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Ruling in Malema Case Welcome; Delay in Sentencing Disappointing

Location: News

Julius Malema’s conviction on all charges in the firearm case against him is welcomed, but the delay in sentencing, until 23 January 2026, is disappointing. Justice should be served swiftly. The case stems from Malema discharging an assault rifle during the EFF’s 2018 anniversary celebration in Mdantsane. South Africans are tired of crime and government’s […]

The post Ruling in Malema case welcome; delay in sentencing disappointing appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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SCOPA Alarmed Following Oversight Visit to Two Eastern Cape Municipalities

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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At 8 pm on Friday, 28 March 2025, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) concluded its week-long oversight visit to the Eastern Cape's OR Tambo District Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality where it noted with alarm the state of most of the projects it visited at both municipalities.

The projects were chosen following the reports the committee received from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Key oversight observations: 

  • Chronic capital project delays with cost overruns being the norm rather than the exception, to the tune of hundreds of millions.
  • Persistence of years-long legacy of supply chain and financial management misdeeds and mismanagement – leading to write-offs or unresolved irregular expenditure.
  • Consulting engineers certify invoices for payment when work has not been completed and are never held accountable.
  • A culture of no consequences, with executive authorities either quashing reports on malfeasance or defending inexcusable failure to act.
  • Infrastructure departments and projects appear to be a cesspool of malfeasance and maladministration.

OR Tambo District Municipality
The committee visited the Lusikisiki Sewerage Project, whose third phase has been plagued by delays, with a service provider abandoning the site after it ran out of funds. The committee found on the site abandoned pipes and materials that, according to the municipality officials, are still usable. But the committee could not ascertain whether any had been stolen.

The visit was followed by a visit to Ntsonyini Dam in Port St. John's, which has also been delayed for years, notwithstanding a lot of money spent on it. The committee found a lot of unused materials strewn at the site, yet the project is still far from completion and more money is needed to complete it. Other parts of the project, which depend on the dam, have nonetheless progressed but cannot be utilised due to the delayed completion of the dam.

Members of the committee were alarmed to learn that some senior officials who have been arrested on more than one occasion are still on duty, with the Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor defending their continued presence at work. The committee made its displeasure clear and demanded that immediate action be taken to protect the integrity of the district municipality.

In other cases, the committee found that the director of a company recently awarded a contract of over R105 million has been charged with fraud pertaining to Alfred Nzo District Municipality and officials claimed to be unaware about that.

The Mqanduli Bulk Water Project which was also visited by the committee, is beset with various problems, despite upbeat reporting by officials. The OR Tambo District Municipality is unable to draw water from Mthatha Dam due to a defective pipe owned by the Department of Water and Sanitation and instead draws directly from Mthatha River. The Thornhill Water Treatment Works is, in any event, below the capacity needed to supply the network of reservoirs that are supposed to bring water to urban and rural residents in the district.

The committee heard residents complaining of frequent and drawn-out water shortages and received from officials accounts of old infrastructure that breaks down often, leading to further water cuts. This affects both households and Walter Sisulu University.

Although the committee has noted signs of improvement in audit outcomes at the OR Tambo District Municipality, it remains deeply concerned by project delays, cost overruns, lack of consequences for errant officials and seemingly poor due diligence in the selection of service providers.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
The committee visited the Zwelitsha Waste-water Treatment Plant, which has been beset by chronic delays, mainly involving litigation and payment disputes. The plant remains incomplete and is causing delays in housing developments in the region. The site is poorly maintained, frequently vandalised and is vulnerable to organised crime.

However, it was at the Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool and Water World projects where the committee experienced first-hand the most egregious examples of years of mismanagement, malfeasance and possible fraud and corruption. While R57 million and R121 million have been spent at Mdantsane and Waterworld respectively, both projects are effectively unusable due to neglect, vandalism and non-existent maintenance.

The committee was further alarmed to learn that the Speaker of Council, the Chief Whip and the Executive Mayor have on more than one occasion quashed damning reports pertaining to the projects. They were unable to provide convincing reasons why this was the case, leading to what appears to be a culture of impunity and procurement malfeasance.

Conclusion
The committee will carefully consider its observations and table a comprehensive report before the National Assembly. Some matters will be referred to the AG for special audits and the SIU to pursue civil recoveries against service providers and staff.

It also became clear to the committee that urgent action must be taken in respect of supply chain, infrastructure and project management units where most of the malfeasance appears to be rooted, with some officials reportedly owning assets well beyond the salaries they earn.

While the committee noted that OR Tambo District Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality had recovery programs in place, it is nonetheless clear that both are far from recovery.

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

Read moreSCOPA Alarmed Following Oversight Visit to Two Eastern Cape Municipalities

Five to appear in East London court for kidnapping 

Location: News

Five to appear in East London court for kidnapping 

Five suspects are to appear before the East London Magistrates court on Friday, on allegations of kidnapping, the Hawks said on Thursday.

The quintet was arrested in a joint effort by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, East London Flying Squad, Mdantsane Flying Squad and Crime Intelligence on Wednesday.

The arrest came after it was alleged that on 9 December 2024, at about 15:30, the victim was at his construction site conducting an inspection. 

The victim and his business colleague were in the guard room, when an unknown suspect wearing a face mask carrying a firearm entered the guard room and instructed both to lie down. 

Further reports indicated that whilst lying on the floor, his colleague noticed two more suspects also wearing face masks armed with firearms, who snatched the victim from the floor and took him to a white SUV that was parked outside which then drove off with him to an unknown location. 

Later on in the day, the suspects reportedly contacted the victim’s family demanding a ransom.

Through intensive investigation by the joint team, the suspects were traced and arrested at Scenary Park in East London. 

Further investigations led the team to Litha Township in King Williamstown, where the victim was allegedly kept. 

On their arrival, the team searched the house and the victim was found inside where he was rescued unharmed on Monday.

“One suspect was inside the house and was apprehended on the spot.  Search continued and a white Chevrolet Captiva SUV was confiscated as it was allegedly used to transport the victim. The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment,” said the Hawks.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya expressed his delight for the exceptional teamwork shown by officers. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:19

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South Africans called to unite against HIV and Aids

Location: News

South Africans called to unite against HIV and Aids

The fight against HIV and Aids requires all South Africans to act together, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Addressing the World Aids Day commemoration at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, in the Easten Cape on Sunday, the Deputy President said while significant strides have been made in ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, the same cannot be said with respect to ensuring that 95% of people who know their status are on treatment and that 95% of people on treatment are virally suppressed.

“As of June 2024, only 79% of people who knew their status were on treatment, and only 93% of people on treatment were virally suppressed.

“As a country, we need to further increase HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation while maintaining treatment adherence to keep viral suppression rates high. We urge all government departments to incorporate HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis [TB] in their workplace health and wellness programs.

“In the same breath, we call upon political parties, trade unions, student organisations, and other formations to encourage their members and supporters to know their HIV status and those who know their status to seek treatment and to remain on treatment.

“Our traditional leaders need to continue to use platforms at their disposal, such as community meetings, izimbizo, traditional initiation schools, funerals and such events, to encourage their subjects to test for HIV and TB,” the Deputy President said.

He said government would continuously rely on various stakeholders, such as religious leaders to mobilise all men and women who worship, especially those who are HIV-positive and have stopped treatment, to return to care.

The Deputy President welcomed the initiative by the Department of Health, working together with SANAC and development partners, to trace the 1.1 million people living with HIV and linking them to treatment from today to December 2025.

Mashatile said linking these 1.1 million people to treatment will enable the country to reach the UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95. This is 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 95% of people who know their HIV status are receiving HIV treatment and 95% of people on HIV treatment are virally suppressed.

“Let us all play our part and contribute to making this initiative a success,” he said.

South Africa must prioritise community-led responses and interventions to “guarantee that no one falls behind”.

“I would like to urge all the Premiers to make use of the Provincial Councils on AIDS to mobilise these sectors and others that are active in the provinces to help us find the 1.1 million people.

“All employers and employment organisations must come to the party.  This is a genuine battle, and if we fail to combat HIV and AIDS, it will ultimately lead to our downfall,” the Deputy President said.

There have been many scientific advances in treatment and antiretroviral therapy, which have allowed people to live long and productive lives. Scientists are optimistic that improved treatment options can enhance prevention, and they are actively working on a cure and vaccine, he said.

“However, our country remains the epicentre of HIV and is among those with the highest TB burden. There are nearly 8 million people living with HIV, and TB remains the leading cause of death, claiming around 56 000 lives a year.

“We must always be cognisant of the fact that HIV is not only a public health crisis but also a developmental challenge and a human rights matter. Our approaches must be comprehensive, targeted, inclusive, and geo-specific.”

The Deputy President said HIV was prevalent among young people, especially adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24, with a weekly record of 1 300 new cases. The infection rate among boys of the same age, however, is almost three times less, meaning girls are more vulnerable to HIV infection.

“A variety of factors, including the biological makeup of their bodies and their involvement in age-disparate relationships, contribute to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, we need more interventions designed for adolescent girls and young women.

“I am encouraged by campaigns such as #ForeverWena, a movement that aims to empower youth to take charge of their sexual health. It encourages open, factual, and informative discussions about healthy sexual behaviour and choices through its WhatsApp chatbot, a digital campaign available 24/7 that offers a confidential space for people to access vital information and support.”

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said it was important for everyone to acquire knowledge about HIV and Aids.

“Our people deserve equal rights, equal care despite their status. This is an important day for us, let’s have hope,” Mabuyane said.

He said the province would focus on young people. “We have a problem of high teenage pregnancy. Lets teach our children to be responsible,” he said.

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi told the delegates South Africa needed to put 1. 2 million people on ARV treatment. “We need to work very hard to reach the 95 percent,” Motsoaledi said, referring to the UNAIDS targets.

Motsoaledi encouraged men especially to get tested for HIV and know their status.

South Africa joined the global community in anchoring the World Aids Day 2024 commemorations on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens.

World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV as well as to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

The 2024 theme: “Equal Rights, Equal Care” is a call for equal, equitable and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race or sexuality. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 14:57

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Check your HIV status, urges Dr Nobatyi

Location: News

Check your HIV status, urges Dr Nobatyi

“People must be encouraged to test for and know their HIV status as this will save lives,” says Senior Clinical Manager, Dr Pidhumza Nobatyi.

Dr Nobatyi was speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the World Aids Day commemoration at the Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.

She said living with HIV was no longer like in the past when people were dying because there was no treatment available.

Today, patients with HIV are living healthy and normal lives. “It’s not a death sentence, it can be treated,” she said.

Dr Nobatyi is a Senior Clinical Manager at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Health District overseeing 85 health institutions.

She said it was critical for everyone to know their status.

South Africa is on Sunday joining the global community in anchoring the World Aids Day 2024 commemorations on the protection of everyone’s right to receive universal access to quality health care for all its citizens. 

World Aids Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV as well as to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, with a view to encourage HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

The 2024 theme: “Equal Rights, Equal Care” is a call for equal, equitable and dignified access to healthcare for all South Africans regardless of their economic status, gender, race or sexuality.

Community member, Nobantu Ntsaluba, told SAnews that government should do more to encourage people to practice safer sex and to have their status checked.

“It’s better to know your status, than to live not knowing your status. Today, there is help for those living with HIV, there is treatment,” Ntsaluba.

Ntsaluba called on young people to always practice safer sex and stick to one partner.

“People may contract the virus because they have multiple partners or they are not faithful to their partners,” she said.

First observed in 1988, World Aids Day, is marked annually to raise awareness about HIV and Aids while also recognising and honouring the lives lost.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading today’s commemoration alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, SANAC Private Sector Chairperson Nompumelelo Zikalala, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, as well as representatives from development partners such as the UN Agencies UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO, US government agencies the CDC, PEPFAR, USAID, research entities, civil society movements, the private sector and community members.

Community members from various areas in the Eastern Cape are also attending. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 12:13

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Buffalo City Metro preparing for more disruptive rain

Location: News

Buffalo City Metro preparing for more disruptive rain

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality says the possibility of undertaking mop up operations have been placed on hold as the city prepares for more disruptive rain.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rain and the possibility of flooding in various areas, including in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

Rains leading to flooding of settlements/property, roads, danger to life, with some communities temporarily cut off, are expected today.

Two people have died and over 2 234 people were impacted by flooding earlier this week and the city is still intervening. This number of displaced people is expected to rise.

“Displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls in Mdantsane, Braelyn and Mzamomhle, while others are being moved to chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures,” the metro said in a statement.

Eleven wards across the metro have been affected, including areas like Ducats, Pefferville, Duncan Village, Cambridge Location, Mzamomhle, Reeston, Stoney Drift, Mdantsane and Gompo.

Rescue operations are continuous and emergency teams remain on high alert.

The municipality pleaded with residents not to attempt driving or crossing any flooded areas.

“Residents are advised to evacuate from flood plains and low laying areas, and following the weather warnings and safety tips issued by the metro on various media platforms,” it said.

The metro further appealed to business and residents to assist with donations. It is working with the Department of Social Development, together with NGOs Gift of the Givers and Living Hope, to assist with clothes, groceries, blankets and food parcels.

Donations of the following items are welcome, including clothing, blankets, mattresses, groceries, non-perishable foods like canned food, baby food and toys for kids.

“We are also calling on organisations that have the ability to provide hot meals to the displaced people that are currently staying in halls to also assist,” the metro said.

All non-perishable items can be dropped off at the East London City Hall between office hours 08h00 - 16h30.

The BCMM Disaster Centre can be contacted on 0437059000.

The metro has held engagements with the Department of Human Settlements to avail temporary relocation structures. Officials from the department are already in the area to verify numbers and make submissions.

The metro is dealing with 454 electrical fault cases in various areas in East London, Mdantsane and eQonce area.

“All teams have been assigned to the different regions and we have managed to get extra hands to deal with the calls. The metro is pleading with all households that are affected to be patient as technicians are working tirelessly to resolve all faults.”

All metro beaches remain closed since yesterday.

“Sea conditions are still very dangerous, with debris and floating objects in the water posing danger. Several roads in East London remain closed and are being monitored due to flooding.”

The metro is still urging residents to be on high alert. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 12:25

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Buffalo City search and rescue operations continue

Location: News

Buffalo City search and rescue operations continue

Search and rescue operations continue in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape which has been hit by inclement weather.

“The Buffalo City Metro is intervening in areas that have been impacted by floods… Rescue operations are continuous as emergency teams remain on high alert. Search and rescue teams are still searching for a missing 20-year-old who was washed away near Dawn in East London,” the metro said in a statement on Monday.

The metro reported that a pedestrian was fatally knocked down in a flooded street in Westbank over the weekend while a 13-year-old was recued in Amalinda Forest.

In an update at 1:30pm, the metro said that 1300 people had been displaced by the floods.

“Displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls in Mdantsane, Braelyn and Mzamomhle whilst others are being moved to chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures.”

Eleven wards across the metro have been affected including areas like Ducats, Pefferville, Duncan Village, Cambridge Location, Mzamomhle, Reeston, Stoney Drift, Mdantsane and Gompo.

The metro is also working with the Department of Social Development together with non-government organisations Gift of the Givers and Living Hope to assist with clothes, groceries, blankets and food parcels.

The metro’s executive Mayor Princess Faku visited Duncan Village, Mdantsane and Stoney Drift with Gift of the Givers on Monday morning.

In addition, the metro is engaging with the Department of Human Settlements to avail temporary relocation structures.

“Thus far, 800 temporary structures are being verified to be included in the database.”

This as the metro is dealing with 379 electrical fault cases in various areas in East London, Mdantsane and eQonce.

“All teams have been assigned to the different regions. The main challenge is fallen electrical poles leading to cables and transformers being dysfunctional.”

Rescue operations

In East London yesterday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), South African Police Services (SAPS), Police Dive Unit, Police K9 Search and Rescue responded to a sailing yacht with a jetty saving a passenger barge from sinking.

Also, Priority Care Ambulance Services, Buffalo City Metro (BCM) Traffic Services and Emergency Services responded to 10 flood-related incidents at various locations around East London.

In one scene, six people (four adults, one aged 80, and two children) were rescued from a flooded home, where their two dogs drowned.

Roads and beaches

The heavy rains have posed challenges for the city's storm water drainage systems resulting in the blockage of major roads such as Settlersway, Biko Bride from Westbank to East London CBD, Cambridge Cemetery, Duncan Village, Cc Loyd Township, Parkridge and Scenery Park.

The Disaster Management Service has conducted an initial damages assessment and the city's Infrastructure, Traffic, Fire and Rescue Services have been instrumental in clearing of blockages.

“The metro is advising motorists to be cautious around flooded roads and bridges. Communities and motorists are urged to be extra cautious and report any incidents.”

The metro has urged residents to contact emergency services call centre on (043) 705 9000 and their respective ward councilors for assistance.

The city has set up a Disaster Management Operations Centre which is being chaired by the Mayor and includes disaster management, law enforcement, traffic, fire, police lifesaving, EMS Ambulance services and the NSRI.

Meanwhile, all metro beaches remain closed.

The metro is still urging residents to be on high alert as more disruptive rain is predicted.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the floods. This as seven lives have been lost in the Eastern Cape. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 14:25

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Dingaan Thobela “a champion fighter who captured the hearts of the nation”

Location: News

Dingaan Thobela "a champion fighter who captured the hearts of the nation"

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has paid tribute to the late South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, describing him as one of the world's standout fighters.

“Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight title.

“Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world's standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

In a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela was a multiple world-boxing champion, having won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and WBA lightweight, and World WBC super-middleweight titles.

Also known as the Rose of Soweto, Thobela was a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.

“Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional.

“As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.

"I express my deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto," Kodwa said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 08:57

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Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

On Monday, 29 January, the National School of Government is hosting a webinar on artificial intelligence (AI) from 11:00 to 13:00.

On Tuesday, 30 January, is the opening ceremony of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers (COM) responsible for Trade.

On Tuesday, 30 January, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Pinky Kenana will conduct a frontline monitoring and Back to School Campaign at Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

On Wednesday, 31 January, is South Africa’s launch of the preferential trade ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Council of Ministers.

Also on Wednesday, 31 January, President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Presidential Welisizwe Bridges hand over in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, will lead the hand over ceremonies of the Kei Mouth and Qoloha plantations, followed by the Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, 31 January.

On Wednesday, 31 January, The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment. 

 

 

 

 

Janine
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024

Rugby World Cup fever mounts

Location: News

Rugby World Cup fever mounts

South Africans across the country are gripped by the green and gold fever ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, which will pit South Africa’s Springboks against the All Blacks from New Zealand. 

If the semi-final is anything to go by, the final game promises to be a nail-biting encounter that will keep every fan on the edge of their seat as the teams go head-to-head at 9pm sharp. 

From schools, companies, and restaurants to social media posts, the Springbok jersey-wearing South Africans are counting down the hours to what will go down in history as one of the most memorable World Cup finals in Stade de France. 

If South Africa wins, this will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles. 

Even President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be cheering in the crowd as he will be travelling to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest to defend the Webb Ellis trophy. 

“The President is really looking forward to being invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions,” said the President’s Office. 

Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa on Friday joined the Springbok captain’s run to send well wishes to the Bokke. 

“The Springboks are ready for the final. This is your team, fellow South Africans. Let’s get behind our pride and joy! Yivale maBhokobhoko,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.  

According to SA Rugby, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber predicts a powerful onslaught from the All Blacks and said they posed threats in every aspect of the game. 

“Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always special and hard-fought, and with this being a World Cup final, the rivalry is expected to be more intense. They have an experienced squad with a physical pack and a backline that can create magic from nothing, so we’ll have to be at our best on attack and defence to get the result.”

For Springbok fans, SuperSport, the home of the Rugby World Cup 2023, will broadcast the final match live. 

The South African game will be also shown on SABC.

And for those who prefer big screens and a bit of a crowd, provinces across South Africa are gearing up for the showdown and bringing on the heat to support the Bokke by having dedicated fan parks. 

Some of these, of which most entrance is free, fans can also enjoy some live music in the build-up to the game.

Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation in Mpumalanga, said it has identified three sites for public viewing, one in each district of the province. 

“These public viewing areas will be located in previously disadvantaged communities, which over the years have shown growing interest in the sport of rugby.” 

Where to watch the Rugby World Cup across the country.

Eastern Cape

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (free entry, gates open at 7pm). 

Sisa Dukashe Stadium (Mdantsane). 

Police Park (East London).

Baby Swag (Zwelitsha). 

Macelegusha.

Northern Cape

AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley (gates open at 4pm to enjoy some live musical entertainment in the build-up to the game).

Limpopo 

Civic Centre Park in Polokwane (free entry). 

Mpumalanga

Nkangala District (Siyabuswa Retail Centre, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality). 

Gert Sibande District (Loft Lounge Corner Ennis and Oosthuise Street, Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality).

Ehlanzeni District (Praxos Butchery, Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality).

Gauteng 

Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg (gates to open from 7pm). Fans can also expect to be entertained by Jozi FM DJs in the lead-up to the game. 

Pretoria’s Loftus Park (gates open at 6pm). R 120 per person for general admission includes a free parking ticket and can be purchased electronically. 

North West 

Hoërskool Rustenburg (Bojanala) and Maseru Park (Mahikeng).

Free State

SaamTrek Fan Park – Phakisa Raceway. 

Western Cape 

Bree Street (between Church and Hout Street, Cape Town CBD). There will be soft road closures from Wale to Strand Street and Loop to Buitengracht, including all side roads leading to the venue. 

Monwabisi Sport and Recreation Centre (Langa). 

Westridge Civic Centre (Mitchells Plain). 

KwaZulu-Natal 

Durban ICC (gates swing open at 7pm). Fans can expect the big screen, refreshing drinks and delectable food, drink specials and secure and hassle-free parking facilities. 

Pietermaritzburg’s Woodburn Rugby Stadium (gate to open at 3pm). Children below 12 years free and there will be food stalls live music and secured parking. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 15:28

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Buffalo City residents urged to be cautious during rainy conditions

Location: News

Buffalo City residents urged to be cautious during rainy conditions

Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape has warned residents and motorists to exercise caution as rainy conditions persist.

Wards 15, 30, 33, 35, 45 and 49, along with Duncan Village Ward 2 and 6, are the most severely affected.

“However, no one has been displaced or any fatalities reported. Our Disaster Management teams, together with our Human Settlements, are still on the ground collecting information on the affected people,” Buffalo City Metro said in a statement.

According to the city, the Electricity Department and Fire Services, as well as Disaster Management, are still on standby.

Residents are advised to contact Disaster Management on 0437437118 and the Fire Service on 043 705 9000 in the event of any eventuality.

“We advise councillors to be aware of the inclement weather conditions and activate their ward-based structures for any eventualities,” the city said.

The city noted with concern that some of the contributing factors to flooding include the construction of houses in low-lying areas (flood lines)/wetlands, the strain to the drainage system, which is mainly compromised by littering and the illegal building on top of municipal infrastructure.

“Our Disaster Management services are in constant contact with the South African Weather Service to monitor severe weather conditions, and to distribute such to the affected communities and sectors,” the City said.

Motorists traveling around the East London, Mdantsane, and eQonce areas are advised to look out for low-lying roads and bridges.

A number of streets are experiencing blocked drainage, which is caused by illegal dumping. However, the city has deployed jetting machines to unblock stormwater drainage systems.

“Our teams (both internal and external) have been on standby and have been working on all the areas of Buffalo City to unblock stormwater systems and the overflow problem in the city, and will continue to do so until the situation is improved or rescued," the city said.

With regards to the water outage in Dimbaza, the city confirmed that power has been affected, and as a result, the whole system is empty, and it will take about a week to recover the system. This was due to no production of water and pumping from Amatola Water's Laing WTW for three days. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:37

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Digital literacy programme to provide training to Eastern Cape communities

Location: News

Digital literacy programme to provide training to Eastern Cape communities

Communities in the Eastern Cape are set to benefit from a digital literacy programme, which will provide digital skills training.

Launched by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele, this initiative is aimed at reducing the digital divide in communities.

“The intention is to extend it to as many municipalities as possible. It also offers an entry point towards higher order skills that are so much needed for entrepreneurial or work opportunities. 

“In the absence of such understanding, it is difficult to devise relevant and appropriate digital skills interventions and support strategies for meaningful outcomes,” the Minister said on Thursday in the Buffalo City Metro.

When he delivered his remarks, the Minister noted studies that indicate that more technology advances introduced into society, the more widespread and pervasive the digital divide.

According to a 2022 World Bank report, the digital divide is a stark reality in South Africa, affecting all generations.

"It is a striking symptom of socioeconomic challenges associated with being the most economically unequal country in the world. Therefore, the discourse on digital inclusion has broadened to consider additional critical factors for ensuring digital equality. Digital inclusion is as such more complex.

“The digital inclusion requires access to learning with age-friendly design and relevant, ethical and safe for digital environments that are at play. What is also required is an informed understanding of skills needs towards the use of emerging technologies,” the Minister said.

He said digital literacy should be delivered in a strategic manner to target the different age groups, genders, and people in different socio-economic positions.

“It is therefore critical that our approach consider challenges such as language and cultural realities when the training is done for them. We should continue to ensure that digital inclusion is not inclusion without women.

“We should also find ways to effectively and strategically use digital technologies to Gender Based Violence and Femicide ((GBVF) in South Africa and the world,” the Minister said.

The Digital Ambassadors initiative provides digital skills training to members of the community, especially focusing on locally relevant digital content and services.

It will improve the skills, capacity, and employment prospects of beneficiaries.

“It will further demonstrate the worth of utilizing modern technology to the broader communities. We therefore call on members of the society, in particular young people of Mdantsane, Duncan Village, King Williams Town and East London and the Eastern Cape to join this digital revolution and involve themselves in these initiatives by enrolling with National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) and take part. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 08/11/2023 - 09:43

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SAPS embarks on a recruitment drive

Location: News

SAPS embarks on a recruitment drive

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on its 2024/2025 recruitment process in which an additional 10 000 youth between the ages of 18 and 35 will be trained to serve as men and women in blue.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, during a National Career Expo in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape over the weekend.

The career expo provided the SAPS with the opportunity to showcase, educate and expose communities to the various career paths in the SAPS.

During the proceedings, management announced that the age limit for recruitment of new trainees has been raised to 35.

Application forms are available as of Saturday on the SAPS website: www.saps.gov.za under the police trainees section.

Application forms will also be made available at all police stations from today.

According to the SAPS, there are currently 9 000 trainees in academies throughout the country, another 1 000 will be enlisted for training in January 2024.

This will bring the total number of recruits trained to 10 000 in the 2023/2024 financial year. The 2024/2025 cohort is thus expected to commence their training in April 2024.

Deputy Minister Mathale said the aim is to ensure sufficient boots on the ground to serve and protect the communities.

“We are embarking on this process to ensure more boots on the ground in an effort to maximise our crime combatting efforts,” Mathale said.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola said the organisation is targeting those with a passion for public service.

“We are inviting disciplined, upright and passionate candidates who are ready to serve and protect their communities. With more boots on the ground, we aim to enhance and improve our response to emerging crime trends,” General Masemola said.

The basic requirements for enlistment are the following: Be a South African citizen, be in possession of a matric certificate with NO criminal record. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:58

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