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Over seven million women have experienced physical violence, study reveals
A study on gender-based violence (GBV) has revealed that about 7 310 389 million women, aged 18 years and older, have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.
This as the first South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study: A Baseline Survey on Victimisation and Perpetration, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), was released at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday.
The study presents findings of the first national study on the prevalence of gender-based violence in all nine provinces of South Africa. It outlines the prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence, as well as psychological abuse such as controlling behaviours among youth and adults 18 years and older.
The study also examined the perpetration of violence by men against their female partners and the underlying role of gender norms in driving GBV.
The study was presented by HSRC Research Director, Dr Nompumelelo Zungu, and it revealed that lifetime physical violence was significantly higher among Black African women with 35.5%, compared to women of other race groups.
“Lifetime physical violence was also significantly higher among women who were cohabiting but not married [43.4%] compared to women who were currently married and women who were not currently in a relationship,” Zungu said.
On the prevalence of lifetime sexual violence – regardless of partnered status - the study found that an estimated 2 150 342 million women nationally had experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, and this was significantly higher among women who were cohabiting but not married [14.9%], compared to women who were currently married [8.5%].
The study also showed that 35.5% of women reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime.
“This translates to an estimated 7 847 438 million women who experienced lifetime physical and or sexual in South Africa.
Lifetime physical and/or sexual violence was significantly higher among women aged 35 – 49 years than those aged 50 years and older.
“Black African women were the most affected compared to other race groups. A higher proportion of women who were cohabiting but not married reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence, compared to women who were currently married and those who were not currently in a relationship,” Zungu said.
Physical, sexual violence in the past 12 months
In addition to measuring lifetime experiences of violence, the survey measured recent experiences of GBV which are defined as experiences of some form of GBV victimisation in the past 12 months.
About 1 536 729 million women reported that they had experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months, while about 1 338 336 million reported that they had experienced physical violence in the past 12 months, and 432 525 reported that they had experienced sexual violence in the past 12 months.
On physical intimate partner violence (IPV) – victimisation among women - the study found that an estimated 3 221 649 million of ever-partnered women reported experiencing physical violence by a partner in their lifetime.
Zungu noted that lifetime physical IPV was significantly higher among those who were cohabiting with a partner (22.4%) but not married compared to women who were currently married (18.5%).
Overall, an estimated 2 495 451 million of ever-partnered men reported perpetrating physical IPV towards a partner during their lifetime.
“The result shows that perpetration of lifetime physical IPV started early and was significantly higher among men aged 25-34-year-old [20.5%] and 35-49-year-old men [17.6%] compared to 18-24-year-old men [9.2%]. An analysis by marital status and living arrangements showed similarities to the IPV data of women.
“Lifetime physical IPV perpetration was higher among men who were cohabiting with a partner but were not married [24.5%], compared to men who had a partner and were not cohabiting [13.9%], and men who were currently married [15.4%],” Zungu said.
Recommendations
The study recommended that The Presidency, working with the Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and civil society, be tasked with the role of convening key stakeholders to consensus building workshops or smaller focused sessions for the purpose of starting a broader dialogue aimed at developing a set of agreed-upon, actionable, evidence-based recommendations that are informed by the study results for the country.
“We recommend that interventions be implemented at individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. This approach can assist to address the complex nature of GBV and improve prevention efforts across society.
“A collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including government departments and other organisations, is crucial for effective implementation,” Zungu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:38
The U.S. Mission to South Africa, in partnership with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org), is proud to announce the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit. This highly anticipated 3-day event will take place at the University of Pretoria (UP) Future Africa Campus (FAC), Pretoria, South Africa, from November 20th to 22nd, 2024, during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
The AWE Regional Alumnae Summit brings together women entrepreneurs from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) countries Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, who have participated in the prestigious AWE program between 2019 and 2023.
The Summit aims to foster regional collaboration and create new opportunities for business expansion and trade. Key objectives include:
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with government officials, civil society organizations, and investors, all of whom share a commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship across the region.
The AWE Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit underscores the importance of women-led businesses in driving economic development and gender equity. By connecting entrepreneurs with stakeholders focused on trade, investment, and innovation, the Summit aims to catalyze sustainable business practices and inclusive economic growth across Southern Africa.
The Summit will host alumnae entrepreneurs, government representatives, and investors, creating a unique platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. Selected participants will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
The 2024 AWE Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit promises to be a landmark event for women entrepreneurs, offering invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we will continue to foster a culture of innovation, trade, and economic empowerment across the Southern African region.
For more information about the AWE program and the upcoming Summit, visit https://apo-opa.co/3OaefRs
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
Remembering fallen heroes
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa has called on South Africans to honour the sacrifices of road traffic enforcement officers and recommit to making roads safer for all.
The Deputy Minister was delivering remarks at the World Remembrance Day of Road Accident Victims at a wreath-laying ceremony for fallen traffic officers in Pretoria on Sunday.
Hlengwa highlighted the dual tragedy of lives lost to road accidents and those sacrificed by officers safeguarding others.
“Today, we gather to observe a day to reflect, honour, and remember those whose lives have been tragically cut short or forever changed by collisions on the roads globally. We also solemnly remember the fallen traffic law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, trying to prevent road collisions and save lives.
“As we remember the 69 traffic officers who died in the line duty since 2019, we reflect on the significance of their sacrifice. These officers gave their lives in the pursuit of justice and the protection of others,” he said.
The majority of these officers, 28 in total, were from Gauteng, followed by 13 from KwaZulu-Natal, nine from Mpumalanga, seven each from the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, two from the National Traffic Police, and one each from the Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.
The Deputy Minister said the officers did not shy away from danger but faced it with courage and resolve. In doing so, he said they showed the nation what true heroism looks like - a commitment to service that goes beyond duty and extends into the realm of sacrifice.
The Deputy Minister reflected on the alarming road fatality statistics. South Africa recorded 11 883 road deaths last year, a 4.4% decrease from 2022. However, the figure still reflects thousands of shattered lives.
“These tragedies are not just statistics; they are real people — mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues. Behind every number is a person with dreams, aspirations, and loved ones, whose world is forever altered,” he said.
Progress and Renewed Commitments
South Africa has made strides since the launch of the National Road Safety Strategy in 2016, with a 15% reduction in fatalities from the baseline of 13 967 deaths in 2010. Despite this, Hlengwa stressed that progress must accelerate to meet the 2030 goal of halving road fatalities.
In response, the government plans to revise the strategy, setting a target to reduce road deaths by 5% for the 2024/25 financial year.
“Based on this it is self-evident that South Africa has made progress, achieving 15 percent reduction compared to 2010. Today is not just about grief, however — it is about action. Every life lost is a call to action for all of us to take road safety seriously.
“As a country we have decided to review our National Road Safety Strategy to accelerate the rate of reduction in fatalities so that we may achieve the set target sooner rather than later.
“Over the medium-term greater focus will be put on road safety education, engineering and law enforcement. Effective evaluation mechanisms will also be put in place to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of our programmes. The revised target set is to reduce road fatalities by five (5) percent for the 2024/25 financial year,” Hlengwa said.
A Day of Remembrance and Resolve
Hlengwa paid tribute to road accident victims and their families, urging the nation to remember the human cost behind the statistics.
“Today, we stand together in the hope that our collective efforts can help prevent future tragedies. We remember that every life is precious, and every loss is felt deeply within families, communities, and nations.
“As we light a candle in remembrance, let us also light a flame of hope — hope for safer roads, for a future where fewer families have to experience the heartache of losing a loved one to a road accident,” he said.
The Deputy Minister outlined critical actions to prevent road accidents, including driver education, improving road infrastructure, and supporting survivors.
“Road accidents are often preventable. Whether through better infrastructure, safer vehicles, responsible driving, or stricter enforcement of laws, there is much we can do to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads,” he urged.
Globally, South Africa lags behind some nations that have achieved remarkable reductions in road fatalities. Hlengwa pointed out that ten countries reduced fatalities by over 50% last year, providing a benchmark for South Africa to aspire to. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 15:30
A billion rand later, the department will either repurpose the complex or get rid of it
Spaza shops implicated in child deaths to be shut down
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced decisive measures to address the recurring food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children across the country.
These include the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the deaths and stricter regulations to protect communities.
Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa outlined three critical interventions to be implemented with immediate effect.
“Following the special meeting of Cabinet, we have decided to make the following interventions: The first intervention is to get hazardous pesticides off the street, the second critical intervention is to protect children from exposure to these substances, the third critical intervention is to prevent future outbreaks. The following measures will be implemented with immediate effect.
“The spaza shops which have been implicated in the deaths of children will be closed with immediate effect. Non-compliant businesses and shops linked to any poisoning incidents or found to unlawfully stock hazardous chemicals will be shut down,” the President said.
To ensure compliance, all spaza shops and food-handling facilities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.
“Any shop that is not registered within 21 days and does not meet all health standards and requirements will be closed,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President’s address comes in response to 890 reported cases of food-borne illnesses across the country, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, and Mpumalanga the hardest hit.
In recent weeks, food-borne illnesses have claimed the lives of at least 22 children. Last month there was a major food-borne incident in Naledi, in Soweto in which six children died, the youngest of them being six years old.
Multidisciplinary Response teams activated
Soon after the deaths, a multidisciplinary team in government was activated to address the incidents, with Cabinet having met on three occasions to receive reports on them.
These teams included detectives from the South African Police Service, health officials, environmental inspectors, Department of Agriculture officials and officials from the National Consumer Commission.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases was requested to conduct scientific tests and has established that the deaths of the six children in Naledi can be directly attributed to a highly hazardous chemical used as a pesticide known as Terbufos.
The President said few words can adequately convey the sadness and pain of the nation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families as they go through the pain and the anguish of losing their children. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure,” he said.
Nationwide Inspections and Crackdowns
President Ramaphosa said that the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies will be required to investigate, arrest and prosecute offenders. This will involve close cooperation with all registered manufacturers and suppliers.
“Integrated multidisciplinary inspection teams will undertake compliance inspections of food handling facilities, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This will include spaza shops and general dealers.
“A massive campaign of door-to-door inspections of all spaza shops, tuck shops and other informal traders will be undertaken, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
This will be undertaken by inter-disciplinary inspections teams consisting of the South African Military Health Services, environmental health practitioners, the South African Police Service, the National Consumer Council, labour inspectors and others.
The President emphasised that the initial phase of inspections will need be completed within a month.
Registered manufacturers and distributors of Terbufos will also be scrutinised to ensure compliance and prevent misuse. The supply chain for hazardous chemicals will face tighter regulations, including strengthened protocols for traceability, repackaging, and disposal.
“All registered manufacturers of Terbufos will be inspected to ensure that no products are diverted into the non-agricultural market. The supply chain process for distribution and sale of Terbufos will be investigated to ensure that controls are being adhered to and that there is accountability for who they sell to,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that regulations and protocols on the traceability, repackaging, destruction and sale of pesticides, insecticides and foodstuffs will be strengthened.
Turning to the second intervention on the protection of children from exposure to harmful substances, the President announced that the Department of Basic Education will immediately issue a circular to Provincial Education Departments and all schools on best practice protocols for preventing and managing food-borne illnesses within schools.
The third intervention, which is aimed at preventing future outbreaks, is that the President has directed that joint operational and intelligence structures be established at a national and provincial level to deal with the crisis.
“Our local municipalities will be required to take urgent action to address the problem of rat infestations by cleaning cities and towns and removing waste. All municipal landfill sites will be required to comply with the National Environmental Management Waste Act. Failure to comply will result in strict sanctions that include directives, compliance notices and criminal enforcement,” he said.
The President said a Ministerial Health Advisory Committee was being established to develop medium- and long-term prevention measures. This committee will consist of experts such as toxicologists, paediatricians, chemical pathologists, epidemiologists, forensic pathologists and others.
“All deaths of patients 12 years and below will be made notifiable in the Notifiable Medical Condition Surveillance System. An electronic medical certification of death system will be established to allow the National Department of Health to access cause of death information immediately after a death is certified,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the work of the Biosecurity Hub will be strengthened to better control the entry of products, organisms and harmful biological products at ports of entry.
The Department of Agriculture is in the process of reviewing and updating all relevant legislation with respect to the regulation and authorisation of agricultural pesticides for use in South Africa.
WATCH I President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses nation on food safety actions
The President announced a joint fund of R500 million to support small businesses, particularly township and rural convenience shops. The funding will cover refurbishment, technical training, and compliance support.
“A joint fund of R500 million will be established by the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition and Small Business Development to support township and rural businesses, including community convenience shops.
“The funding will be for the refurbishment of businesses and non-financial support in terms of technical skills, regulatory compliance and capacity building,” he said.
The President said that as government undertakes these interventions and measures there is a lot that parents can do to protect their children. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 21:41
Call for comments on prohibition activities for African lion
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for public comments on the draft notice prohibiting certain activities involving the African lion.
“With the world's largest captive lion population of around 8000, South Africa faces numerous issues such as misalignment with global conservation trends, questionable tourism practices, inadequate regulation, and persistent animal welfare and other issues,” the Minister said on Friday.
The industry's deficiency in social license and departure from international norms present massive problems to its sustainability.
“To understand these issues better with the view to find a solution, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Environmental Affairs convened a Colloquium on Captive Lion Breeding for Hunting in South Africa: Harming or Promoting the Conservation Image of the Country in 2018.
“One of the recommendations of the Portfolio Committee was that a policy and legislative review of captive breeding of lions for hunting and lion bone trade should be initiated as a matter of urgency, with a view to putting an end to this practice,” George said.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has given notice of its intention to prohibit certain activities involving African lion (Panthera leo), in terms of section 9A, read with sections 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) in the Government Gazette No. 51581 Notice No. 5555.
On 24 April 2024 the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros was published in the Government Gazette for implementation.
The Policy Objective with regards to captive lions is: “To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions."
The Minister said lions have a highly developed social organisation.
“Lions are gregarious and territorial, comprise a matriarchal society, with male coalitions, and exhibit communal care. Their complex social structure is manifested in their innate behavioural ecology.
“Providing opportunity for complex social interactions, such as the ability to interact naturally with other lions, for example, as groups of males, with groups of females or with their offspring, is critical,” he said.
This requires sufficient space for groups of lions to choose to be together in a group, or to move separately at sufficient distance to provide for a refuge from the group.
Artificial behavioural enhancement may not be sufficient to substitute for these highly evolved needs.
ions are a highly territorial and competitive species, especially in respect of competition for access to mates and promoting the production and survival of their own progeny. The ability to escape when dominated as a result of intra-specific competition is a critical consideration.
As apex predators, hunting and killing, as well as the diverse diet associated with a generalist apex predator and access to prey, are central to the physiology and behaviour of lions.
“It has become critical to implement appropriate measures to prevent the establishment of new captive facilities and other controlled environments for lion whilst a process to facilitate the voluntary exit of captive lion facilities is currently underway,” the Minister said.
A draft Notice Prohibiting Certain Activities Involving African Lion (Panthera leo) was published in the Government Gazette on 29 September 2023 for public comment.
Due to substantial amendments to the afore-mentioned draft notice subsequent to the public consultation process, an amended draft prohibition notice has now been published in terms of section 9A of NEM: BA for public comment.
The proposed prohibition relates only to the establishment and registration of new captive breeding facilities, commercial exhibition facilities or rehabilitation facilities, or any other new controlled environments in respect of live specimens of African lion (Panthera leo).
The establishment and registration of new sanctuaries are excluded from the proposed prohibition in the circumstance specified in paragraph 3.
Persons who operate under existing permits are not affected by the proposed prohibition.
Members of the public are invited to submit, within 30 days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or newspapers, whichever date is the later date of publication, written comments to any of the following addresses:
By post to: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Ms Magdel Boshoff
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
By e-mail: revisedlionprohibition@dffe.gov.za
The Government Notice and the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment can be accessed at these following links:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema_lionactivitiesprohibition_g51581gon5555.pdf.
Any inquiries in connection with this Notice can be directed to Ms Magdel Boshoff on +27 83 952 2334 or revisedlionprohibition@dffe.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 14:52
Call to voluntarily exit captive lion industry
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called on individuals in the captive lion industry to voluntarily consider giving up their stockpiles of lion bones and derivatives.
South Africa has the world's largest captive lion population of around 8 000 and the captive lion industry faces escalating ethical, regulatory, conservation and economic hurdles.
The industry also faces misalignment with global conservation trends and persistent animal welfare and other issues. The industry's deficiency in social license and departure from international norms present formidable problems to its sustainability.
“In developing the voluntary exit options and pathways, several key guiding principles were considered including the imperative of preventing unemployment for vulnerable individuals and underlying pillars of sustainable use. I encourage everyone who has lion bones and derivatives to voluntarily surrender them as early as possible,” the Minister said on Friday.
In December 2022, the then-Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, appointed a Ministerial Task Team to identify and recommend voluntary exit and pathways from the captive lion industry.
Recommendations, dated 15 February 2024, were submitted to the Minister and the report was released.
The Minister re-appointed some of the Ministerial Task Team members, to facilitate the implementation of the outcomes of the report.
The Terms of Reference were published under Government Notice No 4765, Government Gazette No. 50574 of 26 April 2024.
George has encouraged those that wish to consider the voluntary exit options involving lion bones and derivatives to register their interest by submitting their details to the department.
All information provided is treated confidentially and registration does not constitute any obligation to proceed with voluntary exit options.
A detailed implementation process plan of surrendering lion stockpiles and derivatives will be communicated and shared in the public domain, once approved by the Minister and the registration process is concluded.
Interested persons are invited to respond to the notice within 120 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette which can be accessed at
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema_lionbonestockpilesurrender_g51551gn5539.pdf.
Registration details to exit from the captive lion industry can be access at https://forms.gle/KiDqv8sru8pXLwhd7.
Download the form on the departmental website at www.dffe.gov.za and once completed post/hand deliver/ email it as follow:
By post to: Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Ms Ofentse Mashiyane (Secretariat of the Ministerial Task Team)
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
By email: lionstockpile@dffe.gov.za.
Any inquiries in connection with this Notice can be directed to omashiyane@dffe.gov.za and lionstockpile@dffe.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 13:09
Deputy Ministers to inspect Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, together with Deputy Minister of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai, will today lead an inspection of the maintenance operation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel in Clarens, Free State.
A joint maintenance operation by Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) is currently underway, following a tunnel system closure on 1 October 2024.
TCTA is undertaking the maintenance operation on Delivery Tunnel North within South Africa, and LHDA will focus on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station in Lesotho.
“Following a de-watering process of the tunnel, technical inspections have been conducted and the repair work inside the tunnel resumed and will take place until 28 February 2025. The tunnel will remain closed for six months and will be operational again next year in March,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said ahead of Friday’s tour.
READ | Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel undergoes maintenance
During the inspection of the maintenance tunnel, the Deputy Ministers will take members of the media to different sites of the tunnel, including Little Caledon Tunnel and Ash River Outfall.
The Deputy Ministers will be accompanied by the Executive Mayors of theThabo Mofutsanyana and Fezile Dabi District Municipalities, and Setsoto, Mafube, Mantsopa and Nketoane Local Municipalities.
Klipdrift Package Plant
Meanwhile, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure access to safe drinking water and uninterrupted water supply to the people of Hammanskraal, in Gauteng, DWS Minister, Pemmy Majodina, will on Saturday unveil phase 1 of the Klipdrift Package Plant.
READ | Cabinet updated on SA’s water challenges
The launch follows the Ministerial visit that took place in August, where the Ministry of Water and Sanitation received an update report on the work done on the Klipdrift potable Water Treatment Works Project.
READ | Thumbs up for Hammanskraal and Vereeniging water projects
Ministerial Spokesperson, Cornelius Monama highlighted that in order to improve water provision to residents of Hammanskraal, the department last year allocated R758 million for the upgrading of the 40 megalitres (ml/d) per day Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant to provide additional water into the existing bulk water infrastructure.
Monama said the additional 50 ml/d will bring the total capacity to 92 ml/d after completion.
He acknowledged that the Hammanskraal community has experienced continuous water supply challenges which necessitated intervention by the DWS.
Monama explained that the potable water treatment plant is being implemented in four phases, and the current completed phase will bring in 12.5 megalitres of potable water into the bulk supply scheme.
“The first package plant will supply water to parts of Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens, Kudube Unit 9 and Babelegi Industrial and Bridgeview informal settlement. The next phases of the project will continue into 2025,” Monama said.
The Minister, accompanied by Deputy Ministers, Mahlobo and Seitlholo, will unveil the first package plant at Klipdrift Package Plant in Mandela Village, Hammankraal, north of Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 06:26
In response to high rates of heroin use, the government will pilot an opioid agonist therapy program
Jetour, one of China’s fastest-growing automotive brands which is fast gaining momentum locally since launching in South Africa in September, brings the brand’s innovative and premium SUV offerings closer to customers in Gauteng at their new Centurion dealership. “Our mission is to elevate a customer’s driving experience by delivering stylish, high-performance vehicles at competitive prices …
Former Apartheid police officer convicted for the murder of Caiphus Nyoka
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a conviction related to a matter of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
This after the Pretoria High Court found former Apartheid police officer Johan Marais guilty of the murder of student activist Caiphus Nyoka.
Marais had pleaded guilty to the murder.
“After the guilty plea was read into the record, Marais was released on R5000 bail, with conditions that he should not interfere with state witnesses and that he should not communicate with the other three co-accused.
“He was also ordered not to leave the jurisdiction of Springs without informing the investigating officer, and he should hand in his passport to the investigating officer and not apply for a new one.
“The matter was postponed to 27 January 2025 for a psychological report. The trial against the three other accused in the matter will start at the Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni on 18 November until 06 December 2024,” the NPA said in a statement.
Nyoka was killed for his activism against Apartheid policies in 1987.
At the time, the student activist was a member of the Congress of South African Students, the South African Youth Congress Organiser (SAYCO) of the Transvaal Student Congress in the East Rand, as well as the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), at Mabuya High School.
“In the evening of 23 August 1987, Marais and some of the members of the security branch and other units within the South African Police met to discuss a plan to kill Nyoka. A plan to raid his home was devised, under the then commanding officer Major Leon Louis van den Berg, who is also charged separately.
“In the early hours of 24 August 1987, at about 02h30, Marais, together with Sergeant Pieter Stander, Sergeant Abram Hercules Engelbrecht and other members of the Reaction Unit who are also charged separately, arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed Nyoka's room.
“They found him with three of his friends sleeping. After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him nine times. He died on the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds,” the NPA explained.
The prosecutorial body described Marais’ conviction as impactful.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this conviction, which reflects the commitment to ensuring accountability for atrocious crimes that were referred to the NPA by the TRC.
“TRC matters, in their nature and due to the very long lapse of time, disintegration of evidence and lack of availability of critical witnesses, are very difficult to investigate and prosecute. The joint TRC team, made up of dedicated investigators from the DPCI and prosecutors will continue to fight the deserving fight against the apartheid- related atrocities and bring justice to society.
“This conviction is therefore a significant and impactful outcome, not only for the state and society, but most importantly for the victim's families. It brings an important sense of justice and closure, which is priceless,” the NPA said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:54
Nompumelo Nene is facing disciplinary proceedings and has launched several applications in an attempt to stop them
Government activities for the week 11 - 15 November 2024
On Monday, 11 November, the Department of Basic Education has invited members of the media to the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast, hosted by the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube at Wanderers Club, 21 North Street, Illovo, Johannesburg.
Also on Monday, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe will deliver a keynote address at the Mintek 90 Conference to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 11 and 12 November 2024.
On Tuesday, 12 November, Statistics South Africa will release the Quarterly Labour Force Survey results for the third quarter of 2024 at a media briefing in Tshwane.
On Wednesday, 13 November, the 2024 Border Management Conference and Expo takes place and the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria.
On Thursday, 14 November and on Friday, 15 November, there are no confirmed events.
Janine
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 10:40
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has elevated its involvement with golf and the Sunshine Tour by signing up as a full tournament name sponsor for the second half of the 2024/2025 season. The Hyundai Open, with total prize money of R2 million, will be played at the Royal Johannesburg East Course in February next year. Hyundai …
Call for South Africa to cut coal exports to Israel
Police Minister, SAPS officials attend Interpol General Assembly
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, together with high ranking South African Police Service (SAPS) members, has attended the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) Annual General Assembly hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.
The general assembly was held last week and South Africa’s delegation included the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya; Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili; Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General Hilda Khosi Senthumule; the Minister’s special advisor, Advocate Vusi Pikoli; Head of Interpol NCB Pretoria, Brigadier Ntime Mokhine, and other senior officials.
According to a SAPS statement, the general assembly was a gathering of “chiefs of police and senior officials from around the world to collaborate and strengthen their efforts to combat transnational organised crime, cybercrime, counterfeit drug trafficking, as well as human trafficking”.
“The South African delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with their counterparts from various countries on the side-lines of the Interpol General Assembly. The bilateral meetings were aimed at strengthening cooperation and operational strategies in the shared responsibility of fighting against transnational crime.
“During the exchange with their counterparts, all parties acknowledged the significant challenges posed by narcotics trafficking, cybercrime and organised criminal networks, and outlined specific areas of collaboration to combat these threats, with a core focus of creating a safer and crime-free society,” SAPS said.
At the general assembly, Mchunu met with Brazilian Justice and Public Security Minister Enrique Ricardo Lewandowski and his Vice Minister Datony Xu.
“They discussed amongst, other things, the importance of real-time intelligence sharing in order to track and dismantle criminal networks across borders, as well the urgent need to bolster cybercrime units in the fight against cybercrime.
“They also agreed to have joint training initiatives to build skills in areas such as cybersecurity, digital forensics and cyber intelligence,” the statement explained. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 11/10/2024 - 12:53
Boost for start-ups involved in space, Earth observation
Eight start-ups involved in space and Earth observation innovations have received funding through the Earth Observation Frontiers Enterprises Innovation Support Fund (NEOFrontiers EISF).
Launched in 2021, the NEOFrontiers is an innovation funding mechanism designed to drive the growth of the local space sector through increased public investments.
It seeks to stimulate collaboration, cooperation and innovation in the public and private South African Earth observation community.
The NEOFrontiers programme is managed by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), and implemented with the support of Tuksnovation, the University of Pretoria's business and technology incubator.
The programme subsidises enterprises with amounts ranging from R750 000 to R1 million for 12 months.
SANSA launched NEOFrontiers in 2021 through investment from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The first four NEOFrontiers projects were funded in 2022, while 2023 saw three start-ups supported.
This year’s NEOFrontiers call saw eight successful start-ups submit brilliant proposals on mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, healthcare innovation, banking and financial institutions, as well as disaster risk reduction.
These include Abiri Innovations, Agizo Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Aphelion World JV/Consortium, CreditAIs, Integrated Geoscience Solutions, Kgothatso Innovations, Regona Trading and YaAzi.
A total of 56 applications were received earlier in the year, 25 of which were eligible and allowed to pitch to an independent adjudication committee.
DSTI’s Acting Chief Director Itumeleng Makoloi said this programme unfolds at an opportune time when South Africa seeks to foster innovation.
“We need to create new ways of modernising areas such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. We believe that this programme represents our shared vision to foster innovation, capacity building and strategic partnership across the public sector.
"The joint efforts of DSTI entities, such as SANSA and the NRF, play a critical role in driving this vision.”
SANSA CEO, Humbulani Mudau, believes this platform will create a market pool for innovative solutions, for which space is a significant enabler and a value provider.
“I’m delighted to report that there is an equal split in gender representation. We have awarded the grant to start-up companies led and owned by four males and four females. This is good progress towards transforming the industry,” Mudau said.
He said the NEOFrontiers is poised for greater strides in terms of direction and investments.
“We’re indeed going to make this a flagship programme that will transform space-based ideas into relevant products and services that address societal and environmental challenges. As we do that, we’re going to be looking at increasing the competitiveness of the South African Earth observation industry for the benefit of the South African society.”
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, is of the view that the initiative has the potential to gear small enterprises in the space sector to create job opportunities.
“The key focus is to support start-ups, SMMEs and entrepreneurs with funding. The reason for this is that we expect much more from our SMMEs to make sure that they can grow and employ more people.
“When they employ more people, there is an increase in new technology and service innovations coming out of their areas to a point that we can get even more people involved. Our rate of unemployment is increasing.”
The University of Pretoria’s Head of Innovation and Contracts Management, Advocate Lawrence Baloyi, said this has the potential to shape the future of South African space innovation.
The next call to fund new SMMEs will be published before the end of 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:04
Fans can look forward to thrilling cricket and entertainment across 30 group matches and are encouraged to book early Thursday,...
Majodina reassures residents of sufficient water storage amid tunnel closure
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has reassured residents in the municipalities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel maintenance of continued access to water.
The maintenance of the LHWP tunnel entails a total shutdown that began on 01 October 2024. The maintenance project includes general inspection and repair works, in order to ensure the integrity and reliability of the entire water tunnel system.
READ | Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel undergoes maintenance
The operation is jointly undertaken by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) which focuses on Delivery Tunnel North within South Africa, and the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) which undertakes maintenance on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station in Lesotho.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s performance in its first 100 days at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Tuesday, Majodina said the project will ensure that the tunnel continues to operate effectively in the long-term, supplying water to parts of the Free State and Gauteng.
Majodina said engagements with the two provincial governments and affected municipalities of Nketoane, Mfube and Dihlabeng was done in this regard.
“Specific work has already taken place, which include the upgrading of water treatment works, upgrading of raw water pumps, construction of new water reservoirs and the drilling and equipping of boreholes.
“The department has established the War Room to oversee the implementation of the shutdown and communication as a tool to raise awareness and to educate the public about water security issues.”
Majodina, together with Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, will inspect the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel in Clarens, Free State on 15 November 2024.
Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority projects
Majodina said during the 100 days in office, the department and its entity, the TCTA, continued with the implementation of 14 major national water infrastructure projects aimed at raw water security.
The approximately R100 billion projects include the R42 billion second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water project to supply additional water to Gauteng, the R28 billion construction of a new dam and transfer tunnel on the uMkhomazi River in KwaZulu Natal to supply additional water to eThekwini and surrounding municipalities.
The projects include a R6.5 billion raising of the wall of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape, and the R750 million raising of the wall of the Tzaneen Dam in Limpopo.
Water sector reforms aligned to Operation Vulindlela
Majodina also reported that the department is currently undertaking water sector reforms, which are aligned to the Operation Vulindlela Programme, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Operation Vulindlela aims to modernise and transform network industries.
With regard to the water sector, the programme’s focus includes the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Act signed into law by President Ramaphosa.
The act provides for the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) through the amalgamation of the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority, the Water Trading Entity and the infrastructure branch of the department.
“The functions of the NWRIA will include the financing, development, operations and maintenance of the national water resource infrastructure and the treaty and non-treaty functions performed by the TCTA. Processes are now underway to manage the establishment of the agency,” Majodina said.
The programme also focuses on the establishment of the remaining Catchment Management Agencies as required by the National Water Act, to enable improved catchment management with local stakeholder involvement; improving turnaround times for the issuing of water use licenses and reform of municipal water and sanitation services. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 13:09
Riverlands dam owner directed to decommission failed dams
The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a directive to the current owner of the Riverlands dams to safely decommission the failed dams.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s performance during its first 100 days in office at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Tuesday, Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodima, said a series of inter-linked, privately-owned dams failed on a farm near the town of Riverlands in the Swartland Local Municipality, Western Cape--during the 100 days--causing extensive damage to municipal infrastructure and houses in the town.
She said the Ministry visited the site of the dam failures, met with the community, and oversaw an investigation into the failures.
“The preliminary investigation report found that the original owner of the farm who built the dams failed to obtain the legally required approval from the department for the design of the dams, and that subsequent owners failed to register the dams with the department as required by the National Water Act.
“As a result, the dams were not regularly inspected, and signs of imminent failure were not identified timeously. Following the release of the investigation report, the department issued a directive to the current owner of the dams to safely decommission the failed dams,” Majodina said.
She said that further investigations are underway to determine liability for the damages caused by the dam failures.
READ | Riverlands report shows failure in meeting dam safety standards
The incident, which occurred on 08 August 2024, saw the failure of three farm dams that breached, resulting in flooding which caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
Jagersfontein Tailing Dam report submitted to NPA
Majodina also reported that the report into the Jaggersfontein Tailing Dam in the Free State has been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) following the laying of criminal charges against the dam owners by the department in 2022.
During the 100 days, the department completed its comprehensive technical investigation into the 2022 failure of the Jagersfontein Tailings Dam, which resulted in three deaths and one person declared as missing, as well as extensive damage to public and private property.
“The report has been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority following the laying of criminal charges against the dam owners by the department during 2022.
“During the 100 days, a Request for Expressions of Interest issued by the department for proposals to develop tourism and recreation related to the department’s dams was finalised and the 300 applications which were received are currently being processed,” Majodina said.
READ | Mashatile encouraged by progress made in Jagersfontein
Launch of phase one of Hammanskraal water project
Meanwhile, Majodina said the department will launch Phase One of the Hammanskraal water project on Saturday, 16 November 2024.
The project includes the provision of an additional 12.5 megalitres of water.
The Ministry visited Hammanskraal on 24 August 2024 to oversee a R750 million project which the department is implementing through the Magalies Water Board to enable the provision of clean drinking water.
“The project involves the construction of additional water treatment capacity at the Magalies Water Treatment Works near Hammanskraal. The Ministry also carried out a site inspection of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works to review the progress of the municipality’s project to refurbish the works,” Majodina explained.
Special purpose vehicle
The Minister further reported that a Special Purpose Vehicle by the Rand Water Board and the Emfuleni Local Municipality is in the process of being established.
This follows an oversight visit by the department to Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng on 25 August 2024, where the department, through Rand Water, is implementing a R7.5 billion intervention in terms of Section 63 of the Water Services Act to address sewage pollution from the municipality’s waste water treatment systems.
As a result of the intervention, a number and frequency of sewage spillages into the streets and peoples’ homes has been significantly reduced.
She said work is underway to completely eradicate sewage pollution in the municipality.
“A Special Purpose Vehicle by the Rand Water Board and the Emfuleni Local Municipality is in the process of being established. It will be launched once all the legal requirements have been fulfilled which include the approval by the National Treasury.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 14:17
The following remarks were delivered by DA Federal Leader John Steenhuisen MP, at today’s mass march against the BELA Act in Pretoria: The DA has long opposed Clauses 4 and 5 of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA). In simple terms, these clauses give the state too much control over who gets an education …
Condolences for Prof Noel Chabani Manganyi
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed his shock and great sadness at the news of the passing of Professor Noel Chabani Manganyi – a distinguished academic, scholar, intellectual activist, psychologist, and public servant.
Manganyi passed away on Tuesday, 31 October 2024, at the age of 84.
“I knew Prof Manganyi in a number of different respects. Firstly, we both trained in psychology and thus shared many intellectual positions on the importance of mental liberation as a site of struggle, especially for all black people in the face of apartheid colonialism.
“Secondly, we were both activists in the struggle against apartheid and shared a common vision for a radically transformed post-apartheid South Africa, including challenging dominant intellectual discourses.
“This brought us together in the period immediately after the establishment of democratic rule, working together in the reconstruction and development of South Africa’s post-apartheid education system,” the Minister recalled.
Manganyi was the first Director-General of the Department of Education after the establishment of democracy and worked with the Minister in his capacity as the first Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Education.
Nzimande has described his fellow former activist as one of the most eloquent and deeply thoughtful intellectuals spawned by the black consciousness movement.
“His writings are still as relevant as ever,” said the Minister.
According to the Minister, Manganyi’s earlier book, ‘Being Black in the World’ was one of his prescribed texts in his Honours Psychology class in 1980 at the then University of Natal.
“A fine text indeed in the mould of the black consciousness philosophy, but very well written and well-argued.
“Prof Manganyi is without doubt one of our country’s most decorated academics.”
His roles include a Professorship at the then University of Transkei in Mthatha (now Walter Sisulu University), where he established the Department of Psychology and served as its first Chairperson.
In the 1980s, he was appointed Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand’s African Studies Institute.
He also served as Vice-Principal of the University of Pretoria, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) and as Chairperson of the Council on Higher Education.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Manganyi published a series of monographs, which included ‘Being Black in the World’ and the biographies of E’skia Mphahlele, Gerard Sekoto and Dumile Feni.
Adding to his already vast body of work, in 2016, he published a memoir and autobiography titled ‘Apartheid and the Making of a Black Psychologist’.
“Through this work, he examines the impact of apartheid underdevelopment, and how it hindered the success prospects of black people.
“Owing to his exceptional and groundbreaking scholarship, he was conferred with a number of prestigious national and international honours.”
These include being an Honorary Fellow of the Psychological Society of South Africa in 2012, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Research Foundation in 2016 and the Humanities Book Award by the Academy of Science of South Africa in 2018.
“Through his life’s work, Prof Manganyi enhanced our understanding of the impact of racism and colonial underdevelopment on the black psyche, identity, and power relations in apartheid South Africa. However, his work also reinforces the honour of fighting for freedom in a context where some chose to be indifferent,” Nzimande said.
Nzimande is of the view that the passing of Manganyi constitutes a monumental loss for the country and its people.
The Minister believes the Professor represents a rare breed of intellectuals, who concerned themselves with both the oppressive nature of society and the struggle to rid society of oppression.
“He was endowed with intellectual courage, an irrepressible urge to serve his people and despite his monumental personal achievements, he possessed a disarming humility. We will remember him as an incorruptible public servant and selfless son of the soil,” the Minister said.
He has since conveyed his heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dr Sekele-Manganyi, their children Nkhensani and Tintswalo, and extended family.
The memorial service for the late Manganyi will take place at the University of the Witwatersrand on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, 8 November 2024, at St Michael’s Anglican Church in Sandton in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:11