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South Africans have been enjoying the great taste of Laager Rooibos for decades with the far-reaching health benefits of Rooibos tea making it a worldwide favourite. To maximise the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient-enriching properties of Rooibos, 3 Laager Rooibos ambassadors will share healthy, simple Laager Rooibos-infused recipes and dietary tips on the new Laager Visual …
Phaahla reassures healthcare workers things will improve as NHI becomes law
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has urged healthcare workers not to be swayed by fearmongers pushing for emigration from South Africa due to the National Health Insurance (NHI).
“Don’t listen to doomsayers and the scaremongers who are telling you that things are going to collapse and [you] must leave now that the President has [signed the Bill], [and you must] find the first flight [out of the country]. Stay here. Things are going to get better.
“This is our only country. We’re going to make sure that what we have achieved in the last 30 years can only get better and not worse,” Phaahla told medical professionals.
Phaahla was speaking at the signing of the NHI Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
He urged all citizens to collaborate with government and be part of the solutions to achieve a fair, just, and sustainable health system that caters to the health needs of all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
According to the Minister, inequities that characterise South Africa’s health system are unjustifiable and require fundamental overhauling to ensure equity and sustainability.
“Families have faced agonising decisions, having to choose between necessities and necessary medical care.
“This reality does not align with the vision we hold for South Africa, where every citizen should enjoy their life to the fullest potential,” said the Minister.
Phaahla described the signing of the Bill as a historic milestone, which paves the way for government to forge ahead with universal health coverage (UHC).
WATCH |
The Minister is of the view that the law was not just a policy but also a promise.
“This is a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African, affirming that the long wait has indeed been worth it.”
This new law, according to Phaahla, is derived from the National Development Plan (NDP) and will usher in free comprehensive healthcare services at the point of use.
“Thank you very much Mr President for convening us here at the citadel of power [the Union Buildings] in our country after you found the most valued pen in the history of South Africa. I’m sure it’s going to be kept in the museum,” the Minister quipped.
READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President
Phaahla told the attendees that the vision dates as far back as 1942 under the leadership of ANC President Dr AB Xuma.
“Even at that time, they already had an outline of the type of NHI that South Africa must adopt. One of the clauses of the document called for ‘the establishment of free medical and health services for all sections of the population’,” he explained.
He also quoted another clause, which called for a “drastic overhauling of the health services of the country, with an emphasis on preventive medicine”.
“We are happy that after many years of policy discussions and five years of the NHI Bill in Parliament, the National Health Insurance has now reached the starting line,” he said.
Phaahla stated that the department will now begin implementation and create mechanisms for the use of resources available to the NHI Fund to meet the health needs of the population.
“We stand resolute and remain committed to realising a health system that ensures our people enjoy healthy and productive lives, spurred on to achieve their full potential in a more equitable South Africa.”
He believes that the signing of the Bill will add impetus to other efforts to close the inequality gap in the country.
Phaahla stated that with the Bill becoming an Act of Parliament, it would facilitate the establishment of crucial institutional and organisational structures of the NHI Fund, along with its governance arrangements.
“However, it is important for the public to note that the provisions of the NHI Act will be implemented in phases. Our intention has always been to have a rational, structured and phased approach implementation.”
Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know
The Constitution empowers the President to set different dates for the effectiveness of various provisions within the Act.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.
The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.
The President also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 13:18
Creating tomorrow’s content magic, today! This weekend, Sony’s masterclass helped turn emerging talent into content creation wizards. The content creation stars aligned this past Saturday, 11 May 2024, as some of the most respected names in the industry came together for the “Create Now, Create Next” master class in Johannesburg. Hosted by Sony, Converse, and …
Discrimination against women and girls remains widespread in family laws across Africa, finds new research by Equality Now (www.EqualityNow.org). Analysis of twenty African countries reveals gender inequality in marriage, divorce, custody, and property rights is being perpetuated by sex discrimination institutionalized within legal systems and customary laws. While some significant legal reforms have been achieved, progress has been slow, inconsistent, and hampered by setbacks, lack of political will, and weak implementation.
The report, Gender Inequality in Family Laws in Africa: An Overview of Key Trends in Select Countries (http://apo-opa.co/3V0dD4R), identifies how overlap and contradictions in legal frameworks make the interpretation and application of family laws confusing, creating complex challenges for harmonizing legal systems.
The impacts of discriminatory family laws can be profound, putting women and girls at greater risk of sexual and gender-based violence and making them more dependent and vulnerable by curtailing their economic opportunities and reducing their decision-making power.
Full equality in family laws has not been achieved in any of the countries reviewed, namely Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Tunisia.
Pressing need for comprehensive legal reforms
Africa is home to diverse ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups with varied family law structures. Historically, communities developed intricate and deep-rooted systems of customary laws governing family relations. The introduction of European legal systems and religion resulted in a blend of customary, religious, and statutory laws that still shape legislation and practice through legal pluralism.
This complex patchwork is influenced by evolving social dynamics. Civil, customary, and religious law, such as Islamic or Christian canon law, sometimes encroach or conflict, and many provisions in religious and customary laws discriminate against women and girls.
Esther Waweru, report co-author and a Senior Legal Advisor at Equality Now, explains, “Culture and religion frequently act as major impediments in the struggle for family law equality, stalling reforms. Claw-back clauses and retrogressive practices water down the positive impact of progressive laws, and there is backlash from anti-rights movements seeking to reverse hard-won gains in areas such as eliminating child marriage and female genital mutilation.”
“Stagnation is also a problem, with governments pledging to reform discriminatory laws but failing to take meaningful action. In some instances, progressive family codes remain in limbo awaiting enactment.”
Progress on child marriage, but shortfalls remain
Child marriage is one area of notable progress. Absolute bans on marriage under 18 exist in Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, The Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique. However, the persistence of child marriage in certain communities underscores the need for a multi-sectoral approach (http://apo-opa.co/3UFhEKR) incorporating awareness raising about the legal consequences and harms of child marriage.
Concerningly, laws in Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania still allow child marriage, while in Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tunisia, the legal age of marriage is 18, but exceptions are permitted.
Marital rape
Countries need greater protections against gender-based violence, especially intimate partner violence. Marital rape is not prohibited in Algeria, Kenya, Sudan, and The Gambia, while Northern Nigeria's Penal Code allows marital rape and “corrective” assault within marriage.
Marital rape is only criminalized upon separation in Tanzania, and in Burundi, the penalty is under 30 days imprisonment or a fine. Tunisia's law states a wife must fulfill her duties in line with ‘usages and customs,' putting women at risk of marital rape as a wife's traditional role includes pleasing her husband sexually.
Malawi's courts have stated that rape does not extend to marriage. Customary law presumes perpetual consent to sex within marriage, and Malawi's civil law appears to support this by providing only limited circumstances in which a wife can deny her husband sex, such as poor health or when legally separated.
Countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and South Africa can be commended for explicitly criminalizing marital rape. It's imperative that all nations introduce bans, accompanied by awareness-raising campaigns and accessible support services for survivors. Effective legal enforcement is also crucial, as is providing comprehensive training for officials in the criminal justice, healthcare, and social service sectors.
Discriminatory marriage practices
In most African countries, registration of civil marriages is a legal requirement governed by specific laws formalizing marriage. Women in customary and religious marriages are at greater risk of discrimination as they don't have the same legal protection as people in civil marriages. Same-sex partners also experience this, as marriages and civil unions are largely reserved for heterosexual couples.
Polygamy is legally permitted in Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Senegal, and South Sudan, with men allowed four wives in Sudan and Senegal. Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and South Africa have statutory laws for monogamy, but customary and religious laws and practices continue to recognize polygamy without adequate protections for women in polygamous marriages. Other harmful traditional practices, such as widow inheritance and surrogate marriage, treat women as property.
Discrimination in divorce and child custody laws
Countries such as Sudan discriminate by granting husbands more powers to initiate divorce. In Algeria, women can only request a divorce in cases of abandonment, violation of the marriage contract, or if alimony is unpaid. In both Sudan and Egypt, in some no-fault divorces, a woman must pay financial compensation to her ex-husband.
Child custody laws have been reformed in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Mozambique, and Senegal, ensuring guardianship rights for both parents, irrespective of marital status.
Sex discrimination remains in countries like Senegal, where the father is the legal guardian regardless of the mother's caregiving role. In Tunisia and Algeria, fathers retain legal guardianship even if the mother has custody. Algeria and Sudan strip a mother's rights to custody upon remarriage, but this doesn't apply to men.
Matrimonial property and inheritance
Matrimonial property laws is another area that has undergone considerable reforms. Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa have introduced legal provisions for equitable distribution of matrimonial property. In Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, and The Gambia, laws recognize the right of married women to acquire, own, maintain, and dispose of their property.
However, some customary and religious laws undermine women's inheritance rights. In Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tunisia, women and girls receive less inheritance than men and boys.
Women are disadvantaged by cultural biases that influence judicial decisions, with unequal distribution particularly evident in divorce and widowhood. In some countries, wives can be excluded from inheriting their husbands' property. One example is Angola, where customary laws exclude wives from inheriting their deceased husband's property, and widows are sometimes forced from their matrimonial home.
Aligning family laws with international human rights standards
Family laws in Africa must align fully with international human rights standards. Many countries have ratified key treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). However, implementation and enforcement of these treaties remain inconsistent, with discriminatory family laws and policies remaining in statutes and practices.
Waweru concludes, “It's especially concerning that in most countries where national judiciaries and African Union judicial bodies have explicitly called for law reform in their decisions, governments haven't implemented these changes. And even where laws are equitable, enforcement is frequently inadequate and biased against women, and women may not know their legal rights.”
“To safeguard women and girls within family law, it is imperative for all African nations to promptly enact robust legislative and policy frameworks that align with international and regional human rights obligations.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.
Notes to editors
For media requests, please contact
Tara Carey
Global Head of Media
at Tcarey@equalitynow.org
T. +44 (0)7971556340 (WhatsApp)
About Equality Now:
Equality Now is an international non-governmental human rights organization that works to protect and promote the rights of all women and girls around the world by combining grassroots activism with international, regional, and national legal advocacy.
Our international network of lawyers, activists, and supporters achieve legal and systemic change by holding governments responsible for enacting and enforcing laws and policies that end legal inequality, sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation, sexual violence, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
For more information about Equality Now go to www.EqualityNow.org, and follow on X (Twitter) at http://apo-opa.co/3yiYRgN and Linkedin at http://apo-opa.co/3wrGPIT.
About Africa Family Law Network (AFLN):
Gender Inequality in Family Laws in Africa: An Overview of Key Trends in Select Countries is a critical data source informing legal, policy, and practice reforms to end sexism and discrimination in family laws in Africa. It will be used by Equality Now, the Africa Family Law Network (AFLN) (http://apo-opa.co/4bkc0ot), and partners to help facilitate work with the policy and judicial organs of the African Union, particularly the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa to influence change.
AFLN was launched in October 2022 and aims to formulate a regional alliance in Africa amongst national advocates and groups to raise collective action and accelerate organizing and mobilization efforts toward family law reform.
AFLN is led by founding partners Equality Now, The African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) (http://apo-opa.co/3WIinxt), Musawah (http://apo-opa.co/3UZrM2h), and the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) (http://apo-opa.co/4bkz5r2).
AFLN is part of the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law (http://apo-opa.co/4bDdSbF), which calls on all states to ensure equality for women and men under the law in all matters relating to the family, regardless of religion, culture, and tradition.
Cyspera®, a leading skincare brand specialising in pigmentation disorders, is thrilled to announce its impressive success in renowned beauty awards worldwide. The brand’s dedication to addressing diverse skin concerns has been honoured with three prestigious awards: the NewBeauty 2024 Award in the US for Best Cysteamine Treatment and two recognitions at the Daily Vanity Beauty …
Millennials love adventure and exploration and have been dubbed the ‘Wanderlust Generation’. Based on recent research, travel has emerged as one of the top aspirations of this generation, revealing they travel more than any other age group. Rather than traditional investments such as buying a home, millennials value holidays more, which also helps to achieve …
“We used to have ticket books, but they were stolen” says a traffic officer in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape
KZN welcomes delegates to Africa’s Travel Indaba
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has welcomed delegates participating in the Africa's Travel Indaba, which is currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini.
Taking place from 13 - 16 May 2024, Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for the country’s vast array of African leisure tourism products.
Welcoming the delegates at the official opening of Africa's Travel Indaba on Tuesday, Dube-Ncube said the trade show provides the ideal platform for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism services partners.
“It is the most formidable platform on the continent for you to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world, and to gain access to Africa’s excellence and its endless possibilities. These are the business opportunities and quality connections that will shape Africa’s tomorrow,” Dube-Ncube said.
READ | KZN tourism entrepreneurs set to showcase province’s rich culture at Indaba
The Premier noted that this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba takes place at a time when South Africa is celebrating 30 years since the dawn of democracy, which ushered in a new era and assured our standing in the family of other nations.
“This milestone makes all of us gush with pride as South Africans when we consider the journey that we have travelled in moulding the country of our dreams. Today, we speak of a tourism industry that can hold its own at a global level because of our country's achievements,” Dube-Ncube said.
IMAGES | 2024 Africa's Travel Indaba
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As the tourism industry shows green shoots globally, she said one of the key sub-sectors the province wants to aggressively focus on is Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE).
MICE make up a big part of global business travel since every industry has regular events of some kind. The main goal is always to bring professionals together, foster connections, promote new ideas, and push growth.
“As a province, we will be at the forefront of ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal gets the lion’s share of the tourism market. As we all know, one of the biggest trends in the tourism environment is the blending of leisure tourism and business, known as 'Bleisure Travel' [blending of business and leisure travel].
“We would like to thank all of you for your continued support of Africa’s Travel Indaba. Indeed, Africa has limitless possibilities, and we must seize the opportunity to ensure that Africa’s time is now,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:28
Sandton, Johannesburg – 9 May 2024: The prestigious @Sandton Hotel celebrates a remarkable milestone – two years of leadership marked by innovation, resilience, and exceptional hospitality. In the wake of a global pandemic, General Manager, Anthony Batistich, spearheaded the hotel’s journey, steering it towards unparalleled success in the heart of Sandton. Two years ago, Anthony …
A limited docuseries that uncovers a doomed expedition through the Amazon led by a charismatic guide with unclear motives, Expedition from Hell: The Lost Tapes premieres on Wednesday, 22 May at 20:00 CAT on Discovery Africa. The series unfolds a stranger-than-fiction story of Mickey Grosman, a former special forces demolitions expert who took a group …
Africa’s two leading providers in the shared workspace industry, KOFISI and Workshop17, have announced a strategic partnership to provide a wider range of services and locations across Africa. The demand for shared workspace continues to grow faster in Africa than the rest of the world – fueled by the growth in the working age population …
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores 10 tips on how to deal with burnout at work. “Burnout at work is a common phenomenon with South Africa particularly known for its workaholic mentality,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “High demands, tight deadlines, and long hours – all while juggling family …
The annual Grade 11 Male learners event for boys from various high schools in Gqeberha took place in the Hellenic Hall, Gqeberha on Tuesday 14 May 2024. Title sponsor, Vodacom, ensured that the learners with Vodacom phones all received 1 Gig of data to make their participation in a fun online event easier on the …
Guidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters
The Information Regulator (South Africa) has launched a guidance note to guide how political parties and independent candidates use the personal information of voters for campaigning purposes in the run-up to the National and Provincial Elections.
The Guidance Note addresses aspects such as the responsibilities of political parties and independent candidates as responsible parties in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
“This is done by aligning each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information to the circumstances of political parties and independent candidates as they campaign for elections.
"The Guidance Note indicates what would be expected of political parties and independent candidates with regard to the protection of personal information of the voters, in accordance with each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information,” the Regulator said on Tuesday.
The Guidance Note states that if political parties and independent candidates want to use personal information of voters for campaign purposes, they must collect such personal information from the voters directly and not from data brokers or lead generators and use it for campaign purposes only.
It also prohibits the supply of personal information that has been collected for campaigning purposes to third parties without the consent of a voter.
“With the new Guidance Note, the Regulator seeks to ensure that both political parties, independent candidates and the public are fully informed and enabled to take the necessary action to protect the personal information of voters during elections.
"It will also minimise the risks to the free flow of accurate information that is crucial for informed participation in the electoral process,” the Regulator said.
The new guidance note is an update to the Guidance Note issued by the Regulator in the run-up to the local government elections in 2019.
The new Guidance Note is based on recent developments in the electoral process following changes in electoral law (allowing for independent candidates to stand and campaign for elections), the increasing instances of security compromise to personal information in various segments of the economy and society and increasing risks to the electoral process due to misinformation and disinformation.
Solicitation of donations
The Guidance Note also addresses the issue of solicitation of donations by political parties and independent candidates through direct marketing.
According to the Guidance Note, campaigning for votes does not constitute the promotion of any services and does not fall within the definition of direct marketing in POPIA.
“However, the act of requesting for donations by a political party or independent candidate is subject to the regulation of direct marketing in terms of POPIA and therefore, in this respect, political parties and independent candidates have to comply with the provisions of POPIA in relation to direct marketing,” the Regulator said.
Misinformation and disinformation
The Guidance Note regards misinformation and disinformation as a violation of the right of access to accurate and reliable information and also violates the right to privacy of a person whose image and/or voice of is used without their consent to spread fake messages through generative artificial intelligence.
“It therefore requires political parties and independent candidates to play their role in fighting misinformation and disinformation by developing and implementing policies and action plans to mitigate against misinformation and disinformation.
“The Guidance Note requires political parties and independent candidates to investigate instances of misinformation and disinformation by their campaigns and take disciplinary action against their staff that engage in these practices,” the Regulator said.
It also calls on the Independent Electoral Commission to issue a code of conduct to address misinformation and disinformation in digital in digital platforms to promote free, fair and orderly elections in terms of section 99(2) of the Electoral Act. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:27
Thembisa Man Drives Away In Brand New VW Golf After Winning The ‘PowerPlay Win A Golf R’ Competition Thembisa – Vusani Mulaudzi, 32, a Thembisa local, was the ecstatic winner of the custom PowerPlay VW Golf R, valued at R1,200,000. A very delighted Vusani received his prize at a ceremony in Thembisa. “I just …
400 Junior Border Guards to be deployed to country's ports of entry
The Border Management Authority (BMA) will on Thursday host a pass out parade for 400 new recruits who have completed their training at the South African Police Training College in Pretoria West.
The Junior Border Guards are to be deployed at the various ports of entry throughout the country.
They will be officially assigned as law enforcement officers with the responsibility to arrest and deport illegal migrants across all ports of entry.
“This important event comes during South Africa’s 30 years of democracy following years of struggle to curb illegal movement at ports of entry and along the borderline. In the backdrop of an ever-challenging border environment, these border guards are expected to stand firm, protecting the country’s borders with vigilance and valour,” said the BMA in a statement.
It said being a border guard in South Africa requires one to “have unwavering dedication to the nation, displaying commitment by being patriotic and having an indomitable spirit of rejecting negative persuasion”.
“Our nation's borders are complex and therefore require discipline and courage to carry out the border management mandate. In other settings, daily you are faced with illegal migrants attempting to enter the country or smuggle illegal goods in or out of South Africa,” the BMA said.
Commissioner of Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, said: “On the day, the nation will witness the culmination of the physical and mental training, with displays expected to be done on the ground during the event.
“We will celebrate not only their achievements but also reaffirm our steadfast support to the border guards. They are to be officially adorned not just as defenders of borders; they are the guardians of our freedom, the sentinels of our sovereignty.”
More than 100 border management response vehicles will also be displayed at the passing out parade.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the Border Management Authority in Musina last year
At the time, he said the authority will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination.
The Border Management Authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:44
Inquests re-opened into Luthuli, Mxenge and Mantyi apartheid era deaths
Inquests into the deaths of prominent anti-apartheid activists Chief Albert Luthuli and Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge and civic leader Booi Mantyi have been re-opened by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, on recommendations from the National Prosecuting Authority.
“With these inquests, we open very real wounds which are more difficult to open 30 years into our democracy, but none the less, the interest of justice can never be bound by time the truth must prevail,” said the Minister.
Regarding Luthuli, who was also Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the department said official reports found that he was struck down by a train “but the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear to this day”.
An inquest was held in September 1967 and an apartheid era court found that he had died following a fracture to the skull but that the “evidence did not disclose any criminal culpability on the part of South African Railways and anyone else”.
“As a result of representations made to the National Director of Public Prosecutions which brought to the fore that in 1967, the inquest did not consider certain mathematical and scientific principles. This mathematical and scientific report reveal that it is highly unlikely that Chief Luthuli was struck by a train and died because of that.
“Considering this information, amongst others, and the investigation done by the Truth and Reconciliation Unit of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, Minister Lamola accepts and agrees that it is necessary and in the interest of justice to approach the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa in the KwaZulu-Natal Division to re-open the inquest into the death of Chief Albert Luthuli,” the department said.
Griffiths Mxenge
The anti-Apartheid activist and civil rights lawyer Mxenge died in 1981 and his body – with some 45 lacerations – was found at a sports field in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
Two years later, an inquest into the death was opened which, according to the department, “failed to identify the perpetrators, despite clear signs of foul play, including evidence of surveillance on Mr. Mxenge’s office and the poisoning of his dogs”.
“A thorough investigation was not done into the death of Mr. Mxenge. The Harms Commission and Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed that orders to kill Mr. Mxenge came from Vlakplaas head Dirk Coetzee. Dirk Coetzee and his accomplices Nofomela, and Tshikalanga were granted amnesty for the murder of Mxenge.
“There is new evidence that certain critical information was not presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the initial inquest, although the perpetrators were clearly identified. Minister Lamola accepts that it is necessary and in the interest of justice to approach the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa in the KwaZulu-Natal Division to re-open the inquest into the death of Mr Mxenge,” the department said.
Booi Mantyi
Mantyi was killed on 16 June 1985 during an alleged altercation with Apartheid era police at De Aar in the Northern Cape.
That same year, an inquest was held into Mantyi’s death with the outcome finding no one responsible.
The department explained that a fresh investigation “has revealed that an eyewitness who has not previously testified has been identified”.
“Considering the above, Minister Lamola is of the view that it is necessary and in the interests of justice to request the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division to re-open an inquest into the death of Mr Booi Mantyi,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:39
Celebrating excellence in African real estate, including South Africa: enter now! Johannesburg, 13 May 2024 – The 8th annual African Property Investment Awards (API Awards) are now open for entries. This prestigious platform recognises excellence in the African real estate industry. This year, for the first time, the #APIawards will be open to entries from …
All systems go for elections
The Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says it's all systems go for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
South Africans will go to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May, to elect the leadership of the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.
In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. There are 27.79 million registered voters.
Moreover, out-of-country voting is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024. More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024.
“In these elections, voters will receive three ballot papers: the national compensatory ballot for political parties, provincial and regional for parties and independent candidates,” Mamabolo said on Tuesday.
WATCH | Three ballots explained
Addressing media in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the General Elections, Mamabolo reminded voters to make only one mark against a party or candidate of their choice.
“One ballot, one mark,” he said.
Mamabolo said lease agreements for 23 303 permanent voting stations have been signed and concluded.
“Of these, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of 28% include all other categories, such as community halls and other municipal facilities.”
Mamabolo said the IEC is in the final stages of training 202 500 voting officials, who will discharge the responsibility of administering the electoral process in the voting stations.
“The addition of a new category of staff to assist the presiding officer with the counting effort is another significant step towards improving the quality of counting.”
According to Mamabolo, three such staff will be appointed for each voting station and for each sub-station where a voting centre is being operated.
“To this end, a total of 191 185 staff have been appointed,” he said.
WATCH | Full IEC briefing
Results Operations Centre
As part of final preparations, Mamabolo said the Commission will launch the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.
“The national ROC will be based at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. It will house Commission members, as well as representatives of key service providers such as Eskom and Parliament, representatives of contestants running in the national elections, domestic and international observer missions, and media organisations.
“The Commission is pleased to share that a record 160 organisations, with 5 000 observers domestically and from around the world, will be observing South Africa’s 2024 General Elections,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo explained that about 15 of the observer organisations are international and include the African Union, the Carter Centre’s Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Making voting easier
With regards to measures put in place for people with disabilities, Mamabolo said the Commission has implemented measures to make the voting process more accessible to all South Africans, regardless of physical abilities.
“Voting officials will assist voters who require assistance on voting day. Working with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), we have developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template (UBT), to increase the chances of them confidently and confidentially exercising their right to vote,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo has also reminded the voters to vote where they are registered.
“It is therefore appropriate that, ahead of the elections, we remind voters of the general rule in elections that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the Commission.
“Notifications in this regard will close this Friday, 17 May. As of today, approximately 199 092 notifications had been approved,” Mamabolo said.
The Commission also called on registered voters to check their voting station ahead of election day.
According to the Commission, a number of channels are available to assist voters with checking their registration, including:
“We call on South Africans both abroad and here at home to come out in numbers and excise their democratic rights.
“We further continue our call to citizens, media members and political party leaders to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all.
“The Electoral Commission, for its part, commits to declaring an election outcome based on South African voters' choices,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the counting of votes will take place at each voting station in the presence of political party agents and observers.
“There will be a result slip at the conclusion of the count which will be displayed at that voting station. All interested are allowed to capture a photo of that official result of that voting station, with their gadgets,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 13:29
The Human Rights Commission has recommended that child malnutrition in the province be declared a disaster
The majority of people who rent residential accommodation do so for financial reasons with nearly half admitting they can’t afford to buy a property, according to credit bureau TPN’s latest Tenant Survey. The annual Tenant Survey Report provides the property sector, including property owners and managers, with insights into tenants’ needs, wants, aspirations, and challenges, …
Park Lines BMX Tournament rolls into Gold Reef City for the 2024 BMX Freestyle South African Champs. Johannesburg, South Africa, 9 May 2024 – A new style of ride, the Park Lines BMX Tournament – official 2024 South African BMX Freestyle Championships, is coming to the iconic Gold Reef City Theme Park on 2 June. It is …
The South African economy can be significantly boosted, and the growth of start-ups and the private sector – through businesses big and small – that create vital jobs, catalysed through two regulatory reforms: lifting exchange controls on the offshore transfer of intellectual property and introducing tax incentives for investors in start-ups.
“Our research shows that changes to the Exchange Control Regulations relating to the offshore transfer of intellectual property and offshore movement of money could create a net benefit to the South Africa economy of R426 billion over the next five years. In addition, SARS could collect a net increase of R315 billion in tax revenue over the same period. These reforms would not compromise attempts to comply with the Financial Action Task Force standards,” Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, explained.
She continued, “Similarly, improving tax incentives for investors to encourage early-stage start-up enterprises could result in R927 million in total investment raised by the country's venture capital industry over the next five years. This would result in an additional 79 start-ups, creating 1 840 jobs with total after-tax salaries generated amounting to R890 million.”
These reforms will also allow South Africa to remain competitive against other global destinations, including competitors on the African continent like Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.
In 2023, the South African Start-up Act Movement conducted a survey of 52 start-up founders who had moved part or all of their business offshore. Of the respondents, 42 (81%) reported that they had moved their businesses offshore to raise capital from international investors whose main concern was South Africa's exchange controls. Views from start-ups consulted all confirmed that investors are increasingly refusing to invest in South African-domiciled companies due to restrictions on the offshore movement of IP.
The WCG is determined to make it as easy as possible for the private sector to do business and create jobs in the province.
This objective lies at the very core of the WCG's bold new economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs' or G4J, which aims to enable a R1 trillion jobs-rich and inclusive economy, that is growing between 4% and 6% in real terms by 2035.
“The introduction of these reforms is a no-brainer. With current anaemic GDP growth rates, it is our responsibility as government to explore and introduce measures that boost growth so that we can help enable the creation of jobs in South Africa. Our comprehensive proposals, that we have shared with Minister Godongwana, the South African Reserve Bank and the South African Revenue Service, offer a relatively easy path towards achieving rapid growth and expansion in the start-ups sector, aiding South Africa's economic recovery in the short and long term” Minister Wenger concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.