MPs blast Post Office and Postbank leadership
“I don’t see a clear way forward. What I see is yet another failed entity” says MP
office
Unica: Where Innovation Meets Everyday Convenience
In the world of modern living, convenience and innovation often go hand in hand. Unica, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, learn more, brings you a range of products designed to enhance your everyday life. Let’s delve into some of Unica’s offerings, each catering to a specific aspect of your daily needs: The …
New online service a milestone for Justice Department
New online service a milestone for Justice Department
The newly launched Masters' Deceased Estate Online Registration System is a milestone for how the Masters' office renders services to the public.
This is according to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, who was addressing the launch of the system on Tuesday.
“This system will be a catalyst to changing this environment…. modernising it, digitising it, and making it accessible to members of the public and also all the professional bodies that operate in the space of the Master's [office] services,” he said.
The new online system will, amongst others, allow members of the public to register deceased estates either in the comfort of their homes, offices or anywhere in the world, without having to visit a Master's office (except with the lodgement of original wills). Online registrations will also speed up the registration process and ensure quicker availability of the details/particulars of the beneficiaries and trustees.
With the electronic booking of appointments -- where a client needs to physically visit a Master's office -- the client will be able to choose a suitable date and time slot for their appointment.
Lamola said the system will also protect clients from fraudulent activities.
“We are also aware of the challenges that you as stakeholders have also suffered not only in terms of accessing our services but also in terms of the manipulators of the system… such as fraudulent letters of authority and so forth. Already, the risks have been mitigated and we believe that if we all follow those systems, we’ll be able to guard against further fraudulent activities by unscrupulous players out there.
“We hope that the LPC [Legal Practice Council] will play its role on the unscrupulous attorneys who also sometimes take their chances and also hopefully the accounting profession will do the same with the accountants who also sometimes take… advantage of the unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.
Lamola said that the digitisation of services of the Master’s office is the beginning of a migration of most of the department’s services.
“It has been a long journey for the department to reach this milestone but we are very excited that we have reached it and there is a foundation that has been laid in terms of digitising and modernising the entire justice system.
“So what you see today is part of our vision not only for the Master's office but also in terms of online maintenance, in terms of liquidations… and all the services that the Master’s provide [and] also the courts... We have already seen court online, cases online and the various platforms that the department is trying infuse to modernise the entire administration of the justice system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 12:52
443 views
Programme to assist unemployed people acquire driving licenses
Programme to assist unemployed people get driving licenses
The KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department has called on all unemployed citizens in the province to apply for a programme designed to assist them get drivers' licenses and increase their chances of getting a job.
As part of the provincial Transport Month campaign, Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, launched the Thuthuka Driving Skills Programme that will assist more than 3 000 people across all age groups to get free learners and driving licences from Code 08 to Code 14.
“This is part of our ongoing contribution to job creation because we know that when people have licences, they stand a better chance of being employed across all sectors. We have already begun to engage with the driving schools’ executives to bring them on board and work with them in rolling out this programme,” Hlomuka said.
Hlomuka added that through the Thuthuka Driving Skills Programme initiative, the department is working on the eligibility criteria for obtaining a driver licence.
To access the application form for the programme, click on https://bit.ly/3ZNieZ0, alternatively, you may access the form on the department’s website http://www.kzntransport.gov.za then click on Electronic Reading Room on the left-hand sidebar and choose forms from the options, then choose forms again. Click on the Thuthuka Skills Development Programme Application Form in order to download and fill out the form.
Completed forms may be handed in at the nearest Department of Transport Regional Office or Cost Centre office, as well as the department’s Head Office.
Applications for the programme close on 17 October 2023.
Protests by internal contract workers condemned
Meanwhile, Hlomuka has condemned the protests by the department’s internal contract workers, which has seen the attack of department officials and government cars being stoned.
The protests have been taking place at various departmental offices due to grievances surrounding the recruitment process of Road Worker Aides.
Hlomuka said, as part of S’thesha Waya Waya, more than 5 978 posts were advertised for Road Worker Aids and Grader Operators.
The MEC noted that due to the number of posts, the department knew that there would be a huge number of people applying, and in the process “a lot of dissatisfaction to many people seeking employment, even among our own internal contractor workers who are employed through the Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance Programme”.
“We have labour laws in the country and if people are unhappy about the recruitment process there are clear channels to follow. Where there are genuine complaints, we have directed the Head of Department to investigate any concerns and call upon our contract workers to not resort to violence,” Hlomuka said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 12:54
1346 views
Understanding UPS Power Supply: Your Backup Power Solution
In today’s digitally connected world, a sudden power outage can disrupt our lives and work. Whether it’s at home or in the office, losing access to electricity, even momentarily, can lead to data loss, equipment damage, and productivity setbacks. This is where Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems come to the rescue. In this article, we’ll …
New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development
New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to the nation to highlight the importance of the New Border Management Authority (BMA) in boosting the country’s security and development.
The President said that the establishment of the BMA is a significant step towards safer communities, better law enforcement and the growth of the economy through greater trade with the country's neighbours.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that ensuring the borders are well-managed and well-protected is key to the security and development of the country.
“Maintaining the integrity of our country’s borders is key if we are to realise the aspiration of every South African to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours.
“It is a daunting undertaking. Our land border is over 4 800 km long and is shared with six countries. We have 53 land ports of entry, 11 international airports and eight sea ports.
“The launch last week of the country’s first integrated, unified Border Management Authority (BMA) is therefore a milestone in the necessary effort to secure our borders,” the President said.
Turning to the challenges faced on our borders, the President said that they are both historical and contemporary.
He highlighted that the apartheid regime flagrantly disregarded the sovereignty of neighbouring countries to conduct illegal cross-border raids.
He added that “it abused immigration measures to harass its opponents, and enforced hated policies like influx control and the exploitation of labour from the region.”
President Ramaphosa told the nation that it then became the priority of the democratic government elected in 1994 to progressively reform the border management and migration regime, not just in the interests of economic growth and development, but also so that these reforms should reflect the broader values of the new state.
“The democratic government has worked to uphold the right of citizens to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers under international conventions.
“It also sought to deepen trade and investment between South Africa and other Southern African countries, and contribute to the political and economic integration of the African continent,” he said.
Over time, however, he said, the complexities of border management have resulted in an uncoordinated approach by the various authorities.
He highlighted that one of the challenges has been the sheer number of government departments and entities involved in this work. This includes the absence of a central authority which led to fragmentation of efforts and made it difficult to enforce accountability. This in turn rendered the country’s borders vulnerable.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that South Africa has become an important transit route for organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drugs and small arms smuggling and various other forms of cross-border crime.
It has also noted that as the economic powerhouse of the region, South Africa continues to attract economic migrants who are undocumented, especially from the SADC region.
The President said that the proliferation of cross-border crime, illicit trade and illegal migration as a result of porous borders presents a serious threat to national security and the economy. He added that it also places strain on already stretched resources and public services, and fuels social instability.
“We have in recent times seen anti-foreigner sentiment resulting in acts of violence and harassment. As a country, we must condemn without reservation all acts of violence against foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status, and work together to prevent such acts.
“At the same time, we must recognise that South Africans are justifiably concerned about illegal migration. Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to guarantee the integrity of our borders and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here.
“Those who have sought refuge in South Africa or wish to live and work here are subject to immigration regulations and must adhere to the country’s laws,” the President said.
The Border Management Authority is tasked with ensuring that the country’s immigration laws are enforced, and that the borders are well-protected and ports of entry well-managed.
The new authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The first officers of the new BMA border guard were deployed in July this year at vulnerable segments of the border, including at informal crossings.
Although they will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the SANDF remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.
With this new structure in place, President Ramaphosa said the country will also be able to better prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods, curb illegal migration and human smuggling, and combat cross-border crime.
The BMA will take on the work of several other departments and agencies and is already working with the South African Revenue Service, SAPS and SANDF to integrate border management functions. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:14
714 views
NMB GELVANDALE 10km Road Race and 5km family run/walk, SATURDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2023
The Gelvandale 10km road race will be held at the Gelvandale Athletics track, Liebenberg Road, Gelvandale on Saturday, 14 October. The 10km road race starts at 06.00 and 5km family walk/run at 06.15. The well-established Gelvandale Run, which was formerly over a 15km distance, is sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as part of …
Smart Solutions for Tackling Load Shedding
Load shedding is a common challenge faced by many regions, causing disruptions in daily life and impacting productivity. Whether it’s due to an overloaded power grid, extreme weather conditions, or inadequate infrastructure, the effects of load shedding can be frustrating and costly. However, in today’s technology-driven world, there are smart solutions available to help individuals …
Condolences for Eswatini top cop
Condolences for Eswatini top cop
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the passing of Eswatini Police Commissioner William Dlamini, who passed away on Saturday morning at OR Tambo International Airport.
The top cop, according to a SAPS statement, was in transit to Eswatini from Angola where he attended the 26th Interpol African Regional Conference.
“The Commissioner collapsed and died at the airport. Both the family and the delegation that accompanied the late Commissioner on his official trip have received psychosocial services from psychologists attached to the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit,” the statement read.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has since on behalf of the SAPS sent his condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service as well as the family of Dlamini.
Masemola described Dlamini as a soft-spoken and committed senior police officer who was dedicated to enhancing cooperation to counter transnational organised crime in the region.
“Our sincerest condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the family of the late Commissioner. Commissioner Dlamini was humble and dedicated to the cause of serving.
“He was always available to discuss collaboration in preventing and combating cross-border crime in the SADC region. The SAPS is providing the necessary support in line with its expertise through its Interpol office,” said Masemola.
Police at the airport have also registered an inquest docket to determine the cause of death. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 12:06
456 views
Unlocking Efficiency and Organization with PaperTrail: Your Document Management Solution
In the fast-paced world of business, time is of the essence, and every moment counts. That’s why it’s essential to have the right tools in place to streamline your operations and make the most of your valuable time. One such tool that’s revolutionizing document management in South Africa is PaperTrail. About Us. Spend Less …
Grant beneficiaries queue at ATMs as KZN post offices sprint out of cash
“In the 90s, the Post Office was reliable but now it seems as if everything is falling apart,” says KwaMashu pensioner
Simba granted urgent interdict against striking workers
Allegations of transport deductions are false, says Simba
Political appointments cripple Lesotho hospital
Wage bill at flagship Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital balloons by R48-million over a year as politicians appoint family members and friends
Simba factory workers down tools over “unfair” transport deductions
The company is in the Labour Court on Thursday afternoon to get an urgent interdict against the strikers
Critical Minerals Africa Summit to Explore Current Investment Landscape
A dynamic panel discussion on the second day of the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2023 summit will explore the current landscape for investing in Africa's critical minerals sector, as the global energy transition, geopolitical considerations and supply chain disruptions continue to impact the development of new projects.
Under the theme, Investing in African Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Projects Today, the panel will address the challenges, opportunities and strategies associated with investing in Africa's critical minerals – and specifically, the Rare Earth Elements (REE) – sector, providing unparalleled insights into the region's resource potential and its role in meeting rising demand for these essential resources.
Panelists include Jude Kearney, Chair of the Sub-Saharan Africa Committee for the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Managing Partner of ASAFO & Co., US Office; Lloyd Pengilly, Chairman of Qora Capital, South Africa; Patricia Rodrigues, Associate Director at Control Risks; Nick Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of Renergen; Jonathan Veeran, Partner at Webber Wentzel, South Africa; and Petur Georgesson, Founder and CEO of Technology Metals Market. The panel will be moderated by Olivier Barbeau, Managing Partner and EMR Leader for Africa at Moore Global.
Uniting multi-sectoral expertise from financiers, project developers, consultants and trading platforms, the panel will discuss forecast shifts in critical minerals supply and demand curves between now and 2050, identify the most interesting critical minerals projects taking place on the continent and evaluate how these projects have been able to progress through various stages of development to generate returns for investors.
Panelists will also examine the role of partnerships among governments, companies and local communities in ensuring successful and responsible investments in the sector, as well as fiscal and policy incentives conducive to attracting and retaining investments in the sector.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit on October 17-19 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is organized by Energy Capital & Power and is held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (https://AECWeek.com/) on October 16-20, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Western Cape municipality fails to keep its water clean
Kannaland also does not conduct all the water tests it is supposed to
Cricket South Africa’s Cricket Led Tourism Initiative
ALICE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce cricket-led tourism initiative which is aimed at fostering talent and promotion of...
The Evolution of Inverters: A Inspect at Geewiz’s Offerings
In the world of electrical appliances, inverters have become an indispensable tool. They play a crucial role in converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), making it possible for us to use our everyday devices seamlessly. One brand that has stood out in the inverter industry is Geewiz. Why Choose Geewiz Inverters? Geewiz …
Tracking EPWP pace
Tracking EPWP progress
While the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has provided job opportunities for close to two decades, work is underway to ensure that its footprint reaches more people.
By March 2023, the programme had steadily created over 14 million work opportunities since its inception in April 2004.
“The EPWP has been a good programme from its inception 19 years ago. The main focus of the programme is to alleviate poverty by providing job opportunities. This is important because it is not just a job opportunity, it is an opportunity that must provide a skill to participants,” said Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts.
The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.
In addition to gaining skills and earning an income, the work opportunities also allow participants to gain valuable work experience that make them employable.
Through its various five-year phases, which have been improved upon over the years, the programme has granted work opportunities to many across the length and breadth of the country.
In an interview with SAnews at her office in central Pretoria, Swarts said various research reports and mid-term review reports of the different phases of the EPWP show that the income participants earn from the programme is having a positive impact in terms of poverty alleviation.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is the custodian of the programme, which is being implemented by over 300 public bodies across the three spheres of government.
Training for the future
The programme has morphed with each subsequent phase it has undergone and the current five-year Phase IV comes to an end in 2024.
The current phase has created 3.9 million work opportunities against the five million target.
Swarts revealed that in the current phase, the EPWP has been strengthening its partnerships with the private sector in getting placements for youth that have been trained in artisan programmes to gain work experience.
This includes the placement and absorption of young people by contractors on projects implemented by the DPWI. Some young people trained in the mechanical engineering field have been absorbed by mining and car repair companies as part of the partnership.
Participants in the programme obtain various skills such as painting, brick laying and carpentry, home community-based care skills and fire-fighting among others. Training is funded through the National Skills Fund and budgets of projects in different public bodies.
Changing lives
The EPWP also contributes to household incomes, with over R12 billion having been transferred to participants as wages in 2022/23.
“The final figure, according to our records, was R13.2 billion being paid in wages,” she added.
While creating a livelihoods for participants, the EPWP also contributes towards service delivery. Projects include road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, environmental greening, cleaning and removing alien vegetation.
Participation
In order to increase the participation of vulnerable groups in society, the current phase of the programme has put demographic targets in place.
For women participation this is set at 60% while the targets for the youth has been pegged at 55%.
According to the Deputy Minister the targets relating to women are being met while that of young people are yet to be met.
“For the 2022/23 financial year, the achievement for women was at 69% while that of youth was at 40%. Interventions are being put in place through better targeting during recruitment and having youth-focused programmes to improve the achievement of targets for youth,” explained the Deputy Minister.
She attributed this to the fact that some young people view wearing orange overalls as “not cool” while others believe that they cannot take part in the EPWP because of the qualifications they hold.
“[This] is a wrong mind-set because if you have a degree in administration and have been at home for five years, surely you must be able [to come to a point where you] say ‘let me deviate and participate in a programme that is going to give me a skill’,” she said.
The programme also caters for people living with disability by making provision for them to form their own companies. The Deputy Minister noted that more needs to be done to accommodate people living with disabilities.
“We need to bring in people with disabilities and we can bring them in as project managers on site to oversee the work that is being done.”
Policy
In 2022, the DPWI developed the EPWP Policy, which has been approved by Cabinet for public consultation and is expected to be finalised by March 2024.
On what the future holds for the programme that continues to evolve, Swarts says the DPWI and its stakeholders are developing proposals for the next phase of the programme, which is scheduled to start in April 2024, if approved by Cabinet.
Expanding the reach of the programme, improving training and skills development, and improving on exit strategies for participants are some the different proposals being considered for the next phase.
“[The] EPWP must and will be the backbone of creating employment in the country. After 19 years [and] as we prepare for the 20 years celebrations, which we are doing as DPWI at the end of this November, we are going to start showcasing and celebrating the EPWP.
“It must just not be about celebrating, it must be about us bringing all participants and stakeholders on board.”
The Deputy Minister is confident that those who complete the programme are capable of becoming entrepreneurs who can contribute to the country’s economic development. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 11:56
7 views
Some pensioners are still queuing for hours for their grants
But payments seem to be going more smoothly, at least in some places
The Modern Home: Embracing Automated Window Solutions
The evolution of smart home technology has brought about a revolution in how we interact with our living spaces. From lighting to security, every aspect of our homes is getting smarter. One area that’s seen significant innovation is window treatments. With the introduction of automatic shading windows, homeowners can now enjoy a blend of convenience, …
Two people arrested during toilet protest in Durban
Informal settlement families say they only have five mobile toilets for over 400 shacks
No glitches expected with October grant payment cycle, says Mpumalanga SASSA
No glitches expected with October grant payment cycle, says Mpumalanga SASSA
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has issued a statement assuring social grant beneficiaries of a smooth transaction during the October payment cycle.
This comes after the technical glitches experienced last month, affecting grant recipients across the country.
According to SASSA, the elderly will receive their money on 3 October, those living with disabilities on 4 October, while payment of children grants categories will get theirs from 5 October.
“Social grant beneficiaries have a right to choose a method of payment of their choice, freely. The forms to make a choice are available at the nearest SASSA offices.”
Meanwhile, SASSA staff will be in most South African Post Office (SAPO) outlets and other payment platforms to monitor the payment and aim to assist beneficiaries with enquiries.
“The monitoring will be conducted for the first three payment days and they will assist any beneficiary that may be experiencing system payment-related challenges or non-payment due to failed bank verification and/or pending bank verification.
“In the eventuality of an unexpected non-payment [this] will be escalated to Postbank if related to a system glitch, and be sorted out as quickly as possible,” the agency explained.
Beneficiaries are also reminded to check their contact details to ensure that they are still correct.
For more information, contact the toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11 or 013 754 9428/9363 from 07:30 to 16:00 during weekdays (Monday to Friday).
District contacts are as follows: Ehlanzeni 013 799 7063/65; Bushbuckridge 013 799 7010/11; Gert-Sibande 017 801 1794 and Nkangala 013 285 0648. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:37
68 views
What Are the Methods of Property Valuation in South Africa
Introduction Property valuation plays a crucial role in the real estate industry. It is the process of determining the economic value of a real estate property. Whether you’re buying a new home, selling an investment property, or even insuring your property, a proper valuation can help you make informed decisions and ensure you’re getting the …