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Gauteng police continue to manufacture inroads in dealing with counterfeit goods

Location: News

Gauteng police continue to make inroads in dealing with counterfeit goods

The police in Gauteng continue to make inroads in dealing with counterfeit goods and contraband.

On Wednesday, the police consisting of various units including Public Order Policing, Commercial Crime, Crime Intelligence, Crime Prevention in partnership with other law enforcement agencies such as Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Wardens, Brand Protectors and Customs (SARS) conducted a search and seizure operation at Marabastad, in Pretoria, with the aim of addressing peddling and dealing of counterfeit and contraband goods.

Over the years, Marabastad has been a business district with a lot of consumers coming to buy clothing items and other goods however, a number of businesses allegedly owned by foreign nationals, are running illegal businesses of selling counterfeit goods.

To address this, the team seized clothing items and other goods with notable brands from both local and international to an estimated street value of about R13.7 million.

Three people were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

It is a criminal offence for a business to seek profit or use someone’s trademark without permission and the counterfeit goods Act 37 of 1997 prohibits such sales as this has a negative impact on the economy of the country.

“The police in Gauteng will continue unabated with these kind of operations to disrupt the counterfeit goods market,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The community is urged not to buy counterfeit goods and to report any criminal activities to their nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be directed to MySAPS App. Tipsters may opt to remain anonymous. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:02

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Read moreGauteng police continue to manufacture inroads in dealing with counterfeit goods

Tracking EPWP pace

Location: News

Tracking EPWP progress

While the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has provided job opportunities for close to two decades, work is underway to ensure that its footprint reaches more people.

By March 2023, the programme had steadily created over 14 million work opportunities since its inception in April 2004.

“The EPWP has been a good programme from its inception 19 years ago. The main focus of the programme is to alleviate poverty by providing job opportunities. This is important because it is not just a job opportunity, it is an opportunity that must provide a skill to participants,” said Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts.

The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.

In addition to gaining skills and earning an income, the work opportunities also allow participants to gain valuable work experience that make them employable.

Through its various five-year phases, which have been improved upon over the years, the programme has granted work opportunities to many across the length and breadth of the country.

In an interview with SAnews at her office in central Pretoria, Swarts said various research reports and mid-term review reports of the different phases of the EPWP show that the income participants earn from the programme is having a positive impact in terms of poverty alleviation.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is the custodian of the programme, which is being implemented by over 300 public bodies across the three spheres of government.

Training for the future

The programme has morphed with each subsequent phase it has undergone and the current five-year Phase IV comes to an end in 2024.

The current phase has created 3.9 million work opportunities against the five million target.

Swarts revealed that in the current phase, the EPWP has been strengthening its partnerships with the private sector in getting placements for youth that have been trained in artisan programmes to gain work experience.

This includes the placement and absorption of young people by contractors on projects implemented by the DPWI. Some young people trained in the mechanical engineering field have been absorbed by mining and car repair companies as part of the partnership.

Participants in the programme obtain various skills such as painting, brick laying and carpentry, home community-based care skills and fire-fighting among others. Training is funded through the National Skills Fund and budgets of projects in different public bodies.

Changing lives

The EPWP also contributes to household incomes, with over R12 billion having been transferred to participants as wages in 2022/23. 

“The final figure, according to our records, was R13.2 billion being paid in wages,” she added.

While creating a livelihoods for participants, the EPWP also contributes towards service delivery. Projects include road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, environmental greening, cleaning and removing alien vegetation.

Participation

In order to increase the participation of vulnerable groups in society, the current phase of the programme has put demographic targets in place.

For women participation this is set at 60% while the targets for the youth has been pegged at 55%.

According to the Deputy Minister the targets relating to women are being met while that of young people are yet to be met.

“For the 2022/23 financial year, the achievement for women was at 69% while that of youth was at 40%. Interventions are being put in place through better targeting during recruitment and having youth-focused programmes to improve the achievement of targets for youth,” explained the Deputy Minister.

She attributed this to the fact that some young people view wearing orange overalls as “not cool” while others believe that they cannot take part in the EPWP because of the qualifications they hold. 

“[This] is a wrong mind-set because if you have a degree in administration and have been at home for five years, surely you must be able [to come to a point where you] say ‘let me deviate and participate in a programme that is going to give me a skill’,” she said. 

The programme also caters for people living with disability by making provision for them to form their own companies. The Deputy Minister noted that more needs to be done to accommodate people living with disabilities.

“We need to bring in people with disabilities and we can bring them in as project managers on site to oversee the work that is being done.”

Policy

In 2022, the DPWI developed the EPWP Policy, which has been approved by Cabinet for public consultation and is expected to be finalised by March 2024.

On what the future holds for the programme that continues to evolve, Swarts says the DPWI and its stakeholders are developing proposals for the next phase of the programme, which is scheduled to start in April 2024, if approved by Cabinet.

Expanding the reach of the programme, improving training and skills development, and improving on exit strategies for participants are some the different proposals being considered for the next phase.

“[The] EPWP must and will be the backbone of creating employment in the country. After 19 years [and] as we prepare for the 20 years celebrations, which we are doing as DPWI at the end of this November, we are going to start showcasing and celebrating the EPWP.

“It must just not be about celebrating, it must be about us bringing all participants and stakeholders on board.”

The Deputy Minister is confident that those who complete the programme are capable of becoming entrepreneurs who can contribute to the country’s economic development. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 11:56

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Skating: Olympians Claim Victory at the 2023 Street Lines Skate Tournament

Location: MyPR

The third edition of the Street Lines Skate Tournament, presented by LW Mag and Dragon Energy Drink in association with Dickies, Garmin and GoPro, took place at the legendary Thrashers Skatepark in Pretoria over the weekend (Saturday 30 September). Olympians Boipelo Awuah (Kimberley) and Brandon Valjalo (Johannesburg) took top honours in the Women’s and Men’s …

Read moreSkating: Olympians Claim Victory at the 2023 Street Lines Skate Tournament

ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion

Location: News

ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion

ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is rolling out a R100 million investment in plant expansion in Pretoria.

The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that were made at the fifth South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in April this year.

This contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Naidoo, ACTOM is a well-positioned South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners.

He said they offer market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.

“We are a leading stockist and supplier of competitively priced quality electrical equipment through our extensive Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprising13 branches across the country,” Naidoo said.

“We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing in the electro-mechanical equipment,” he said.

He said the company made the R100 million investment with an intention of taking advantage of some of the growing sectors like the renewable energy, and for contributing to creating jobs.

The expansion of the Pretoria plant will result in 30 people being employed.

The company is employing more than 7 000 people in their 34 operating units, 53 production, service and repair facilities and more than 33 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 11:04

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Comeback kings fly into Gold Cup final

Location: Sport

The tenacious Heineken College Rovers and Naka Bulle fought back from half-time deficits to win their respective semi-finals and qualify for the African Rainbow Community Gold Cup final, which will be staged in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon. Northam Rhinos travelled to Durban for their semi-final with a fearsome attacking reputation, having scored 50 or more …

Read moreComeback kings fly into Gold Cup final

Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock

Location: News

Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has urged the private sector to continue to work in partnership with government to increase affordable housing stock in the major metropolitan and secondary cities.

This is so as to prevent a repeat of recent disasters.

Kubayi made the call as South Africa joined the global community in celebrating World Habitat Day on Monday.

The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. 

This year's World Habitat Day was commemorated under the theme: “Resilient Urban Economies. Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery.”

Kubayi noted that the metropolitan and intermediary cities have, according to recent figures, experienced rapid urbanisation than major metropolitan cities and therefore putting pressure on infrastructure and the provision of sustainable human settlements.

She reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the upgrading of informal settlements, which was one of the resolutions adopted at the 2023 UN-Habitat Assembly held in June, to “Accelerating the Transformation of Informal Settlements and Slums by 2023”. 

“Sustainable human settlements affect every aspect of people’s lives and communities’ development.

“Creating and managing better places to live, not only addresses economic opportunities, poverty and inequality but also fosters inclusion through provision of dignity, access to basic services and transport and creating improved living environments that foster food security, education, health, gender equality, resilience, and the protection of vulnerable groups,” Kubayi said.

The UN-Habitat Assembly adopted numerous critical resolutions to change the trajectory for the achievement of sustainable human settlements and adequate housing, in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change. 

One of the resolutions identifies key actions to be undertaken globally to accelerate the transformation of informal settlements, as a vital entry point and catalyst for sustainable development by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.

The Minister highlighted that during 2023/2024 financial year, over R4 billion has been allocated towards the upgrading of informal settlements. 

“Additionally, over R7 billion Urban Settlements Development Grant (USGD) has been allocated to Metropolitan Municipalities to increase housing stock and deliver basic services of the cities’ residents,” Kubayi said.

Commenting on the recent fire at Cemetery View in Pretoria East, Tshwane that affected over 2 000 households, the Minister said the location of the informal settlements is an indication that people want to live closer to places of work. 

However, she underlined that government initiatives working with the private sector are meant for qualifying beneficiaries.

Title Deeds Friday Campaign

Meanwhile, Kubayi has announced that the department will during the month of October, launch a Title Deeds Friday Campaign, aimed at mobilising the beneficiaries of fully subsidised houses to collect their title deeds at municipality offices. 

The campaign, which was part of the outcomes of a recent meeting held between the Minister and MECs responsible for Human Settlements in provinces, will also see the MECs and councillors setting aside part of their Fridays to dispatching and encouraging beneficiaries to collect their title deeds.

“We must never be in a position where we unnecessarily keep people’s title deeds in our buildings. Our aim is to have cleared over 30 000 title deeds currently at our disposal by February 2024,” Kubayi said.

The Title Deeds Friday Campaign is expected to be launched with communities of MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa), north of Tshwane in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 08:56

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Dancing Queens, Are You Ready For “Abba:The Movie” Coming To A Ster-Kinekor Cinema Near You

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Book your tickets now to dazzle in your best 70s disco outfit and dance in the aisles to some of this iconic group’s global hits. The ultimate ABBA party is about to hit Ster-Kinekor cinemas, for two days only on 08 and 10 October. Have the time of your life when ABBA: The Movie dances …

Read moreDancing Queens, Are You Ready For “Abba:The Movie” Coming To A Ster-Kinekor Cinema Near You

Electricity generation improving with return of Kusile units

Location: News

Electricity generation improving with return of Kusile units

Due to the return to service of Kusile Unit 3, the sustained improved generation performance and the lower than anticipated demand for electricity, load shedding will be suspended until 16:00 on Monday, when Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented.

Power parastatal, Eskom, on Sunday, said should any significant changes occur, it will communicate.

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said at a briefing on Sunday that significant progress has been made with regard to electricity generation. Kusile Unit 3 returned to service ahead of schedule, with Ramokgopa saying South Africa was "starting to turn the corner" in terms of electricity provision.

The three units at the Kusile plant were discontinued in October 2022 for maintenance purposes. This strained the national grid and affected Eskom's generating capacity.

Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said they had to discontinue the units to address safety concerns.

“It’s been almost a year that these units have not been operating. Essentially, the South African economy and the grid were losing about 2 400 megawatts of generating capacity… and that contributed to a significant amount of strain that has been experienced on the grid,” Ramokgopa said.

Ramokgopa said Kusile Unit 3 now currently generates 550MW, and that it will take a considerable amount of time to restore normality, with the other units expected to return on-stream in due course.

“I am really excited to say that we will be returning the other units, with 2 400 megawatts,” Ramokgopa said.

This is eventually expected to be bumped up to 3 200MW when Unit 5 is brought back on-stream.

Ramokgopa said he is confident about the work that is currently being done.

Government continues to implement the country’s Energy Action Plan in earnest, with the long-term goal of securing continuous, credible energy supply.

To respond to the severe impact of load shedding on households, small businesses and the economy as a whole, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a range of measures in July 2022 to improve the performance of existing power stations, and add new generation capacity as quickly as possible. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 15:40

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President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad

Location: News

President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad

President Cyril Ramaphosa says to give full expression to the legacy of stalwarts like Aziz Pahad, their teachings must not be confined to history books but they must be frequently revisited and taken into the future.

“We have lost a comrade, a friend and a patriot who dedicated his life to the liberation of our country and its people,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

Delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa described Pahad as a hardworking public servant.

“It is a sad day for the diplomatic community, particularly for the many men and women chosen to represent the country abroad, who had the privilege of being mentored, counselled and trained by our departed brother and comrade,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Pahad and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until this evening. Former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi, senior government officials, politicians and members of the public attended the funeral.

“Over the past few years, we have had to bid farewell to many dear comrades, men and women who were giants of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the departed stalwarts played an important role in the history of the country.

“They were there at all the high and low points in our struggle for liberation, and remained on to shepherd us along the difficult road to democracy. At times such as this, when we lose another stalwart, we are shaken, as would a tree whose roots have been damaged or lost.

“These great men and women, of whom Aziz Pahad was one, were the roots that nourished the tree of our democracy. It feels as though a part of us has gone with them.

“And yet, such were the legacies they left behind that this great tree that is our democracy, abides. We may at times be battered by strong headwinds. Times can be hard.”

President Ramaphosa said the democracy that Aziz Pahad and his generation worked so hard to achieve remains firm, steady, well-anchored and strong.

“Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his many fine attributes and we will have reflected on some of them today.

“He was an activist who played a formative role in the liberation movement in exile in the 1960s and beyond, and was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement in Europe and the United Kingdom.

“As Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was involved in peacebuilding and mediation efforts in a number of conflicts on the continent and in the Middle East,” the President said.

Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82. He served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) -from 1994 to 2008.

Pahad's passing follows that of his brother and former Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, in July 2023.

Former colleagues hailed Pahad as a fine diplomat. He has also been hailed as one of the key architects of South Africa’s foreign policy.

In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature for his contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity.

“Pahad's contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa's challenges,” the University of Pretoria said at that time.

Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs. In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by then Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.

At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic, and a world that is fair and just. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 13:03

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ActionSA attacks foundation of multi-party coalition in Tshwane

Location: News

Dear Editor Yesterday, ActionSA stabbed Tshwane Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink in the back and have pulled the rug from under coalition’s feet. Without consulting the Multi-Party coalition, ActionSA submitted an urgent motion to the Speaker of Council that seeks to compel the Executive Mayor to negotiate with striking workers as well as for the Mayor …

Read moreActionSA attacks foundation of multi-party coalition in Tshwane

SA, Tunisia bolster relations

Location: News

SA, Tunisia bolster relations

South Africa and Tunisia should increase their political consultations to ensure a robust and dynamic utilisation of opportunities that exist between the nations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.

Pandor on Friday hosted Tunisian Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar. 

“I'm really pleased, Minister and brother, to welcome you to Pretoria today on the occasion of our political consultations, which gives us a chance to discuss our bilateral relations - regional, continental and international issues - of mutual interest,” said Pandor.

Today’s political consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for the two Ministers to reflect on the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Tunisia and discuss further strengthening bilateral cooperation in several areas. 

These include economic cooperation, security, health, science and technology.

“The meeting we're going to have today is also going to lay the ground for the future meeting of our Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC), which we established in 1996.

“However, the last meeting of JBCC was held in 2008. A further meeting is long overdue to revitalise its mission to ensure that we have focused programme areas of cooperation and projects that we execute together,” Pandor said.

The Minister said she hopes that officials in both countries are going to work hard to ensure they meet these ambitions and come up with concrete programmes of cooperation to work together.

“I do believe we have opportunities to expand and explore, and that these will benefit both our countries, as well as the people of our country. I've made reference to stronger cooperation between our business sector as well as stronger cooperation in skills, training and development.”

South Africa, according to Pandor, has a great ambition to enhance innovation and research capacity and has developed programmes in nanoscience and space science. 

“I know on satellites, previously, our researchers had been collaborating and it would be wonderful to revive that collaboration.” 

She also told Ammar that she was pleased his country has taken an interest in establishing the business forum, who was accompanied by the President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, who also has business interests locally.

“So dear Minister, please know that we are absolutely committed to the relationship between South Africa and Tunisia. 

“I assure you that I would like to walk together with Tunisia as we advance the goals of Agenda 2063 as well as implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, and together, support our continent to achieve its Developmental Goals.”

Pandor also took the time to express her gratitude to Ammar for attending South Africa’s 15th BRICS Summit last month and leading his country's delegation.

“We were thrilled that your country was in attendance,” she said. 

She also applauded her counterpart after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced it was adding the Tunisian resort island of Djerba to its list of World Heritage Sites because of its ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, mosques, churches and synagogues.

“Minister, our bilateral relationship continues to be one that is strong and solidified through bilateral mechanisms which provide for political, economic, scientific and socio-cultural engagement,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 13:44

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Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes

Location: News

Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes

The commuter rail service from Pretoria to Kempton Park has resumed its commercial service, bringing the number of recovered lines by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to 20.

Commuters can now save on their travel costs, as a trip from Pretoria to Kempton Park costs just R9.50, while Pretoria to Germiston is R11.50, and Pretoria to Olifanstfontein at R8.50.

“The resumption of this service takes us a step closer towards running the service between the three big metros in Gauteng. Soon, trains will be running from Pretoria to Ekurhuleni, and all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, reflecting the interconnectedness between our metros,” PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, said.

Thursday’s resumption of the commercial service followed the necessary permit from the Railway Safety Regulator. The agency introduced the service with the new modern high-tech trains from Pretoria to Kempton Park, with a service available from Kempton Park to Germiston station at both peak and off-peak.

The affordable services are expected to ease the burden of travel costs on commuters, many of whom are from the lower LSM groups, spending up to 40% of their household income on transport.

PRASA said it has gained ground in its efforts to rebuild passenger rail corridors and move commuters on the new blue modern trains, Isitimela Sabantu.

To date, 20 lines have been recovered out of 40, with trains now running on 26 operational lines in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The organisation has made significant progress in rehabilitating vandalised stations, with a total of 230 stations refurbished to basic functionality.

“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the future backbone of public transport. By the end of this financial year, PRASA will have recovered 80% of the passenger rail corridors and lines, while bringing to our people a modernized passenger train experience,” Emeran said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:27

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SIU probe into Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender welcomed

Location: News

SIU probe into Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender welcomed

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of maladministration and corruption related to the R295 million tender to refurbish and upgrade the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

Mchunu said the mismanagement of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment plant funds will remain "etched in the mind of many South Africans as lives were lost due to alleged improper conduct”.

“We welcome the investigation into the allegations of unlawful and improper conduct related to the tender awarded by the City of Tshwane.

“We believe that the SIU will do a thorough investigation on maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud against any person or entities that were responsible. We also hope that the SIU will recover any financial losses suffered by the State,” Mchunu said.

The investigation into the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will resume following the signing of a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa which authorises the SIU to probe the tender of Phase 1 of the upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the wastewater treatment plant. 

The plant receives wastewater from Atteridgeville, Pretoria’s central business district, Pretoria North, Soshanguve South and Rosslyn.

However, due to problems with operations and maintenance, the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works is of sub-standard and it continuously discharges into the Apies River and the Leeuwkraal Dam, resulting in poor water quality in Leeuwkraal Dam. 

The Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW) abstracts water from the Leeuwkraal Dam for purification and supply to the Hammanskraal area. As a result, the water produced at the Temba plant is of poor quality and not potable.

On 20 August 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) declared that water in Hammanskraal was not fit for human consumption. This followed tests on the water with the help of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) after residents lodged complaints with it.  

Mchunu said the department has on numerous occasions engaged with the City of Tshwane on the poor quality of effluent released from the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.

The department has made interventions, including the western side of Hammanskraal (Refentse), which was supplied with water from the water supply pipelines in Soshanguve, and the Eastern part of Hammanskraal, which was supplied with water by Magalies Water.

However, Mchunu said the central part of Temba is still experiencing problems with the quality of drinking water.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation and the City of Tshwane have formed a partnership to repair and upgrade the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works, and it is estimated that the cost of a full rehabilitation and upgrade of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will be in the region of R4 billion. 

“The Development Bank of Southern Africa will be appointed as an independent implementing agent to manage the design and construction work, whereas the department and the City of Tshwane will form a joint steering committee to oversee the project,” Mchunu explained.
  
The project will be implemented in stages with an emphasis on work to stop or reduce the pollution from Rooiwal in the early stages. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:53

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South Africa, Lesotho BNC kicks off

Location: News

South Africa, Lesotho BNC kicks off

South Africa places great importance on its bilateral relations with its Southern African neighbour, the Kingdom of Lesotho.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was delivering the opening address of the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria.

According to the Presidency, the BNC session follows an agreement signed by the two countries in November 2021 to elevate the structured bilateral mechanism from a Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation (JBCC) that is held at a ministerial level, to a BNC that is presided over by the two Heads of State and Government. 

“Our relationship is anchored in historic bonds of language, culture and heritage. We recall with gratitude that the Kingdom of Lesotho provided shelter and support to South Africa’s liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid,” President Ramaphosa said.

On issues of the economy, the President highlighted that economic ties between the two countries have been fruitful for both nations.

He added that the elevation of the BNC from its previous iteration to one led by the two leaders is testament of the commitment to deepening economic relations.

“Economic relations between our two countries have grown over the years and continue to mutually benefit our respective peoples. South African businesses in Lesotho contribute to job creation while Lesotho’s water resources continue to benefit South Africa.

“It is important for the governments of both countries to work together to resolve challenges faced by businesses and put in place mechanisms to ensure that investments are protected. The elevation of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho to a Bi-National Commission is a testament to the unwavering commitment by our two countries to further bolster our relations for mutual benefit,” President Ramaphosa said.

Water and energy resources

Touching on issues of water supply, the President emphasised the rising importance of the water cooperation through the jointly driven Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

“South Africa highly appreciates the cooperation on water resources between the two countries. In particular, we welcome Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a vital development to enhance water security in the Gauteng province and other parts of South Africa.

“The Lesotho Highlands Water Project also contributes to job creation in Lesotho and the construction of new roads, bringing access to previously inaccessible areas of Lesotho. South Africa is ready to cooperate with Lesotho to resolve any challenges that may arise in the implementation of the project,” he said.

President Ramaphosa urged greater cooperation between the two countries on the development of renewable energy.

“South Africa is keen to work with the Kingdom of Lesotho on the four proposed renewable energy projects. In the face of the worsening effects of climate change, we need to be making significant investments to ensure water and energy security for our peoples into the future.

“Our respective ministers should continue their engagements so that we can see progress on these proposed developments,” he said.

Illegal mining

President Ramaphosa commended the Lesotho government on its “commitment…to cooperate with South Africa to deal with challenges of illegal mining in our country”.

“Such activity carries a great social and economic cost for both our countries. We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of the lives of illegal miners in Harmony Gold Mine in Welkom.

“Our respective governments are working with the mining company on the best methods and plan to retrieve the bodies of the miners without endangering the rescue personnel,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 13:07

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BMA to safeguard SA’s borders

Location: News

BMA to safeguard SA’s borders

The newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapata, has assured South Africans that the entity will get rid of corruption and ensure that the country’s borders are safe.

The BMA came into effect on 1 April 2023, and it is expected to be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Musina, Limpopo, next week.

Masiapata explained that the BMA was established to ensure that the country is protected.

Speaking at the National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Masiapata said legislative frameworks had to be looked at prior to the establishment of the BMA.

“Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management. It was therefore decided that a single agency was needed to manage the country’s borders,” Masiapata said.

Masiapata said the previous multi-agency included seven departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which all have a physical presence in the border environment.

Masiapata said managing the country’s borders has been a challenge, especially with the old system.

He explained that the aim of establishing the new agency was to deal with the challenges that the country faces.

“For almost 15 years, there have been some discussions to try and have the Border Management Authority established to deal with the challenges the country is faced with. There was a lot of corruption brought by the old system,” Masiapata said.

Masiapata said BMA officials will be thoroughly vetted.

The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.

In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.

The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee  (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.

The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.

It is intended that the new agency, the BMA, will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:29

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Pandor pays tribute to the late Aziz Pahad

Location: News

Pandor pays tribute to the late Aziz Pahad

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid and life-long commitment to the promotion of human rights on the international stage. 

Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82. 

Pahad served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 1994 to 2008. 

“In this role, Pahad became one of the first people at the forefront of establishing relations with the international community after many countries had severed ties with South Africa during the apartheid years,” the department said. 

The department described the former Deputy Minister as a fierce proponent of an independent foreign policy for South Africa. 

“He was a principled champion for human rights, especially the oppressed and marginalised people. From Palestine to Western Sahara, he spoke for the voiceless and was unwavering in his implementation of South Africa's foreign policy, which recognises the right to self-determination of the aforementioned peoples.”

In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred him an honorary doctorate in Literature for his “contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity”. 

The university said: “Pahad’s contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and, above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa’s challenges”. 

Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs. 

In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. 

“As a result of the report, DIRCO initiated a number of changes aimed at enhancing the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.” 

Post-retirement, Pahad also maintained close ties with those pursuing the Palestinian and Saharawi causes. 

“These were causes he would remain dear to, for as long as he lived.”

At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic and a world that is fair and just. 

“On behalf of all South African diplomats at home and abroad, and all freedom-loving people of the world, we pass our deepest condolences to the Pahad family. 

“May the indomitable spirit of Pahad continue to guide our country as we continue the search for a better South Africa and a better world.” – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Gabisile
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:50

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Inaugural Bi-National Commission deepens South Africa, Lesotho ties

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Inaugural Bi-National Commission deepens South Africa, Lesotho ties

South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have held frank and fruitful bilateral discussions on wide ranging issues during the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC).

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hosted his counterpart, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho Ntsokoane Matekane and that country’s delegation for the BNC in Pretoria on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa described the BNC as a “great opportunity to take stock of our bilateral relations as well as cooperation in a number of fields”.

“We have now come to the end of our inaugural bi-national where we’ve held outstanding deliberations between our two countries. Deliberations that have been frank and direct and in many ways also very fruitful. We’ve covered a lot of ground.

“We remain forever grateful for the strong ties that exist between our countries and peoples. The work we have just completed is the continuation of our endeavours towards the realisation of our shared aspirations,” President Ramaphosa said.

The BNC was attended by Ministers and senior government officials from both countries who – preceding Thursday’s summit – discussed matters including water, energy, crime, environmental issues, trade and economic challenges affecting both countries.

“The comprehensive report that was presented by our respective Ministers captures the real essence and the state of our bilateral cooperation in detail and this in itself speaks of the healthy relationship between the two countries.

“A relationship that continues to broaden and deepens…encompassing a whole number of new areas as the world continues to develop,” President Ramaphosa said.

He impressed upon officials and Ministers at the BNC the importance of ensuring that existing agreements entered into between the two governments are implemented.

“We emerge from this Inaugural BNC with renewed energy and vigour for the task of building our economies and developing our two nations. We should use this mechanism of the Bi-National Commission…to enhance and consolidate the implementation of existing agreements to ensure that those agreements are not just put on the shelf and…forever not to be seen again.

“We want the agreements that we have entered into to be live agreements and to be agreements that are fully and properly implemented,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Ramaphosa reflected on the mutual future that the two nations have.

“Just as our two countries share common histories, so too do we share a common future.

“So we are bound together to work together to build a sustainable and a prosperous as well secure future for all the people of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:34

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Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa

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Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa

Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry. 

Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.

“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said. 

South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.

“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”

The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.

Tourism Master Plan 

Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan. 

An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country. 

The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods. 

Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.

“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences. 

“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said. 

Competition Commission’s work commended 

Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.

This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.  

“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30

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PSC encourages public servants to expose corruption

Location: News

PSC encourages public servants to expose corruption

Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Advocate Anele Gxoyiya has called on all public servants to come out and expose corruption, saying they will be protected accordingly, in terms of the Protected Disclosures Act.

“Public servants know what is right and wrong in the workplace, in terms of their employment contract," Gxoyiya said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on the Quarterly Bulletin titled, 'The Pulse of the Public Service', Gxoyiya said ethical dilemmas can arise when employees are pressured to compromise their values in order to meet work demands or when they witness unethical behavior by some colleagues or superiors and feel powerless to intervene.

“The fear of reprisal or punishment for speaking out against such wrongdoing often adds another layer of complexity to these ethical dilemmas,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said the Zondo Commission exposed a lot of unethical behavior in the Public Service and State Owned Entities which must be investigated by the Law Enforcement Agencies.

“The PSC welcomed the signing of a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2023, which authorizes the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of corruption in Tembisa Hospital. This is a step in the right direction.

“Public servants are required to promote professional ethics in their conduct during the performance of their duties, when interacting with members of the public and when managing state resources.

“Public servants have the obligation to account for their actions. It is therefore for this reason that all government employees should internalize the CVPs in their day-to-day work towards contributing to an ethical and corrupt free Public Service,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said the Public Service Commission has, at the end of June 2023, registered 184 grievances, including 114 carried over from the previous financial year.

Of the 184 grievances, 24 (13%) were not properly referred and 160 (87%) were properly referred. Grievances which were not properly referred are those that were either being dealt with elsewhere (such as bargaining councils) or those that were still not finalized at the departmental level.

Gxoyiya said departments and organized labour are encouraged to consider mediation as an alternative means of resolving matters of conflict as this is mutually beneficial for the relationship between the parties.

“The PSC has the mandate to investigate, either of its own accord or on receipt of any complaint, personnel and public administration practices to report to the relevant EAs and Legislature.

“The own accord investigations undertaken are identified through an analysis of the trends of the complaints handled previously and through media reports,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said the PSC’s intervention and proposed corrective measures are essential in promoting good governance in public administration.

The PSC noted that most of its investigations yielded positive results on improving good governance and accountability in the Public Service. In issuing recommendations, the PSC encouraged departments to maintain the principles conferred in section 195(1) of the Constitution. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 12:40

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