Judge President Accused of Sexual Harassment Faces Inquiry
All evidence before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal into Judge President Selby Mbenenge will be public
Makhanda
Makana’s Immigrant-Owned Spaza Shops Remain Closed
Makana authorities shut the shops two weeks ago citing violations of various regulations
Planned Eastern Cape Roadworks for Festive Season
Gqeberha, 11 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is advising road users to take note of construction zones that will affect traffic flow on key routes of its Eastern Cape road network during the festive season. “With the festive season approaching and the imminent increase in traffic volumes, we …
Broader Consultation on Eastern Cape High Court Relocation Demanded
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has raised serious concerns regarding the socio-economic implications of relocating the main seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court from Makhanda to Bhisho. This proposal risks exacerbating the economic challenges Makhanda’s residents and the broader Eastern Cape community face. Recent responses from …
No Blasting Scheduled in December for the N2 Upgrade Between Makhanda and Fish River Pass
Gqeberha, 10 December 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users that no blasting operations are scheduled for December 2024 on the N2 upgrade between Makhanda and Fish River Pass, in the Eastern Cape. However, please note the following road conditions and closures: Partial closures will be …
Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Eastern Cape Judge President Set for January
But the public will not have access to all the evidence
SA’s National Water Crisis
The following address was delivered by DA Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen MP, at a press conference in Johannesburg on 6 December: It is with a sense of urgency that I address you today on the water crisis in South Africa, generally, and Johannesburg specifically. Two months ago the South Hills Water Tower, right here, had …
Blasting on the N2 Sections 13 and 14 Between Makhanda and Fish River Pass
Gqeberha, 4 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has notified road users that the N2 will be intermittently closed between Makhanda (Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass due to blasting operations taking place between the 4th and 28th of November 2024. Blasting operations are planned for the following dates: …
SIU collects evidence in Makana Local Municipality maladministration allegations
SIU collects evidence in Makana Local Municipality maladministration allegations
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has searched and collected evidence related to allegations of serious maladministration at the Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
This after it obtained a warrant to search the premises of the municipality on Thursday.
“At 9 am on Friday, 01 November, the SIU, assisted by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, entered the municipality's premises to collect evidence that is in line with Proclamation 207 of 2024 authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration,” the unit said in a statement.
The SIU and Hawks collected documentation and equipment required for audit or compliance purposes concerning successful tenders from 1 January 2019 to 18 October 2024, as stipulated in Proclamation 207 of 2024.
“This includes comprehensive records such as company registration documents, all forms of payment documentation (invoices, purchase orders, remittance advice), and devices—such as laptops, mobile devices, external storage, or media used by relevant committees, officials, or employees.
“The documentation also extends to any electronic data stored on these devices, including emails and cloud storage, covering current and outdated devices associated with specific personnel and posts.”
The warrant was granted by the Grahamstown Magistrate Court.
The application for a search and seizure followed the signing of Proclamation 207 of 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Makana Local Municipality involving seven tenders, which was gazetted two weeks ago.
The SIU’s investigation will look into the:
• Makana Bulk Sewer Upgrade Phase 1.
• Professional Engineering services for groundwater development project.
• Implementing agents for water conservation and demand management.
• Re-appointment of MBB Consulting for water conservation and demand management.
• Electrification of the greater Makana and surrounding areas 11KV line project.
• Host municipal emails and provide internet services.
• Operate and manage the Makana burning landfill site for six months.
“The SIU has reason to believe that a normal route of requesting information and documents would not have yielded positive results. Hence, it was deemed necessary to approach the Grahamstown Magistrate Court for a search warrant to seize documents and computers to assist with the ongoing investigation.
"Upon the receipt of the allegations, the SIU engaged the municipality seeking documents that would help assess the merit of the allegations and help prepare a motivation for a proclamation.
“However, the municipality did not cooperate with the SIU’s request. The SIU engaged the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), as the office was auditing the municipality at the time. The AGSA indicated that the municipality failed to furnish it with documents.”
The SIU is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to subpoena bank statements and cell phone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath to thoroughly investigate allegations brought before it.
The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. In line with the SIU Act, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 10:35
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People Wait Months to Be Verified for R370 Srd Grant
SASSA blames the Home Affairs online system
Understanding the High Court Ruling on Rape and Consent
Minister of Justice opposed the case to have “defence of subjective consent to rape” scrapped
Apply for the 2025 National Arts Festival Fringe
The 51st National Arts Festival is in production and as of 1 October, artists have a window to apply to be part of the multidisciplinary showcase through the 2025 Festival’s Fringe programme. The Fringe drives renewal and diversity in the arts, not only at the National Arts Festival but as part of an ecosystem of …
Majodina hands over James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makhanda community
Majodina hands over James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makhanda community
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has handed over the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makana Local Municipality to address the ongoing water shortages in the area.
The R393 million water treatment plant, with a capacity upgrade, was handed over on Friday, 20 September 2024.
The water treatment now has an increased capacity of pumping 20 megalitres from 10 megalitres per day.
The project was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with Amatola Water Board as the implementing agent.
Speaking during the handover, the Minister emphasised the importance of effective operation and maintenance of infrastructure to improve the delivery of water to the affected communities.
“I cannot overemphasise enough how important it is for the local municipality to ensure that the water treatment plant is well maintained. The maintenance of infrastructure is not just a nice thing to do, but an obligation by law that it should be done,” Majodina said.
The plant is set to benefit 97 815 people and created employment opportunities for 90 locals during construction.
Meanwhile, in Gqeberha, the Minister undertook oversight inspections of bulk water leaks meters, which have been installed in different parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro as an intervention from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to help the metro to address non-revenue water challenges.
Part of the ministry’s intervention was a directive to the metro to implement a robust leak detection and fixing programme aimed at addressing the amount of water that was unaccounted for.
Nelson Mandela Bay Metro supplies about 310 megalitres per day of water to 1.3 million residents within its boundaries, and smaller municipalities outside its boundaries.
In the past several financial years, the department said 40% to 50% of the water supply was deemed non-revenue water.
“Therefore, the programme is aimed at reducing water losses to 20%. The installation of Generation Meter Adapters (GMAs) and District Meter Area (DMA) meters can indicate areas where the highest water losses occur, and where to implement interventions.
“South Africa is a water-scarce country. It is, therefore, unacceptable that water is being lost through leaks, which then affects the security of water. Through the leak detection and fixing programme, it is evident that the war on leaks can be won,” Majodina explained.
So far, 12 429 water leaks have been successfully repaired on the water reticulation network and 34 494 on domestic repairs.
She reiterated the department’s commitment to effectively implement bulk water projects in several parts of the Eastern Cape to ensure water security for current and future generations.
The Minister was supported by Makana Local Municipality Mayor Yandiswa Vara in Makhanda and Deputy Mayor Babalwa Lobishe in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in Gqeberha, as well as several officials of the department and Amatola Water. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 12:30
613 views
Rhodes University Plans Water Independence From Municipality
“Our students and staff can no longer depend on a dying municipality” says vice-chancellor
Charge negligent officials over Makhanda and eThekwini water outages
The water supply situation will only improve when municipal managers face charges over failed water supply. WaterCAN is deeply concerned about the ongoing water outages affecting the communities of Makhanda and eThekwini. These disruptions have caused significant inconvenience and hardship for residents, impacting daily life and essential services. The water challenges in Makhanda in the …
Wild Coast: Constitutional Court Says No to Shell Appeal Bid
But way is open for Shell to apply for another renewal of seismic survey permit
President mourns maths and science teacher William Smith
President mourns maths and science teacher William Smith
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of maths and science education innovator and Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab, William Smith.
In a statement on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator who passed away at the age of 85.
President Ramaphosa conferred the Order of the Baobab on Smith in 2019.
Born in Makhanda (in the Eastern Cape) to parents who were notable scientists, Smith made mathematics and science accessible to all pupils free, through television, in a groundbreaking 1990s TV programme called the 'Learning Channel' on SABC 2.
During his 25 years as a teacher, he is estimated to have taught close on a million learners.
President Ramaphosa described William Smith as an education and cultural icon for the nation.
“The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, [demonstrated] the place he held in people’s hearts.
“He was synonymous with The Heads of Knysna which was the backdrop to his television presentation decades before we could think of him as the first teacher to teach “remotely,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa stated that Smith made maths and science accessible to a broad audience, reaching not only learners but also their parents and anyone interested in revisiting or further exploring these subjects long after their school years.
“William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 08:07
54 views
Dept calls for swift prosecution of suspect in abalone bust
Dept calls for swift prosecution of suspect in abalone bust
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for the swift prosecution of a motorist found in the illegal possession of 640kg of dry abalone in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.
“We commend the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit, working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), for their vigilance, and for ensuring that the confiscated abalone was safeguarded until it was weighed, tagged and transported to the departmental storage facilities,” Singh said on Wednesday.
This follows the arrest of a man found in possession of 27 black plastic bags containing a total of 13 661 dry abalone.
On 5 August 2024, the MCS unit based in Port Alfred was called out to Makhanda following the discovery of the poached abalone during a stop-and-search by the SAPS.
The department said the MCS Unit will continue to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to curb the illegal trade of marine living resources through Operation Phakisa’s Initiative 5 – Compliance and Enforcement.
Departmental officials will also heighten participation in community awareness programmes by visiting schools to educate the youth on the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources.
“I urge every South African to be vigilant and report any environmental crimes to the authorities. It is crucial that our communities work hand in hand with law enforcement agencies to protect our marine resources,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:35
94 views
Event Info: NAF Opens the Call for the 2025 Curated Programme
As the National Arts Festival celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, one of the most lauded facets of the Festival was the deep diversity of the Curated Programme and its ongoing ability to reflect the creative zeitgeist of the nation. The Curated Programme is selected by the Festival’s Artistic Committee, led by the Artistic Director, […]
Makhanda learners demand maths teacher
Mary Waters Secondary School learners have been protesting since Monday
Another Makhanda water supply deadline missed
The town has experienced water shortages since 2012, but an upgrade to the water treatment works started in 2015 is still not complete
Court asked to stop Shell’s seismic tests once and for all
Wild Coast communities and environmental organisations have now approached the Constitutional Court
2024 Standard Bank Ovations Awards
The energy was contagious as artists from the National Arts Festival’s Fringe gathered at The Monument in Makhanda at midnight on Saturday, 29 June for a ceremony to announce the 2024 Standard Bank Ovations Awards winners. Standard Bank Ovations are awarded throughout the Festival to shows on the Fringe that stand out. Shows that have …
Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high
Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high
A Sara Baartman District Women Entrepreneurs Awards (WEA) winner aspires to be a fabric design factory owner who will in turn be able to employ the local people of Makhanda.
Kholiswa Seti of Kholi Designs was named the best smallholder in the rural development category, during the WEA ceremony hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the Sarah Baartman and Amathole districts.
As part of the annual Women Entrepreneur Awards, the provincial department has been recognising top performing women who are contributing to economic development and job creation through the agricultural sector.
The objective of the awards is to empower and honour women in agriculture and agro-processing sectors by recognising their contributions.
The awards are an instrument through which the contribution of women in the fight against poverty, hunger and joblessness is recognised to increase participation and visibility of women in the sector.
Expressing her joy in winning the award, Seti--who was displaying her products at the National Arts Festival held this week--said her win happened at the time when she “just identified my niche market.”
She said it was only on Monday when she got great reviews about the quality of her work when she decided to have two pop-ups stalls to showcase her products in a solo marketing venture.
Government assistance
“Just when the excitement got the better of me about this idea, the question was ‘where are you going to get the money girl?’ So, this prize money (R20 000) will make me pull-off this idea of pop-up stalls and I am grateful. Slowly but surely my dreams are coming true [and] soon I will be able to employ more people and have a factory, thanks to the government,” an elated Seti said.
Seti, who received an overlocker and straight industrial sewing machines last year from DRDAR, said before the assistance, she only had one domestic machine and was working alone. Now, she has been able to hire someone on a full-time basis and another part-time.
“I call the industrial machine I received from the department ‘magic machine’ because it is fast and delivers great quality while the overlocker is doing wonders,” she explained.
Kholi Designs produce traditional wear, smart to causal wear, as well as matric dance attire. She said the designs catered for specific seasons, adding that she is currently displaying and selling winter wear at the festival.
Seti is not new to winning awards having won the Best Designer range at the 2017 Nelson Mandela Bay Fashion Week.
Farming for the future
Another winner, Bongeka Gebuza from Khanyisa Agro-organics in Ngqeberha, was awarded the Youth Special Award for her sterling work in her rabbit farming enterprise.
Speaking about her love for rabbits and organic farming, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture student at Nelson Mandela University, said she was “always interested” in rabbits, especially their nutritional value and how to take care of them.
“When I was gifted three rabbits, I managed to breed them until I had 72,” Gebuza said.
The 34-year-old Gebuza is currently busy with her honours degree research on rabbit manure.
She said her research seeks to look at the soil nutrition where she is planting spinach, using rabbit manure on one side and chemical on the other one.
Gebuza, who casually eats and sells her rabbits, said the prize money will assist her with buying the expensive rabbit feed and improve their cages.
She said she will continue with farming.
“One day I want to be the supplier of rabbit manure. I do not have interest in working as I am more interested in entrepreneurship, but we need funding for that as young people,” an optimistic Gebuza said.
Gebuza encouraged the youth to look into the farming sector, as it has more job opportunities.
“They need to explore and start small while looking for funding,” she said.
The district winners will compete for silverware at the provincial awards ceremony to be awarded by new DRDAR MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe. The contestants will later represent the province nationally at the awards ceremony to be held in August. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:33
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