The Limpopo Government Mismanaged Their Money. But These Workers Are Not Giving Up
Premier Phophi Ramathuba promised that former employees of the Great North Transport bus company would start receiving their unpaid pensions this week
Polokwane
Government activities for the week 7 – 11 October 2024
Government activities for the week 7 – 11 October 2024
On Monday, 7 October, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the Olympic and Paralympics Sponsors’ Dinner at the Sandton Convention Centre.
On Monday, 7 October, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture hosts the 2024 Annual National Oral History Conference at the Emakhosini Conference Centre in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. The conference will conclude on 11 October.
On Tuesday, 8 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts an Inspectors Employment Standards Conference to discuss maximum compliance to employment and labour laws. The conference will conclude on 10 October.
On Tuesday, 8 October, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will attend the official opening of a Germiston Rail line.
On Wednesday, 9 October, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, will launch the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey in Pretoria.
On Wednesday, 9 October, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, Deputy Ministers Sibiya and Mgcina host an Inspections and Enforcement Conference in Durban. The conference will conclude on 10 October.
On Thursday, 10 October, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, leads the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction in Polokwane, Limpopo.
On Friday, 11 October, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will officially launch the Durban Rail line. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:58
264 views
The Power of SA’s T20 Competitions
PAARL: Durban and Paarl were at the heart of thrilling cricket action on Friday, with the Hollywoodbets Pro20 and T20 Challenge...
Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs
Four suspects nabbed in Limpopo for possession of illicit cigarettes, dealing in drugs
Four male suspects, aged between 26 and 38, have been apprehended at separate locations during routine operational duties conducted by various police units across the Capricorn District in Limpopo.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a foreign national was nabbed on Friday at Lebowakgomo RDP, Zone F for possession of 28 plastic bags containing dagga estimated at R28 000 and a substantial amount of cash.
The SAPS said the operation was led by the members of the Lebowakgomo police with the Polokwane SAPS, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP).
Then, at around 2pm on the same day, members of the POP received information about a 38-year-old foreign national male who was allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes at a local Spaza shop in the Lebowakgomo complex.
“Police responded to a tip-off that resulted in the illicit cigarettes, valued at R300 000, being discovered inside the shop and further confiscated a white Mercedes Benz motor vehicle belonging to the owner suspected to be the transporter.”
In addition, a 32-year-old male suspect was nabbed by the Provincial Organised Crime Intelligence Unit in Polokwane central business district (CBD) while in possession of heroin and crystal meth with an estimated street value of R1 700.
The Provincial Crime Intelligence Cluster Coordination Narcotics Task Team jointly with the Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested a 26-year-old male suspect along Indian Centre in Polokwane at about 7:20pm for possession of drugs.
“The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of 50 sachets of nyaope and eight sachets of crystal meth drugs with an estimated value of R2 500.”
The suspects are expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo and Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon, as police investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 10/06/2024 - 11:46
190 views
Three of Four Shosholoza Meyl Train Routes Halted Indefinitely
#UniteBehind believes problems with long distance locomotives is due to corruption at PRASA over the years.
Media Invite: Top Performing Businesses in Limpopo Honoured
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and Productivity SA, the government entity tasked with enabling employment growth, invite the media to the Limpopo Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. This event aims to increase the efficiency of Limpopo businesses thereby enabling economic growth and job creation. The MEC Limpopo Department of Economic Development, …
Impalas Ready To Defend Their Title In The T20 Knockout
POLOKWANE: The 2024/25 T20 Knockout competition kicks off on Saturday, 21 September and all eyes will be on the defending...
Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga
Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga
Law enforcement agencies have arrested a further 13 traffic officers in different towns in Mpumalanga in a clean-up anti-corruption operation aimed at restoring discipline and ethical conduct in the traffic law enforcement sector.
This brings the total number of arrested officials to 39 following the arrest of 14 officials in the same province on Monday while 11 other officers were handcuffed in Polokwane, Limpopo last week and a weighbridge master was caught in Belfast, Mpumalanga.
The 13 officers arrested on Tuesday were caught in a joint operation conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Anti-Corruption Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Mpumalanga based Crime Intelligence.
The 13 suspects were nabbed in Nelspruit, Kabokweni, KwaNyamazane, Hazyview, Barberton, White River and Calcutta just outside of Mbombela.
Some of the suspects have appeared in different magistrate courts and were all granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R10.000.
They are expected to hand over their passports to the investigating officer, and not leave their hometowns without permission from the investigating officer.
RTMC Chief Executive Officer Advocate Makhosini Msibi has welcomed the arrests and said they will send a message that corruption within traffic law enforcement will not be tolerated.
“Corrupt officials have for a long time operated with impunity and turned the noble duty of enforcing the law into a self-enrichment scheme. This must come to an end. South Africa deserves ethical officers who conduct themselves with discipline and integrity,” he said.
He commended all the officers involved in the investigations that led to the arrests to a job well done. He called on them not to rest until all the “rotten apples have been removed”.
Corrupt officers erode public confidence in the traffic law enforcement and create condition where motorists can violate the rules of the road without consequence leading to avoidable road crashes and fatalities.
The RTMC urges the public to report traffic fraud and corruption on Ntacu@rtmc.co.za or Whatsapp on 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:16
274 views
Death Toll Rises to Seven After Police Swoop on Informal Gold Miners
Some miners have already gone back to work to earn money and repatriate the bodies of their colleagues
Villagers Live Next to a Platinum Mine, but Have No Jobs
Residents of Limpopo’s Barok Ba Nkwana and Atok villages demand government speak to the mine on their behalf
President receives report on Justice Minister’s VBS allegations
President receives report on Justice Minister's VBS allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
This according to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who briefed the media on the President’s public programme on Wednesday.
In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
She has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the matter, where she denied having any improper relation with the company.
“As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with Ministers – including Minister Simelane – in the public domain,” Magwenya said.
He added that President Ramaphosa appreciated the “importance of the Justice Ministry in the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster”.
“The President is committed to ensure the highest level of integrity within the national executive. He will consider all the facts on the matter before making a determination,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
“The President will brief the [NCOP] in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.
“In his response to NCOP’s questions for oral reply, the President will also answer questions on progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya said.
The President is expected to “outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity” during his NCOP appearance. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 14:52
228 views
Eleven traffic officers arrested for taking bribes on N1 highway
Eleven traffic officers arrested for taking bribes on N1 highway
The Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane, for allegedly taking bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina.
RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said the suspects, arrested on Friday, were identified after a lengthy investigation.
Zwane said the officers have been under investigation since March 2022, as part of an undercover operation called “coconut” which was targeting law enforcement officials involved in unethical and unlawful conduct which led to high crashes on the N1.
“An investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC has so far revealed that Traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and those inside towns and villages abandon their duties and drive to the N1 to carry out corrupt activities.
“It is alleged that the officers stopped motorists and conducted inspections, but they would demand bribes instead of issuing a traffic fine when they found faults with the vehicles or driving licences,” Zwane said.
Zwane added that an undercover operation to prevent, detect or investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes from motorists, bus driver operators, Malaishas travelling from other provinces through Limpopo Province to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes.
“The arrest of more officials has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing,” Zwane said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:16
486 views
Justice and Constitutional Development Committee Conducts ‘Aggressive Oversight’ on VBS Allegations
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today held a lengthy, thorough and frank engagement with the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Ms Thembi Simelane, on the allegations relating to a VBS Mutual Bank loan.
Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola said members of the committee take their responsibility of holding the executive to account extremely seriously. “You could see from the engagement that members are robust, aggressive in line of questions, prepared and wanted answers. At the same time, the Minister was eloquent and did not shy away from responding to those robust questions.”
Mr Nqola said the Minister took the committee into her confidence about the loan and reiterated that it was not a kickback but rather a loan that she fully repaid. “This was a crucial matter and the committee, the country, needed clarity on it,” he said.
The Minister informed the committee that she wanted to purchase a coffee shop and intended to withdraw from her retirement savings to do so. However, when she understood the tax implications of this course of action, she realised it did not make financial sense to do so. She then approached Gundo Wealth Solutions, which indicated that it could provide a loan for the purchase. The minister explained that although she was mayor of the Polokwane Municipality at the time of the loan, Gundo Wealth Solutions was not one of the municipality's service providers.
The committee heard that the Minister was unaware that Gundo was not a registered financial service provider. She emphasised that she took a loan from Gundo and not VBS Mutual Bank.
The Minister assured the committee that she did not have an improper relationship with Mr Ralliom Razwinane, the owner of Gundo Wealth Solutions, who has since been arrested on corruption charges relating to VBS Mutual Bank. The Minister went on to say that she did not receive any improper benefits from the loan contractor.
The Minister does not own the coffee shop anymore and told the committee that she closed it when the lease was up for renewal during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The committee also questioned her about perceptions of a conflict of interest in relation to her influence over the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute those accused of VBS-related corruption, which has the potential to undermine public confidence in the justice system. The Minister assured committee members that she will make sure that the conflict of interest does not arise. She pointed out that the Minister does not decide who to prosecute and not to prosecute.
Mr Nqola said the committee has a responsibility to conduct “aggressive oversight” over VBS prosecutions. He highlighted that it is not illegal to enter into a loan contract with a juristic person, even if they are not a registered loan provider.
In closing, he said the committee will obtain a legal opinion from the Parliament Legal Services on whether the committee can have access to the loan agreement between the Minister and Gundo Wealth Solutions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on VBS allegations
Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on VBS allegations
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, says she did not have any improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Polokwane Municipality.
Last week, allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
“I did not have any improper relationship with the contractor appointed by the municipality. Mayors are never involved…in procurement. The work of appointment of a service provider is the responsibility of the executives in the municipality.
“[Gundo Wealth] were appointed to provide services through a procurement process and this was done through committees of council. I did not receive any improper benefits from the contractor,” she said.
The Minister appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to present clarity on allegations of impropriety on her part related to VBS Mutual Bank.
On the issue of whether or not there is a conflict of interest in her position as Minister and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – which is prosecuting the VBS Mutual Bank saga – the Minister said the department plays no role in the decision-making of the NPA on who to prosecute or not.
“The office I hold does not have a direct relationship in instructing or convincing the NPA on how to act on their mandate.
“On the matter of taking the loan, I have dealt with the conflict of taking the loan. My understanding is that, if you ask for assistance on someone who doesn’t have a direct bearing or payment with the municipality, it is possible and I repaid it,” she said.
Simelane explained that the loan was for a business that would create wealth for herself and family after she leaves public office.
“Political positions by their very nature are short term and necessitated me to investigate a feasibility [study] of commencing such a business and a coffee shop seemed a feasible option so that I could create an employment opportunity for myself and my next of kin.
“I made this consideration…to ensure that I have an alternative when the public office life comes to an end,” she said.
The Minister said she had initially intended to partially withdraw from her retirement savings to fund the coffee shop but the “percentage of tax made the idea not feasible”.
“I asked Gundo for advice on any other idea on how best I could get finance and I was advised against the withdrawal of the retirement savings. In those discussions, Gundo then informed me and advised of a loan product that they have that I could access.
“In consideration for the options…there existed no conflict in my view is securing a loan from Gundo. I took a decision to proceed with the business,” Simelane said.
She added that the loan was repaid over three instalments.
Treasury steps in
Simelane told the committee that as the beginning of the decline of VBS Mutual Bank began to set in, National Treasury told municipalities that it was a breach of regulations to invest in mutual banks.
The Minister said she had already taken steps to ensure that the municipality withdraws from VBS, even before the directive from Treasury.
“[On] the advice of technical experts within the municipality, myself as the mayor, instituted the withdrawal of Polokwane Municipality from VBS. My attitude at the time was, if there was anything improper with regard to municipality funds, it must be stopped,” she said.
A Treasury-led investigation into municipal investments at the bank began after that – a process the Minister insists she “fully participated” in. This was followed by a report.
“That report didn’t spare me as the Executive Mayor from corrective measures. The…sanction to us was to either go to University of Pretoria or University of Witwatersrand which are the only ones that offers…a programme which is designed by National Treasury which is called Municipal Management [Programme].
“I took this corrective measure very seriously [and] commenced with my studies the following year when universities opened. I concluded this programme…after I was no longer a mayor, when I was a Deputy Minister,” she said.
Turning back to the matter between the municipality, her loan and VBS Mutual Bank, Simelane re-emphasised that she received no improper benefits.
“[I] affirm that one: there was no improper relationship. I requested for a loan, a loan was advanced.” –SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:14
152 views
Councillors equipped with digital skills
Councillors equipped with digital skills
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has launched the inaugural Broadband and Digital Skills for Municipalities Programme in Polokwane, Limpopo.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi told participants at the launch that the time is ripe for government to equip councillors with digital skills in order to propel the use of technology to service the nation and grow the economy.
The Broadband and Digital Skills for Municipalities Programme launch drew councillors from the length and breadth of Limpopo and digital experts under one roof.
The DCDT is in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the British High Commission as part of the Declaration of Intent signed between the South African Government and the United Kingdom under the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Fund.
“The programme aims to empower municipal managers and councillors to steer the deployment of broadband infrastructure in an inclusive manner to reach as many of people as possible, more so those who are digitally disconnected from the rest of the world or have been left behind by many current digital advances.
“In a world where public representatives, more so councillors, are inundated with endless service delivery queries and confronted with hundreds of important decisions to make on their council work daily, having the necessary digital skills will enable them to work smarter, resolve public queries faster and be more accessible to residents,” Malatsi said.
In an effort to ensure that councillors leverage AI capabilities, DCDT, with SALGA and the British High Commission as partners, intends to roll out this programme to all other provinces in the country so as to leave no one behind.
Speaking at the launch event, UK High Commissioner Antony Phillipson emphasised the significant role of digital technology as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
“We know that digital technology is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and development. The impact of digital inclusion can be profound and wide-ranging. This UK-funded project reflects the UK’s commitment to both digital inclusion and partnership with all spheres of the South African government, ensuring that we are leaving no one behind as we transition to a digital future,” Phillipson said.
The launch will be followed by a two-day training for councillors, which will be a continuous exercise to ensure that councillors are well trained to deliver services to communities for sustainable development in the digital economy. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:20
391 views
Justice Minister to appear in Parliament over VBS allegations
Justice Minister to appear in Parliament over VBS allegations
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, is expected to appear before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development this week following reports that she indirectly benefited from the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
Last week, allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R500 000 in a loan from an individual intimately linked to VBS bank.
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development Chairperson, Xola Nqola, said the allegations have a bearing on the perception of South Africa’s fight against corruption.
“The committee has noted with grave concern the serious allegations in media reports regarding an alleged loan to the Minister. These types of allegations are damaging to the image that South Africa is trying to portray as a country ridding itself of any form of corruption.
“We therefore thought it prudent to call the Minister speedily to a committee meeting where she can take Parliament and South Africans into confidence regarding these allegations,” he said on Monday.
During a question and answer session in the National Assembly last week, Simelane committed to appearing before Parliament.
“Permit me to start by making a commitment to this house on my availability with regard to the response, if any is needed by the house, or the committee or the Public Protector on the issues that are doing the rounds,” she said at the time.
The Minister is expected to appear before the committee on Friday.
Following the allegations last week, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a “detailed report and briefing from the Minister on the matter”.
READ | President requests briefing and report from Justice Minister
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:58
119 views
SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister
SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a series of profiles to celebrate women in policing and in particular female leaders within its ranks who are playing key leadership roles within the organisation to ensure a safer and secure country for all.
As Women’s Month draws to a close, SAPS celebrates the recently appointed Deputy Minister of Police and Member of Parliament, Polly Boshielo.
Boshielo took up her new role in the Police Ministry in June 2024, following the establishment of South Africa’s seventh democratic administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Section 93(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates that Deputy Ministers appointed in terms of subsection (1) (b) are accountable to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.
As a Deputy Minister in the Police Ministry, Boshielo's role, alongside Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, is to support the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in the execution of his duties.
This is a task Boshielo does not take lightly and says she is “rolling up her sleeves” in the fight against crime.
Boshielo hails from Seshego, a township in Polokwane in the Limpopo province.
Growing up, Boshielo always knew she was destined for a life in the political realm and matriculated at Mmakgabo High school in 1989.
Her political leadership acumen led her to become a respected South African politician and a leader who served the country in various leadership positions, both in public and private sector, said the SAPS.
This year, the country observes Women’s Month under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Year of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”.
Boshielo is a sterling example of a woman in leadership that believes in continuous self-development and obtained the following academic achievements:
• Master’s in Philosophy (MPhil) in Transport Studies (2018), University of Cape Town
• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) (2007), Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) specialisation in Management (2004), University of South Africa
• Diploma in Road Transport (Passenger)(2000), then Rand Afrikaanse Universiteit
Boshielo is currently enrolled and studying towards a Doctorate’s degree in Administration through the University of Limpopo.
Over the years, Boshielo also completed a number of additional qualifications which include a Diploma in Office Administration, a Certificate in Personal and Team Effectiveness and a Certificate in Strategic Planning and Change Management.
The Deputy Minister went on to complete various other post graduate programmes among others, Executive Leadership Programme Certificate with the University of Cape Town (UCT), Senior Management Programme with the University of Pretoria (UP) as well as obtaining a Project and Programme Management certificate with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Boshielo said her political career started as an Administrator in the Office of the Secretariat in the African National Congress (ANC), Northern Province, before her appointment as the Head of the MEC’s Office of Dr Aaron Motsoaledi from 1994 until 2007.
She also served as General Manager in the Department of Roads and Transport responsible for public, freight and air transport.
Her leadership qualities and capabilities were recognised following her deployment to the National Assembly where she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on 21 May 2014 and served until 5 June 2015.
She was assigned to serve at the Auditor-General for Transport, Status of Women and Public Enterprises committees.
Boshielo was also appointed as the Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature from October 2015 to May 2019.
Following the inauguration of the provincial government in 2019, she was then appointed an MEC for Education from May 2019 until June 2022 and then re-deployed to the Transport, Safety and Liaison portfolio as MEC until October 2022.
Boshielo was then deployed back to the Limpopo Provincial Legislature where she was appointed Chairperson for Quality of Life and Status of Women, Youth and Disability portfolio from October 2022 until May 2024.
Prior to her political appointments, the Deputy Minister served in various senior positions in both public and private institutions.
“As the Police Ministry our goal is this - to ensure South Africans and visitors to our country are safe and feel safe. Professionalism is key in ensuring services of a high standard are rendered to the communities our members of the South African Police Service serve,” Boshielo said.
The Deputy Minister promised to plough her wealth of knowledge and experience into her new portfolio towards a safer environment for all. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 11:52
14 views
Tolashe condemns brutal killing of Limpopo mother
Tolashe condemns brutal killing of Limpopo mother
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a 45-year-old mother of four, whose body was found by the police together with two other victims at Sebayeng village in Limpopo.
The Minister said the incident happened as the country commemorates Women’s Month under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the violence and brutal killings of women, particularly, during the month of August where we expect women to be embraced, protected, and celebrated,” Minister Tolashe said.
She said August should be the month when all South Africans celebrate women as active agents of change and social transformation. This should be done by reflecting on the achievements of women over many years, as well as their transformation and development of the past 30 years.
“This month coincides with the country’s commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, making this year’s Women’s Month an important juncture for collective reflection on how we have empowered and advanced the rights of women on our democratic journey.”
The Department of Social Development in Limpopo, through its social workers, conducted a visit to the home of the deceased, Maria Matsobane Makgato, in the village of Kotishing, in Polokwane.
It was discovered that the deceased was unemployed and supported her family through the child support grant which she received for her children.
The three of her children are attending school and the youngest is registered at an early childhood development centre. The eldest is 22 years old and employed as a casual worker at a local farm with her contract ending in December this year.
“Social workers are greatly assisting the family and an assessment of the needs of the family was conducted to determine how best they could be supported. Counselling was provided as part of the basket of psychosocial support services the department provides to victims who have suffered trauma and loss,” the Minister said.
The social worker appointed to the case will continue with psychosocial support and aftercare services.
A report will be compiled to determine a suitable person to care for the children and the family will be provided with a Social Relief of Distress grant while awaiting the post-mortem results so they can finalise the burial service of the deceased.
As the country celebrates 70 years of the Women’s Charter this year, Minister Tolashe said the country was duty bound to work together as a society to defeat the primitive agenda of a patriarchal system that denies women fundamental human rights and seek to promote equality across all genders. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:44
68 views
Standing Committee on Finance Calls on SARB To Seriously Look at High-Interest Rate Issue
The Standing Committee on Finance has called on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to seriously look at the issue of the high interest rate which is making life difficult for both the poor and middle-income earners in South Africa.
The Committee Chairperson, Dr Joe Maswanganyi, said that the committee is raising this matter not to instruct the central bank to lower the interest rate, but to consider it an issue that is mostly affecting ordinary people on the ground.
The SARB briefed the committee today on its mandate, structure, governance and shareholding as part of the committee's capacity-building workshop. Furthermore, the presentation covered national payments, financial surveillance and prudential regulation
The committee has welcomed the SARB presentation and applauded the central bank for ranking 8th on transparency index out of 30 countries globally. To this end, the central bank undertook to continue working hard to improve its transparency index globally.
Some of the measures taken by the SARB to improve its transparency index include speaking directly with local communities at regional level through forums. In 2024, the central bank has conducted ten of such forums in Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Kimberly, Mahikeng, Mbombela, Polokwane, Sandton and in Soweto.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Chikunga reacts to brutal killing of two Limpopo women
Chikunga reacts to brutal killing of two Limpopo women
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has commended law enforcement agencies for their speedy arrest of the farm owners, who allegedly killed two Limpopo women.
The owners of Onverwacht farm, near Sebayeng, outside Polokwane, have appeared in court on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
“The ferocious murder of the two women confirms that South Africa is struggling to overcome the burden of race, class, and gender-based inequality inherited during the periods of colonialism and apartheid.
“Women in rural, remote and severely underprivileged areas remain one of the most vulnerable groups to violence in their communities and their homes,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga said violence against women has reached alarming proportions in South Africa and it affects all women in this country.
The Minister emphasised the need to give attention to the extent of the vulnerability of rural women and women living on farmlands to have access to the justice system.
She said unequal access to education, segregated communities and massive economic disparities persists particularly among rural women and women on farms who are the most marginalised groups of women in South Africa.
“Approximately 55.5% (30.3 million people) of the population is living in the national upper poverty line while a total of 13.8 million people (25%) is experiencing food poverty.
“Action has never been more urgent to reduce inequality in society, the department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is leading the socio-economic empowerment of women youth and persons with disabilities, by ensuring that gender-responsive planning and budgeting becomes a norm for the whole country as it works towards ensuring equality,” Chikunga said.
The accused remained in custody and the case was postponed to 30 August 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:15
256 views
President requests briefing and report from Justice Minister
President requests briefing and report from Justice Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, regarding reports that she improperly benefitted, via a loan, from money received from VBS Mutual Bank.
This after allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, received at least R500 000 in a loan from an individual intimately linked to VBS bank.
The municipality had invested money in the bank during Simelane’s tenure.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with concern media reports containing allegations of corruption against the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembi Simelane. The media reports have linked the Minister with monies alleged to have been received improperly from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality.
“The President has requested a detailed report and briefing from the Minister on the matter,” the Presidency said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:44
40 views
Lottery Corruption: Two Men Arrested in Soweto
Hawks finally appear to be taking action against some of the fraudsters who ripped off the National Lotteries Commission
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10 Whilst some were lucky enough to make it on first try, many of the Shoprite and Checkers 2024 Championship Boerewors competition finalists have been refining their recipes for decades, submitting a combined 100+ entries before finally landing their spots in the …
Employment Equity roadshow heads to Limpopo
Employment Equity roadshow heads to Limpopo
The Department of Employment and Labour is taking the 2024 annual National Employment Equity workshops/roadshows to Limpopo today.
The workshops will be held at Moche Grace Land in Thohoyandou today and at the Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane on Wednesday.
The workshops, which are run in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), are designed to improve racial, gender and disability equality in the workplace under the theme: “Bridging the Equity Gap Through Diversity & Inclusion”.
“The EE workshops are targeting employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees and interested stakeholders,” the department said in a statement.
The workshops will focus on the following topics:
• The EE status of the labour market as per 24th CEE Annual Report;
• An update on the EE amendments, in particular the proposed draft regulations on proposed sector EE targets; An update on the 2024 EE reporting season;
• Key insights from the CCMA on topical cases related to unfair discrimination in terms of harassment, disability and discrimination based on arbitrary grounds.
The Employment Equity Act (EEA) of 1998 aims to, among others, achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through elimination of unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups.
Moreover, the act aims to ensure equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:12
76 views