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Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam

Location: News

Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam

The Department of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to ensure the efficient rehabilitation of the Hartebeespoort Dam.

The dam is affected by hyacinth and algae.

This is according to the Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu who spoke at the centenary celebrations of the dam on Monday.

Hartebeespoort Dam marked its 100 years of existence in September this year.  

The centenary celebration aimed to increase the awareness of integrated water resource management and water quality, as well as enhance relations between government, the private sector, and the community towards ensuring effective integrated water resource management in and around the dam.

Mchunu, together with senior officials from the department’s entity in North West, Magalies Water and the Madibeng Local Municipality, led a community engagement, where they provided an update on the work being carried out to clear the hyacinth from the dam.  

“We are aware of the hyacinth at the dam, and thus very concerned. It is for this reason that we have appointed our entity in North West, Magalies Water, for a period of three years to develop and implement a programme that will deal with the invasive plant and the algae that is infesting the dam,” Mchunu said.

Magalies Water has since developed a Bioremediation Plan comprising of interventions which include, the profiling and fingerprinting of problematic contaminants in the dam, removal of floating plants and debris from the dam to enhance the aesthetic value and allow for biogeochemical processes, as well as the implementation of the remediation technology to restore the dam’s ecological services.

Addressing hundreds of people who joined the department and partners to commemorate the centenary celebrations, Mchunu emphasised his commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the Bioremediation Plan. 

“I want to ascertain our commitment that we have indeed rolled up our sleeves to completely rehabilitate the dam. We also want to thank the organisations that continue to help out in any way they can and continue to hold us accountable in the work that we have been brought in the office to do,” Mchunu said, adding that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the county’s water infrastructure is safeguarded. 

He also reiterated the ministry’s stance on the need to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships in the sector, which are aimed at resolving water quality challenges of the Hartbeespoort Dam, including issues of solid waste and water pollution in the dam.

“I would therefore like to encourage all civil society organisations to work together with us, as we work towards rehabilitating the dam.

The Hartebeespoort Dam was constructed in 1921 and commissioned in 1923 with the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation. 

Approximately 80% of water is used for irrigation and the remainder is used for domestic consumption and compensation flows.

The dam itself and the surrounding area currently offers tourism activities such as recreational boating, angling, mountain sports and a variety of other activities such as hiking, angling, parasailing and abseiling.

The centenary celebration was held in partnership with Magalies Water, the provincial government, and various organisations, including the North West Parks and Tourism Board, South African Resource Heritage Agency, as well as Magalie-Biosphere. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

GabiK
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:01

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Navigating the Office Space Landscape in Sandton

Location: MyPR

Sandton, the vibrant financial hub of South Africa, is home to a burgeoning corporate landscape, with businesses of all sizes seeking modern and functional office spaces to accommodate their growing needs. Whether you’re a startup searching for a collaborative workspace or an established enterprise seeking to expand its footprint, Sandton offers a diverse array of …

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Expert Property Valuations: Unlocking the Value of Real Estate

Location: MyPR

In the dynamic world of real estate, accurate property valuations play a crucial role in making informed decisions. At Eris Property Group, our dedicated Property Valuations division brings together a team of experienced professionals committed to delivering comprehensive valuation services. With a strong reputation for integrity and independence, we go above and beyond to provide …

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Government announces novel awards for arts, culture sector

Location: News

Government announces new awards for arts, culture sector

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has announced that government will be hosting an all-encompassing awards ceremony to recognise those who exhibit outstanding artistic and technical achievement in the arts and culture sector.

“The creativity and imagination of the South African designers, artists, producers, writers, and performers are continuing to shine the light on the global stage and driving the growth of our creative economy,” Kodwa said on Tuesday in Pretoria.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture intends to confer South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA) annually in appreciation of the outstanding contributions to the creative sector.

“This is another way in which government is developing a participatory cultural platform by supporting artists and arts and culture initiatives, as essential elements to stimulate the growth of the country’s creative economy.

“These are creatives from across cultural domains that push the boundaries of their creative ability and show devotion to excellence with uncompromising quality, ground-breaking creativity and relentless innovation that defines those that are outstanding from the best.

“The South African Creative Arts Awards are for creatives from across cultural domains who push boundaries of their creative ability and show devotion to excellence,” the Minister said.

The launch date for the SACA will be announced in due course.  

Meanwhile, South Africa will be hosting the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Cricket World Cup from 20 January to 11 February 2024.

The event was initially scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, however, the ICC Board decided to move this tournament from Sri Lanka and awarded it to South Africa.

“The move was taken as a consequence of the ICC provisionally suspending Sri Lanka Cricket due to extensive government interference in the board's administration. Sixteen countries are expected to participate. No government funding is required. The International Cricket Council and Cricket South Africa will provide funding for the tournament,” Kodwa said.

The event will take place at the following venues:

  • Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London
  • Diamond Oval, Kimberley
  • JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
  • Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
  • Willowmore Park, Benoni

2027 Netball World Cup

With preparations for South Africa’s participation in the 2027 Netball World Cup underway, the Minister also announced the appointment of an Independent Advisory Panel on Netball Professionalisation, which will ensure the development, sustainability, and competitiveness of netball.

The Independent Advisory Panel has been appointed with the objective of developing a blueprint for the development of Netball in the country.

The panel will be expected to review netball’s strategy and increase Mass Participation to ensure Netball becomes a sport of first choice in communities.

Furthermore, the panel will ensure the national league as a commercial product and that it generates revenue for the system that increases the broadcast value and aids professionalization.

It is also responsible for achieving excellence in the international rankings at major international competitions as well as dealing with matters pertaining to governance and finance.

The following are members of the Independent Advisory Panel on Netball:

  • Ms. Maria Magdalena Bezuidenhout, University of Pretoria Netball
  • Ms. Nozipho Jafta, CEO of SASCOC.
  • Ms. Blanche De la Guerre, former CEO of Netball South Africa
  • Ms. Zanele Mdodana, former Spar Proteas Captain, Netball coach at University of Stellenbosch
  • Dr. Hajira Mashego, an academic and Director of Sport at Tshwane University of Technology

Board of Boxing SA

The current term of the Board of Boxing South Africa expires on 11 December 2023.

The Minister thanked the outgoing board members for the work that they have done during the period.

He also announced the appointment of the following new members of the Board of Boxing SA with effect from 12 December 2023 until 11 December 2026:

  • Mr Sifiso Shongwe (appointed as Chairperson of the Board)
  • Ms Princess Mangoma
  • Ms Nande Mheshe
  • Mr Sakhiwe Sodo
  • Mr Luxolo September
  • Ms Romy Titus
  • Dr Mary-Gene Manthata-Setati

The World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) has once again awarded South Africa with the hosting of the its Africa Regional office. This office is currently hosted in Cape Town and will continue to be based in Cape Town.

“In April 2023, WADA published a call for Expressions of Interest to host its Africa Office. Three countries, namely Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, formally expressed interest and submitted a candidate file. Evaluation visits took place in these three countries at the beginning of October 2023,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 13:04

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New Ombud Council chairperson appointed

Location: News

New Ombud Council chairperson appointed

National Treasury has announced the appointment of Eileen Meyer as the new chairperson of the Ombud Council for a period of four years.

Meyer is reprising her role after she was appointed as interim chairperson for some 18 months in a term stretching from May 2021 to November 2022.

“Meyer is an Independent Public Management Consultant. She focuses on Strategic Leadership, Institutional Building and Capacity Development, Financial Management, Governance and Change Management. She holds a Master of Arts in Sociology (Major), Psychology and Political Science degree from the University of Hannover (Germany).

“[She] was instrumental in establishing the office of the Ombud Council and performing functions as an interim Chief Ombud,” the department said.

Meyer joins Advocate Dikeledi Chabedi, Adam Horowitz, Emmanuel Lekgau and Charmaine Soobramoney, who were reappointed as members of the Ombud Council Board of Directors.

The Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, Unathi Kamlana, serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors.

The department explained that the ombud has oversight powers on the following statutory and industry ombuds:

  • Office of the Pension Fund Adjudicator
  • Office of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud)
  • Office of the Credit Ombud
  • Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance
  • Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance
  • Ombudsman for Banking Services
  • Johannesburg Stock Exchange Ombud

“The Ombud Council is responsible for recognising industry schemes, set enhanced governance and accountability requirements, and harmonise and strengthening standards of practice for each ombud scheme through rule-making and enforcement powers, to develop a uniform and consistent framework for external dispute resolution mechanisms across the financial services sector.

“The Ombud Council is the regulator of ombuds schemes within the financial sector, and its objective is to, in line with the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation objectives of treating customers fairly, assist in ensuring that financial customers have access to, and are able to use affordable, effective, independent and fair alternative dispute resolution processes for complaints about financial institutions in relation to financial products, financial services and services provided by financial infrastructures,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 09:39

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United States (U.S.) and African Development Bank Collaborate to Accelerate Africa’s Digital Transformation

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) have announced a new strategic collaboration in a move to drive digital transformation across Africa.

Unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival held in Cape Town, South Africa, this collaboration paves the way for a series of dialogues on how U.S. digital innovation can support development goals across Africa.

The discussions will focus on key themes such as embracing new technologies, improving internet access, enhancing skills, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation. Both parties will explore how African governments can collaborate with American technology firms to grow their economies and how U.S. businesses can tap into new opportunities in Africa's emerging markets.

Ashley Ndir, senior U.S. Commercial Liaison to the African Development Bank, emphasized, "We are at a turning point in Africa's technological advancement. By bridging insights from the U.S. private sector with Africa's vibrant markets, we aim to drive innovation and economic growth. This partnership is a testament to that mission."

Head of ICT Operations Nicholas Williams from the African Development Bank said, "Africa has made significant investments in pivotal infrastructure and policy enhancements to create an innovative digital economy.  As Africa's premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank will help push Africa's digital boundaries even further by forging strategic relations, building on historical investments and, more importantly, tapping into the energy of our young population, who are digital natives. We value the insights that the U.S. private sector may bring."

The initiative builds on the African Development Bank's $2 billion investment in digital infrastructure, which includes regional and national broadband development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises. The Bank's efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment. It will also benefit from the U.S. Commercial Service's experience in fostering international trade. This collaboration promises to champion the digital transformation in Africa, aiming for a future where technology empowers growth and prosperity. With this partnership, both the U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank reaffirm their commitment to not only elevate digital capabilities in Africa but also to ensure that the continent's potential is fully realized in the digital era.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

Technical contacts:
African Development Bank: 
Uyoyo Edosio
u.edosio@afdb.org

US Government Contact:
Ashley Ndir
Senior Commercial Liaison to the AfDB
Ashley.Ndir@trade.gov

About the U.S. International Trade Administration:
The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens U.S. competitiveness by promoting U.S. export opportunities in global markets. Our trade experts serve in over 100 U.S. cities and 80 international markets through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. Our U.S. Commercial Service Liaison office to the African Development Bank (AfDB) supports U.S. private sector engagement with the AfDB.

About the African Development Bank:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has approved $2 billion in loans, grants, and equity investments for  ICT projects in the past decade. These initiatives focus on regional and national broadband infrastructure development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises. The AfDB's efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment.

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Free State warns businesses of fake tender invitation

Location: News

Free State warns businesses of fake tender invitation

The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has warned the business community of a fake tender invitation for the supply and delivery of 27 paper shredders. 

“DESTEA has learned with concern about an opportunistic scammer purporting to be an official representative issuing a fraudulent invitation to an open tender for the appointment of a service provider to supply and deliver 27 paper shredders.

“The alleged scammer sends out fake tender/bid documents with DESTEA's official logo and normal standard procedure to service providers, pretending to be an official representative of the department.

“Service providers are warned not to fall into the trap of fraudulent tender invitations, which are not from DESTEA,” the department said in a statement on Monday. 

The department has urged business community members to report any suspected criminal acts to the South African Police Service and verify any request for tender with the DESTEA supply chain office as soon as they receive any correspondence alleged to be from the department on the following emails:
customercare@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
mooketsio@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
masemeb@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail).

The business community is further urged to contact the DESTEA customer care on WhatsApp, 0829475394, for authentication. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 08:16

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Ombudsman honours best banks at resolving complaints

Location: MyPR

24 November 2023: Ombudsman honours best banks at resolving complaints The Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), Reana Steyn, has shown her appreciation to banks that have best co-operated with her office in resolving customers’ complaints. At the OBS Annual Banking Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 24 November, Steyn, recognised those banks and their staff that …

Read moreOmbudsman honours best banks at resolving complaints

Office of Tax Ombud ready to assist with complaints against SARS

Location: News

Office of Tax Ombud ready to assist with complaints against SARS

While the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is committed to those seeking assistance with their tax complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa has reminded citizens that the entity is not in the business of helping taxpayers and businesses dodge their tax responsibilities.

Addressing the celebration of 10 years of the existence of the Tax Ombud, Mputa reiterated that the OTO champions taxpayers' rights and tax compliance.

“The office provides taxpayers and tax practitioners with a simple and impartial channel to seek a resolution for a service, procedural or administrative dispute they might have already unsuccessfully tried to resolve through SARS's complaints management channels.

“We play a unique taxpayer complaints resolution role and align with the Public Protector... The Public Protector exists to ensure administrative justice by being a check on the exercise by the government and its agencies of their authority, and on the other hand, the Tax Ombud exists to ensure administrative justice by being a check on the exercise of authority by SARS,” she said on Friday in Pretoria.

Mputa said the OTO is celebrating a decade of making a difference in the lives of taxpayers and a beacon of hope to scores who have tax complaints with the revenue collector.

Taking place under the theme: “10 Years of Making Taxpayers' Rights Matter," the Tax Ombud said until the establishment of the office, there was no independent redress channel for taxpayers, who had exhausted the normal SARS complaints mechanisms.

“The OTO was not a 'nice to have' but a prerequisite institution that has positively contributed to improving our country's tax administration system. Our intervention has saved taxpayers millions of rands, homes and businesses, to mention a few. However, we are not oblivious that we would not have achieved all this without our stakeholders,” she said.

Mputa said one of the important commitments of the Office of the Tax Ombud is the improvement of South Africa's tax administration system. 

“Defending taxpayer rights is central to a tax system that follows a voluntary compliance/self-assessment tax system. In a voluntary compliance/self-assessment tax system, if taxpayers believe they are treated or may be treated arbitrarily and impulsively, they may mistrust the tax system and be less likely to comply with the law voluntarily.

“On the other hand, if taxpayers have confidence in the fairness and integrity of the tax system, they will be more likely to comply,” the Tax Ombud said.

In 2022, the Office of the Tax Ombud published the country's first-ever Compilation of Taxpayers' Rights, Entitlements and Obligations.

“This document's main aim is to highlight taxpayers' rights and obligations as contained in various laws, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the Tax Administration Act, 2011,” Mputa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 11/26/2023 - 10:12

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Ample space available for kids in need, KZN assures

Location: News

Ample space available for children in need, KZN assures

The KwaZulu-Natal Social Development Department has reassured the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection in uMgungundlovu District.

This follows recent reports circulating in some media outlets suggesting that there is a lack of space in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC) in uMgungundlovu District.  

“We wish to clarify that our CYCCs in the uMgungundlovu District are not operating at full capacity. Recent headlines conveyed misinformation, implying that children were left without shelter due to space constraints in facilities. 

“The department categorically dismisses these claims and wants to reassure the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection. This marks the first instance of encountering such misinformation, considering our longstanding commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments for children across the district,” the department said in a statement.

According to the department, Social Development maintains a strong working relationship with private children's centres, and none of them have raised concerns about space shortages, as they know that when children first come to them, they can contact State facilities.

The department, which is the custodian of children’s rights, has called on citizens with children in distress to contact its office.  

“Our CYCCs have a commendable track record, consistently upholding the highest standards of care for the children entrusted with our care. We urge the public to rely on accurate information and refrain from spreading unfounded panic.

“The department is fully equipped to handle cases involving vulnerable children and there is no shortage of space in our CYCCs.  It is crucial that individuals encountering children in distress immediately contact our State social workers to ensure proper placement,” the department said.

The provincial department has also encouraged the public to collaborate with them by utilising the State CYCCs to collectively provide a secure and caring environment for children facing challenging circumstances.

“Dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals, families and communities in the province, the department focuses on child and youth care, operating CYCCs to ensure the safety and protection of children in need,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:34

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Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time

Location: MyPR

Centurion, November, 2023: Super Green Garden Services – Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time Centurion, South Africa – Super Green Garden Services, the premier garden maintenance provider in Centurion, is proud to announce its continued commitment to bringing professional and hassle-free garden care to the community. With nearly a decade of experience, Super Green Garden …

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Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, November, 2023: Pest Control Experts: Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment Gauteng – Pest Control Experts, Gauteng’s premier pest management service, is dedicated to providing top-tier pest and vermin extermination services, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, office spaces, and industrial premises. With a highly trained team of exterminators, Pest Control Experts are …

Read moreYour Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment

The Smart Way to Plod, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere

Location: MyPR

Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, November, 2023: Loadit: The Smart Way to Move, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere Loadit, the innovative logistics platform, is revolutionizing the way South Africans handle their delivery and removal needs. With a commitment to convenience, reliability, and efficiency, Loadit offers a seamless solution for moving, removing, or delivering items with just a …

Read moreThe Smart Way to Plod, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere

Nzimande speaks out on violence against women at universities

Location: News

Nzimande speaks out on violence against women at universities

Universities and colleges have been urged to continue to implement programmes towards addressing sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) within the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system.

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, made this call during a media briefing on Tuesday after a video of a university student stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, circulated on social media. 

“This kind of barbaric behaviour by males against women must be condemned and perpetrators must face the full might of the law. We cannot continue like this in our society, where as many as 38% of murders are committed against women, often by their intimate partners,” Nzimande said.

He urged both the government and the PSET sector to intensify campaigns to confront and defeat the scourge of GBV in society and at post school education and training and higher learning institutions.

“I launched the Transforming MENtalities initiative, which is a multi-stakeholder partnership within the PSET, with a particular focus on mobilising men in our sector to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.”

He commended the arrest of a senior Fort Hare University employee for the alleged murder and attempted murder of employees at the university.

The accused, including nine men and a woman, appeared in the Alice Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder of Fort Hare Fleet Manager, Petrus Roets and Mboneli Vesele, who was the bodyguard to Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.

The case was postponed to 13 December 2023 for the finalisation of pending bail applications for three of the accused. 

“We had indicated to Minister Cele (Police Minister) that indeed, no stone must be left unturned in going to the reasons for the killings at Fort Hare. Without prejudging the situation, as Minister, I am deeply concerned about the latest arrest of someone inside the Vice-Chancellor's office and ostensibly responsible for the security in the institution. 

“This may point to the fact that the problems at UFH may be deeper than meets the eye. I will be further engaging with Council on the latest developments, particularly given the fact that complaints have been raised with me about alleged illegal surveillance of Council and staff members,” Nzimande said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 10:40

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Cox Yeats Adds To Annual Awards Haul With Best Lawyers® Win For 2024

Location: MyPR

COX YEATS ADDS TO ANNUAL AWARDS HAUL WITH BEST LAWYERS® WIN FOR 2024 The legal profession’s oldest and most respected peer-review title, Best Lawyers® has announced the winners in the 15th Edition of Best Lawyers® in South Africa for 2024. A total of 15 Cox Yeats lawyers were recognised in their areas of speciality on …

Read moreCox Yeats Adds To Annual Awards Haul With Best Lawyers® Win For 2024

Cabinet reiterates call for an terminate to Gaza conflict

Location: News

Cabinet reiterates call for an end to Gaza conflict

Cabinet has reiterated the call made by African leaders for an end to the conflict in Gaza, during the African-Saudi Summit in Riyadh hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. 

The summit condemned the targeting of civilians, and the violations of international law by the Israeli government.

“The world cannot simply standby and watch. The global community needs to rise to stop this genocide now,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, on Monday.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet continues to be concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure.  

Ntshavheni noted that it is because of these continued atrocities that are being committed with impunity by the Israeli government with the support and protection of powerful countries that on 17 November 2023, South Africa, together with the Comoros, Djibouti, Bolivia and Bangladesh, jointly referred the situation in Palestine and Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

While the Palestinian Authority did ask the ICC to investigate crimes under the court’s jurisdiction in 2018, the Minister said South Africa believes the current atrocities, particularly in Gaza needs renewed attention with the full backing of state parties. 

“Our ambassador in the Hague delivered the referral in person, which asked the ICC to investigate the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide with a view to holding those most responsible accountable. Given that much of the global community are witnessing the commission of these crimes in real time, including statements of genocidal intent by many Israeli leaders, we expect that warrants of arrest for these leaders including Prime Minister Netanyahu will be issued shortly.  

“The ICC has been able to investigate the situation in Palestine since 2021 when the issue of territorial jurisdiction was settled, however, we have noted that the office of the prosecutor has continued to drag its feet despite the gravity of the situation. The current atrocities may not have occurred if these investigations took place as soon as the Palestinian Authorities first made its referral.”

Ntshavheni said South Africa now expects that other state parties also add their voices for an end to the impunity by Israel, and the significant levels of evidence available, that international warrants of arrest will be issued by the time the Conference of Parties meet in mid-December in New York.  

“Failure to do so will be indicative of a lack of will to act by the ICC and a strong signal to the total failure of the global system of good governance and the need to establish a new system.”

The Minister also noted that more children have been killed over the last month than those killed per annum in all conflicts combined for the last three years. This include more United Nations (UN) staff members who have been killed in Gaza since the founding of the United Nations. 

“The numbers of journalists killed have been staggering. These are all people killed by the actions of the Israeli government, not to defend itself, but evinced by the statements of its leaders to clear most of Gaza of Palestinians and to occupy it,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za  

 

GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:16

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