually young people who were on nyaope.
The two were arrested in November 2022 by Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs and the Hawks following the conclusion of an internal investigation led by the Counter Corruption Branch.
Ngozi was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – 10 years
Mboyane was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – eight years
The sentences of the two will run concurrently, practically meaning that Ngozi will spend 10 years, while Mboyane will spend eight years.
“I am extremely pleased that the courts are meting out lengthy sentences to those who seek to undermine the integrity of Home Affairs systems. It is worth noting that the courts had refused bail to all three after their arrests.
"I am also happy the collective work of the multidisciplinary law enforcement teams has ensured that these rascals face the full might of the law for their criminal actions,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
Minister Motsoaledi added that he was looking forward to the sentencing of more people related to these two cases as the Hawks haven't yet closed their investigations.
“Once again, I want to reiterate that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that all Home Affairs officials who engage in malfeasance face the full might of the law. If you are at Home Affairs and are corrupt, expect our knock at your door," said Minister Motsoaledi.
He added that the actions of corrupt officials, kingpins, South Africans and corrupt foreign nationals have the following consequences for the country:
• People who don’t qualify for South African passports are legitimised through these actions to the detriment of the sovereignty of our country.
• They can use these documents to travel the world as South Africans, and in the process, they may be committing acts that are detrimental to the reputation of the country.
• More worrisome is the fact that even those who claim to be asylum seekers or refugees use these passports to travel back to their home countries proving that the whole claim of asylum was just a rouse.
• South Africans will find it difficult to travel the world as the authenticity of their documents will be questioned.
"South Africans who stupidly lend their identities to be utilised in this manner end up suffering serious prejudice when trying to do transactions with other State institutions, banks and some industry associations.
“This is because the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), banks and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) verify the identity of the people they transact with through the Home Affairs National Population Register (NPR).
"Every time you apply for an ID or passport you are required to take a photo. The latest photo you take becomes the one in our database and all previous ones are automatically deleted.
"So, if a South African sells their identity in this way, it means that the photo in the Home Affairs system is that of the foreign national. So, institutions verifying through NPR refuse to deal with people whose identity at Home Affairs have pictures that don't look like the person in front of them," said Motsoaledi.
The Durban Magistrate Court also ordered that the 52 passports be surrendered to the State.
Because of this abuse of the passport application system, Home Affairs has drastically changed the processes through which passports are acquired in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:28
288 views
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BMA to safeguard SA’s borders
BMA to safeguard SA’s borders
The newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapata, has assured South Africans that the entity will get rid of corruption and ensure that the country’s borders are safe.
The BMA came into effect on 1 April 2023, and it is expected to be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Musina, Limpopo, next week.
Masiapata explained that the BMA was established to ensure that the country is protected.
Speaking at the National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Masiapata said legislative frameworks had to be looked at prior to the establishment of the BMA.
“Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management. It was therefore decided that a single agency was needed to manage the country’s borders,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said the previous multi-agency included seven departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which all have a physical presence in the border environment.
Masiapata said managing the country’s borders has been a challenge, especially with the old system.
He explained that the aim of establishing the new agency was to deal with the challenges that the country faces.
“For almost 15 years, there have been some discussions to try and have the Border Management Authority established to deal with the challenges the country is faced with. There was a lot of corruption brought by the old system,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said BMA officials will be thoroughly vetted.
The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.
In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.
The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.
The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.
It is intended that the new agency, the BMA, will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:29
262 views
Mopani Residents Support Proposal to Increase Number of Electricity Companies
A proposal in the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to open the market to allow for competitive electricity trading received strong support during public hearings on the Bill in Limpopo's Mopani District Municipality yesterday.
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy held public hearings yesterday at Thomo Community Hall in Giyani to solicit views on the Bill, which seeks to introduce reforms in electricity generation in order to address South Africa's current energy crisis.
Residents supporting the Bill told the committee that the proposed amendments would augment electricity generation and ensure the country's security of energy supply. They also said that Eskom must compete with other companies in the electricity generation sector,as in the telecommunications sector, where state enterprise Telkom competes with the private sector.
Others raised concerns that the opening of the market to allow for competitive electricity trading will result in high prices, which will disadvantage the poor. There were also those who argued that this was an attempt to sell Eskom to the private sector and it must not be allowed to continue. Other citizens told the committee that they are not convinced that Eskom does not have capacity, nor do they believe it needs assistance from private power generators; they argued that the state electricity company is just poorly managed.
Committee Chairperson Mr Sahlulele Luzipo thanked the people of Mopani and commended them for speaking to exactly what the Bill is about. “We take your views very seriously; no input is less important. We understand that this is a very emotive and serious matter in our society and your views are important for this process to review or amend the legislation,” said the Chairperson.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill aims to effect changes to the Electricity Regulation Act in order to provide for additional electricity generation capacity and infrastructure, as well as the establishment of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd.
The draft legislation also seeks an open market platform that will allow for competitive electricity trading; and to assign the duties, powers and functions of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd to the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd.
Today, the committee will continue with public hearings in Sekhukhune District Municipality at ELCSA Lutheran Church in Motetema, starting at 10h00.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
President to host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings
President to host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host the Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings following the team’s success at the Special Olympics World Games that were held in Germany in June 2023.
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced this during a media briefing to update the public on the President’s public programme.
The Special Olympics Team brought home a total of 49 medals - 22 gold, 20 silver and 7 bronze.
“The interaction with the Special Olympics Team is part of President Ramaphosa’s ongoing commitment to encourage and celebrate excellence amongst South Africa’s sports women and men and the President’s recognition of the role of sports to unite our nation and forge social cohesion,” Magwenya said.
The President will host the team on the morning of 3 October 2023.
Later in the afternoon on the same day, President Ramaphosa will receive Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate at a credentials ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House.
Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate to mark the beginning of their ambassadorship.
This ceremony is a platform where newly nominated diplomats from the continent and other parts of the globe outline relations between the two countries and their objectives for strengthening partnership.
Border Management Authority
On 5 October 2023, the President will preside over the launch of the Boarder Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo.
The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.
The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.
“The President will be joined by members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on the BMA and the Border Technical Committee. The President will also tour the Beit Bridge Border Port of Entry and later address guests during a ceremonial parade at the Musina Show grounds,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 14:22
135 views
Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa
Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa
South Africa is dealing with a number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 and H7 outbreaks, with more than 50 cases confirmed in various parts of the country, according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
The department has urged poultry farmers to immediately report any suspicion of the disease to the nearest State Veterinarian.
As of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 HPAI H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported.
Gauteng province is the hardest hit by HPAI H7, with 37 confirmed cases.
Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West have confirmed two cases, respectively, while the Free State has recorded one case.
“The reported number of chickens that have died is 107 705, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 318 521. Based on these reported figures, there has been a total loss of 1 426 226 chickens.
“The Western Cape province is the hardest hit with regards to the HPAI H5 outbreak, having a total of seven reported outbreaks. The other 3 HPAI H5 outbreaks are within the KwaZulu-Natal province,” the department said in a statement.
The reported number of chickens that have died of HPAI H5 is 98 249, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 156 283, bringing the total loss of 1 254 532 chickens.
The department said it has noted an increasing number of newly detected H7 and H5 PCR positive farms, and urged the industry to ensure biosecurity on poultry farms to reduce the risk of introduction.
The department has facilitated the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry and, it said “a similar request for the table eggs will be considered if received”.
It is also facilitating the transit to Eswatini of fertile eggs for their broiler production.
The department has met with vaccine registration regulators and it was agreed that the registration of vaccination will be fast tracked. However, the meeting agreed that safety, efficacy and quality will not be compromised.
Due to the high probability of the avian influenza virus mutating and becoming zoonotic, the department warned that care needs to be taken on the quality and efficacy parameters of the vaccine chosen for use in this exercise.
“The criteria under which vaccination will be permitted is almost in its final development, and only farms with good biosecurity and approved to vaccinate by the department will be given permission to vaccinate. The other requirements for vaccination will be surveillance to enable early detection of incursion and mandatory slaughter of vaccinated chickens.
“The department further encourages all producers to intensify their biosecurity measures on the farm. The basic measures should aim at preventing contact with wild birds, including their faecal material, which can be transported in boots and equipment,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:23
293 views
Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates
Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates
Police Minister Bheki Cele says the police are pushing back against crime in the country, and flushing out ruthless and greedy organised criminal syndicates.
“The work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, through intelligence-led operations and weekly high density operations, resulted in the arrest of thousands of criminals, especially dangerous and hardened criminals,” Cele said at a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The Minister outlined some of the successes achieved by the police in dealing with crime in the country.
He said assets worth millions of rands have been recovered and firearms have been removed off the streets.
“These covert operations have also resulted in multiple deaths of suspects who violently resisted arrest,” Cele said.
Cele said some of the meticulously conducted take-downs should renew hope in the country, that the men and women in blue are gaining ground against crime and continue to flush out criminality in both affluent and impoverished areas of society.
“South Africans on various platforms have welcomed the bolstered and decisive policing efforts by the SAPS, who are going toe-to-toe with criminals.
“But in the same breath, we are also aware that the SAPS triumph over crime is a bitter pill to swallow by some,” the minister said.
Cele said crime intelligence information remains central in the take-down of armed and ruthless gangs.
Cele said in the past week alone, police have registered a number of successes, including the latest take down of cash-in-transit heist suspects in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, where four suspects were killed and three suspects arrested.
“We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the working relationship with the Hoedspruit Farmwatchers, who worked closely with the SAPS in taking down this syndicate.
“Among those arrested was a most wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, linked to the murder of a police officer, a spate of car hijackings, house and business robberies and fraud cases. Police seized one pistol, a rifle and some of the stolen money,” the Minister said.
Provincial overview
Among the successes achieved by the police include, in Gauteng, a multidisciplinary team led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, rescued an 18-year-old Wits University student from a kidnapping syndicate last Wednesday.
The syndicate had been targeting the LGBTQI+ community through a popular dating app. Police have broken the back of this particular kidnapping syndicate, which has so far been linked to over 50 kidnappings, where ransom demands were being made.
In KwaZulu-Natal, following a shooting incident which resulted in the fatal shooting of five men at a parking lot in a shopping centre in Richards Bay on the 19th September 2023, police - 24 hours later - acted on information and traced two suspects to an upmarket estate in Ballito, where a shootout ensued.
The pair were shot and killed during a take-down operation, which involved specialised units of the SAPS, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU).
One of the suspects was on the police’s wanted list and being investigated in a number of cases. One suspect is being sought by the police.
In the Eastern Cape, police arrested a gang that had robbed a store of R1 million worth of jewellery.
Just hours later, police followed up on information and tracked down and arrested all 10 suspects, following a crime intelligence-driven operation. All the stolen jewellery was recovered, as well as four firearms. The syndicate is linked to numerous other similar heists across the country.
In Carolina, Mpumalanga, the illicit mining task team shutdown an illegally operated coal mine and seized mining equipment worth over R60 million, as well as coal worth R12 million.
A mine manager was arrested and a manhunt is underway for the mine owner.
In Khutsong, Gauteng province, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) - under Operation Gillette - arrested nine suspects for illegal mining and they attached, through a preservation order, 58 properties (51 vehicles, including luxury vehicles and seven houses) to the value of over R17 million. They will be appearing in court on 29 September 2023.
In the Northern Cape, 867 illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence driven operation in the Namakwa region on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. The area, which is a hotspot for illegal mining activities, is being closely monitored, and police are working closely with other relevant departments to combat illegal mining activities. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 12:21
129 views
Womenpreneur Her Perfect Pitch Competition Top 30 Announced from a Record-breaking Pool
Johannesburg, September 2023: “After a process that involved reviewing over 500 applications and selecting the top 30 Womenpreneurs in South Africa for a panel review, we are thrilled to announce the Top 30 exceptional women from which one winner, two runners up, and the Top 10 will be chosen.” So says Sugendhree Reddy, Chief Executive …
Tourism Committee Expresses Concern over Appointments of Acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism received a briefing from the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism on Tuesday on the implementation of the Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) recommendations for the 2021/2022 financial year and implementation of the recommendations made in the Limpopo and North West oversight visits reports.
Responding to the presentations delivered by the department and the South African Tourism (SAT), the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with how the recommendations have been implemented. The committee was of the view that the department did not respond to the recommendations as it provided general responses to specific recommendations.
In some instances, the department just indicated that the recommendation was noted without tangible explanation of its translation into action. The committee said the responses were incomplete and lacked detail. The committee called on the department to furnish it with a comprehensive report that addresses matters raised in the BRRR and given it until Friday, 22 September 2023 to submit adequate responses to the committee.
The committee will also afford the department an opportunity, in a closed meeting session, to provide an update on the outcomes of its forensic audits and consequence management taken against companies and officials who have been found to have committed financial malfeasance in the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects and other departmental programmes. This decision was taken after relentless, but futile efforts by the committee to get an update on the forensic audit report commissioned by the department.
The committee expressed its concern and shock when it was informed that the moratorium has not been fully lifted on the appointment of staff at SAT. The committee was assured by the Minister of the department that the moratorium had been lifted and that the entity will be able to start the recruitment process. However, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, it emerged that the moratorium has only been lifted on critical posts only.
The committee learned that the former Acting CEO was removed by the board based on the whistle-blower alert that led to an investigation. The committee acknowledged that the whistle-blower information was about an alleged bribe taken by the former Acting CEO. The committee accepted the decision of the board in bringing somebody without a cloud hanging above to allow a full investigation. However, the concern is not about the replacement of the former CEO, but rather about appointing the CFO as an Acting CEO of the organisation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, voiced her concern after the committee learnt that the Acting CFO at SAT, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe, has been appointed as Acting CEO at the entity. She said: “There is something problematic about this appointment and arrangement.” The committee raised an issue with financial delegations of the CFO as an Acting CEO in that there will be no clear demarcation if the Acting CEO who is the CFO takes financial decisions with organisational implications.
Ms Mahambehlala said the appointments of the CFO and the CEO should be corrected. She said good governance does not allow the CFO to act as CEO. “It is a wrong practice and as a committee we will stand by our conviction. This is an unfortunate situation where governance has been compromised at SAT, where someone is a referee and a player something which compromises the entity. We are a committee vested on knowledge and education, hence today we can refer to King IV report on the principles of governance.”
The King IV code of governance and principles assist the country and everyone in public administration for effective governance. National Treasury subscribes to these codes and implements them accordingly. “We now have an entity that disregards such important aspects as if it has no capacity. We take this matter seriously,” said Ms Mahambehlala.
On continued underperformance by SAT, the committee was concerned that although the entity has developed an audit action plan and a monthly dashboard to track performance, it was still underperforming whilst incurring over expenditure.
Regarding the first presentation that was delivered by the National Heritage Project Company, which has a monumental procession of 100 life size bronze statues located at Century Cit, Ms Mahambehlala said: “We note what the Director-General of the department suggested, in saying the government cannot fund establishments if the land of the tourist attraction or business is being run and operated privately.”
She added: “For the state to be able to assist, the Heritage Monument Project needs to have land that is leased by government. The committee will advise the National Heritage Project Company to approach the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify and provide a suitable land to support the project."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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Call for a review of National Strategic Position on GBVF
Call for a review of National Strategic Plan on GBVF
South African children have reiterated a call for the review of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF).
The call was made during consultations with children on Pillar 7 of the NSP on GBVF, held simultaneously in Limpopo, the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
The Department of Social Development has been on the road consulting children on the NSP-GBVF - the country’s blueprint document to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
This follows a call by children during the Presidential GBVF Summit held last year, that the document should have Pillar 7, which will specifically look at violence against children.
During the summit, the children expressed their dissatisfaction about adults speaking on their behalf.
The NSP-GBVF currently has six pillars namely:
• Accountability, coordination and leadership;
• Prevention and Rebuilding;
• Justice, Safety and Protection;
• Response, Care Support and healing;
• Economic Power; and
• Research and Information.
During consultations, the children noted that the document is not child friendly, and does not include children and men.
The children believe that the “gender” in gender-based violence indirectly means women, and not children and boys.
They challenged the drafters to look into the document and count how many times children are mentioned.
“Maybe instead of a pillar, there should be a strategic document on how to deal with violence against children, seeing that adults have already drafted their own,” 17-year-old Rebecca Smith said.
The children also raised concern on the document being written only in English, noting that they do not think that their communities even know what “gender-based violence” is.
“The seventh pillar must all be about us - the children,” said Mondli Mncandi.
Patience Sibande (17) said she had to continue consulting her dictionary because of the difficulty in terminology and language used.
“We don’t understand it, and it excludes us as children from the rural areas,” she said.
The children also pointed out that while the drafters of the document may think that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) community is mentioned, the document glosses over their issues and it does not understand [what] children who are of a different sexuality go through.
“The document is sound but lacks inclusivity in the sense that it only mentions the LGBTQIA community towards the end, the document should include them throughout,” said 16-year-old Northern Cape Child Ambassador Shareez James.
The department started the consultations last week with the children from Gauteng and the Western Cape.
“The consultative sessions seek to ensure that children have an opportunity to express their views on the NSP-GBVF and how their issues can find expression in the document. The Children’s Act encourages the right for children to participate in all matters affecting them,” the department said.
The consultations will continue in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga on 23 September 2023.
Upon the conclusion of the consultations, the inputs from children will be submitted to the national steering committee responsible for the NSP-GBVF so that a decision can be made on whether to include Pillar 7, as asked by the children. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 09/17/2023 - 10:10
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Gain free access to SA’s National Parks
Gain free access to SA's National Parks
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has urged South Africans to take advantage of the free access granted to the country’s National Parks during SA National Parks Week.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, the Minister said National Parks Week runs from 16 - 24 September 2023.
“National Parks Week is an ideal opportunity for us to introduce the majesty and beauty of the country’s national parks to the people, especially to communities who seldom get to experience and enjoy these areas of conservation, cultural heritage and biological diversity, right on their doorstep,” Creecy said.
The free access offered through the South African National Parks (SANParks) system is aimed at inspiring people to take pride in the country’s cultural heritage while spending time in and with nature.
She said elderly people who have lived all their lives next to a National Park without ever seeing what is on the other side of the fence must be taken in their thousands to go and visit their neighbouring National Parks.
SANParks will again host pupils, pensioners, persons with disabilities and many others. In order to qualify for free entry, all South Africans are encouraged to carry their identity documents; children below the age of 16 will not be required to provide identification.
“Since the inception of the South African National Parks Week in 2006, more than 619 292 South Africans, who may not otherwise had an opportunity to visit a national park, have participated.
“I am pleased to note that National Parks Week has gripped the imagination of some of our provincial conservation authorities, with the Limpopo Tourism Agency and North West Tourism and Parks Board joining to host Mahala Week where select game reserves in the provinces are offering free access as well,” Creecy said.
The Minister said conservation and the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity is a commitment that must be achieved, especially as government works towards expanding the conservation estate to meet international commitments and work to protect the natural world in a sustainable way for current and future generations.
Under the established theme Know Your National Parks – this year’s SA National Parks Week campaign kicks off in the Kruger National Park.
This world-renowned park is not only South Africa’s first national park but is also the largest spanning 19 458 square kilometres.
The Kruger is the sixth largest national park in Africa and not only boasts the iconic Big Five alongside a wide variety of wildlife and plants but is also home to unique landscapes and biomes.
“SANParks is among our institutions that is reliant on revenue generated from its tourism offerings and other activities. Tourism is an important part of our country’s economy and contributes significantly to Gross Domestic Product and job creation.
“As a preferred tourist destination, we should not lose sight of the importance of continuing to find innovative ways to continue to grow this sector. Key to this remains the partnerships between government, communities and the private sector. It is thus important to acknowledge the much needed assistance from the National Department of Tourism, which has supported several infrastructure projects in our national parks,” the Minister said.
She said R273 million has been spent on 863 Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), creating more than 5 364 full-time equivalent work opportunities in communities where there is little other formal employment.
“Every day, an average of 7 500 individuals employed by the EPWP enter our national parks and do crucial work such as land rehabilitation, cleaning of beaches, support of rangers and infrastructure maintenance,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 11:05
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Law enforcement honing in on illegal mining kingpins
Law enforcement honing in on illegal mining kingpins
Law enforcement agencies have set their sights on arresting the kingpins which perpetuate illegal mining in South Africa.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was addressing the media on Thursday the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“In the first quarter of 2023 the Hawks arrested 611 suspects and seized various items including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R6 112 768 985.
“In addition, law enforcement arrested nine zama zama [illegal mining] kingpins and were granted preservation orders against their assets that include luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini and precious metals and cash to the value of R34 million.
“This goes against the narrative that says in our fight against zama zamas we are only targeting runners. We are targeting the kingpins,” she said.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet had commended law enforcement agencies on “their fight to dismantle crime syndicates”.
“The successful actions in dealing with a heavily armed gang linked to a series of cash in transit heists in Limpopo is commendable. Cabinet reiterates that law enforcement should leave no stone unturned in dealing with those who seek to undermine South Africa’s national security and the laws of the Republic,” she said.
Turning to issues related to personal protective equipment (PPE) corruption, the Minister explained that although it is taking some time, progress is being made to bring wrongdoers to book.
“Cabinet welcomed the arrest of nine Northern Cape Department of Health officials for PPE corruption. The suspects are accused of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravening the Public Finance Management Act.
“We know the impatience of our people in terms of the arrests of PPE corrupt officials and their business partners, but we are gradually making progress,” she said.
Regarding Operation Bring Back – which seeks to identify and recover illegally occupied buildings owned by the state – Minister Ntshavheni said Cabinet commended efforts to wrestle back control of hijacked buildings.
“As part of this initiative, the national government is providing support to municipalities to ensure the enforcement of by-laws to eradicate hijacking of buildings, their effective management and utilisation, and ability to account for the utilisation of government’s immovable assets,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 11:06
466 views