Constitutional Court accused of taking too long to rule on crucial election case
“I fear a further delay may begin to jeopardise the election process itself” says independent candidate Zackie Achmat
“I fear a further delay may begin to jeopardise the election process itself” says independent candidate Zackie Achmat
Soweto landmark gets a new lease on life with a Heritage Hall and community shopping centre SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 November 2023 – The iconic Eyethu Theatre in Soweto, home to one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa, has been revitalised and transformed into a contemporary community hub while preserving a local legacy …
Men in blue set their sights on perpetrators
As the country marks the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted the work of its men and women in blue who work tirelessly to put behind bars those involved in the abuse of women, children and vulnerable groups.
One such example is Warrant Officer Alistair Rezant who is attached to the Western Cape SAPS’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.
With an overwhelming success rate, W/O Rezant has managed to secure a total of 1 105 years imprisonment sentence for rapists.
This year, the investigator secured a lengthy conviction for Riegard David Myburgh who was found guilty for numerous counts of rape and sexual assault charges. Myburgh is a paedophile who targeted young boys between 8 and 11 years of age between 2014 and 2019.
Because of Warrant Officer Rezant’s meticulous investigation, Myburgh’s name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) which records the names of persons who have been convicted of charges of sexual offences committed against a child or a mentally disabled person.
The member was also instrumental in securing the conviction of Mark Labuschagne who was a handyman at a retirement village in the Western Cape.
Labuschagne was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for sexually assaulting an elderly women at the retirement village and for performing acts of self-masturbation in front of the elderly. His victims were aged between 70 and 96 years of age.
Labuschagne’s name was also recorded in both the Sexual Offences Register and the Abuse of Elderly Persons Register. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and also unfit to work with children
The member has vowed to put more of such offenders behind bars.
“Cases related to GBV and sexual offences remains a priority for me. I always oppose bail applications for GBV perpetrators and ensure that all cases relating to rape and abuse are watertight so that they are not withdrawn at the court of law,” said W/O Rezant.
“These hefty sentences meted against sexual offenders should serve as a deterrent to would be offenders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:31
Forklift hire, a practical solution for businesses in South Africa that require material handling equipment on a temporary or project-specific basis, offers flexibility and cost efficiency. Hiring a forklift instead of purchasing can be a strategic choice for many businesses, particularly in a dynamic economic environment like South Africa’s. Benefits of Forklift Hire …
Outdoor adventures require the right gear to enhance the experience, whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a camping trip, or organizing an outdoor event. From braai stands to camping chairs, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. In this blog, we’ll explore some essential outdoor gear available from Store2Door that will help …
Cloud-based software is transforming the modern workplace, making remote and hybrid work models more feasible and efficient than ever before. The demand for cloud-based solutions has increased significantly as they offer unparalleled freedom and flexibility, connecting workers, employers, and customers worldwide. This shift towards a digital and remote work era necessitates a robust integration of …
As digital transformation continues to accelerate, it is evident that the fintech sector is not just responding to current demands, it is also anticipating the future needs of businesses and consumers alike. With the emergence of decentralised platforms to the integration of financial services into everyday consumer experiences, each year brings significant milestones in the …
Investment in teaching and learning infrastructure pays off
Gabi Khumalo
Government’s commitment to strengthening and developing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, has brought about change to the community of Msinga.
The community recently witnessed the opening of a new state-of-the-art campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.
Officially opened by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Msinga Campus which is located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is part of the response to the community, which has been calling for the building and upgrading of the college.
This commitment to strengthening the PSET sector was made through investing in infrastructure to provide quality teaching, learning and research, and innovation spaces.
The campus, which was built by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as part of its TVET Infrastructure Development Programme, is funded in part through the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).
The R143 561 753.44 Msinga campus commenced with formal programme provision at the new site in January 2022. To date, the campus has three buildings.
These include the administration block that contains offices, a staff room, exam centre and the official reception site. The theory building consists of two computer laboratories that can accommodate up to 70 students each, and double sized classrooms. Included on the campus is an engineering block that consists of four workshops, as well as smaller skills venues on the upper floor.
Programmes offered
The campus offers National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes, including Nated Public Management (N4-N6), Nated Business Management (N4 – N6) and Farming Management.
The campus also offers a new National Certificate Vocational programme in Mechatronics Level 2 – Level 4, which the Minister described as a cutting edge Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) programme.
The decision to offer this programme to the young people of Msinga according to Nzimande was because “we want this youth to be highly skilled and be able to compete at any level with the youth that is based in urban areas, including competing with the any youth at an international level.”
“Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. Mechatronics specialists work with massive industrial robots, smaller robots in pick-and-place operations, control systems for bottling or packaging of food and drink products, drones, designing control systems for rides in amusement parks, [and] prototype development.
“Some mechatronics specialists are employed in firms where it is necessary to design and maintain automatic equipment [and] this includes industries such as manufacturing, mining, aviation, robotics, defence, and transport. Other mechatronic specialists are employed by large manufacturing companies involved in high-volume production,” Nzimande explained.
Nzimande also highlighted that mechatronics is a financially lucrative career with the average mechatronic engineer earning around R360 000 per year or R185 per hour in South Africa. He said the entry-level positions start at R300 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R4 050 000 per year and more.
Investment
The Department of Higher Education and Training has identified the expansion of the TVET sector as a national priority in the Post-School Education and Training system. This as 13 new campuses have been identified for development with three existing campuses identified for additional buildings.
“We have embarked on this intense expansion programme to ensure that our post school education and training sector produce[s] many technical and vocational skills and to also reinvigorate the South African construction industry and the economy in general,” Nzimande said.
The department has invested over R2.880 billion in the development and refurbishment of 16 new TVET campuses that will enable the expansion of the TVET system over the medium term.
Of the 16 sites, 10 campuses, including Thabazimbi, Umzimkhulu, Graaf-Reinet, Nongoma Msinga, Aliwal North, Kwagqikazi, Ngqungqushe, Nkandla A and Bhambanani are completed.
Nzimande said the three new campuses, including Greytown, Sterkspruit and Balfour are at their final stages of completion, while the remaining three sites of Vryheid, Giyani and Nkandla B will be completed by the end of the 2023/24 financial year with enrolments planned for 2024/25.
Skills
The Minister reiterated the vision and objective for the public TVET colleges sector, which is to expand and strengthen the TVET sub-system in order to provide quality technical and vocational education and training to prepare students for the world of work, self-employment and other forms of sustainable livelihoods.
However, Nzimande acknowledged the constraints caused by skills ‘mismatches,’ --as being real and perceived-- towards the attainment of the TVET colleges’ objective, particularly the ability to grow the country’s economy, which further perpetuates a barrier to social inclusion and poverty reduction.
In response to this mismatch, the department has since developed a one country one skills plan – the Master Skills Plan, which is an implementation plan of the Human Resource Development Strategy.
“In order for our sector to invest in relevant skills development, we are also using the National List of Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) in South Africa, which is one of the many instruments that guides government’s investment in skills development.
“This list has 345 occupations that are in high demand [and] tells us which occupations are likely to have what vacancies and which occupations are likely to grow due to new investments, by both government and the private sector,” he said.
The Minister is confident that the skills that students will acquire at Msinga College, will take them to greater heights with prospects of a successful career.
To further illustrate government’s commitment to massify skills development, in 2018 the department embarked on a campaign to launch 26 Centres of Specialisation located in 19 of 50 TVET colleges prioritising 13 occupational trades in high demand.
This move aimed to curb the shortage of trade and occupational skills, while reducing unemployment and poverty.
The centres were provided with resources to upgrade their workshops and equipment to deliver effectively on much-needed skills.
“These Centres of Specialisation are well positioned to prepare students for the workplace, or for self-employment, through the maintenance of close working relationships with employers in their areas of study. We have also established entrepreneurship hubs at TVET Colleges to support students to move into self-employment after completion of their programmes.”
Artisans
Nzimande also believes that the country is well on track to produce 30 000 qualified artisans per year by 2030.
This follows the launch of the Decade of the Artisan campaign in 2013, which promotes artisanship as a career of choice for the youth.
Launched under the theme: “It’s cool to be a 21st Century Artisan”, the campaign ensures the development of the necessary artisans to successfully implement the country’s Strategic Infrastructure Projects, which include the construction of roads, schools, universities, harbours, power stations, and other social and economic infrastructure.
“The reality is that South Africa needs at least 60% of school leavers to pursue artisanal type training to meet the country’s demand for scarce skills. We honestly need to do more to encourage school leavers to pursue technical trades.
“Our Government’s National Development Plan (NDP) and our White Paper for Post-School Education and Training expects of us that by 2030, the country should be producing 30 000 qualified artisans per year. At present, our country is producing an average 20 000 qualified artisans per year,” Nzimande said.
He stressed the need to ensure that the number increase drastically leading up to 2030 for the country to realise the NDP target.
“We however do believe that we are well on track to attain this goal and even surpass it. The Msinga campus is very much part of this agenda and will help us greatly to produce more artisans.”
Nzimande said with the current challenges within different sectors in society, more artisans are needed than ever before and the work of artisans will always be guaranteed.
Progress made to date, shows that government is burning the candle at both ends. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:37
“Jesus believed in justice, equality, truth, gentleness and mercy” says Alan Storey
Commercial and industrial property is a major asset class in South Africa, and it can be a complex and challenging investment to manage. That’s why it’s important to have a team of experienced professionals on your side who can help you unlock the potential of your property. Maximizing Net Income One of the most …
The role of men important in ending GBVF – President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the role of men as an increasingly influential force in making the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a tangible achievement throughout Africa.
The President was delivering remarks at the 3rd African Union Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity, held in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The conference is taking place in the week that the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commences across the globe.
“Let us build on the gains of the first two conferences to birth a new Africa that affirms the human dignity, equality and worth of every African woman and girl. Let us leave no man and boy behind in this journey.
“Together, as an expanding circle of champions, we will make the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a reality in our beloved Africa,” the President said.
The President said what makes this conference exceptional is that the main focus is on the role of men and boys in bringing about a world free of gender-based violence.
“We are here because we know that men and boys must be at the forefront of change. We are here because we know there is an alternative to a society, a continent and a world where women are oppressed, discriminated against and their rights suppressed.
“We seek a world in which every African man, woman and child can live in true freedom and equality with their rights respected, upheld and advanced. We know that such a world is within our reach if we focus on the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that we cannot realise a society free of gender-based violence without critically interrogating the assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism and sexism.
It is these assumptions, he said, that lead young men and boys to believe that women are property; that they are worth less than a man, and that they are deserving of ill-treatment.
“This is a conversation that men need to have. Men are in the main the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. At the same time, it is men who have the power to bring about the change we so sorely need.
“The unity, self-reliance, self-determination, freedom, progress and prosperity we collectively strive towards under the AU’s Agenda 2063 are being undermined by gender-based violence,” he said.
The President said such violence is eroding our gains, stunting our continent’s development and leaving more than half of Africa’s population in a state of anxiety and fear.
He said this conference is about promoting positive masculinity as well as challenging traditional stereotypes with being a man.
He said it involves redefining the norms and expectations placed on men.
The President highlighted that positive masculinity encourages men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence and respect for diversity.
Earlier this year, the President convened the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto in Johannesburg.
He had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men who see themselves as changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.
“These young men face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to.
“These young men, who exhibit or seek to learn positive masculinity, are tired of being seen as the problem, when they want to be part of the solution.
“This is why it is so important that a conference such as this brings us together to look at how we can create more spaces for young men and boys to engage among their peers without fear of judgment,” he said.
The President highlighted that South Africa has a number of initiatives, programmes and dialogues that are elevating the importance of positive masculinity as part of the fight against gender-based violence.
These programmes are run among athletes and artists, workers and students. They are often implemented in partnership with business, unions and other social partners.
“What these programmes show is that while men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men can also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls. This has been recognised across the African continent.
“This conference is now in its third year. The AU Circle of Champions has been established, and work is underway towards an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the President said.
He told delegates that this conference is an opportunity to consolidate political commitment, accelerate collective efforts and define men’s contribution to ending violence against women and girls.
As South Africa, working with fellow leaders on the continent, the President stressed the importance of an all-of-society approach that brings together business, labour, government and civil society to promote positive masculinity.
He said this enables us to develop a common vision and roadmap, and build structures throughout society.
The President further emphasised that there is a need to step up the prevention agenda.
He said the Circle of Champions must continue to inspire high-level leadership in ending violence against women and girls.
He called for the renewed support for the AU Commission in ensuring the Maputo Protocol Scorecard and Index for the realisation of women’s rights is popularised and implemented.
“As we move ahead in negotiating an African Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, we must ensure there is accountability through monitoring and evaluating progress in meeting the commitments of the Kinshasa Declaration.
“Lastly, we have to address structural inequality by broadening women’s access to resources, jobs and opportunities, all the while introducing laws, policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment,” he said.
The President said that he has great expectations of this conference.
“We must be creative, innovative and resolute when it comes to the design and implementation of dialogue, safe spaces and other initiatives that enable men and boys to become more involved in this effort.
“Let us learn from each other and share best practice. Let us understand how what works in one context could be adapted to work in another. Let us look at how we can fund this work in an economically constrained environment.
“There is one thing on which we agree: positive masculinity can and must be harnessed as a powerful force for good,” he said.
The President concluded that ending violence against women and girls everywhere is a collective responsibility as society, but when it comes to the participation of men, the onus is even greater.
“We owe it to the women and girls of our continent to be better men, better fathers, better caregivers, better partners and better sons,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 14:42
December delights: Digging up some of South Africa best hidden gems. As the festive fiesta that is December approaches, South Africans and tourists across the country will be wondering what cool places will be worth a visit. For those looking for something more interesting than the usual hotspots, South Africa is filled with hidden gems …
Pandora holiday campaign “Loves, unboxed” is all about gifting loved one’s meaningful jewellery pieces they can cherish into the new year and beyond. The collection offers a unique take on classic jewellery motifs like precious hearts, celestial symbols and festive characters. The nostalgic at heart can unbox holiday wishes with a new selection of meaningful …
While South African schoolchildren eagerly anticipate the end-of-year holiday, for many this is a six-week break without regular daily meals. To bridge this nutritional gap, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)-based NPO, Zero2Five Trust has partnered with Durban’s Victor Daitz Foundation to implement a holiday nutrition and fun programme for more than 4 000 families in rural areas of …
The concept of investment typically conjures images of urban real estate, stocks, and bonds. However, the allure of the African savanna, known colloquially as “The Bush”, presents an unconventional yet profoundly impactful investment opportunity. The rugged, untamed wilderness areas of the Mpumalanga Lowveld spring to mind when one hears someone say, “We’re off to our …
Men and boys can break the cycle of violence – President Ramaphosa
As the country marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, President Cyril Ramaphosa believes that men and boys can break the cycle of violence.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country marks the start of this campaign in the shadow of a terrible crime.
The President recalled that earlier this month images were circulated on social media of a young male student stabbing his partner, also a student, on the campus of the Peninsula University of Technology.
“The fact that the attack happened in broad daylight and in full view of the public, shows that some perpetrators of gender-based violence seemingly do not even care if there are witnesses to their crimes, nor do they fear apprehension.
“I commend the students who tried to intervene even as they were threatened, as well as those who stepped in as the alleged perpetrator was being attacked by a crowd. It is significant that other male students attempted to ward off the attacker of the young female student,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said that one of the reasons gender-based violence continues is that there is a culture of ambivalence among men who see crimes against women and children as a ‘private matter’ or a ‘family matter’.
He added that in most cases of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and sexual violence, the attacker is known to the victim.
3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity
The President said it is fitting that the African Union (AU) will convene the 3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Pretoria this week, which will call on men to reject toxic displays of masculinity.
South Africa is co-hosting the conference with the AU Chair and President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani. The inaugural conference was held in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021 and the second one was held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2022.
“For the AU, as it is for our own country, ending gender-based violence is a priority. Discussions are currently underway on the content of an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls, executing a decision of the African Union Summit earlier this year.
“Once adopted, the convention will be the first continental legal instrument for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.
South Africa is a part of the AU Circle of Champions which is an association of African Heads of State who have committed to implementing programmes at national and continental levels that promote positive masculinity and encourages more men and boys to be part of the fight against gender-based violence.
“We have long maintained that interventions aimed at eradicating gender-based violence in our society must focus on prevention.
“If we are to raise a nation of men who are positive role models, who take care of their families, who exhibit positive masculinity and who would not countenance hurting a woman or a girl, we must work with young men,” he said.
South Africa adopted a national strategy to combat gender-based violence. One of the pillars of the National Strategic Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide deals with prevention.
Government, he said, has been engaging with civil society, academia and researchers, traditional leaders, youth organisations, the faith community and the private sector on the issue of prevention.
He further highlighted that a number of initiatives are underway across a range of sectors that are providing space for young and older men to discuss notions of masculinity.
“Men are called on to critically consider their own prejudices, preconceptions and chauvinisms that abet gender-based violence,” he said.
A number of government departments have interventions in place that are focused on promoting positive masculinity through dialogues, workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, psychosocial support and behavioural change programmes.
In August this year, the President was part of the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto where he had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men as part of the ‘What about the Boys’ initiative.
The aim of this programme is to get young men to open up in a safe space about their own experiences with masculinity and how this impacts their own attitudes to gender-based violence.
“Speaking to them, I acknowledged that young men in South Africa today face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to,” he said.
The President said the AU Men’s Conference aims to advocate for more initiatives and dialogues where young men and boys can talk about these issues among their peers.
“We need to inculcate a mindset that sees young men as part of the solution, and not just the problem. While men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men must also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls, where gender-based violence has no place,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said he is confident that the conference will raise the profile of prevention efforts in South Africa and in Africa, and that its outcomes will galvanise men and boys to play a greater role in breaking the cycle of violence. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 09:40
Neighbour slashed my tyres because I’m black, then ran away from the police, states complainant in criminal case
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Cape Town, in an effort to better protect Indonesian citizens abroad, held a socialization event to around 200 Indonesian citizens in the city (26/11). The activity aimed to increase the awareness of Indonesian citizens on the importance of self-reporting to the Consulate, as well as providing information on the upcoming 2024 General Election in Cape Town and its monitoring efforts.
In his remarks, the Consul General has made clear that the protection of Indonesian citizens is mandated by the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 37/1999 on Foreign Relations. This protection is considered a priority of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially considering that Cape Town is one of the Indonesian missions in a region considered unsafe. The Consul General also emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens exercising their political rights in the 2024 elections for President and Vice President as well as members of the House of Representatives, as a form of participation in determining democratic and quality national leadership.
Meanwhile, the Consul for Protocol and Consular Affairs in his presentation emphasised the importance of Indonesian citizens reporting themselves through the Peduli WNI Portal (peduliwni.kemlu.go.id). By registering Indonesian citizens' information on the portal, it is expected to make it easier for authorities to contact them or their families in their homeland in emergency situations such as war, social conflict, or natural disasters.
Regarding the 2024 General Election, PPLN Cape Town noted a number ship crews who have not been registered in the permanent voter list, and will be followed up immediately. Meanwhile, the General Election Committee in Cape Town emphasised that election monitoring is carried out to create quality elections.
One of the things that emerged during the event was the hope of the crew representatives present to be able to exercise their voting rights online, so that they can vote even though they are at sea. In response, PPLN Cape Town will forward this aspiration to the General Election Commission (KPU) as an effort to facilitate the democratic participation of Indonesian citizens in remote locations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Capetown, The Republic of South Africa.
The much-anticipated rehabilitation of Marine Drive which connects Port Shepstone with Southbroom is underway. Contractors are working tirelessly to ensure the road is open for use from 14 December 2023 to 9 January 2024, when construction will resume again. While this may cause some inconvenience for holidaymakers flocking to the KZN South Coast this festive …
And some residents expressed joy at living in a brick and mortar home
November, Johannesburg: A community development organisation is calling for more public-private initiatives to improve basic service delivery that can lift communities out of poverty and restore dignity to the lives of the disenfranchised masses in South Africa (SA). The obligation to restore dignity and ensure equal access to basic services has been one of the …
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BENONI: Kevin Sinclair held off a valiant all-round effort from the South Africa A (SA ‘A’) bowlers with an unbeaten 80...
