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More tributes for former Judge Heath
More tributes for former Judge Heath
Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, has expressed condolences to the family and friends of former Judge Willem Heath, following his death this week.
Heath served as the first head of the corruption busting unit. The SIU's foundation can be traced back to 1995 when former Judge Heath led the Heath Commission of Inquiry. The commission’s groundbreaking work revealed a critical gap in law enforcement, highlighting the need for a permanent body to address fraud, corruption, and maladministration - a role the SIU continues to fulfil today.
Under Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements. His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard State resources, solidifying the SIU's role as a guardian of the public purse.
Heath began his career as a prosecutor before establishing a successful private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal field. Appointed by former President Nelson Mandela in 1995, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), one of the country’s foremost corruption-fighting agencies.
Under his stewardship, the SIU undertook critical investigations that set new benchmarks for public sector accountability, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed.
“Former Judge Heath’s unwavering dedication to eradicating corruption and upholding the rule of law has left an indelible mark on our nation’s judiciary and public life.
“As the SIU, we will carry forward Judge Heath’s legacy and values and pledge to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability that the late judge championed throughout his career. His wisdom, fairness, and steadfast commitment to justice will be deeply missed by the members of the SIU, the legal fraternity, and the entire country,” Mothibi said.
The unit paid homage to Heath as a “pivotal figure in the fight against corruption” and for laying the foundation for the formation of the SIU.
“Former Judge Heath, often referred to as ‘the people’s judge’, was approached by former President Nelson Mandela and the then-Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, to assist the Department of Justice and the Office of the State Law Advisor in drafting the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act. He subsequently became the inaugural head of the SIU.
“Under former Judge Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements.
“His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard state resources, solidifying the SIU's role as a guardian of the public purse,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:51
120 views
Macpherson welcomes appointment of DDG Lwazi Mahlangu
Macpherson welcomes appointment of DDG Lwazi Mahlangu
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson has welcomed Cabinet’s appointment of Lwazi Mahlangu as the Deputy Director-General for Governance, Risk and Compliance within the department.
The appointment follows the Ministers intention to fill critical vacancies within the department which has seen acting officials for a number of years.
“Mr Mahlangu’s appointment will go a long way to bring leadership and stability to a critical division within the department as we work to build a strong foundation to end corruption and improve service delivery,” Macpherson said on Thursday.
This as Mahlangu’s appointment was announced at a post Cabinet media briefing addressed by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday.
“Mr Mahlangu brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served in it in an acting capacity, and over the years he has earned the respect of public officials.
“Together with other actions we are taking in the department such as the readvertisement of Deputy Director-General positions and the reform of the Human Resources Department, I believe that we are building a professional public service within the department,” he said.
Within 100 days in office, Minister Macpherson has taken decisive action to stabilise the public service within the department having appointed Carmen-Joy Abrahams as Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services to addresses concerns about irregular practices.
Abrahams has also been asked to complete a skills audit of all those in the Senior Management Service of the department to ensure it has the skills necessary to fill full its mandate.
Following the closure of applications for further senior positions, Minister Macpherson said the department will move with speed to conduct interviews and take those outcomes to Cabinet.
“There is truly a new energy within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to take action to stabilise the department and improve service delivery.
“We will build on this momentum to implement meaningful reforms within the department to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for public good. Let us build South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:05
44 views
Call for calm following deaths of children in Soweto
Call for calm following deaths of children in Soweto
Gauteng MEC of Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, has called for calm in Naledi, Soweto, following reports of angry community members looting, destroying and shutting down foreign owned shops in the area.
This after the death of at least five children allegedly after they ate food from a local spaza shop.
“I will visit the affected areas this coming weekend to interact with spaza shop owners and informal traders.
“We don't want lawlessness in Gauteng and people should not take the law into their own hands. We will intensify the Qondis' Ishishini Lakho – Fix Your Business campaign, as a powerful instrument to crack down on non-complaint businesses across the province, especially in townships,” Maile said.
Commenting on the same incident, the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs (GOCA) expressed concern regarding the quality of food sold at spaza shops in the townships.
Last month, the Gauteng Health Department revealed that some 207 incidents of food poisoning affecting children had been reported since February this year – resulting in the deaths of at least 10 children.
“GOCA…expresses concern about the sale of sub-standard foodstuff in our communities as they put the health and lives of consumers at risk. It is for this reason that the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, of which GOCA is a unit, launched the Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho — Fix Your Business compliance campaign in Thembisa last month, to encourage businesses to comply with consumer laws and regulations.
“This ongoing multi-stakeholder compliance campaign ensures that all possible areas of non-compliance are monitored. Compliance notices are issued, and fines are levied against businesses that are found to be violating consumer laws and health regulations,” GOCA said in a statement.
The entity said it visited the area on Tuesday following the tragedy.
“While some shops in the neighbourhood have since been shut down by the community, the cause of death is yet to be established, and an investigation is currently underway. GOCA pleads for calm and urges the community to allow the investigation to take its course,” the statement read.
GOCA urged community members to report safety issues they may have in regard to food sold in their areas.
“If consumers suspect that the food they consumed was not in a condition to be sold or consumed, they should report the matter to environmental health practitioners [Municipal Health Services] at their nearest municipality for food testing.
“The matter should also be escalated to the GOCA so that compliance monitoring inspections can be conducted in that area, in collaboration with law enforcement and the National Consumer Commission [NCC] to proactively investigate the matters and penalise those who contravene consumer protection laws.
“The CPA is clear that suppliers are liable for harm caused to consumers by supplying unsafe or defective foodstuffs. Suppliers must provide food of good quality, that is in good condition and free from any defects. Consumers should demand quality by returning to the supplier goods or foodstuff if there are defects, to avoid health risks,” GOCA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 10:22
22 views
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has reflected on the work done in his department since coming into office 100 days ago.
The Minister’s focus has been on building a firm foundation in order to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good.
Macpherson was appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure on 3 July 2024.
Measures the Minister has implemented over the past three months include:
- Reforming and strengthening the role of Infrastructure South Africa to become a single point of entry for all priority infrastructure projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget.
- Meeting with a large number of financial institutions, technical advisory and construction specialists to drive new interest in the country’s construction book.
- Tackling maladministration and corruption head-on by launching investigations into failed public sector construction projects, such as the nearly R1 billion that was spent on the Telkom Building projects in Tshwane.
- Working with municipalities such as Tshwane, eThekwini and Cape Town to establish technical task teams between the cities and the department to address problem State-owned buildings, and to work together to use State assets for the public good.
- Finalising two orders in Cape Town to remove people who have invaded State-owned properties at the Castle of Good Hope and the Waterloo properties to ensure the properties are used for the public good.
- Tackling the construction mafia by organising an urgent summit in KwaZulu-Natal to develop a comprehensive response to the construction mafia with Ministers in the law enforcement cluster, and Public Works Members of the Executive Council (MECs) across the country.
- Improving oversight of property management by moving the Prestige Unit, which was responsible for the Nkandla scandal, back to Director General’s office, and removing the ability of officials to spend up to R20 million without Accounting Officer approval.
The Minister said while a lot of progress has been made to bring stability to the department, these efforts need to be accelerated to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good in order to grow the economy and create jobs.
“South Africans urgently need to start seeing the fruits of our interventions. I applaud the government officials and stakeholders in both the public and private sector, who have worked tirelessly with me over the past three months. There is truly a new energy within the department to deliver on our mandate.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we need to expedite our efforts to ensure that we get shovels into the ground, so that communities across the country can see the fruits of our work in practice.
“In the weeks and months to come, there will continue to be difficult decisions we have to make, but the choices we make today will be to our advantage in the future,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:00
282 views
North West Provincial Government records improved audit outcomes
North West Provincial Government records improved audit outcomes
The North West Provincial Government says it is on a promising trajectory concerning its audit outcomes compared to previous financial years.
According to the provincial government, this was revealed by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGA), Tsakani Maluleke, in a meeting with North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi held in Klerksdorp, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, recently.
“The 2023/24 audit cycle, which ended on 31 March 2024, indicates that nine departments received unqualified audit outcomes, with two receiving clean audits.
“Only one department received a qualified audit opinion, with reduced qualification paragraphs,” a statement from the provincial government read.
Mokgosi is of the view that these outcomes signify a turning point on the province’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, accountability, transparency and responsiveness.
READ | North West Premier welcomes improved audit outcomes
He maintained that only a well-run government, which prioritises good governance practices has the potential to unlock various investment opportunities for the province.
“We will not be able to lure investments and address challenges of unemployment if we don’t focus our energies on ensuring that we prioritise clean governance,” said Mokgosi.
With the North West extended unemployment rate hovering at around 55%, as per the Labour Survey Report of the Second Quarter, the Premier believes that part of addressing the scourge of joblessness is a functional government that can respond to the needs of the people.
“The audit outcomes serve as a glimmer of hope that we are on the correct developmental trajectory to address challenges confronting the province and create various socio-economic opportunities for our people,” Mokgosi said.
He said the progress that has been made gives credence to the work that has been carried out in rooting out challenges that led to the implementation of Section 100 of the Constitution by the national government a few years ago.
In terms of Section 100 of the Constitution, national intervention in a provincial administration may take place when a province cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution.
In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the national government to invoke Section 100 in the North West. The intervention was subsequently withdrawn in March 2022.
Mokgosi has extended his gratitude to the oversight role played by the Provincial Legislature, led by Speaker Desbo Mohono, who facilitated the discussion; the Chief Whip of the majority party, Motlalepula Rosho, and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), Smuts Matshe.
According to the Premier’s Office, the team made valuable contributions to how the province can improve on the concerns raised by the AG. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:08
414 views
CPA Amendment Bill signed into law
CPA Amendment Bill signed into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented the Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill which amends the Communal Property Associations Act of 1996.
According to the Presidency, the amendments seek to provide improved protection of the rights of communities who are part of communal property associations and to bring clarity on the objective of Communal Property Associations (CPAs).
“The new law also provides for general plans for land administered by associations, for the establishment of a Communal Property Associations Office, and for the appointment of a Registrar of Communal Property Associations,” the Presidency said.
Furthermore, the CPA Act is applicable to “communities who acquired property through restitution by court order, in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No 22 of 1994), or any law, provided that such communities form associations in accordance with the Act”.
“The law makes it clear that land will be owned by residents who are members of associations, and not by the associations themselves.
“As amended, the Act seeks to overcome challenges experienced by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in implementing the Act over the years.
“Challenges have included the abuse of power by persons elected to serve in committees of associations; the lack of authority of the state to intervene in affairs relating to communal property; and the department’s limited monitoring and oversight of associations due to a lack of capacity,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:07
10 views
Mantashe Slams “Foreign-Funded” Activists
Protests held against fossil-fuel industry in Cape Town and Johannesburg
KZN Finance recommits to improved financial governance
KZN Finance recommits to improved financial governance
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, has re-affirmed the Provincial Treasury’s mission to ensure improved financial governance despite financial constraints facing the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
Rodgers joined KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli and other MECs at a media briefing held in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, to present a progress report on the seventh administration’s first 100 days in office under the GPU.
“Over the past four financial years, the [National] Treasury cut our equitable share by R66 billion, [and] over the next three years, a further R12 billion is expected to be cut. This is due to a number of factors, including the performance of the economy,” Rodgers said.
The MEC said a plan including several cost-containment measures has been put in place but added that this will not neglect the poorest of the poor.
“Our priority remains being a capable and ethical state that looks after our most vulnerable citizens,” Rodgers said.
Ntuli revealed that the provincial GPU had inherited a debt to service providers amounting to R10 billion, and this will require an average of R150 million budget cuts over the next seven years, starting from 2025/2026 financial year to have a positive cash flow.
However, Ntuli reiterated the GPU’s commitment to upholding service delivery priorities, despite financial limitations currently facing the province.
“The KZN Provincial Government has limited financial resources, meaning that we will not do everything that was promised within the anticipated timeframe. However, we will ensure that we improve integration at planning and implementation so that we use resource in a smart way.
“It is our commitment to implement revenue enhancement, wherein all departments should look at ways of improving their own revenue raising and collections, as this will increase the funds available for priority service delivery programmes,” the Premier said.
Rodgers will in the coming days, deliver his own first 100 days in office report, which will unpack further details on the state of province’s finances, as well as strategies and plans going forward on the part of Treasury.
The MEC has recommitted to ensuring that the four key spending areas, including job creation, building a sustainable economy, service delivery, and alleviating inequality and poverty, remain non-negotiable priorities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:06
91 views
Ramaphosa Signs Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill Into Law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislative amendments that seek to provide improved protection of the rights of communities who are part of communal property associations.
President Ramaphosa has assented to the Communal Property Associations Amendment Bill which amends the Communal Property Associations Act of 1996 to provide for clarity on the objective of Communal Property Associations (CPAs).
The new law also provides for general plans for land administered by associations, for the establishment of a Communal Property Associations Office, and for the appointment of a Registrar of Communal Property Associations.
The Communal Property Associations Act applies to communities who acquired property through restitution by court order, in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No 22 of 1994), or any law, provided that such communities form associations in accordance with the Act.
The law makes it clear that land will be owned by residents who are members of associations, and not by the associations themselves.
As amended, the Act seeks to overcome challenges experienced by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in implementing the Act over the years.
Challenges have included the abuse of power by persons elected to serve in committees of associations; the lack of authority of the state to intervene in affairs relating to communal property; and the department's limited monitoring and oversight of associations due to a lack of capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President condemns killing of Eastern Cape community patrollers
President condemns killing of Eastern Cape community patrollers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic killing of six community patrollers in Tina Falls/Godini near Qumbu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday night.
The patrollers were reportedly preparing for duty at their base at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when attackers struck with an assortment of firearms.
In addition to the six fatalities, four other patrollers were injured in the attack.
The President offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
He condemned the violence, describing it as a grave loss to the community and an assault on the efforts of ordinary citizens to maintain safety in their area.
“Our thoughts are with the families of these community members who died in the course of playing their part to keep their area safe. Following so soon after an equally tragic shooting at Lusikisiki, this new incident saddens and outrages us,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.
Last month, in the same province, 18 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Ngobozana village, in Lusikisiki. In that tragedy, the President assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
READ | Condolences for Lusikisiki mass shooting victims’ families
In his statement on Tuesday, the President vowed that justice would be served, warning that criminals, along with anyone who sheltered or protected them, would face the full might of the law.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with communities to ensure safety in homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
“However, it should also add to our resolve to stop criminals from terrorising communities in the mistaken belief that they’re untouchable. They will be brought to justice alongside anyone who harbours such criminals and does not report information to the authorities.
“Government will continue to work with communities to ensure our homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces are safe and that criminals know they will pay for their deeds.”
The President welcomed the progress made in the investigation into the incident by the police, which has reportedly yielded a positive lead in the case.
Police update
This as the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said he was confident that police were following a positive lead in apprehending suspects linked to the killing of the six community patrollers.
Masemola visited the crime scene on Monday.
In a statement, the police said a team of specialised detectives from the district office of the SAPS in Mthatha, were hot on the heels of the suspects wanted in connection with the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing, and arrests are imminent in this regard; as the detective leads are pointing at ongoing stock theft related matters between the affected village and other neighbouring villages,” said Masemola.
With regards to last month’s killing of 18 family members, police said investigations “are at an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 18 family members and relatives in Lusikisiki last week”.
A multi-disciplinary team and detectives from specialised operational environments has been on the ground, since last week and significant progress has been made.
“To date, the joint provincial and national teams are working around the clock to apprehend the wanted suspects and to maintain law and order in the affected areas.” -SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 09:47
20 views
Phola Residents Say Mining Has Brought Misery Not Benefits
Community members protested at coal mining offices of Seriti over damage to homes from blasting
Durban Residents Without Water for Eight Years Picket at City Hall
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SA to host Conference of Ombuds Institutions for Armed Forces
SA to host Conference of Ombuds Institutions for Armed Forces
South Africa is set to host the Seventieth International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (17ICOAF) conference next year.
South African Military Ombud Lieutenant General (Retired) Vusumuzi Masondo said the ICOAF gathers representatives of ombuds institutions for the armed forces from around the world, which exist in various names and models.
To date, representatives of ombuds institutions of over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative.
This as Masondo and a delegation attended the 16ICOAF which took place in Berlin, Germany, from 30 September to 02 October.
The Military Ombud addressed the conference on how ombuds institutions can uphold and enhance the various systems of care and support for veterans, especially focusing on supporting veterans with physical and mental health concerns.
Masondo shared with his peers that veterans who served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since 1994 have access to the necessary physical and mental health care they may require.
However, the Office has identified that a great number of military veterans who fought for South Africa’s liberation are excluded from the mandate in law and have little if not limited physical and mental health care support.
“A lesson for us involved in furthering the democratic order would be to remember to include all soldiers involved in such a struggle in future veterans’ dispensations. I found it serving the purpose of the Office to forge strong and reliable relations with stakeholders impacting veterans' health,” said Masondo.
In sharing best practices and experiences, Masondo presented several case studies the Office dealt with regarding military veterans’ benefits.
In one case, the fund administrator decided to terminate the membership of a veteran because he failed to pay subscription fees. The member only learned about the membership termination after a claim he submitted was rejected by the fund administrators.
The member approached the Office to complain, and the Office assumed jurisdiction on the matter.
Upon investigation, the Office ascertained that prior communication by the fund did not reach the complainant, as he had changed cell phone numbers and no trace of informing the complainant was found.
The fund ultimately reinstated his membership and reimbursed him.
Masondo mentioned that the Office reaches out to veterans through the Outreach Programme that helps the Office to note the increase in complaints trends from veterans relating to health services post their careers as soldiers.
The objectives of the 16ICOAF were to raise awareness, facilitate and foster peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and best practices. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:33
83 views
Proteas Women Lose Final T20 Warm-up Against India
DUBAI: Ayabonga Khaka enjoyed a good day in the office with an impressive return of five for 25 before the Proteas...
Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results
Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results
The Department of Employment and Labour’s joint blitz inspections and raids have yielded significant results, with the department enforcing monetary corrections totalling over R10 million and arresting 81 non-documented workers.
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, held a media briefing today to update on the department’s joint blitz inspections and compliance raids.
WATCH |
In a decisive move to uphold employment standards, Meth announced that since assuming office in July 2024, her department has ramped up nationwide inspections targeting non-compliant employers.
Collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector and law enforcement, the high impact blitz inspections focus on ensuring that workplaces adhere to key labour laws and safeguard workers’ rights.
“Our inspections have revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures. To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees,” the Minister said.
Meth emphasised that the department approaches enforcement with a balance of firmness and fairness.
“Employers found in violation are issued compliance orders with clear deadlines for corrective action. In situations where immediate risks to health and safety are identified, Prohibition Notices are issued to halt hazardous activities until compliance is achieved,” she said.
The Minister said the scale and scope of these inspections demonstrate the department’s commitment to upholding labour standards nationwide.
The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Inspections were also carried out in the North West (217), Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69) and Mpumalanga (59).
These joint inspections targeted key sectors and regions, with significant activity in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
These joint operations scrutinised compliance with laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Employment Services Act, and promoting fairness and protecting workers.
Infractions such as underpayment of wages, illegal deductions, and unsafe working conditions were identified.
Tackling unemployment and undocumented workers
Meth expressed concern over South Africa’s unemployment rate of 33.5%, particularly among the youth.
"Concurrently, the widespread employment of undocumented foreign nationals raises concerns over exploitation and the circumvention of legal hiring practices.
“Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that employment practices comply with immigration laws, and that all workers, regardless of their origin, are treated with dignity and fairness,” Meth said.
Strengthening oversight and enforcement
Looking ahead, Meth revealed plans to expand the Department of Labour’s inspectorate capacity from 2 000 to 20 000 inspectors over the next three years.
This will enhance the department’s ability to conduct more frequent and thorough inspections across the country.
The introduction of risk-based profiling will allow for targeted audits, prioritising industries and regions where violations are most prevalent.
“To maximise the effectiveness of our inspections, we will implement a risk profiling system. This approach will allow us to prioritise audits and inspections based on identified risks, thereby improving our capacity to address high-priority non-compliance areas more efficiently,” the Minister said.
The department will also introduce a specialised segment-focused compliance framework.
“Our enforcement strategy will be integrated and risk-based, enabling us to address all compliance issues at the workplace in a holistic and comprehensive manner, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.
“Our commitment extends beyond enforcement; it is about fostering social justice and ensuring that every worker's rights are protected.
“Fair labour practices lead to increased morale, productivity and ultimately, a more robust economy. Together, we can build a society where economic prosperity and social equity reinforce each other,” Minister Meth said.
Supporting businesses: TERS, Productivity SA and the CCMA
In addition to enforcement, the Department of Employment and Labour is extending support to businesses by offering a range of services, fostering resilience, and ensuring harmonious labour relations.
Initiatives like the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) and free productivity services from Productivity SA aim to help businesses in financial distress and improve their operational efficiency.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) also offers mediation services to resolve workplace disputes.
Operation Yazini: Raising Public Awareness
As part of Meth’s 100-day programme, Operation Yazini will be launched to raise awareness about the department’s services, including employment rights and compliance assistance.
This initiative aims to bring the department closer to communities, ensuring that employers and employees alike understand their legal obligations and rights.
“Through targeted advocacy and outreach, Operation Yazini seeks to inform the public about the wide range of support available, including labour rights, employment services, and compliance assistance,” the Minister said.
A call for collective action
Meth called for nationwide collaboration between employers, unions and civil society to create a fair and safe labour market.
“I urge all stakeholders, businesses, labour unions, civil society organisations, and fellow citizens to join us in this vital endeavour. Let us work collaboratively to create a labour market characterised by fairness, safety, and mutual respect,” the Minister said.
As inspections continue, the department remains committed to transparency, social justice, and the protection of workers’ rights across South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 13:07
201 views
Submissions sought on reform of the electoral system
Submissions sought on reform of the electoral system
The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has extended its call for submissions from the public and organisations (including political parties or prospective independent candidates) on the reform of the electoral system for the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures to 31 October 2024.
Section 23 of the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023 provided for the establishment of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel (ERCP) “to independently investigate, consult on, report on and make recommendations in respect of potential reforms of the electoral system for the election of the National Assembly and the election of the Provincial Legislatures, in respect of the elections to be held after the 2024 Elections”.
These recommendations are for the 2029 National and Provincial Elections.
South Africa’s electoral system for National and Provincial Elections is derived from the Electoral Act of 1998, as recently amended by the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023, to allow for the inclusion of independent candidates.
Successive South African elections since 1994 have used a party list proportional representation electoral system, in terms of which members of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures are elected from the lists submitted by political parties to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The National Assembly in May 2024 approved the appointment of nine experts in the fields of academia, law, governance and election administration to undertake the process of consultation and produce a report with recommendations of possible electoral systems by 31 May 2025.
The Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has adopted an initial six guiding principles for evaluating proposed electoral systems for South Africa.
These principles draw on the country’s founding values set out in section 1 of the Constitution to establish a multi-party system of democratic government, based on accountability, responsiveness and openness to uphold values of human dignity, non-racialism, non-sexism, and the achievement of equality.
The six guiding principles are: inclusivity, fairness, accountability, simplicity, electoral manageability and transparency.
“As part of its function to consult and its duty to conduct a public participation process on its work, the ERCP hereby invites members of the public to make written submissions for its consideration,” the panel said in a statement.
The panel will also hold extensive public consultations, which will later lead up to the production of a report, which must be submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs by 31 May 2025 and be tabled before Parliament within 30 days for its consideration.
“The ERCP respectfully calls and requests members of the public, as individuals or through organisations to which they belong, to make submissions on why, how and whether the current South African electoral system should be reformed, changed or even replaced with another one,” the panel said.
The period for written submissions has been extended to 31 October 2024.
All the submissions should be addressed to Advocate Richard K Sizani, the Chairperson of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel and may be forwarded in any of the following ways:
1. Delivered by hand to House 1, Ministry of Home Affairs, 909 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.
2. Delivered by hand to the nearest Home Affairs office.
3. Mailed to Electoral Reform Consultation Panel at Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.
4. Emailed to ERCP@dha.gov.za.
The public may follow the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel on social media on the following handles:
https://x.com/Electoral_RCP and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564445482964.
Any enquiries should be directed to:
Adv. Richard K Sizani
Chairperson of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel
Cellphone number 082 904 9907. – SAnews.gov.za
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Tue, 10/01/2024 - 09:59
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Mashatile kicks off working visit to the UK
Mashatile kicks off working visit to the UK
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in London, United Kingdom, for the second leg of his working visit scheduled to take place today and wrap up on Friday, 4 October 2024.
According to the Presidency, the purpose of the visit is to improve trade and investment relations between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
This visit follows a successful working visit to Ireland, which was aimed at advancing cooperation between South Africa and Ireland to improve trade and investment, and building on the significant progress made in the fields of science, innovation, as well as education and skills development.
READ | Deputy President assures Ireland of SA’s commitment to 'enabling environment' for business
The United Kingdom is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others.
The Deputy President’s visit will focus on building investor confidence in South Africa and driving foreign direct investment into the nation.
According to Mashatile’s office, he will continue to engage with various local and international private sector partners to mobilise investment support and strengthen public-private partnerships to realise the country’s economic growth and transformation objectives.
“The Deputy President will also use the opportunity to advance the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which include creating sustainable economic growth, addressing poverty and the high cost of living, and building an ethical, capable developmental State,” his office said.
During this visit, the Deputy President will also engage with representatives from several organisations. These include Bloomberg Media, Financial Times, Sasol, Brand South Africa, the London Stock Exchange, Investec’s Investors Roundtable, Standard Bank, JP Morgan, City Bank, Goldman Sachs and the South African Chamber of Commerce.
He is expected to also pay a courtesy call on the Duke of Edinburgh and meet with the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner.
The Deputy President is leading a delegation comprising various Ministers. He is accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa; Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson; Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams and some Deputy Ministers from various departments. – SAnew.gov.za
Gabisile
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