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Official funeral for former Minister Pravin Gordhan

Location: News

Official funeral for former Minister Pravin Gordhan

President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan an official funeral. 

Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. 

The late former Minister will be laid to rest in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in Pretoria on Friday, President Ramaphosa said Gordhan was one of the most principled and courageous freedom fighters the country has produced. 

“South Africans woke up to the sad news of the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan. I had the occasion to go and spend some time with him last night in hospital as I returned from Cape Town before he passed on. 
“I was able to get a moment to speak to him even though he could no longer hear me. But it was a sad moment for me to be able to watch him as he was passing on to his journey to another world,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the Minister’s wife, Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, as well as his family members across the world. 

“Gordhan dedicated his life to the struggle and freedom of our people, he fought to liberate this country from the shackles of apartheid. From inequality, poverty and hunger, he is one person who was driven by a vision of a society in which all people have achieved their full potential and which all may realise their dreams. 

“I have decided that we will have an official funeral to say our goodbyes to him as a nation,” the President.

READ | Tributes continue for “patriot” former Minister Pravin Gordhan 

Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017. He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015. He also served as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until announcement of his planned retirement in March.

Gordhan was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after serving as the Deputy Commissioner of the revenue service.

His contribution to the public sector arose from his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle, including his role in the student and civic movements in the 1970s and ‘80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress and military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress.

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue and was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

The year 2023 marked 50 years since Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree which led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.

In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 15:08

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Uphold the principles of equality in honour of Ronnie Mamoepa

Location: News

Uphold the principles of equality in honour of Ronnie Mamoepa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on citizens to recommit themselves to the values of compassion, justice, and unity in honour of the late Ronnie Mamoepa.

“Together, let us construct a future that affords everyone the chance to prosper, ensures no one falls behind, and upholds the principles of equality and dignity for all.

“As President Oliver Tambo instructed, our task even in the conditions we find ourselves in today, remains that of bringing about the kind of society we visualised in the Freedom Charter,” he said on Friday. 

Deputy President Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus. 

The late Mamoepa was an esteemed struggle hero, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communication and a dedicated public servant.

He passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture honoured the struggle hero, whose work in government communication helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address centred around the 30 Years of Democracy and citizen-centered government communication.

“I am of the view that Ronnie was an optimist, determined to realise the goal of a national democratic society that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous.”

He described him as a revolutionary intellectual due to his critical thinking. “Mamoepa was an intellectual who, like other revolutionary thinkers, recognised the necessity of investing in research, reading, and critical theory and discipline.” 

The Deputy President remembered that following his release from Robben Island, Mamoepa returned to his residence in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and resumed his political activities. 

“I must acknowledge that Ronnie Mamoepa, whose work ethic, and dedication to service remains unparalleled, also influenced some of the former student leaders of SASCO [South African Students Congress] who are currently members of my team in the Presidency.” 

Together with Mamoepa, he said, they fought against the oppressor and equally stood against any form of discrimination. 

“Our resolve to resist colonialism and apartheid stemmed from our belief in the vision of a South Africa in which the people govern, the country’s wealth is restored to the people, and the land is shared among those who work it. Our vision was to establish a society free from human exploitation.” 

Government of National Unity

The Deputy President said he believed the late government communicator would have backed the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

He told the attendees that GNU parties have made a firm commitment to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, as well as to promote accountability, transparency, integrity, and good governance. 

“The GNU has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions that will advance three strategic priorities – to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical, and developmental State.” 

The Deputy President assured citizens that the GNU is working around the clock to build a better South Africa for everyone. 

“This means that we must work together to address all the challenges we face. We are at a time where we need to theorise and understand the context of the world we live in.” 

The country’s second-in-command said as the seventh administration, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the goal is to create a society where every voice is acknowledged, and every citizen is empowered.

“We are confident that the movement of Ronnie Mamoepa will reemerge! Long Live the Spirit of Ronnie Mamoepa long live,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 14:13

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Expert Tips for Extending Your Car Battery’s Lifespan From Moreleta Service Centre

Location: MyPR

PRETORIA, South Africa – Car owners often face the frustration of a dead or failing battery, leaving them stranded and inconvenienced. Moreleta Service Centre, a trusted RMI-approved car service and repair centre in Pretoria, shares expert advice on how vehicle owners can extend their car battery’s lifespan and avoid unnecessary breakdowns. With over 25 years …

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Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges

Location: News

Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges

At a juncture when public trust in government institutions is tattered and pessimism is perverse, Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has the unenviable task of reversing the tide. 

It is one that he does not consider insurmountable, mammoth as it is.

This much was apparent during an interview with Public Sector Manager (PSM) magazine at his Batho Pele House  office in Pretoria. 

September, celebrated as Public Service Month in South Africa, was a focal point of the discussion.

During the interview the Minister outlined his vision for the revitalisation of the Public Service, emphasising the need for the restoration of professionalism and ethical standards that have deteriorated in recent years. 

With that said, he is adamant that the 30 days of September should not be used to admonish public servants, but rather to celebrate their efforts.

“We are not going to use Public Service Month to highlight the wrongs that are happening within departments, it is not about that... We must not create a perception ourselves that suggests that everything is rotten in the Public Service,” said the Minister.

He stated that the annual event will instead be dedicated to honour those who have taken a conscious decision to serve in the public sector even when more lucrative opportunities were in the offering in the private sector. 

“They chose not to go that route... they chose a route that is serving their people. That is what we are going to do,” he said, adding that the period will also be used to ignite enthusiasm among public servants and revive commitment to service.

“Most of us when we take office, [whether] as a police [officer] or a nurse, there is an oath that you take which commits you to whatever work you are going to do. So, as we go, all those seem to fade into the background because of a number of challenges,” he reiterated.

He said that Public Service Month should serve as a reminder of the valuable contributions public servants make to the country and encourage them to persist in their efforts, even when faced with challenging circumstances.

Not shying away from endemic challenges that continue to plague the sector, the Minister said it was important to address these issues if meaningful progress was to be made. 

Professionalising the Public Service

In February 2024, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) released Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. The initiative is designed to enhance the efficacy, integrity and accountability of the Public Service.

This is in line with the government's efforts to combat corruption in the country, including within the Public Service.

For Minister Buthelezi, the conversation starts with a question that has weighed heavily on many South Africans: “How did the country’s public service, once lauded for its professionalism and integrity, lose its way?” 

For him, the answer is rooted in a gradual yet troubling shift in the relationship between politicians and public servants.

“The Public Service was professional,” the Minister recalls, with a mixture of pride and concern. “But somewhere along the way, we, as politicians, started to politicise public servants. Now, there is this call for professionalisation, as if the Public Service was never professional. I dispute that notion.”

For him, the decline in standards is not a reflection of a systemic failure, but rather the result of external pressures that have distracted public servants.

“Public servants were professional, they were ethical and had a keen interest to serve. That is why most of us when we were growing up, we aspired to be public servants,” he asserted.

His responsibility and that of the DPSA, he added, is to try and depoliticise the Public Service. 

“That means we are not introducing something new but we are removing something that I consider alien, we are asking public servants to go back to their core values,” he said. 

Rebuilding public trust 

The Minister believes that the effective utilisation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the National School of Government (NSG) will go a long way in restoring the diminished trust in the Public Service. 

While the PSC coordinates government’s efforts to eradicate corruption and maladministration in the State and develops and improves policy on ethics for the Public Service, the latter is tasked with ensuring that all public servants participate and complete education, training and development initiatives.

“The NSG comes to play a particular role when it comes to training public servants in a number of things, which includes ethics, among others. That is one initiative that the department has undertaken to make make sure that we professionalise the Public Service and bring back the public trust. If people are led  by leaders who  are unethical, who are not committed to the cause and leaders who neglect their duty and do not take serving people as a calling, that is a problem,” he said. 

Lifestyle audits

Turning his attention to accomplishing an ethical public service, he is adamant that lifestyle audits are not the holy grail. 

“All that I want to see happening is that, as we try to deal with corruption through lifestyle audits, people should be encouraged to do the right thing without there being someone following them. We must also try to develop a culture within the public service that repels such elements and only attract people who are interested in serving.”

Innovation

The Minister said in his first two months in the role,  he has been impressed by the innovation demonstrated by public servants. 

“Public servants are coming up with new ways of how government can do things better and become efficient.”

However, he stressed that innovation should not leave behind the majority of the population.

Wage bill 

In recent years, the general public has raised concerns on the country’s perceived “ballooning” public service wage bill. The Minister is , however, not convinced that this perception is accurate. 

“I do not believe that the wage bill is ‘ballooning’. We must be very honest in analysing the status quo. You have almost 1.3 million public servants serving a population of over 60 million. You go to the police, and they will tell you [that] they should have one police officer serving a certain number of people, but that is not happening,” explained the Minister. 

The genesis of the problem, for him, is the country’s stunted economic growth of recent years. However, he acknowledged that there are challenges within the system that need to be addressed. 

“That (slow economic growth) should not be equated to the problem of the wage bill, because it is not. If the economy was growing as much as it should have, and if our population increase was not increasing in a manner that is not aligned with our economic growth, we would not be where we are,” he explained.

He noted that the public sector is not bursting at the seams with excess staff, instead the limited human resources are mostly being overstretched. 

Suspensions 

Another challenge within the Public Service is the issue of long-standing unresolved suspensions. This problem is widespread, yet there are no specific statistics available on the exact number of cases.

These include the number of staff members spending excessive time on suspension as well as deadwood in some departments. 

“We are told that some of them are not even in the country; some have been on suspension for over a thousand days; some have gone on to study and obtain degrees; some are owning businesses elsewhere. There is a serious problem in relation to that.”

He mentioned that the DPSA is working on a report to determine the exact number of suspended staff members in an effort to finalise the investigations.

The Minister stated that he aimed to leave a legacy of public servants returning to basics, where the principles of Batho Pele are not merely displayed on the walls of government departments but are actively practiced.

“You will know that there is Batho Pele because of your personal experience with every public servant. I would like to leave behind public servants that keep keeping on, no matter what.” 

This article first appeared in Public Sector Manager (PSM) Magazine

Janine
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:23

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TT Waterproofing Offers Premier Solutions to Protect Properties From Water Damage

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, Gauteng – TT Waterproofing, a leading provider of roofing and waterproofing services, continues its commitment to protecting homes, businesses, and industrial properties from the damaging effects of moisture. With over nine years of industry experience, TT Waterproofing has established itself as a trusted name in Pretoria and beyond, delivering reliable waterproofing solutions that safeguard …

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Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Location: News

Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday, 13 September 2024.

The lecture will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus. 

The Presidency described the late Mamoepa as one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communications, and a dedicated public servant.

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture will honour the struggle hero, whose work in government communications helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address will centre around the “30 Years of Democracy: Reflection and Citizen-Centered Government Communications”. 

“The theme underscores the importance of accountable communication between government and its citizens, in line with Mamoepa’s legacy,” the statement read.  

The lecture aims to reflect on the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994, emphasising the ongoing need for citizen-focused communication and engagement between government and the people.

Mamoepa passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:36

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Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival

Location: News

Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival

The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Department hosted a successful Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival on Tuesday at the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria. 

The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, was joined by Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, at the festival. 

The event was part of a series of mini festivals hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education to showcase the diverse range of certified skills learners acquire through the Multi-Certification Skills Programme.

The department said the festival highlighted one of the most significant achievements of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme - the introduction of Basic South African Sign Language (SASL) to hearing learners from Grade 5. 

“While SASL is typically taught at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 4 and 5, the department has adapted the curriculum for Grade 5 learners, ensuring that inclusivity begins early in the education system. 
“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities by providing foundational skills in Sign Language, thereby fostering empathy and understanding from a young age,” the department said.

Miss South Africa supported the event as an honoured guest, celebrating the remarkable efforts of both deaf and hearing learners. 

The learners showcased their newly acquired skills in SASL and music, emphasising the importance of communication and the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

"The festival exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, breaking barriers, and building a society where no learner is left behind. Through SASL, we are fostering empathy and understanding between hearing and deaf learners, providing them with opportunities to become advocates for the Deaf community," Chiloane said.

The festival featured a music enhancement segment that incorporated innovative techniques allowing deaf participants to experience music through vibrations. 

The department said this effort ensures that the power and joy of music are accessible to everyone, further uniting learners through the universal language of rhythm and sound.

September has been a significant month for the department, as it continues to nurture the talents, creativity, and academic excellence of learners across the province. 

The festival concluded with a call to continue creating inclusive learning spaces where all learners can thrive and contribute to building a more connected society. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 12:09

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UIF announces extended operating hours

Location: News

UIF announces extended operating hours

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that selected service points will be open on Saturdays to render services to clients and employers during the month of September.

“A decision to extend operating hours at UIF service points and to ramp up capacity was taken in anticipation of increased demand for real-time services, after the Pretoria High Court at the end of August 2024 issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from implementing a new contract for support and maintenance services to the uFiling platform,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement. 

uFiling is an online platform used by clients and employers to apply for UIF benefits or to register companies with the UIF, declare employees and pay over contributions to the Fund.

The platform is not connected to the main UIF system used to adjudicate and process claims. 

“Due to the uFiling platform not having any support or maintenance at this time, its services was suspended. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since the suspension of uFiling processed more than 181 000 claims at service points around the country, totalling a pay out of R419 607 185,” the department said. 

Extended operating hours will be rendered from 07:30 until 16:00 at UIF service points within labour centres during September month as follows:
•    In Gqeberha, East London and Qonce in the Eastern Cape province.
•    At the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay labour centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    At the Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane and Mbombela labour centres in Mpumalanga province.
•    At Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung and Rustenburg labour centre in the North West province.
•    Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain and Bellville in the Western Cape.

Registration of employers

New employer registrations can be done through BizPortal, available on https://www.bizportal.gov.za/services.aspx.

The department has urged its clients to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and will not be able to register employees. Employee registration can be undertaken at a nearby labour centre.

Registration can also be done by downloading UI.8 and UI.19 forms from www.labour.gov.za and submitting the completed forms to e-mail address newui8registrations@labour.gov.za.

Declaration of employees

Employers with electronic payroll systems may declare their employees by sending live payroll files to e-mail address Declarations@labour.gov.za or by visiting a nearby labour centre for services. 

In case of a manual declarations an employer can download a UI.19 form from www.labour.gov.za and submit a completed form via email to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za.

Regarding contributions, the department said an employer pays contributions to the UIF before the 7th day of each month. Where the 7th day is not a “business day” such as a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments must be made on or before the last business day. 

“UIF contributions are made up of 2% of an employee’s salary. 1% is deducted from the salary of an employee and 1% contributed by the employer.

“Employers who are registered for tax purposes and/or the Skills Development Levy (SDL), must pay their contributions directly to the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the department said. 

Employers can also pay contributions using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour website www.labour.gov.za and use their UIF reference number as the reference for payment. 

“Through queue management, monitoring of operations and staff repurposing the UIF has been able to adequately handle claim volumes around the country. The Fund is confident that by extending working hours it will be able to maintain the status quo whilst developing alternative online solutions for clients and employers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:51

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President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector. 

The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16

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Appliance Repairs Centre Offers Expert Tips on Common Dishwasher Drainage Problems

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, South Africa – Homeowners often rely on their dishwashers to simplify daily chores, so when the appliance leaves standing water at the bottom, it can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Appliance Repairs Centre, with over 38 years of experience in appliance servicing and repairs, has seen it all. The company is now sharing expert …

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Land Bank reaches agreement with lenders

Location: News

Land Bank reaches agreement with lenders

The Board of the Land Bank has announced the successful conclusion of a debt restructuring solution with all its lenders. 

At a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, the bank said official notices have been issued, signalling the implementation of the solution and the bank’s strategic direction moving forward.

The agreement reached with the Land Bank international and local lenders will remedy the bank’s prevailing debt default which occurred in April 2020, said Land Bank Board Chairperson, Thabi Nkosi.

Nkosi said following the signing of legal agreements and the fulfilment of all conditions, the debt restructuring solution will take effect on 16 September 2024, effectively ending the Land Bank’s debt default position.

She said the debt restructuring spans multiple financial instruments of all the bank’s lenders, ensuring equitable treatment of all the lenders, regardless of the type of debt held and their governing laws.

“Scheduled repayments to lenders will occur every six months through to March 2028. The government's equity contribution will play a critical role in this plan, positioning Land Bank on a sustainable path forward,” Nkosi explained.

Nkosi acknowledged this has been one of the most intricate and extended debt restructuring efforts in South Africa’s financial history.

Coordinating a large number of lenders, including local lenders, a multilateral development finance institution and international banks, as well as the different types of debt instruments, and tenures, added to the challenge.

“Thankfully, all parties showed remarkable patience and good faith with lenders respecting a stand still arrangement since the bank defaulted on its debts. We believe the solution we have reached is in the best interest of all stakeholders and the agricultural sector," Nkosi said.

Speaking on behalf of government, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said government has been concerned about the effect the protracted negotiation process has been having on the bank’s lending activities, which are vital for the socio-economic impact of the bank on the South African economy, and the agricultural sector, in particular.

The Minister said at its prime, the Land Bank contributed R45 billion to the bank’s agricultural debt finance, which represented a share of approximately 28% of the South African farming debt.

Since the debt default the bank has repaid over 60% of its debt. This was achieved through cash proceeds from a deliberate reduction of the bank’s loan book, which reduced from R45.2 billion in March 2020 to R17 billion by June 2024.

Despite the downsizing, Land Bank resumed limited lending activities in October 2022 through the Blended Finance Scheme, which is supported by grant funding from the Department of Agriculture.

“Whilst we were mindful of the bank’s need for state support to assist it to get out of its debt default, we were also cognisant of the fact that a large part of the bank’s debt restructure solution would be driven through the bank’s own initiated remedial measures,” Godongwana said.

Through its own cash flow from collections and client settlements, Godongwana said the bank was able to repay 60% of its funding liabilities since the debt default.

"Government provided R10 billion to stabilise the situation and alleviate the State’s contingent liabilities through the settlement of the State-guaranteed lenders, and to allocate R3.7 billion from these funds towards the Blended Finance Scheme to support the bank’s agricultural development and transformation mandate.

“We also ensured that the bank found self-help measures while keeping fiscal support to a minimum. Moving forward, the bank's funding model remains a priority," Godongwana said.

He added that with the liability solution finalised, government wanted the bank to adhere to the pledges set out in its debt restructure agreement and begin a process to address its funding structure so that “we never find ourselves in a similar position again”.

“A closer relationship and collaboration between the bank and the Department of Agriculture, as well all relevant state departments and entities, is required to ensure that coordinated efforts and economies of scale of the State’s entities and the private sector are leveraged to deliver effective impact in the agricultural sector,” Godongwana said. 

With the liability solution finalised, the Land Bank is now focused on executing its turnaround strategy to implement its mandate and to drive development and transformation within the agricultural sector. 

The bank said the new operating model, led by the CEO and the executive team, with strong board support, “will be central to this journey”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 11:40

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Honouring heroes of SA’s liberation struggle

Location: News

Honouring heroes of SA’s liberation struggle

Government has planted indigenous trees at the site earmarked for the Forest of Freedom in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa's liberation struggle.

“By planting these trees at the Forest of Freedom, we are also honouring the 30 years of democracy and freedom,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Sunday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the Arbor Month Campaign at Freedom Park, the Deputy Minister said the infrastructure, together with the cultural and historical essence that Freedom Park symbolises, made it the most suitable venue to host the launch of the campaign.

“Freedom Park is the custodian of South Africa’s cultural and historic information. It has a wide variety of South African woodland tree species and because of its location and infrastructure it has become a home of many cultural events.

“In recent times major construction work took place to fit in a high-pressure water pipe from a reservoir situated in the Freedom Park precinct to supply the City of Tshwane with water. In the preparatory work of laying the pipe, a significant amount of land clearing and deforestation was done. In order to reclaim the disturbed area, the Forest of Freedom was conceptualised,” Swarts said.

The project involves planting and putting back some of the vegetation, including trees, that were removed in the process of clearing.

Certain key woodland species were identified to be placed in the area. The first 30 trees that were planted are dedicated to the 30 years of South Africa’s Freedom.

“The rest of other trees and shrubs will be planted to complete the Forest of Freedom. In future, key individuals will be invited to plant trees in the forest as a symbol of remembrance of their visit to Freedom Park,” she said.

Trees were also planted at other community parks within the City of Tshwane, including at Kalafong Park in Atteridgeville, Springbok Park in Hatfield, and Fountains Valley Resort in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, south of Pretoria.

“There are reasons why we chose to plant trees at these specific parks. For instance, we chose Kalafong Park because the Kalafong community is benefiting from the park through the provision of open recreational space as well as a fitness park. Before the intervention to establish a park, the area was used as a quarry to mine soil. It was a big hole that was excavated by the housing and construction developers to mine soil and sand.

“Springbok Park is currently managed through an Adopt -A- Spot programme initiative. The initiative was established to encourage community, business organisations and other independent entities to partner with City of Tshwane in ensuring parks, open spaces and other public recreational spaces are well taken care of and beautified where possible. Thus far, the partners of the Springbok Park are doing very well,” the Deputy Minister said.

In their first year, they managed to erect a new fence and kept the park clean.

“It is important to retain the indigenous flora approach on this park to preserve its National Monument status for the coming generations because educational activities for both future generations and community.

“The Fountains Valley was chosen to showcase the restoration work that the City of Tshwane is doing at the park. Due to old age, the Celtis trees growing at the Fountains valley are dying. In the quest to preserve the Celtis trees, the City of Tshwane started on a restoration drive.

“Young Celtis trees are integrated within the existing Groenkloof Reserve and at the Fountains Valley. This is a continuous process that will take place until the diminishing Forest Celtis trees are saved,” the Deputy Minister said.

By the end of the National Arbor Month Campaign, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment would have planted 3 500 trees at various parks within the City of Tshwane.

The tree planting activities also seek to highlight the Ten Million Trees Programme, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Arbor Month has found a permanent place in our events calendar as a way of celebrating and increasing awareness on the importance of trees, whilst recognising their contribution in managing deforestation and biodiversity,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 08:47

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Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on VBS allegations

Location: News

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

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Minister Gwarube in talks to enhance education sector 

Location: News

Minister Gwarube in talks to enhance education sector 

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has held meetings with various international partners to reinforce South Africa's commitment to enhancing the education sector through global collaboration. 

In a statement, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said these discussions which were held at the departmental offices in Pretoria, emphasised the critical role of international partnerships in advancing the country's educational objectives.

Minister Gwarube met with Andreas Schleicher, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Director for Education and Skills, to discuss the Joint Work Programme (JWP) between South Africa and the OECD. 

The JWP, aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), supports initiatives in early childhood education, career development and curriculum standards. 

“The meeting also covered South Africa’s participation in the 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), which offers insights into teacher development and education trends. 

Additionally, the OECD offered support for South Africa’s Education Working Group during its G20 Presidency in 2025,” the department said.

In her meeting with UNICEF country representative, Christine Muhigana, Minister Gwarube discussed UNICEF’s collaboration with the DBE. 

Key focus areas included Early Childhood Development (ECD), quality basic education and adolescent development. 

“UNICEF has played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s efforts to improve ECD, boosting educational outcomes and empowering adolescents, particularly girls, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The partnership also aims to strengthen teaching practices and promote skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” the department said. 

Minister Gwarube also met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sandra Kramer, to discuss partnerships with South Africa particularly in the field of education. 

The EU has supported South Africa’s education sector through the General Budget Support (GBS) approach since 2009, aligning funding with national priorities. 

“This partnership has notably improved literacy, numeracy and technology education, especially in Grades 7 to 9. The Minister expressed her gratitude for the EU’s 30 years of support whilst highlighting the importance of continued collaboration,” the DBE said. 

The Minister also met with Japanese Ambassador, Ushio Shigeru and JICA Chief Representative, Kaoru Okada, to discuss the long-standing partnership between the DBE and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

“This collaboration, which commenced in 2012, focuses on improving Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) education. The Minister sought an extension for JICA to finalise the National Mathematics Improvement Plan and acknowledged Japan’s assistance in rebuilding schools damaged by the 2021 floods in the KwaZulu-Natal Province,” the DBE said. 

The ongoing meetings have highlighted South Africa’s ongoing commitment to leveraging international partnerships to enhance its education system and address the needs of all learners in a rapidly changing world. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:31

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ActionSA’s Hypocrisy

Location: News

Dear Editor ActionSA’s recent social media attack campaign on the Multi-Party Government in Tshwane is a clear indication that their internal review process is nothing more than a smokescreen to buy time while they finalise a deal to bring the EFF into government in the capital city. This campaign, which highlights service delivery issues in …

Read moreActionSA’s Hypocrisy

Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

Location: News

Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window. 

The window opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025.

The GTIP was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to enable and encourage tourism enterprises to improve efficiency in the utilisation of energy and water resources in their operations. 

In this way, the programme not only promotes compliance with responsible tourism principles, but also offers a mechanism for enterprises to reduce operational costs so they can operate in a sustainable and competitive manner.

The GTIP has enjoyed much success from tourism enterprises who applied for support. 

Mokgaetji Flora Phala from Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo said: “I was spending R2 500 on electricity costs per month. I now spend R500 a month, saving between R1 500 to R2000 a month following the installation of energy solutions. The GTIP is a great initiative that helps a lot and can be recommended to other businesses.”

Chris de Vries from Maribelle's B&B in Pretoria, Gauteng, said the amount spent on electricity was high before the installations, but it has gone down significantly. 

“It is still too early to tell the exact amounts, but I have noticed a significant saving from the installations. I would definitely recommend other business to get access to this programme; it is very beneficial,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Gugulethu Nogaya from Imvomvo Country Lodge in MaXesibeni, Eastern Cape, said energy consumption prior to the installation of energy solutions averaged at 24 000 kWh per month. 

“Since the installation it has reduced our monthly energy consumption by half. We were spending approximately R60 000.00 on diesel during peak load shedding, but that has now dropped to less than R5 000 per month only when there are power outages. I would highly recommend the GTIP programme for all lodges, B&B’s and other businesses as it significantly improves margins by reducing cost and increases customer satisfactions,” he said.

The GTIP offers partial grant funding on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems. The application process to access the GTIP is done through two phases:
• Phase 1: The applying Tourism enterprises undergoes a resource efficiency audit during which appropriate efficiency measures and solutions are recommended. The cost of this audit is fully covered under the GTIP programme.
• Phase 2: Eligible applicants (who completed phase 1) are able to apply for grant funding support of between 50% and 90% on the cost of installing relevant technologies and equipment recommended during the Phase 1 (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant).

The GTIP is administered by the IDC and all applications are received, processed and managed by the IDC on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

Since inception in November 2017 and June 2024, the GTIP has had nine application windows from which 216 applications were approved at a total grant value of more than R140 million.

Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said initiatives such as the GTIP are contributing immensely to greening the tourism sector and in the process helping to sustain the future of this sector.

“Conserving our scarce natural resource is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism sector. As we work towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), programmes such as the GTIP become critical in reinforcing and supporting tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices.

“Accordingly, the GTIP aims to support tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities with green technologies such as solar PV panels and water saving measures. I therefore encourage businesses to apply for funding support under the GTIP,” the Minister said. 

Tourism enterprises can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to read more on the requirements, eligibility and qualifying criteria and the application processes for the GTIP. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:33

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