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Local government called to be responsive to community needs

Location: News

Local government called to be responsive to community needs

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged local government office bearers to be responsive to the needs of communities or face the consequences from the electorate.

Speaking at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi underscored the importance of sustainable governance and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing municipalities throughout the province.

Buthelezi pointed out the complexities confronting municipalities, including climate change, financial limitations, and the imperative for enhanced service delivery.

He advocated for a unified approach to governance that is rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes is essential for long-term development and resilience.

“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi stated.

The MEC said the financial model for municipal funding ought to be reassessed, especially considering the recent veld fires that resulted in 15 fatalities last month. This, he said, demonstrates the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped for such disasters.

He emphasised the importance of revising the financial support structures for local governments to ensure their preparedness for future challenges.

Buthelezi further praised the joint efforts of all parties involved in promoting accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

He encouraged mayors and senior officials to persist in these endeavours, reminding them that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that demands consistent commitment.

“The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Buthelezi said.

The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve governance practices, focusing on sustainability and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:09

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Read moreLocal government called to be responsive to community needs

Join Ann Nurock At The 2024 Bookmarks Finalists’ Showcase

Location: MyPR

Limited tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Bookmarks Finalists’ Showcase. Attendees will witness ground-breaking work, engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with industry leaders. Hosted and moderated by Ann Nurock, Cannes Lions Trend Spotter, the Showcase will explore themes like fostering a culture of creativity, how digital drives real-world action in advertising and …

Read moreJoin Ann Nurock At The 2024 Bookmarks Finalists’ Showcase

African region faces an unprecedent surge in mpox cases

Location: News

WHO Regional Office for Africa
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The African region is experiencing an unprecedented increase in mpox cases since the start of 2024, with more countries previously unaffected by the disease reporting cases in an expanding spread of the virus.

World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the mpox outbreak response to the highest-level requiring organization-wide mobilization and scale-up. In addition, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency committee of experts meeting to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Fifteen African countries are currently reporting mpox outbreak, with a total of 2030 confirmed cases and 13 deaths so far this year compared with 1145 cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023. Four countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – previously unaffected by mpox have reported cases since mid-July 2024.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for more than 90% of the reported cases, a new variant that emerged in September 2023 is circulating in its eastern region. Neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda have reported cases of the new variant. Kenya has also confirmed cases of the new variant. Analysis are ongoing in Burundi to determine whether the reported cases are due to the new variant.

“The priority is to rapidly interrupt the transmission of the virus. We're collaborating with partners in support of countries to reinforce outbreak control measures and ensure that communities are central to ongoing efforts to effectively end these outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The pattern of transmission varies across the region, with the spread of new variant (known as clade 1b) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to transmission through sexual contact and high population movement, while in South Africa most of the cases are among people identifying as men having sex with men. Transmission in West and Central Africa is associated with the 2022 global outbreak. However, further analysis is required to better understand the patterns of transmission to refine the response to the outbreak.

WHO is working at the global, regional and national levels as well as with partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and others to ensure effective response to the outbreak.  

In the African region, WHO is working through country teams and experts deployed on the ground to support national authorities strengthen key response areas, including disease surveillance, diagnosis testing and clinical care, infection prevention and control. WHO is working with the health authorities to access therapeutics, decentralize laboratory services for enhanced diagnostic capacities, and ramp up efforts to raise awareness about the risk of the disease among communities.

Field investigation and active case finding are also being reinforced in the affected and at-risk countries. The Organization is coordinating closely to enhance contact tracing, leveraging experience from prior outbreaks to ensure interventions best support and elevate the needs of key populations. WHO is also mobilizing financial support to help countries effectively respond to the outbreak.

WHO is advancing the process for Emergency Use Listing Procedure, an approach to assess and list unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to expediting their availability for use during public health emergencies. The Organization is already working closely with countries to develop their vaccination strategies and plans, to roll out the vaccines as soon as they are available. Vaccines are one among many public health tools that are used to control mpox.

Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. The disease can also spread from humans to humans through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.

Treatment of mpox patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms. Various therapeutics that may be effective against mpox are being developed and tested.  Prevention and control of rely on raising awareness in communities and educating health workers to prevent infection and stop transmission.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Read moreAfrican region faces an unprecedent surge in mpox cases

New sales at Renishaw Coastal Precinct spark massive economic reawakening of KZN Mid-South Coast

Location: MyPR

New shopping centre and filling station planned for the precinct Recent sales at 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct have set off a chain reaction of development that will benefit local businesses, surrounding communities and outside investors, further igniting the economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast. On the morning of Wednesday, 7 August 2024, stakeholders …

Read moreNew sales at Renishaw Coastal Precinct spark massive economic reawakening of KZN Mid-South Coast

Demystify science for the most marginalised – Minister Nzimande

Location: News

Demystify science for the most marginalised - Minister Nzimande

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has insisted that, given South Africa’s – and Africa’s – historical past of discrimination and under development of parts of the population, it is imperative to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised”.

He was addressing the opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.

“Astronomy offers such an amazing opportunity to naturalise and indigenise scientific thinking within all our communities. Therefore, it is most fitting that this event will have Open Access features online, to generate scientific interest from the wider public.

“Young people have been appointed as volunteers for this event while others will be presenting their research posters, the General Assembly [GA] satellite viewing sites across Africa and astronomy ambassadors programme that has been launched throughout the continent as one of the legacy projects post the General Assembly,” Nzimande said.

On a continental scale, the Minister said it was in the interests of the international community to “broaden the participation of the African continent in astronomical sciences”.

“I would also like to recognise the efforts made by the IAU Office for Astronomy Development [OAD] and the African Astronomical Society [AfAS], both based in Cape Town in supporting other African countries to take advantage of opportunities in astronomy.

“We also see this Assembly as an opportunity for raising awareness of the IAU within the African science community and encouraging the emergence and professional development of the next generation African scientists.

“The Organising Committee of the 2024 GA has also announced that over 3000 abstracts were submitted, which is an impressive number for such an event and certainly offers an opportunity to share new sources of data and evidence to test through experimental work the explanatory value of the theoretical models developed in recent years,” he said.

A leading light

Minister Nzimande told the general assembly that government’s vision for South African astronomy is to become a “global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities as articulated in our National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy of 2015”.

“The strategy provides a framework to take maximum advantage of South Africa’s historical strengths in astronomy, its geographical advantage of clear southern skies in the Karoo, the engineering and scientific base, large-scale investments in the MeerKAT/SKA endeavour and SALT [Southern African Large Telescope], and South Africa’s growing international ranking and partnerships in astronomy.  

“This strategy is currently under review in consultation with the astronomy community so that it can be enhanced in order to take advantage of new opportunities in this era of multi-messenger techniques and technological innovations.

“The MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offers us an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, thereby driving transformation and human capacity development. The SKA is the flagship frontier science partnership of the 21st century and South African remains fully committed to it,” he said.

The Minister revealed that the department is working with the Department of Tourism to develop an “astro-tourism sector through community-public-private partnerships in remote parts of South Africa”.

“We are looking forward to the approval of our newly established Astro-Tourism Strategy by Cabinet in the next few months. 

“[Tourism] Minister Patricia de Lille and I will soon be co-hosting the Annual World Tourism Day in Carnarvon on 27 September 2024 – and this event will provide us with a unique opportunity to promote the preservation of dark skies and radio silence in the Karoo as this is essential for star-gazing and astro-tourism to thrive and to create jobs,” Minister Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:37

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Read moreDemystify science for the most marginalised – Minister Nzimande

Why Marietta, GA is a Prime Location for Office Space Rentals

Location: MyPR

Marietta, GA, has become a sought-after location for businesses looking for flexible and cost-effective office space solutions. The city offers a variety of office spaces, including coworking spaces, executive suites, and virtual offices. This article highlights why Marietta is an excellent choice for office space rentals and the benefits of each type of workspace.   …

Read moreWhy Marietta, GA is a Prime Location for Office Space Rentals

The Rise of Flexible Office Solutions in Marietta, GA

Location: MyPR

In today’s dynamic work environment, flexible office solutions have become increasingly popular among professionals and businesses. Marietta, GA, offers a variety of innovative office spaces, including coworking spaces, executive suites, and virtual offices, catering to the diverse needs of modern workers. This article explores the benefits of these flexible office solutions and why they are …

Read moreThe Rise of Flexible Office Solutions in Marietta, GA

DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects

Location: News

DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will prioritise the completion of the remaining delayed Bucket Eradication Programme projects in the Northern Cape and the Free State.

Briefing the media on the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year on Monday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said of the 33 projects which formed part of the programme in the Free State, 26 have been completed (eradicating approximately 32 000 buckets).

“Approximately 10 000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects. Of 30 projects which formed part of the programme in the Northern Cape, 29 are completed (eradicating approximately 12 000 buckets), and 596 buckets remain to be eradicated in the one incomplete project,” Majodina said.

However, the Minister acknowledged that the programme will not result in the eradication of the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system altogether from the South African landscape. This is because the programme only focuses on eradicating buckets in certain towns in certain provinces, where they were identified in 2012.

She said since then, and on an ongoing basis, other municipalities elsewhere have introduced buckets systems in formal and informal settlements.

“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation which will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.

Working together with the Water Research Commission, the department is developing new safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation systems.

“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities.”

Strengthening partnerships

The Minister added that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will continue to collaborate with all sectors, especially the private sector, to contribute to resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges.

This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen collaboration and social compacts with the private sector, labour, civil society and government.

In addition to partnerships with mining houses for water supply projects, the department is also facilitating partnerships between the private sector and municipalities, through its Water Partnerships Office, which was established in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

This includes finalising plans with the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which are resulting in high levels of non-revenue water.

Water Services Amendment Bill 

Meanwhile, the department will shortly be presenting the Water Services Amendment Bill to Cabinet for approval for it to be submitted to Parliament.

Majodina noted that despite the high level of support provided by the department to the municipalities, the municipal water and sanitation services continue to decline.

She said the Amendment Bill provides for the introduction of an operating license system for Water Services Providers, to enable Water Services Authorities to ensure that their providers have a minimum level of capability to provide water and sanitation services that meet national norms and standards.

“The amendments propose that this should be done through the introduction of an operating license requirement for Water Services Providers, to ensure that they have a minimum level of competency.

“The Bill also introduces measures to enable the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities which do not comply with national minimum norms and standards for water services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:23

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Read moreDWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects

Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

Location: News

Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the sentence imposed on a former Home Affairs official by the Durban Commercial Crime Court.

Judy Zuma was sentenced to an effective 12 years imprisonment this week. She was part of a syndicate which delivered fraudulent passports for reward to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.

The Minister described the sentence as a breakthrough in the fight against organised corruption.

“The message sent by this conviction is crystal clear: if you engage in corruption, we will find you and we will pursue you until you are locked up. We will not rest until we have cleansed the scourge of corruption from the face of Home Affairs,” Schreiber said.

The Minister said the sentence must signal a new culture of zero-tolerance towards corruption.

“The fight against corruption in this department, as demonstrated by the serious nature of the issues raised in this case, is particularly urgent given that Home Affairs sits at the heart of our national security apparatus,” Schreiber said.

The sentence imposed on Zuma translates into an effective 12 years of direct imprisonment, with another 24 years suspended.

She was originally arrested in a sting operation after she tried to bribe a Home Affairs Counter Corruption officer with R10 000.

The court confirmed that Zuma, who was convicted for multiple offences, was part of a syndicate issuing fraudulent passports to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.

Zuma was found to have processed 192 passports between 28 May and 12 June 2021 for foreign nationals who did not qualify to have them. She was paid R4 000 for each passport. She left the department in December 2021, following an internal disciplinary process.

The department said all the affected passports have been red-flagged, meaning that anyone who tries to use these fraudulent documents at a port of entry will be immediately arrested.

“So far, two foreign nationals have already been locked away, serving time for their involvement in this corrupt scheme. Another two were sentenced to four years imprisonment [on Friday],” said the department.

To improve the security of travel documents, the department in 2022 introduced a requirement that passports be activated via fingerprints at the office of application. This means that passports can only be used after the owner has validated them with their own fingerprints.

It is alleged that Zuma was recruited into this scheme by another former Home Affairs official, Zima Shange, who was sentenced to an effective 10 years imprisonment in October 2023.

The Minister said the crackdown on both officials and foreign nationals involved in the syndicate strengthened his resolve to support the work of the Counter-Corruption Branch of the department as the successful convictions demonstrate that the “cancer of corruption can be defeated”.

“I am repulsed by the actions of Zuma and other members of such syndicates, who cheapen our documents, threaten our security, and undermine the work done by committed Home Affairs officials,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Sun, 08/04/2024 - 12:25

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Read moreFormer DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Location: News

Afreximbank
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African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).

ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.

Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.

“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.

“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.

Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”

The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.

SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com   

Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com  

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS: 
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. 

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. 

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. 

For more information, visit www.BureauVeritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn (http://apo-opa.co/3A5IN2V) and X/Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4dcXpwg). 

The head office for Bureau Veritas Middle East, Caspian & Africa region is based in Dubai, For more information, www.BureauVeritas.Africa  or  www. Middle-East.BureauVeritas.com/ 

Read moreAfreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Work opportunities and training for unemployed people, says North West Premier

Location: News

Work opportunities and training for unemployed people, says North West Premier

Youth empowerment will be one of the apex priorities of the seventh administration, says North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi.

He announced on Friday that the provincial government was working towards implementing the Labour Activation Plan that will result in 27 000 work opportunities and training to unemployed people with the focus being the youth. 

“Through the National Youth Service Fund, we will implement training and skills development opportunities that will benefit over 1 200 young people at the Departments of Public Works and Roads, Social Development, Human Settlement as well as Arts, Culture Sports, and Recreation,” he told the media. 

Mokgosi was speaking during the Provincial Annual Media Day launch in Mahikeng.

Currently, he said, the administration is investigating a new model for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure that this programme assists young people with various skills.

The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme will also be resuscitated and that the grant will fund no less than 100 students for the 2025 academic year.

Service delivery

The Premier acknowledged that the province was confronted with many challenges and said they would work hard to “speedily” resolve them.

Mokgosi highlighted the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme - Thuntsha Lerole - which he believes has proven to be an important instrument in expediting the provision of services in municipalities.

“We are ramping up the programme with the implementation of phase four whose focus will be on accountability to allow members of the public to give feedback and report cases of bad or lack of service delivery.

“As mentioned during the address last week, the Executive Council will not hesitate to intervene in any municipality if the situation requires such intervention. There are promising signs of improvements in several interventions already being implemented across municipalities,” he explained.

The province was also working around the clock to create economic opportunities for its citizens as they attend to service delivery concerns. 

Through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), they have so far garnered investment commitments to the tune of R164 billion that will create over 5 000 jobs. 

He said they will be rolling out three mega infrastructure projects in water, sanitation, and road infrastructure in the City of Matlosana, J.B Marks and Maquassi Hills local municipalities. 

These projects will cost R19 billion and are expected to create over 60 000 work opportunities targeted at the youth and women.

In addition, through the Growth and Developmental Strategy (GDS), Mokgosi said they will initiate the North West Development Fund (NWDF) in partnership with the private sector.

“The setting up of the fund will be arranged in a way that will ensure good governance principles are adhered to whilst ensuring that there are as few impediments as possible to ensure seamless delivery of programmes and projects.” 

He announced that the fund will help resuscitate the province’s ailing tourism sector particularly, provincial parks as well as the refurbishment of the George Dick Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports. 

Media Day

The Premier announced that a Media Day will be held annually after the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) to communicate developmental initiatives of the administration as well as interventions on various socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and income inequalities afflicting our communities.

His Office will also hold quarterly media sessions to report progress registered in attending to several challenges, remedial action plans and achievements.

“The media plays an important role in keeping our communities abreast of key government programmes that are primarily aimed at changing the lives of our people for the better.

“We affirm and fully support the independence of the media to hold government accountable as enshrined in our Constitution.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:10

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Read moreWork opportunities and training for unemployed people, says North West Premier

W Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

Location: News

W Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

Western Cape parents who wish to apply for Grade R or a school transfer for the 2025 school year can do so from today, 1 August 2024.

The on-time application window closes on 16 August 2024.

For admission to Grade R, a child must turn six years old in the year that the child starts the grade. 

In addition, transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 and 12 are to be submitted at the school to which the parent or caregiver wishes to apply or their nearest Western Cape Education Department (WCED) office. 

This applies to school transfer requests for learners already attending school, applying for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12.

“Please note that schools can only capture applications for their own institution, but district officials can capture applications for multiple schools,” the provincial department explained. 

According to the department, parents or caregivers will be required to fill out the WCED application form, which can also be downloaded from the department’s website, to submit to schools or the district office from today. 

“Parents can drop off the application form and supporting documents at the school directly. They can also contact the school for details on electronic submissions on the official WCED form only.” 

Parents who have not registered on the online system previously will first need to register on the website and once completed, they can then proceed to the application.

With regards to Grades 1 and 8 applications, the department said schools are currently finalising their admission lists, and confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. 

“This process is ongoing. We do, however, appeal to all parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2025 school year, to do so immediately.” 

This can be done through contacting their district office or calling 0861 819 919 for more information.
Applications can be submitted online at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. 

Parents applying online from Grade R and transfers will need supporting documents such as an immunisation card, identity document (ID), birth certificate, passport, study permit, and proof of address or police affidavit. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 10:47

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Read moreW Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations

Location: News

DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has hit back at allegations by convict and alleged prison escape artist Thabo Bester regarding his incarceration at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.

In June this year, Bester told the pre-trial court in his escape case that, amongst other allegations, he was being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours of the day and was not given adequate time to consult with his lawyers.

The department has dismissed those allegations – insisting that everything surrounding his incarceration has been done by the book.

“As DCS, it is clear that we are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.

“Apart from these security measures aimed at preventing an escape, the department has, since Thabo Bester’s admission at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility, treated him in the same manner that it treats other inmates at the said facility,” DCS said in a statement.

The department was at pains to explain that although imprisonment does not strip individuals of their rights, in the context of imprisonment, some rights “are given effect to differently where it is possible, practical and safe to do so, while others inconsistent with imprisonment do not enjoy recognition for instance the right to liberty”.

“Equally, the department recognises that the conditions of detention of inmates should be consistent with human dignity, including at least an opportunity to exercise and provision of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and the opportunity to access legal advice.

“That said, inmates are not entitled to be imprisoned with all the comforts they have enjoyed before their incarceration. A Correctional Centre is not akin to one's own private residence. Therefore, those amenities that a person would ordinarily enjoy outside the Correctional Centre are not necessarily available in a correctional facility. That is an invariable consequence of being imprisoned,” the department added.

Solitary confinement and access to legal representation

The DCS pointed out that there is “no practice of solitary confinement in South Africa” and dismissed Bester’s allegations that he was kept in that state as “incorrect and fallacious”.

“C-Max, at Kgoši Mampuru, is a high security facility. It comprises only single cells. Hence, all inmates in the facility do not share a cell. Therefore, the impression created by Thabo Bester that he is in a single cell, as a form of solitary confinement, is, with respect, disingenuous.

“Thabo Bester gets an opportunity to exercise for an hour every day. That is the minimum time of exercise permitted by Section 11 of the Correctional Services Act. The exercise always takes place in open air, unless the weather does not permit. During the time allocated for exercising, an inmate has an option to participate in other recreational activities.

“Thabo Bester and other inmates in C-Max are also afforded a reasonable opportunity to have telephonic contact with and to be visited by their families when such visits are properly arranged with the centre. Equally, Thabo Bester’s assertion that he is segregated is not correct. The facility comprises only single cells,” the department said.

On the issue of whether Bester is allowed access to legal advice and representation, the DCS said Bester had made “hundreds of telephone calls to various lawyers” for the period 12 October 2023 until 16 July 2024.

“Thabo Bester is asking for ‘an in-person or physical legal consultations' of not less than seven hours on prior arrangements and to allow him to use a laptop/tablet or any suitable gadget. He complains about a consultation using [a] wall steel telephone, whilst separated by a glass with his legal representatives, is not meaningful. 

“Thabo Bester suggests that he should be afforded an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in a specific office at the centre. With respect, there is no merit in Thabo Bester’s request. To be succinct, the request is unreasonable. Thabo Bester’s legal representatives can communicate with him during the consultation and take down the necessary notes. 

“A consultation with his legal representatives from 09:00 - 16:00 on a daily basis is neither reasonable nor practical. Kgoši Mampuru houses hundreds of inmates who also need to use the consultation rooms. The Regulations allow for consultations on a daily basis from 08:00 until 15:00 in the afternoon. Therefore, if Thabo Bester’s request is acceded to, it will mean that one of the consultation rooms will be occupied by him the whole day,” the department asserted.

Other allegations

In respect of Bester’s request to access electronic gadgets or equipment and the use of hand and leg cuffs the DCS said:

   • Thabo Bester’s request for gadgets will pose a security risk to the centre and might enable him to orchestrate another escape. 
   • The use of hand and leg cuffs on Thabo Bester is justified under section 31 of the Correctional Services Act. Before his incarceration at Kgoši Mampuru, Thabo Bester had escaped from a maximum-security prison. Without a doubt, the department is justified in having an apprehension that Thabo Bester might attempt to escape again.
     
“The manner in which Thabo Bester has been treated is consistent with what is prescribed by the Correctional Services Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act. Basically, safe and humane custody of inmates is at the centre of the correctional system. 

“The Act provides that the aim of a correctional system is to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful and safe society by enforcing sentences of the courts in a manner prescribed by the Act and detaining all inmates in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:38

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President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill has been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the Presidency, the new law is aimed at “affirming the institutional and operational independence” of IPID and empowers the directorate to “investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers, whether they were off duty or not”.

“The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

“This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter, which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight,” the Presidency said.

The newly assented to law also amends provisions in certain appointments, what the IPID can investigate and savings provisions for officials working in that office.

This includes: 

  • The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director’s responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters. 
  • The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.
  • The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
  • IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
  • The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.

“The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

“The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 15:21

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Unveil Your Best Self: Join Nutritional Performance Labs’ BodyRev 7.0 Challenge and Transform Your Life!

Location: MyPR

It is time for the next body revolution brought to you by leading sports nutrition brand, Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL). That’s right, entries open on 29 July 2024 for BodyRev 7.0, the ultimate health and fitness challenge which runs for 12 weeks from 27 August 2024. By signing up, participants can shed unwanted body weight …

Read moreUnveil Your Best Self: Join Nutritional Performance Labs’ BodyRev 7.0 Challenge and Transform Your Life!

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

Location: News

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, focusing on the protection of children as the world commemorates World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

This year’s theme focuses on leaving no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.

The department has since taken the time to remind South Africans especially caregivers about the prevalence of human trafficking and appeal for their vigilance when it comes to protecting children.

Citing the June 2023 publication by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the department said it was estimated that a possible 250 000 people have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa alone.

“This serves as a grave violation of human rights and dignity. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development stands united against this heinous crime,” the department said.

According to the department, children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

In terms of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.

Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Caribbean, according to the department, make up 60% of detected trafficking victims.

“In addition to conflicts, pandemics, economic hardships, and environmental challenges, the proliferation of online platforms poses risks as children often connect to these sites without adequate protection.”

The department explained that traffickers exploit online platforms, social media, and the dark web to recruit and exploit children.

They also use technology to evade detection, reach wider audiences, and disseminate exploitative content.

“Countries including South Africa, are required to prioritise child protection, bolster legislation, improve law enforcement, and allocate more resources to combat child trafficking.”

The department has since called for prevention efforts to target root causes of human trafficking such as poverty and inequality to reduce children’s vulnerability with special attention paid to trafficking of children on the move or in transit.

According to the department, South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country for men, women and children subjected to the crime of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.

“This means South Africans are being trafficked to other parts of the globe while the country is also used by traffickers to harbour victims in transit to other countries where they are going to be exploited.

“Victims of trafficking are also brought into the country to be exploited.”

Meanwhile, traffickers are said to control victims through deception, intimidation, threats, use of force, withholding of passports, debt bondage, and forced use of drugs and alcohol.

The department has described the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 as a critical legislative tool in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.

The South African government, through the Department of Social Development has implemented various measures to prevent child trafficking. The PACOTIP Act aims to align with international agreements and provides for the prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and coordination of anti-trafficking efforts.

The Department of Social Development’s Gyan Dwarika said the significance of the PACOTIP Act, in conjunction with the Children’s Act, in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their rights and safety are upheld.

“The Act ensures that any child identified as a victim of trafficking is treated as a child in need of care and protection mandates immediate reporting and investigation of suspected cases, and provides for the safe placement and care of trafficked children,” Dwarika said.

Dwarika’s roles in the department include focusing on child labour, commercial sexual exploitation of children, online safety, and child marriages.

The department said they also offer victims of child trafficking comprehensive support and rehabilitation services.

These include psychological counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and placement in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs).

She said community involvement was crucial in preventing and combating child trafficking.

“International cooperation strengthens the response to the repatriation process of children trafficked into and out of South Africa. It ensures that children are repatriated safely and in line with international standards, considering factors like the best interests of the child and the safety of the repatriation process.”

Victims are also placed in accredited shelters where they are cared for by shelter staff and social workers to determine if they were trafficked.

Through the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) fund, the department is procuring a fleet of 10 vehicles to be distributed to gender-based violence (GBV) shelters accredited to accommodate victims across all nine provinces.

The Western Cape has partnered with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to create awareness at the Cape Town bus rank. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 15:11

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DPWI requests bi-weekly reports on reconstruction of the National Assembly

Location: News

DPWI requests bi-weekly reports on reconstruction of the National Assembly

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has requested the Development Bank Of Southern Africa (DBSA) to supply his office with bi-weekly reports on the progress made in the reconstruction of Parliament’s National Assembly reconstruction site.

This also include monthly cost schedule which will be made available to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure in the interest of transparency. 

This according to the department, has been requested to ensure that the contractors to the project are held to agreed upon time periods and budget. 

“As someone who called the National Assembly his office for more than 10 years, it is simply heartbreaking to see what has happened to this keystone of our democracy,” said the Minister, adding that he wants to be actively involved in the reconstruction of the National Assembly building to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget. 

During his site visit on Thursday, Macpherson said the reconstruction of the National Assembly building should be moving much faster to avoid any further delay.

“We simply cannot wait any longer,” he said. 

The Minister also met with the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to discuss progress on the National Assembly’s reconstruction and efforts to expedite the construction. 

He emphasised that the increased oversight would help avoid abuse of scarce public resources and encouraged members of the public to report any corruption allegations should they arise with evidence to his office to escalate and investigate. 

“We have to work together to rebuild the National Assembly building in such a manner that it is protected from future disasters such as fires and theft, while at the same time making it more accessible to the public to learn about this important institution. 

“The reconstruction of the National Assembly needs to honour our past while it looks to the future to stand as a testament to the strength of democracy,” Macpherson said.

A fire destroyed the historic Parliamentary buildings in January 2022.

READ | Parliamentary rebuilding project to get underway. – SAnews.gov.za
 
 

Edwin
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:05

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