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City of Tshwane says it intends to complete approval for a township for Stoffel Park in April 2024
President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the development of the nation's economy, says Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
According to the Vice President, “It is a known fact that the empowerment of the MSMEs is key to empowering our youth and women towards contributing to the nation's economic development.”
The Vice President stated this today when he spoke with journalists during his tour of exhibition stands at the BRICS Trade Fair.
Speaking further about the commitment of President Tinubu towards empowering the MSMEs, he said “ the President is a very compassionate leader and in the coming months, there will be changes in the fortunes of Nigeria.”
Explaining the economic impact of the growth of MSMEs on the economy, VP Shettima said “this will have positive impacts which will enable them to support their families and add value to the nation.”
The Vice President commended the organizer's of the trade fair which had about 180 exhibitors from various sectors of the economy. He stressed that the exhibitions will in the long run serve the purpose of galvanising investment and trade in the continent.
Vice President Shettima who took time to inspect Nigeria's exhibitions lauded the investments of Nigerians in South Africa.
He said “I am quite impressed by the investment Nigerians are making in South Africa. This is the harbinger of greater things to come. I can say that Nigerians are active in digital economy, they are active in fashion, they are equally active in mining.
“I am quite glad that quite a number of our country men are doing well and are willing to partner with the home nation for the greater glory of the African continent.”
While praising Rose Bank, a Nigerian investment outfit in South Africa for the funding of a cassava project worth 40 billion Naira, the Vice President affirmed that “it is game a changer with the cassava value chain with its huge economic benefits. We hope that it will be reflected in other parts of the country.”
The Trade Fair is being organised by the BRIC South Africa & The SA BRICS Business Council (SABBC) in collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, on the sidelines of the on-going 15th BRICS Summit.
The exhibition is expected to serves as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investments.
The Vice President was accompanied to the Trade Fair by Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.
The South African property market remains an attractive investment for foreigners looking for quality yet affordable seaside locations. While the Western Cape has long dominated this market, the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as an appealing destination, with the KZN South Coast now a dominant player in the property market. “There are a number …
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No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth - DMRE
Government has no intention to formalise illegal mining in South Africa, which is wreaking havoc in some parts of the country, says the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Nqobile Khanyile.
“There’s no way that limited State resources could be spent trying to legalise illegal miners, who are armed to the teeth. This is a different illegal criminal activity,” the Director for Enforcement and Compliance at the DMRE said on Thursday.
However, the official said her department was not closing the door on small-scale miners, who want to be granted permits.
Khanyile announced the department has since received applications from over 101 artisanal miners.
According to Khanyile, the department also offers funding for those who want to purchase equipment and non-financial support.
Khanyile was speaking at a webinar on the impact and implications of illegal mining in South Africa, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
She said the issues of human trafficking and gang wars have also infiltrated illegal mining.
“It’s a dangerous environment and this is the reason why the police and the National Prosecuting Authority are playing an active role to assist us to deal with this issue and we highly appreciate the effort taken by them.”
Khanyile explained that the State is the custodian of all mineral resources, under the Minister of Mineral Resources, to ensure the economic benefit of the exploitation of minerals is equitably distributed to all South Africans.
She told the webinar’s attendees that South Africa is a mining jurisdiction with a history of exploitation of migrant labour, which dates back to apartheid.
However, she said the regulation of mining has since changed where the environmental dispensation is concerned, which came from legislation in 1991.
“This is the only time the South African government realised there’s a need for some environmental governance in the mining industry.”
However, Khanyile described illegal mining as a difficult and complex operation.
She reiterated that criminal syndicates, who are exploiting people and children, are driving illegal mining.
“Some of them [children] have been taken forcefully from neighbouring States. The unfortunate part is that once it’s a criminal activity, it doesn’t only compromise the health and the safety of the people who work in these operations, but it also compromises the safety of the environment.”
Khanyile also noted that it hampers the integrity of infrastructure.
“We have already seen the impact, where sections of the roads are [impacted]. Surface infrastructure gets to be damaged, and all of this has a catastrophic impact not only the livelihood but the economic growth of the country.
“At the State’s cost, such remedial measures will have to be managed and this will eventually have a catastrophic impact on the fiscus to try to fix the problem that is caused by illegal mining.”
Khanyile said the department will continue to condemn illegal mining in its strongest terms.
“Illegal mining does not take place only in abandoned mines. It also takes place in other areas, where there are no deposits of minerals.”
In addition, the department has also noted a trend for operational mines being invaded by criminals at a huge cost to spend on security.
“Some take place closer to human settlements and public infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, roads and electricity structures.
“The scourge of illegal mining should be a concern to the country and all South Africans.”
She also dispelled reports that zama zamas are only illegal foreigners.
“We have seen the statistics on people who have been arrested and pursued. While a greater majority are those who are undocumented and in the country illegally, there is a growing population of South Africans who are participating in these illegal operations.”
Khanyile believes that the State needs to address unemployment and poverty to fight the issues of illegal miners.
She also called on companies to rehabilitate and safeguard their old mine dumps and punish non-compliant businesses.
She said this requires cooperation between mining companies, departments and the community. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:55
Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo
Police in Driekop, in the Sekhukhune District -- in collaboration with Mecklenburg, Burgersfort, Tubatse SAPS, as well as Public Order Policing (POPS) in Limpopo -- have apprehended three suspects, aged between 21 and 35, for alleged illegal mining.
The trio were nabbed on Tuesday morning at about 09:30am.
Police followed up on information about the suspects, who were conducting illegal mining activities on top of the mountain at Ga-Maroga village, under the Driekop policing precinct. They immediately rushed to the scene.
On their arrival, the police found a large number of people mining chrome. They then started to run in different directions, trying to evade being arrested.
Three males, consisting of two South Africans and one illegal immigrant, whose nationality will still going to be confirmed, were cornered and nabbed at the scene.
During the operation, the team managed to seize mining equipment. These include 12 wheelbarrows, 11 generators, six jack hammers, two grease pumps, a bundle of cables and a Bell TLB machine, with an estimated value of over R200 000.
The trio are expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate's Court soon on charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has vowed that the fight against illegal mining in the province will be strengthened to bring the perpetrators to book.
Police investigations are continuing. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:39
South Africans are deeply connected to their culture and cultural beliefs. Followers of the fundamental traditional African belief system believe they are watched over by their ancestors, who guide them in times of crisis or when facing an important decision in their lives. Many South Africans are facing harsh economic conditions and would typically seek …
Government to close open shafts, mine holes
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has committed to closing all derelict open shafts and mine holes in Riverlea by the end of September 2023, while finalising plans to do the same across the country.
This is due to the illicit activities that have left some communities living in fear.
“Cabinet welcomed the deployment of a special police unit, which is supported by the military, in Riverlea, Johannesburg, to deal with illegal mining in the area.
“In addition, Cabinet commended the arrest of over 194 suspects over illegal mining activities and directed law-enforcement agencies to urgently clamp down on this and other serious crimes in the country,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the pre-release calendar for the publication of the quarterly crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The crime statistics will be released in August and November 2023 for quarters one and two, and February and May 2024 for quarter three and quarter four, respectively. The frequent release of crime statistics is important for monitoring crime trends and better decision-making in the fight against crime,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also approved the submission of the draft National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill of 2023 to Parliament.
“The Bill amends the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998) to provide for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity within the NPA, and to also strengthen its investigative powers,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:29
Pan African Resources says it will not give in to the “equivalent of a construction mafia”
The Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Nocks Seabi, has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to heighten policing and ensure that the rule of law is implemented both in Cape Town, which is experiencing violence related to a taxi strike, and the perennial challenge posed by illegal mining in the City of Johannesburg.
“Heightened police visibility in Cape Town will go a long way in ensuring adherence to the rule of law on one hand while protecting the right to protest as enshrined by the Constitution. While we welcome assurances given by the police, it is critically important that the right to protest does not infringe on the civil rights of those who choose not to protest,” Mr Seabi argued.
The Acting Chairperson underscored the concern around violent behaviour that might undermine to some extent genuine concerns within the transport industry. The burning and stoning of cars and blocking of roads negatively affect South Africans and directly undermine efforts to drive economic growth. “We call on protesters to raise their objections within the confines of the law and urge the SAPS to arrest and ensure prosecution of those that carry out illegal acts,” Mr Seabi said.
Regarding the illegal mining problem in Johannesburg, the Acting Chairperson has emphasised that an intelligence-led operation is critical to address the problem. Also, a multisectoral approach is necessary to address the complex problems that give rise to illegal mining operations. “Above all, the SAPS must ensure the arrest of syndicates operating in the environment to ensure that this form of illegality is uprooted,” Mr Seabi said.
Mr Seabi welcomed the increased police operations in Riverlea but has called for similar operation across all hotspot areas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Riverlea residents feel safer with police presence
Residents of Riverlea, west of Johannesburg, say their safety has improved since the Specialised Forces of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed to the area to shut down illegal mining operations.
The residents welcomed the intensified police operations on illegal miners during a recently held community engagement, led by the Police Ministry.
The additional police deployment in the Riverlea area has so far resulted in the arrest of over 190 suspects, the majority of them being undocumented persons.
Police have since recovered scores of illegal firearms, ammunition, stolen property, explosives, gas cylinders and other tools commonly used during illegal mining activities.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele said these policing operations are but one part of the plan to end illegal mining.
“Arresting illegal miners is not the solution to end this well funded and well organised crime. Police are on the ground to stabilise the area so that other departments can come in and work to permanently close off mines and also attend to some of the social issues that exist in this area, which are drivers of crime.
“It is encouraging that the Hawks have arrested the suspects, who police believe are the handlers of these zama zamas and are middle and top players in the web of illegal mining,” Cele said.
He assured the residents of Gauteng affected by illegal mining and crime associated with the organised crime that a lasting solution is on the horizon. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:17
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Police minister and mining officials meet community following protests over violence blamed on informal miners
Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea
A total of 194 suspects have been arrested during intensified police operations in Riverlea and surrounding areas to arrest zama-zamas terrorising the communities.
The arrests follow the deployment of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams “Amaberethe”, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Special Task Force (STF) in and around the Riverlea area, including illegal mining hotspot areas in Gauteng.
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele returned to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg on Friday, to update the community on the police's response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.
Joined by South African Police Service (SAPS) management from both national and the Gauteng province, Cele engaged the residents of Riverlea and surrounding in an effort to end illegal mining and to find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.
Addressing the community at Riverlea Recreation Centre, Cele said a team from the Minister and the Secretariat would be sent to the Langlaagte Police Station from Monday.
He said the team would report back by Thursday.
“The relationship between the community and the police station must be fixed so that we work together against criminality. We will bring a report back and see who is not doing his or her job, and take action against them,” Cele said.
Cele said the team will also probe allegations that SAPS are getting bribes, and called on the community to report and bring the evidence of the allegations.
“We want to change their blue uniforms for the orange uniforms,” he said.
The Minister also called on the community to stop supporting the criminals, adding that they know the zama-zamas, as they are their next door neighbours.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 15:12
Danfoss, a multi-national Danish engineering company, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in South Africa, marking three decades of growth and expansion in the region. Founded in 1933 by Danish engineer Mads Clausen, Danfoss has evolved into a global enterprise employing over 42,000 individuals worldwide. The company has recently focused on integrating its local presence in …
