Mpumalanga

11 September 2023

Labour dept set to launch mobile employment centre

Location: News

Labour dept set to launch mobile employment centre

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will this week launch a mobile employment centre at the Jobs Fair in Malelane, Mpumalanga.

The launch is set to take place on Thursday morning at the Paradise Creek Lodge in Malelane.

“Minister Nxesi will deliver a keynote address to stakeholders at the Employers’ Breakfast Session. Thereafter, he will address work seekers and exhibitors at the Jobs Fair and launch the Mobile Employment Centre of the Department of Employment and Labour,” the department said in a statement.

The Jobs Fair seeks to identify opportunities and solutions that can enhance the capacity of the department and its partners to deliver on its mandate of creating employment for unemployed people, especially the youth of Mpumalanga.

The Jobs Fair is designed to create a platform where employers and work seekers can interact with the purpose of ensuring that the unemployed and underemployed get access to both work and learning opportunities.

The event is targeted at work seekers and to draw employers, institutions and government departments that provide various services to the youth in particular.

The department will provide the following services during the event:

•   Registration of unemployed work seekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database.
•   Facilitating access to opportunities and employment counselling services to work seekers.
•   Offer career information and study options from educational institutions within the province.
•   Job hunting skills, interview preparation and work ethics.

- SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 09:41

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8 September 2023

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Location: News

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on social partners to work with government to deal with the country’s pressing issues, especially unemployment and climate change.

The Deputy President took to the podium at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 28th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said intensified economic setbacks, resulting in high unemployment and loss of jobs.

He also spoke about the current condition of the labour market, which he believes is indicative of the legacy of apartheid.

“We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates, particularly among Africans,” he told the delegates.

He welcomed the decline in the unemployment rate to 32.6% in the second quarter of this year, this is down from 32.9% in the first quarter.

“The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such as job losses in manufacturing remain.

“In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.”

Through collective efforts, one purpose and shared values, he said, they hold the power to determine the trajectory of South Africa.

The Deputy President cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who has called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

He noted that NEDLAC has historically sought to collaborate about the big policy choices that face the country.

“However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners with respect to the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.

“We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.”

Meanwhile, he said the Presidency and Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with government to focus on energy, logistics and crime.

“It has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth.”

He also urged social compacts to avoid being mere “talk shops”.

“NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.”

Climate change

He also touched on the impact of climate change whether it is the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, high temperatures in Upington or poor air quality in Mpumalanga.

“[This makes] it impossible to cultivate fields… climate change is here.”

“Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future.”

He believes it will only be through partnerships that they can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms.

“If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations.”

In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.

“The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:42

393 views

8 September 2023

Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete

Location: News

Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete

Minister of Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga will officially open the multi-million rand N4 Montrose Interchange in Mpumalanga on Friday.

“Construction of the Montrose Interchange is now completed and temporarily being used by traffic to service the entire community traversing through between Middleburg and Mbombela as well as the cross-border traffic leading to the neighbouring state, Mozambique through the Maputo Port of Entry,” the Department of Transport said on Thursday.

The department, through the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Trans African Concessions (TRAC), completed the upgrading of the N4/Montrose/Schoemanskloof Interchange in August 2023 as part of the Maputo Corridor Development initiative.

“Work on the interchange included the construction of four new interchange ramps and the widening of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge from two to five lanes.

“Two new arch bridges supported by adjacent rock cut faces have also been constructed to cross the existing Elands Valley section to accommodate two new ramps with Five 25-m-high masts illuminated at the interchange, increasing visibility and road safety,” the department said.

The interchange has already created over 350 jobs and provided subcontracting opportunities for at least ten local companies.

Chikunga will officially open this key economic corridor interchange joined by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, the SANRAL Board of Directors, CEOs of Transport Department roads entities, TRAC CEO, traditional leadership and community members in the Mpumalanga province. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:15

117 views

7 September 2023

Roam free, crash free with Simbini Lifestyle Estate

Location: MyPR

Simbini Lifestyle Estate is not only a unique Investment opportunity bordering Kruger National Park, it also offers an innovative way of ensuring the financial sustainability of the project. Do you dream of owning a place where the irresistible allure of African landscapes merges seamlessly with luxurious modern living? Could there be a place that offers …

7 September 2023

300 occupants share one tap and one toilet in Joburg “dark building”

Location: News

The building’s residents say they need help not eviction

6 September 2023

Facelift for land ports of entry

Location: News

Facelift for land ports of entry

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says officials are committed to making the country's border posts safer, less porous and more efficient in the facilitation and easing of trade, as well as the legitimate movement of people.

“The South African government is committed to putting in the latest infrastructure and relevant technology in its efforts to modernise and upgrade our ports to be on par with the current global best practices on border management,” Motsoaledi said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Motsoaledi said the main objective of upgrading border posts is to make it easier for law-abiding people and companies to easily enter and exit South Africa through the borders, while the illicit movement of persons and goods is nipped in the bud.

“It has taken a while for us to get to this point. I would like to commend my team consisting of officials from the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, The Presidency’s Infrastructure SA, National Treasury, SARS, the DBSA’s Infrastructure Fund, and the transactional advisors, Bowmans and Ernst & Young, for their hard work in getting us to this point,” Motsoaledi said.

He said South Africa’s ports of entry were designed during the apartheid era, with the primary objective of tightened security, while neglecting the effective facilitation of regional and international trade.

“Since the advent of democracy, there has been an exponential increase in the number of people moving between South Africa and the countries in the region. The volume of regional and international trade has similarly increased.

“As a result, our land ports of entry are very congested and that continues to stifle trade, instead of enabling it. If you want to understand what we are talking about, just take a visit to the Lebombo Border Post between SA and Mozambique, where you will see trucks lining up for kilometres, bumper to bumper, for hours on end, on the N4 Corridor,” Motsoaledi said.

He said this is because mining companies in the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga took a decision to use the Maputo Port for their exports and no longer Richards Bay Harbour.

“Given the current narrow design of the port, this has led to congestion. The announcement we are making today will make sure that what is happening there, will become history (sic),” the Minister said.

Improvements to boost continental trade

Motsoaledi said SA has 72 ports of entry, 53 of which are land, 11 are international airports and eight are seaports -- all of which are now operated by the Border Management Authority.

“Of the 53 land ports of entry, we have now earmarked six of our largest and busiest, by traffic volume, for redevelopment in order to address the congestion. The outcome of the redevelopment of these ports of entry will be used as a blueprint in the long-term for all other South Africa’s land ports of entry.

“The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said in order to ensure that ongoing operations at each of the designated Ports of Entry are not interrupted, construction will be undertaken in phases.

“During construction, the project is expected to create in the order of 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry,” he said.

The six ports of entry earmarked for upgrading or redevelopment are:

• Beitbridge - Zimbabwe

• Lebombo - Mozambique

• Maseru Bridge – Lesotho

• Ficksburg - Lesotho

• Kopfontein - Botswana

• Oshoek - Eswatini

The redeveloped ports of entry will result in:

• Efficient cross-border management of the movement of people, goods and services.

• Improved administration of persons entering and leaving the Republic.

• Better regional economic integration, and enhanced support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

• Improved revenue collection and addressing leakages caused by the illegal movement of goods and illicit financial flows.

• Protecting local industry from harmful imports and exports.

• Effective migration management including curbing illegal migration. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:10

405 views

6 September 2023

Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act

Location: News

Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005, to ensure that the different spheres of government work in a joined-up and coordinated manner to secure the well-being of the people of South Africa, among other things.

“In the design of our democratic unitary state, we introduced cooperative governance to ensure that the three spheres of government worked together to meet the needs of the people. Each sphere of government has constitutionally assigned powers and functions that cannot be encroached upon, but need to be mutually respected.

“Chapter 3 of the Constitution requires all spheres of government to cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by, among others, fostering friendly relations and assisting and supporting one another. Importantly, the Constitution says that all spheres of government must secure the well-being of the people of the Republic,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the District Development Model (DDM) is geared towards improving and strengthening the intergovernmental relations system as an approach towards giving effect to the Constitutional principles of cooperative governance.

“The District Development Model approach has made great strides in ensuring that the principles of cooperative governance guide how we plan, budget and implement key government programmes and projects across the country. This is demonstrated through the Presidential Izimbizo and implementation of key catalytic projects identified in intergovernmental long-term One Plans.”

To date, the President said, experiences in the implementation of the DDM have placed greater emphasis on the requirements to undertake a review and re-look at the policy instruments framing and guiding of intergovernmental relations system, and cooperative governance.

Progress in addressing challenges identified at Imbizos

President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the progress made and key service delivery interventions through Izimbizo, and these include road maintenance projects in Mpumalanga, the provision of title deeds in North West, measures to tackle livestock theft in the Free State, and the provision of water in North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

The President said through the Izimbizo government has further identified opportunities for skills development in key economic sectors in districts such as mining and agriculture in North West and Limpopo and energy programmes in Northern Cape.

“Through the information and contribution collected during the various Izimbizo, it has been possible to identify interventions that are required in many localities across the country. The benefit of these engagements therefore extends beyond the communities in which they take place as they are able to improve service provision more generally,” President Ramaphosa said.

He added that the documenting and tracking of key resolutions emanating from the Izimbizo are part of the design of the Izimbizo.

“Quarterly implementation reports indicate that measurable progress is being made in addressing the challenges identified, which are done in an intergovernmental manner. The various intergovernmental platforms established through the Izimbizo protocols are also tasked to address challenges where these occur.

“District Development Model political champions are assigned for each district and metro, and are tasked to provide regular updates not just to the established intergovernmental platforms but also to the respective communities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:01

181 views

4 September 2023

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Location: News

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Rand Water has been hailed for completing Phase 1 of the 150 megalitres a day (ML/d) Station 5A filtration plant on schedule.

The plant, which is one of Rand Water’s flagship projects, will bring assurance to the sustainability of water supply to the Gauteng province and surroundings.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, joined by the Emfuleni Mayor Sipho Radebe, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and Rand Water Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, have commissioned the first part of the mega water project situated at the Zuikerbotch Water Treatment Works outside Vereeniging in the Vaal.

Mchunu said there is a great need to increase infrastructure and to ensure that operation and maintenance are undertaken to existing infrastructure, and that Rand Water is doing exactly that.

The Minister commended Rand Water in its forward thinking and keeping its eye on its mandate.

“Whether it is in terms of actual water supply or the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, Rand Water has continued to ensure that it keeps its eye on the mandate. Those of you doubting our commitment as DWS to infrastructure development, forget it. We're ahead of the curve. It is not a matter of when, but rather where are we today,” Mchunu said.

Rand Water has built the completely new purification plant at the existing Zuikerbosch Plant, referred to as Station 5, in an effort to augment water supply, ensure sustainable water supply, and to meet current and future demands.

The Station 5 plant is divided into two phases (5A and 5B). The completed Phase 1, Station 5A, will produce 150ml/d of potable water, adding to the current available supply by Rand Water to its customers, including Gauteng municipalities, parts of Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, as well as industries.

Upon completion of Phase 2 (Station 5B) at the end of 2024, the plant will add another 450 ML/d, totalling to 600ML/d of water to users.

The purification plant is part of the Rand Water's capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility’s system to ensure water security to the provinces it supplies.

Speaking at the recent ribbon cutting to officially commission Phase 1 of the newly built Section 5A purification plant, Mchunu emphasised the need for new water infrastructure to address current and future demand of water in the province.

He said the commissioning of Station 5A is demonstrative of the department’s seriousness about increasing infrastructure capacity.

Mchunu said while the mandate of the sector was to ensure access to clean drinking water and to manage water resources, “one cannot have access to water without the proper infrastructure”.

Since 2019, the Station 5A project has created 871 job opportunities, providing employment to people with diverse skill levels, ranging from unskilled to semi-skilled, and skilled labourers.

The project has also supported more than 48 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with small work packages from the core activities of the 26 projects.

Vision 2030 infrastructure build programme

Monyokolo said the project is part of Rand Water’s Vision 2030 Infrastructure Build Programme and that they are well within their timelines and in some instances, they are ahead.

“… This additional 150ML/d Station 5A programme ensures that there is more than enough water for all our customers and therefore consumers.

“As a board, we have a full and comprehensive understanding of the importance of infrastructure upgrading and refurbishment to ensure uninterrupted bulk water supply to our customers. As we celebrate the 120th year anniversary of our existence, we recognise and embrace inherent challenges that we continue to turn into opportunities,” Monyokolo said.

Monyokolo also noted some of the challenges faced by the water utility in the implementation of its CAPEX [capital expenditure] projects, which include population growth in its areas of supply, vandalism of infrastructure, encroachment on servitudes, quality of raw water, and non-payment of invoices by customers.

“The porous municipal water reticulation infrastructure also creates a simulated shortage. We are working hard to assist and collaborate with municipalities through the capable leadership of our Minister to mitigate this challenge.”

In February this year, the water utility launched the 210ML/d Vlakfontein Reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni. The reservoir is post-tensioned concrete, the biggest in the world and is part of the Mapleton Booster system augmentation programme. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 13:46

353 views

31 August 2023

Lottery corruption: Limpopo couple’s bid to hold on to their luxury homes

Location: News

I did nothing wrong, says Collins Tshisimba as the Special Investigating Unit moves to freeze two properties

29 August 2023

Plastics SA Celebrates 27Th Year Of Coordinating South Africa’s Participation In International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Location: MyPR

South Africa is not only known for its stunning coastlines but also for its commitment to preserving them. Plastics SA’s annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, which will take place this year from 11-16 September 2023, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating the waste crisis plaguing our beautiful country. “Plastics SA …

23 August 2023

Is Your Web Site on THIS List?

Location: MyPR

Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …

22 August 2023

Mercy Ships and South African Society of Anesthesiologists (SASA) Empower Medical Practitioners through Safer Anesthetics From Education (SAFE) Training Courses in South Africa

Location: News

Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) hosted a three-day training course in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, to teach medical professionals how to administer safer anesthesia during surgeries. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to empower medical professionals in Africa through SAFE (safer anesthetics from education) courses. These courses are designed to enhance skills in obstetric and pediatric anesthesia delivery, and critical complications management during surgeries, resulting in improved safety standards and better healthcare outcomes.

The three-day training in Pietermaritzburg forms part of a broader series of eight specialized courses scheduled to take place throughout the country. These training programs are being conducted collaboratively with the South African Department of Health (DoH), the South African Society of Anesthesiologists (SASA), and Mercy Ships. Participants will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned Mercy Ships anesthetists and SASA instructors, who have a wealth of experience in teaching SAFE courses.

Each of the courses will be conducted over a three-day period and will provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for medical professionals. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, low-tech simulations, discussions, and roleplay to ensure participants gain practical skills and knowledge. The SAFE approach incorporates Mercy Ships' expertise alongside that of local instructors. These instructors undergo a rigorous “train the trainers” program, preparing them to serve as the in-country faculty of the future.

The courses are rooted in time-tested methods and insights gleaned from SAFE courses developed by the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), ensuring the highest standards of training and education for medical professionals.

“As Mercy Ships, we are extremely proud to be a part of this transformative journey providing vital training to medical practitioners and contributing to safer anesthesia practices for the benefit of mothers and children. The support of the SASA and DoH officials has been instrumental in making these courses possible, ensuring the growth of medical capabilities and the overall well-being of patients in the region,” says Brenda van Straten, Director of Mercy Ships, South Africa.

Dr Caroline Corbett, President of SASA adds that the collaboration between the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and Mercy Ships in the delivery of these SAFE courses will have an impact on our communities and our nation well beyond the program delivery itself. “The collective investment and prioritisation of access to and training in safe, quality healthcare for our most vulnerable patients inspires hope and builds towards the sustainability of healthcare resources required for our future. SASA looks forward to many more such initiatives and proudly acknowledges our members who have selflessly contributed their time to enabling these projects through the support of Mercy Ships,” says Dr Corbett. “It is through planting these foundations of education together that we are able to grow stronger, broader healthcare services and delivery.”

“It is a privilege to be part of a team striving towards learning, improving and enhancing skills in Paediatric Anaesthesia. Knowledge changes uncertainty and fear into confident safe practices. Thank you to Mercy Ships, DOH and faculty for your support and commitment to making this course successful,” comments Dr Chantal Rajah, Facilitator of the Pietermaritzburg course.

Over the past two years, Mercy Ships has forged a dynamic partnership with SASA, addressing an urgent need within the country. This collaboration has led to the successful delivery of these courses in South Africa, empowering medical professionals to elevate their skills and bolster patient care.

All the courses are designed to enhance the skills of qualified medical professionals, ensuring safer anesthesia practices for mothers and children. Mercy Ships is fully funding these courses, and participation is offered free of charge to the attendees. Notably, the DoH has generously extended its support to ensure the success of these training programs, demonstrating its dedication to improving medical capabilities and patient safety.

The training in Pietermaritzburg was held from August 18^th to 20^th at Northdale Hospital. The remaining courses scheduled for this year include September 13^th to 15^th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; September 22nd to 24^th SAFE Obs Mbombela, Mpumalanga, and December 1^st to 6^th SAFE Obs and Paeds, East London.

Of note, Mercy Ships successfully conducted three training courses earlier this year, reflecting its steadfast dedication to nurturing medical excellence. These courses included: February 17^th to 19^th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; February 27^th to March 1^st SAFE Obs + Training of the Trainers, Bloemfontein Kopano Nokeng; and July 28^th to 30^th SAFE Obs Limpopo, Polokwane, St Maria's. One of the recent courses took place at Northdale Hospital, KwaZulu Natal, where officials from the DoH, SASA, and Mercy Ships came together to support local medical professionals in their pursuit of excellence.

The ongoing partnership between Mercy Ships, SASA, and the DoH exemplifies a shared commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical capabilities across South Africa. By empowering medical professionals with specialized training, these organizations collectively strive to make a positive impact on anesthesia care ensuring safer procedures for mothers and children throughout South Africa.

For further information about the upcoming courses or to inquire about participation, please visit Mercy Ships' website https://MercyShips.co.za/. Together, we can make a significant difference, accelerating access to surgical care and surgical education and creating a brighter future for communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For More Information Contact:
Brenda van Straten
Director, South Africa, Mercy Ships
Email: info.zaf@mercyships.org
Website: www.MercyShips.co.za

Diane Rickard
International Media Relations Manager
Mercy Ships
Email: international.media@mercyships.org
Press page: https://apo-opa.info/44mzxke

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit MercyShips.co.za and follow @MercyShips on social media.

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18 August 2023

SA records a decrease in murder rate

Location: News

SA records a decrease in murder rate

Police Minister Bheki Cele says while there are still unacceptably high crime levels, violent crime levels are starting to show a decrease.

“We have analysed these recent figures and this Ministry remains persuaded, that the decision to aggressively and strategically confront crime, was the right one,” Cele said at a media briefing to announce the first quarter of the 2023/2024 crime statistics.

He said the statistics give a sober assessment of the state of crime in the country and the progress made by law enforcement to safeguard the nation and its people.

Cele said for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the murder rate had declined in a single quarter.

Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder. This was 196 less people killed compared to the same time last year. Out of the 6 228 people killed during April to June, 1 188 were women and children.

Apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.

The Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murders, while double-digit percentage declines were noted in the Limpopo and North West provinces. Murders for April to June 2023 in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5% respectively.

Apart from the drop in murder counts, notable decreases in other crime categories have also been observed during April to June this year.

These include decreases in sexual offences by 1.9%, trio crimes (car hijackings, house robberies and business robberies) declined by 5.2%.

Meanwhile, property-related crimes decreased by 4.5% and contact related crimes decreased by 1.6%.

Further declines have also been noted in rape and sexual assault counts reported to the police, in the three months of reporting. These crime categories recorded 2.8% and 3.8% decreases respectively.

“All property related crimes such as burglaries residential, burglary non-residential, stock theft, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles recorded significant declines.”

The Minister was pleased with the decline in contact-related crimes, particularly common and street robberies as well as hijackings which declined by 6.4%.

“There were over 1000 less counts of car jackings and robberies at non-residential areas in the three months of reporting. However, it does remain concerning that robberies at people's homes are still stubbornly high.

“We must strengthen policing efforts and work closer with the private security sector and community patrollers to prevent such home invasions where people are meant to be the safest,” Cele said at the briefing held in Pretoria on Friday.

Despite the reduction, police together with society must do more to protect the country’s women and children.

“The crime figures show that the majority of sexual assaults are still taking place between people that are familiar with each other. Sexual assaults are taking place in the homes of victims and perpetrators,” Cele said. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:09

437 views

18 August 2023

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

Location: News

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.

According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.

The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.

Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.

Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.

Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.

“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.

The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.

While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.

“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”

Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.

“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”

Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.

Police killings

However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.

He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.

“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.

“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”

Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.

The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.

“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.

“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30

167 views

16 August 2023

Shack dwellers consider renewable energy to power informal settlements

Location: News

A group of organisations have created successful small projects, but now they want to aim bigger

9 August 2023

National Movement Of Rural Women Commemorates Women’s Day By Recognising Rural Women’s Efforts To Attain Socio-Economic Freedom

Location: MyPR

The National Movement of Rural Women (NMRW) joins members of the South African press and public in celebrating Women’s Day on the 09 August 2023. The National Movement of Rural Women (NMRW) is a social movement that advocates for constitutional concerns of rural women and communities and procures funds for existing community projects to sustain …

8 August 2023

AERO’s #momentstomeltinto campaign is championing sisterhood this Women’s Month

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The Girls Trip, Moments to melt into AERO’s #momentstomeltinto campaign is championing sisterhood this Women’s Month Sisterhood – there is nothing quite like it. You know, your group of friends who would go to war for you. The ones who are there for you through the thick and thin of life. A bond like no …

7 August 2023

We are woefully short of judges

Location: News

The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges

19 July 2023

Yup, SA Still has Schools With Pit Toilets

Location: News

Today the DA will start to conduct a series of oversights to various schools in the provinces that are still forced to use dangerous pit toilets, a decade after the Minimum Norms and Standards were first gazetted. Despite the Department of Basic Education (DBE) launching two programmes to eradicated pit toilets and other unsafe infrastructure …

3 July 2023

Mpumalanga village’s disappearing roads

Location: News

“The municipality must fix these streets because we cannot live like this”