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Showing up for SA

Location: News

Showing up for SA

Even if one does not usually pay attention on a daily basis to the ins and outs of government and the political landscape in the country; the flurry of activities within this domain  over the past few weeks could hardly be missed.

Invited into our living rooms have been the country’s number one citizen President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on our TVs; various political parties responding to that Address, and then of course the President again in his reply to those debates. 

I should stop here to remind all that we will be seeing all of this again in a few months time, after the National General and Provincial Elections, as in an election year, these Parliamentary proceedings happen twice. Heads up to make plans for those TV snacks in advance!

With all of us entitled to our own views, there have been - as it should be in a robust democracy such as ours - varied responses to the President’s address which sets out deliverables for the year ahead while also setting out government’s key policy objectives. After all, the state of the country does concern each and every one of us.

While the political parties represented in Parliament responded to the SoNA on the national stage, citizens have probably expressed their opinions to each other on the train-ride or minibus taxi to work or at the dinner table.  

Others have done so on various social media platforms and in many cases expressing their frustration with the pace of service delivery.

The sixth administration which came to the helm in May 2019, has not had it easy. It is an administration that had to deal not only with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on everyday life, but also challenges SA had been facing prior to the arrival of the pandemic - such as poverty and unemployment.

However, in delivering the SoNA, and in reflecting on the last thirty years of our country’s democracy, the President said that perhaps “the greatest damage was caused during the era of state capture.”

This as the effects of state capture continue to be felt across society, “from the shortage of freight locomotives to crumpling public services; from the poor performance of our power stations to failed development projects.”

We must admit that it can’t be easy to turn the fortunes of the country around, especially one that comes from a history of inequality that is still a part of our social fabric today.

I’m not suggesting that we ought to blame the past for all our current challenges. However, as in most cases in life, the past does have a bearing on the present. No  matter how hard one tries, it cannot be ignored.

The past which excluded the majority, reminds government, said the President of the “responsibilities that freedom has placed on our shoulders to forge ahead to realise for all South Africans the promise of a better life”.

While the reference to Tintswalo, the child of democracy is in some quarters being criticised, exacerbated by challenges such as corruption, Tintswalo is no figment of the imagination.

In the eyes of some members of the public, the story of Tintswalo is one of young people unable to find work, unable to complete their studies due to outstanding fees or being held under the thumb of gender-based violence, amongst others.

unquestionably, the reality is that the Ghost of Christmas Past, masquerading itself in the form of poverty and unemployment amongst others, continues to hamper government’s efforts.

However, what remains is that the Tintswalo President Ramaphosa spoke of, is real.

Born in 1994, she grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen.

She grew up in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents were likely to have lived without electricity before 1994.

While the Tintswalo of today faces a world different to that of the past, government is committed to bettering the lives of its people.

In the SoNA debate reply, the President noted that despite the contributions made at the debate, “no speaker has been able to refute the fundamental reality that the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed over the 30 years of freedom.”

Government has and continues to make progress in various aspects of everyday life.

This includes the introduction of the National Minimum Wage, which guarantees the minimum floor below which no worker may be paid, which was introduced for the first time in the country’s history in 2019.

The sixth administration also oversaw the successful raising of the R1.51 trillion worth of investments over the last five-year period through the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) that the President announced in 2018.

Held annually over the past five years, the SAIC surpassed the initial R1.2 trillion target to reach the R1.51 trillion in investment pledges.

The transformation of South African lives can be found in the Census 2022 results which among others showed that access to electricity for lighting increased from 58% to 95% between 1996 and 2022 as well as 82.4% of households having access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard. 

Additionally, by November 2023, the 20 specialised South African Police Service Economic Infrastructure Task Teams that were set up to work with business, private security and state-owned enterprises to tackle illegal mining, construction site extortion, cable theft and vandalism of economic infrastructure, had made arrests.

The teams had made over 4 000 arrests for damage of critical infrastructure, 70 arrests for extortion at construction sites and over 3 000 arrests for illegal mining.

With my popcorn in hand, watching the President deliver his address, my bite on this one was clear - the journey of a better South Africa has not been perfect, but succumbing to our challenges is not an option. As South Africans, let’s continue to show up for ourselves and for our country.  -SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Deputy Director at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) 

Neo
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 10:12

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President welcomes training for traditional leaders to act as change agents

Location: News

President welcomes training for traditional leaders to act as change agents

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the partnership between the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government (NSG) to provide training on, among other things, facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.

“The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills so we can initiate sustainable economic interventions in our rural areas,” said the President.

The President was delivering the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber in Cape Town, on Thursday. 

“We know that capacity building is essential if we are to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development,” said the President.

He said the goal was an active rural citizenry with traditional leaders at the helm.

The Art of Facilitating Socio-Economic Development for Traditional Leaders Programme is part of the suite of funded programmes offered by the NSG for public servants to attend free. 

These courses are delivered by the NSG as part of interventions to professionalise the public sector and to improve performance in all spheres of government.

The programme seeks to support and empower Traditional Leaders to act as economic change agents in their communities and be able to create sustainable jobs and create wealth while also building an active rural citizenry who participate in and support economic development.

"It will provide the Traditional Leaders with knowledge and skills to identify and utilize local natural resources in an environmentally sustainable way.

"It is aimed at capacitating Traditional Leaders with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practical capabilities to engage and empower communities to use the available opportunities for their own socio-economic development. The programme supports a range of role-players who work closely with communities, that are, volunteers from the community, Community Development Workers, government officials and Traditional Leaders," the NSG had said in an earlier statement.

The Programme assists Traditional Leaders, amongst others, to: 

  1. Act on their roles and responsibilities in terms of the Constitution, related legislation, and the NDP, to realise the socio-economic rights of their poor communities through paying attention to their economic and developmental needs.
  2. Recognise that their primary function is to promote socio-economic development, good governance, and wealth creation interventions in their areas of jurisdiction.
  3. Demonstrate commitment and passion for working in a collaborative and participatory way with communities and other strategic partners.
  4. Understand and apply protocols for working with a range of community stakeholders (community representatives, government officials, ward councillors and community development workers) in a respectful and participatory manner to further the socio-economic objectives of their communities.
  5. Demonstrate and apply mentoring skills needed to support, empower, and mentor communities in sustainable developments activities.
  6. Make communities aware of their Constitutional rights and government responsibility in granting access to services.
  7. Apply Ubuntu and Afrika-centric principles and methods for dealing with community stakeholders.

Elections 

Meanwhile, the President urged traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to  participate in the National and Provincial Elections on 29 May 2024.

“As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 16:14

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President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts

Location: News

President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the efforts of uMgogodla kaZulu, a group comprising the spouses of traditional leaders and women traditional leaders, for their commendable work in addressing the challenges posed by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Addressing the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) in Cape Town on Thursday, the President said it was pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is playing its role in assisting communities.
 
The President told the traditional and Khoi-San leaders that climate change is a growing concern in South Africa. He said the recent flooding, together with other extreme weather events, are a stark reminder that the country cannot be complacent about this grave threat to both lives and livelihoods.

“It is pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is once again playing its role to assist communities. I specifically wish to commend the work done by the structure of spouses and female traditional leaders, called uMgogodla kaZulu, during the floods that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal. 

“The Ondlunkulu stood up, in partnership with Al-Imdaad, Old Mutual, the Princess Gabo and Kaizer Junior Foundations, and others to help those who were affected by floods. We appreciate this valuable work,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said he has been advised that several other provinces have formalised the structures of spouses and women traditional leaders of amaKhosi. 

He implored the House to continue working together with provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to ensure that such structures are established and capacitated. 

30 Years of Democracy

In his State of the Nation Address delivered earlier this month, the President reflected on the journey South Africa has traversed over the past 30 years since attaining freedom.

"As a nation, we can also be proud of the journey we have travelled, according to the institution of traditional leadership and the stature it deserves. 

“Today, our Kings are recognised as Kings, as opposed to Paramount Chiefs, a term which colonial and apartheid rule introduced to make it clear that in their minds the real Kings were only those found in Europe. 

“Today, we have a National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders that plays an active and meaningful role in our national life,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa expressed the wish that more Khoi-San leaders will be brought into the fold and be formally recognised under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.

He said that the Commission on Khoi-San Matters has been appointed to receive and assess applications for recognition and make recommendations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

While the process is taking longer than was initially envisaged, the President has appealed that the Commission be allowed the space to continue with this complex historical mission that they have been assigned. 

Addressing unemployment

The President told the House that they have a shared responsibility to work together to address the country’s unemployment crisis, particularly among young people. 

He highlighted that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service are just some of the initiatives government is implementing that are making a difference. 

“I call on this House to play an active role in the ongoing process of recruiting young people into the National Rural Youth Service Corps that is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

“The InvestRural blueprint handed over to me by the former Chairperson of this House, the late iNkosi Mahlangu, is being fused into government programmes. 

“The training of young people by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is a practical example of this. Another is the work being done by the Department of Traditional Affairs in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to streamline and integrate Social Labour Plans into industry operations,” he said.

The President further told the House that the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is yet another example of positive and meaningful change being brought to rural areas. Just last month he attended the launch of one of these bridges in KwaZulu-Natal. 

“To witness the difference these bridges are making in the lives of rural communities, especially for young learners who need to cross rivers to get to school, is remarkable,” he said. 

Capacity building

The President has emphasised that capacity building is essential if the country is to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development. 

In this regard, he welcomed the partnership between the Department of Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government to provide training on, among others, facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.

The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills for the activation of sustainable economic interventions in rural areas.

“Our goal is an active rural citizenry, with our traditional leaders at the helm. The issue of transferring communal land to traditional councils is one of great interest to this House.

“As government, we are in the process of finalising the bill on communal land, which will be followed by extensive consultations. 

“I know that this process is taking longer than expected, but democracy requires that we give society a voice in matters that concern them,” he said. 

Initiation

Turning to the challenges facing initiation, President Ramaphosa said that these should be decisively addressed. 

“We cannot continue to have customary initiation being turned into a harmful practice. 

“We need to do all in our powers as government, communities, traditional leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee and provincial structures to put to an end to these unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths and injuries,” he said. 

The President further urged the House to continue to monitor and guide provinces and various local houses on the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act. 

“We must live up to the slogan of 'Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Baphila',” he said. 

Traditional Courts Act

The President told the House that he has assented to the Traditional Courts Act and will soon be proclaiming the date on which it comes into effect. 

In the meantime, he said, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Traditional Affairs have started with some of the preparatory work that will facilitate implementation. 

This includes visiting some of the traditional councils to further discuss their approaches to alternative dispute resolution and the resources they deploy in this regard. The President added that this is a matter on which they have finally made good progress. 

On concerns expressed by the House with regards to involving traditional leadership more in the work of the Inter-Ministerial task Team, President Ramaphosa said that he, along with the Deputy President, is seized with the matter of ensuring that members of this House are invited to workstream meetings and are able to participate more fully.  

Exercise your right to vote

The President said on 29 May, South Africans will be going to the polls to vote in the seventh democratic elections for national and provincial government.

As the country prepares for this historic occasion, President Ramaphosa has once again urged traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to register and participate in these elections. 

“As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right.

“May you remain with the spirit of our forebears, who never retreated when challenges were facing them. Working side by side, we will move forward,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:04

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President condemns the killing of traditional leaders

Location: News

President condemns the killing of traditional leaders

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned in the strongest terms the rise in the killing of traditional leaders, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The President delivered the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber in Cape Town on Thursday. 

“Our law enforcement agencies are hard at work to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. On behalf of government, I wish to pass our deepest condolences to all families for the loss of their loved ones and to you for the loss of your colleagues. 

“May their souls and those of other traditional leaders who passed on since the last opening of the House continue to rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Last year, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube condemned the killings calling them an attack on the State as they threaten to destabilise an institution critical to the stability and order of society. 

In a meeting with the South African Police Service in January 2022, it emerged that the police were investigating 51 murder cases going back to 2012, and at the time 30 people had been arrested, while 18 cases were still pending in court. 

“As government we remain committed to working with the institution of traditional leadership in pursuit of progress and development. We did so extremely successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic, during recent floods, and in a number of other areas.”

He said they were working together to combat gender-based violence, a scourge that is tearing communities apart. 

“I have just returned from the annual Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, where we participated in a high-level event on promoting positive masculinity across our continent.

“We need to be doing more in our communities to bring men into this effort, and focus on prevention and awareness raising,” the President said. 

Personally, he said he has been engaging with young men through peer dialogues where they are able to not only speak openly about what masculinity and manhood means to them, but also commit themselves to playing their part to end gender-based violence.

The President called on male traditional leaders to be part of this effort and to start their own men’s dialogues. 

“The influence and stature you bring to bear can and does make a difference, given the role that cultural norms and practices often play in perpetuating violence against women and girls,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa pointed out that drug abuse is another serious challenge in communities.

He said it was encouraging to note that the House was supporting the work of the Central Drug Authority. “I urge you as this House to encourage provinces and local Houses to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs together,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:01

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IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

Location: News

IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa setting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections date for 29 May.

The President has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the IEC on the election date.

“This pronouncement of the Election Date provides an unambiguous motivation for the Commission to pull out all the stops in the intensification of preparations for Election Day. The Electoral Commission reiterates its commitment and readiness to ensure a successful 2024 general elections,” the Commission said in a statement.

Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all nine provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General Elections.

“It creates certainty for us. It creates certainty for those who want to participate as contestants, be they on party lists or as independent candidates,” said IEC Deputy CEO, Masego Shiburi.

Shiburi said the President announced the date in consultation with the Commission, as that is the statute requirement.

“With each election, the number of competing parties increase. For these elections, we will also have independent candidates and their numbers are still indeterminate because candidate nomination is yet to open.

“Once we finalise candidate nomination, we will be able to print  ballots and make them available in our missions to those who will be voting abroad but mostly importantly, to those who will be voting in the country,” Shiburi said.

The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar.

“Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire.

“I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.

The Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans that while the Election Date has been set and announced, eligible voters have until Friday, 23 February 2024 to register. The latter date is the anticipated day of the proclamation of the Election Date.

Unregistered voters and those who need to update their address details can visit their local municipality office, the Electoral Commission or go to the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za or reach the chat bot on 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line.

Election Timetable

Following the proclamation of the Election Date, the Electoral Commission will publish the Election Timetable in the Government Gazette after consultation with the National Party Liaison Committee.

The Election Timetable will outline the various cut-off dates for the performance of certain electoral activities. The timetable will include the following:

-             Certification of the voters’ roll.

-             Publication of details of voting stations.

-             Submission of candidates nomination.

-             Submission of notice to vote outside of the country.

-             Applications for special votes .

Meanwhile, the Commission has reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person must register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered.

“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notifying the Electoral Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:14

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AU launches 50-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development

Location: News

AU launches 50-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development

African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government have launched the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want”.

Agenda 2063 serves as a 50-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration.

It was adopted by the AU Member States at the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) this weekend, after extensive consultations across the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded his participation at the summit on Sunday.

“A key flagship project of Agenda 2063 in which South Africa is playing a leading role is the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA), that serves as a milestone development in the evolution of the AU,” said the Presidency.

The AU Assembly met under the theme: “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”.

The assembly also discussed the status of peace and security on the continent and the Report of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).

“The discussion took place against the backdrop of great concern regarding the state of peace and security in Africa. The ongoing and concerning trend of unconstitutional changes of government that have occurred in West Africa as well as the ongoing conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, South Sudan and Mozambique,” said the Presidency.

President Ramaphosa presented a report on the continent’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of readiness against future health threats, in his capacity as the Champion of the AU’s COVID-19 response.

As the pandemic is waning on the continent, said the Presidency, South Africa intends to work with the AU Commission and the Africa Centre for Disease Control towards expanding the role of the President to include all other health pandemics that are affecting the continent.

President Ramaphosa said: “Although the Africa CDC has classified COVID-19 as no longer a public health emergency of international concern, it remains an ever-evolving endemic virus. Furthermore, the effects of the pandemic continue to reverberate across our continent and beyond. 

“The COVID-19 crisis was an opportunity for us as Africa to bolster our manufacturing sector. We were able to draw in an impressive USD 1.1 billion in financial and technical investments, in addition to the USD 1 billion advanced market commitment from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.”

The President praised the concerted efforts and collaboration demonstrated by the continent during the COVID-19 pandemic. He further urged the gathered leaders to continue improving the levels of alertness of their countries against future pandemics.

“Despite these successes, we are still at the delicate juncture of recovery. There is the threat of future pandemics. Our rapid and precise interventions have averted further crises, and for this, we must continue to sharpen our vigilance.

“The adoption of a strong Common Africa Position on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (CAP PPPR) is non-negotiable. It will define our roadmap to safeguarding our people, with a keen focus on critical issues,” he said.

Addressing the summit leaders on positive masculinity and the need to support the development of the AU Convention on Violence against Women and Girls, the President expressed his gratitude for the effort of Champions on Positive Masculinity and all Member States that have been part of the continental movement.

The President called on the assembly to forge a strong and enduring commitment to protect and uplift those who have suffered from violence against women and girls.

“We must now launch the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign, championing continent-wide consultations and ensuring that the journey to developing this critical instrument is shared by citizens across our vast continent.

“Developing the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is more than a political act. It is a moral imperative to redefine our societies, to confront the legacies of colonialism, patriarchy and racism, and to champion equality, freedom and self-determination for every African.

“As President of South Africa, I hereby commit to support the development and timely adoption of a comprehensive convention that is backed by resources and institutional mechanisms to ensure its efficacy,” said President Ramaphosa.

On the margins of the AU Summit, President Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 10:32

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SIU to investigate Home Affairs and PRASA

Location: News

SIU to investigate Home Affairs and PRASA

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to launch a probe into allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Department of Home Affairs and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to investigate the department and PRASA.

The SIU said it will also probe “improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of the State entities and…recover any financial losses suffered by the State”.

“Proclamation 154 of 2024 empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Home Affairs relating to the issuance of permanent residence permits; corporate visas; business visas; critical/exceptional skills work visas; study visas; retired persons’ visas; work visas; and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the Department,” the SIU said.

The unit said it will also investigate “improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs in relation to the installation of T200 firewalls”.

“The Proclamation also empowers the SIU to investigate any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs or any other person or entity, in relation to the allegations being investigated.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 12 October 2004 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated,” the SIU said.

PRASA

The SIU explained that in relation to PRASA, the unit will investigate allegations of corruption related to the awarding of tenders for the supply of trains.

The proclamation covers a period from 1 January 2010 to 16 February 2024.

“Proclamation 153 of 2024 empowers the SIU to probe offences that were committed…in relation to the award of tenders for the supply of various train locomotives to Swifambo Rail Leasing Pty Ltd, and the supply and maintenance of an integrated security access management system at various train stations to Siyangena Technologies Pty Ltd.

“The SIU will also investigate serious maladministration in the affairs of PRASA relating to fraudulent liability claims processed and paid by PRASA’s Group Insurance Department, including claims paid as one time vendor payments. The probe will also extend to employment of ghost employees identified by PRASA’s Project Zivese in August 2021,” the anti-corruption unit said.

The SIU said it will also “identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses”.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 11:54

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800 black firms to gather for the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference

Location: News

800 black firms to gather for the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), will host the second Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference at the Sandton International Convention Centre on 20 March 2024.

The day-long conference will provide a platform for an exchange of ideas, knowledge and information on the achievements of the Black Industrialists Programme since its inception in 2015, as well as challenges and opportunities presented by the programme.

There will also be an exhibition that will showcase proudly South African products manufactured by Black Industrialists and an awards ceremony that will recognise and reward Black Industrialists that have contributed significantly in the country’s industrialisation, job creation, poverty alleviation, innovation and transformation efforts.

More than 1 300 delegates, including 800 black firms, 73 panellists and speakers, 139 exhibitors, nine buyers from the country’s biggest retailers and seven ministers participated in the inaugural event that took place in Sandton in July 2022.

The objective of the Black Industrialists Programme is to increase the participation of black South Africans in the ownership and control of productive enterprises in key sectors and value chains of the country’s economy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa graced the inaugural event which took place in Sandton in 2022. He officially opened the conference and later handed over certificates to deserving and distinguished Black Industrialists in various categories.

In his keynote address, President Ramaphosa described the conference as “an opportunity to reflect on progress in advancing redress and equity in the South African economy.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 12:41

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SA strengthens its response to climate change

Location: News

SA strengthens its response to climate change

South Africa is enhancing its efforts to address climate change by introducing the Climate Change Response Fund aimed at fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to effectively tackle environmental challenges.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday. 

“For our part, South Africa has established a Climate Change Response Fund that will bring together all spheres of government and the private sector. By coordinating financial mobilisation from both government and the private sector, our country will have collaborative efforts to build resilience and respond to climate change.
 
“This includes climate-proofing existing essential infrastructure and facilities, such as water and food systems, roads, rail and ports, human settlements and health care. 
 
“The fund will also collaborate with a variety of partners to respond to immediate needs in communities following climate change related disasters,” the President said.

The fund forms an important part of South Africa’s comprehensive response to climate change, which includes both adaptation and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. 

President Ramaphosa has just returned from the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the worsening effects of climate change on the continent were raised prominently. 
 
African leaders have been advocating for urgent, practical and stepped up climate action, given the continent’s extreme vulnerability to the effects of global warming. 
 
“We have seen a rapid increase in climate-related disasters worldwide as extreme weather events become more frequent. In our own country, we have had wildfires in the Western Cape, heatwaves in the Northern Cape, continuing drought conditions in the Eastern Cape and intense storms in Gauteng. 
 
“Even before we could properly recover and rebuild after the 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and North West, we were hit again this year with more flooding, further loss of life and damage to livelihoods, property and the local economy,” he said. 
 
President Ramaphosa said the insurance industry is warning about the increasing costs of disaster risk finance, and the prospect of highly vulnerable regions eventually becoming uninsurable. 
 
As noted during the AU Summit, the President explained that the African climate action is constrained by inadequate and unpredictable climate finance.

“It has long been the continental position that those most responsible for climate change and its impacts, namely developed countries, bear a responsibility to assist developing countries to build climate resilience. 
 
“We therefore welcomed the historic agreement at the UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates in December last year to operationalise a Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial support for developing countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change. South Africa and the African Group were key to securing this agreement,” the President said. 
 
At the same time, the President said, African countries are forging ahead with plans to mobilise resources in support of climate action across the continent, and the AU Commission has recently established a Climate Finance Unit to ensure this is done in a coordinated manner. 
  
The President emphasised that as a country, South Africa cannot be complacent about climate change because its impacts are already being felt. 

“We will continue to contribute our fair share to the global climate change effort. Our country will remain vocal in calling for developed countries to meet their obligations for financing and technology transfer support. 

“We will continue to campaign for transformation of the international financial architecture and reform of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions so that developing countries can access the resources needed for climate action and the implementation of the sustainable development goals,” he said. 
 
The President committed to continue to campaign against the implementation of climate and environment based unilateral actions, policies and taxes and their potential impacts on African exports and trade.
 
“Climate change is a global problem and as such, requires collective global action that is sustainable, that takes the differing circumstances and capabilities of countries into account, and that above all, leaves no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:12

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Government activities for the week 19 to 23 February 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 19 to 23 February 2024

On Tuesday, 20 February, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC Reagan Allen hand over drones to district mayors at the Huguenot Community Hall, Paarl, Western Cape. It is World Day of Social Justice 2024. Statistics South Africa releases the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results for the fourth quarter of 2023.

On Wednesday, 21 February, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana tables the Budget Speech in Parliament. It is International Tourist Guide Day 2024. It is International Mother Language Day 2024.

On Thursday, 22 February, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will deliver a keynote address at a post-Budget Speech Analysis event hosted by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) in partnership with the Sunday Times in Cape Town. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the annual address to the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders.

 

 

Janine
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:42

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 19 to 23 February 2024

President to attend opening of National House of Traditional Leaders

Location: News

President to attend opening of National House of Traditional Leaders

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) in the National Council of Provinces chamber in Cape Town.

The event will take place in accordance with Section 33 (1) (b) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act 3 of 2019), and will mark the official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

Distinguished guests are expected to attend the event on Thursday, 22 February 2024. They include Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, and MECs responsible for Traditional Affairs, Kings and EXCO Members of Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders.

Additional guests include the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa), Business Sector, Religious Sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Representatives from Southern African Development Community (SADC) Countries, the National Khoi-San Council, as well as Chapter 9 Institutions. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 12:28

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President attends AU Heads of State Summit

Location: News

President attends AU Heads of State Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

“The Assembly is expected to discuss the status of peace and security on the continent and the consideration of the report of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussion will take place against the backdrop of great concern regarding the state of peace and security in some parts of the continent,” the Presidency said.

The highlight of the 37th Ordinary Session will be the launch of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want”. 

Agenda 2063 serves as a fifty-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration, adopted by the African Union (AU) member states after extensive consultations across the continent.

The President is accompanied by a delegation of Ministers comprising of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade, Industry and Competition, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Service and Administration, Basic Education and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The AU Assembly is meeting under the theme, “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

The summit started on Saturday and will end on Sunday. The AU Assembly was preceded by the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which took place on 14, and 15 February 2024.

“South Africa has elevated the implementation of Agenda 2063 as one of the foremost priorities in the advancement of the African agenda. A key flagship project of Agenda 2063 in which South Africa is playing a leading role is the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA), that serves as a milestone development in the evolution of the AU," the Presidency said.

South Africa is expected to attend and participate in several high-level committee meetings of the Assembly.

These include the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which will be held to reaffirm Africa’s position on Climate Change, Presidential Dialogue on Africa's Agenda for Reform of the Global Financial Architecture and a Peace and Security Situation in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo Summit.

The President will present a report on the progress made in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa in his capacity as the Champion of the AU’s COVID-19 response. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 10:42

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Decrease in sexual offences crimes

Location: News

Decrease in sexual offences crimes

An intensive police awareness campaign against sexual offences-related crimes has yielded positive results with a decline in the number of sexual offences crimes registered in the country. 

According to the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred between 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023, sexual offences crimes, including rape sexual assault and contact sexual offences, registered an overall 1.7% decline during the period.

Presenting the crime stats on Friday, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, said rape declined by 1.7% with six provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, all registering a decline in this crime category.

The report also showed that more than 2 400 suspect raids led to 4 264 suspects being arrested for gender-based violence and femicide- related (GBVF) crimes, including rape and sexual assault. 

A total of 112 life sentences were handed down to 89 rapists, while 64 rapists and GBVF perpetrators were each sentenced to 20 years and above imprisonment.
 
One hundred and seventy-two rapists and GBVF perpetrators were sentenced 10 to 19 years imprisonment, and 1 to 9 years imprisonment were handed down to 261 rapists and GBVF perpetrators.

Cele noted that the fight against GBVF crimes remains a priority for the men and women in blue.

More awareness programs are being conducted by the department’s social crime prevention and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS), which translates to an increase in the reporting of these crimes.
 
“What is most encouraging is that Inanda - which has always been known as the rape capital of the country - has also seen a slight reduction in the number of rape cases by registering 20 counts lower than the same period under review. This goes to show that our FCS teams are proving to be acting decisively against those who are perpetrating rape crimes,” Cele said.
 
However, he said it is of great concern that the majority of rape cases were committed at the victims’ residences.

Significant progress in finalisation of DNA cases

Meanwhile, the report has highlighted a significant progress in the finalisation rate of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog, which is currently standing at zero, from 251 000 in the 2021/2022 financial year. 

Cele said the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, Eastern Cape, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2023, has contributed immensely to the processing of more DNA samples in the country. 

“All these efforts have contributed positively to the SAPS fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cases. For example, the NPA and SAPS project has led to more than 40 000 DNA forensic reports being finalised to ensure that cases of GBVF are prioritised,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:21

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IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures

Location: News

IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures

The Electoral Commission has published the seats determination for provincial legislatures ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. 
 
The seats are determined in accordance with Section 105(2) of the Constitution Act 108 of 1996 and item 3(1) of Schedule 3 to the Electoral Act No.73 of 1998.
 
“The provincial legislatures’ seats determination takes into account scientifically based data on the population in each province, as well as representation by interested parties. 

“The total number of seats to be contested in provincial legislatures is 445, subject to the finalisation of the Western Cape province,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement on Friday. 
 
Seat determination is as follows: 

PROVINCE 2022

CENSUS DATA POPULATION FIGURES

2024 SEAT DETERMINATION

Gauteng

15,1 million

80

Limpopo

6,4 million

64

Mpumalanga

5,1 million

51

North-West

3,8 million

38

Free State

3,0 million

30

Kwa-Zulu Natal

12,4 million

80

Northern Cape

1,4 million

30

Eastern Cape

7,2 million

72

Western Cape

 

7,4 million

Still to be finalised in accordance with the

provincial

constitution.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 national elections soon.  
- SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:30

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Call for women economic empowerment to conclude GBV

Location: News

Call for women economic empowerment to end GBV

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Nokuzola Tolashe, has called for the socio-economic empowerment of women, youth, and people with disabilities to end gender-based violence (GBV). 

“Socio-economic challenges for women, youth and persons with disabilities remain persistent to this day and it is for the same reason that the department calls for 40% preferential procurement in the public sector,” Tolashe said.

She made the remarks after President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address, which highlighted myriad achievements -- while acknowledging the work that is still to be done -- after 30 years of democracy.

Tolashe said South Africa, like many other developing countries, continues to wrestle with the challenges of unemployment and structural economic marginalisation, insufficient skills development, high levels of violence, teenage pregnancies, and substance abuse.

She said these continue to hinder government’s progress in addressing the persistent triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The Deputy Minister said through the mainstreaming of women’s rights and advocacy, the department has over the years been able to coordinate and facilitate interventions to support economic empowerment and economic ownership for women, youth, and people with disabilities. 

The mainstreaming of women’s rights and advocacy include promoting good governance regarding the rights and transformation of social and economic empowerment of women, among others.

“It is important that women, youth, and persons with disabilities, must enjoy equal access to adequate financing to start and scale their businesses, increase their incomes, and contribute to the country’s economy. 

“It is through the department’s strategic outputs that the empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities continues to be at the centre of the national economic agenda,” Tolashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 15:02

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Raising Apt Men Is The Only Way To Finish GBV – Policing Is Not Enough!

Location: MyPR

In the aftermath of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA), a non-profit company (NPC) working to encourage positive masculinity, Father A Nation, highlights that while strides have been made in combatting gender-based violence (GBV), a glaring deficiency in the 2024 SoNA was the lack of focus on prevention. “President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of …

Read moreRaising Apt Men Is The Only Way To Finish GBV – Policing Is Not Enough!

President Ramaphosa hails democracy’s role in uplifting youth

Location: News

President Ramaphosa hails democracy's role in uplifting youth

President Cyril Ramaphosa says individuals born after the advent of democracy embody the essence of Tintswalo, as they have gone on to record commendable achievements in their lives and careers.

The President was responding to this week’s two-day debate on his State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Members of Parliament. The SONA was delivered a week ago in Cape Town.

A number of young people, who have benefited from government over the last 30 years, were present in the National Assembly to listen to the President’s response to the debate. 

READ | Tintswalo, a child of democracy

“Today I am really honoured to have a number of Tinstwalos who have come to join us. Among these young people are aeronautical engineers, pilots, civil engineers, police officers, doctors, and a naval captain. They are qualified in a number of ways, all of whom have pursued their careers with the support of government departments and entities.

In his State of the Nation Address last week, President Ramaphosa introduced South Africa to Tintswalo, a child of  democracy.

He said that for millions of South Africans, Tintswalo's story resonated deeply with their own, which prompted young people to post images online of themselves in their graduation gowns or at their workplaces, saying "#IamTintswalo". 

“There are countless stories of young people who were born into abject poverty, but are now engineers, doctors, teachers, managers, tourism guides and operators, and entrepreneurs, thanks to the support and opportunities provided to them under democracy.

“They have spoken not only of how democracy has improved their lives, but of their gratitude to those who fought and strived to achieve that democracy. Many have paid tribute to their parents and grandparents – and to all the generations that came before – for the struggle and sacrifice that brought down apartheid and ushered in a new era of freedom,” he said. 

Responding to those who greeted Tintswalo’s story with derision, the President said that these were people who sought to diminish the achievements of democracy.

"To them, it doesn’t matter that nine out of 10 households are now living in a formal dwelling, or that a similar number has access to clean drinking water and electricity.

“To them, it doesn’t matter that more South African adults have completed matric or earned a degree, or that more learners from poor communities are achieving Bachelor passes. It doesn’t matter to these people that South Africans now have a higher life expectancy or that maternal and child health have improved dramatically.

“It doesn’t matter to them that millions of people have been lifted out of poverty through the provision of houses, land, social grants, free basic services, expanded access to health care and education and the introduction of a national minimum wage.

"All of these great achievements of human development do not matter to them, because Tintswalo doesn’t matter to them. They are prepared to dismiss all of this progress because it does not serve their narrative of a failed nation. It does not serve their political aspirations. It does not serve their narrow interests." 

The President said the journey to a brighter future continues. “We have travelled far and we have achieved much, but we have much further to go. We are clear about the progress that we have made, the challenges that we face, and the actions that we must now take,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 10:03

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Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

Location: News

Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.

Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.

“Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They work as young black and women engineers at our power stations,” the Minister said.

She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.

The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.

“Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,” she said.

She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which translated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.

“Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,” Ntshavheni said.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.

“Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.

“Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 184 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.

“Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.”

Promoting public employment

She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.

“Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led the establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.

“YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.”

Key achievements in the stimulus include:

  • Employing 1.1 million education and general assistants in 23 000 schools.
  • Providing production input vouchers to 180 000 small-scale farmers.
  • Providing 29 000 opportunities in environmental management and rehabilitation.
  • Employing 107 000 people across 6 500 worksites through the Social Employment Fund.

“The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.

“The National Youth Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,” the Minister said.

She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:12

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Parliament prepares to host National Budget Speech

Location: News

Parliament prepares to host National Budget Speech

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will outline all the financial, economic, and social commitments that government will prioritise in its planned expenditure during the National Budget Speech next week.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and outlined national government's plans to tackle the country's energy crisis and other socio-economic challenges.

“The Budget Speech, among others, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society, despite limited resources. Godongwana will provide a detailed plan for 2024 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund government’s planned interventions and commitments.

"He will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months,” Parliament said on Wednesday.

The Minister will present the budget allocation for 2024 to Parliament on Wednesday, 21 February at 2pm at Cape Town City Hall.

“Godongwana’s 2024 Budget Speech will be broadcast live on Parliament’s DSTV Channel 408, livestreamed on Parliament’s website and social media platforms, including Parliament’s YouTube Channel. Parliament will also provide live feeds to interested broadcasters upon request,” Parliament said.

Parliamentary sittings are open to the media and the public.

Members of the public can follow parliamentary sittings live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), through a live stream on Parliament’s website, Parliament’s YouTube channel, and X (Twitter) page on the links below:

  • X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA
  • Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA

– SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:32

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Parly keen to see NLC prosecutions

Location: News

Parly keen to see NLC prosecutions

The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Wednesday committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that criminals involved in the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption are brought to book.

The committee received an update from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) regarding its investigations into the NLC and another from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on cases referred to it.

“We want to assure the South African public that this committee is determined to see the criminals prosecuted,” said Committee Chairperson Judy Hermans.

These investigations emanated from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation of 6 November 2020 for the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the NLC from 1 January 2014 to 6 November 2020.

The SIU said that the phase 1 investigation is now complete, at a cost of R279 710 409. Meanwhile, the phase 2 investigation is 90% completed, at a cost of R246 659 310. It will be finalised by 30 April 2024.

The SIU is also busy with phase 3 of the investigation, currently valued at R905 901 910, which is expected to be finalised on 31 December 2024.

At Wednesday’s session, the committee heard that the interim report is currently under review and will be submitted to the Presidency by 29 February 2004.

Furthermore, the committee heard, in almost all matters under consideration, very little of the money approved for grant recipients was used for the intended projects, nor was it received by the intended beneficiaries.

In some cases, no money was spent on the projects it was intended for.

The committee also heard that a syndicate or syndicates operated within the NLC and worked in conjunction with non-profit organisations (NPOs) or beneficiaries to syphon off funds.

Methods used to syphon off funds included misusing the proactive funding provision in the NLC Act, inadequate project management, lack of monitoring and evaluation of projects, and collusion between NLC officials or certain board members and the NPOs.

Steps taken

Furthermore, because of new allegations surfacing about procurement, the SIU is applying for an amendment to the scope of the President’s proclamation to include these allegations and the motivation for this is currently being drafted by their business development unit.

Meanwhile, the SIU has seconded members to the NLC to start processing some of these allegations while awaiting the new proclamation.

The committee also heard that the Asset Forfeiture Unit has seized several properties and stopped the pay-out of a senior NLC official’s pension, after the official resigned before disciplinary action could begin.

The NPA assured the committee that the NLC matters are a priority. The NPA has obtained three preservation orders in the NLC cases, in the meantime. The first order was obtained on 21 December 2022 to the value of R56.3m and included one movable property, nine immovable properties and two franchises.

It has been established that the cash purchases for the properties were linked to grants allocated by the NLC. A total of R22.4 million in grant funding was used to pay for the fixed properties.

The second preservation order was obtained on 28 September 2023 for five immovable properties to the value of R14.8m. The third preservation order was obtained on 4 November 2023 for an amount of R23.2m against four immovable properties and three luxury vehicles.

The NPA indicated that various interlocutory applications had delayed the forfeiture applications, but it has endeavoured to secure the preservation orders speedily.

The NLC is meanwhile in the process of conducting lifestyle audits on its officials to lower the risk of similar incidents in future.

Hermans said that while the committee favoured lifestyle audits for NLC staff, extending this to the NLC board members should also be considered.

“We want to assure the South African public that this committee is determined to see the criminals prosecuted.

“We are happy to see progress. However, we are extremely concerned by comments that there are still officials of the NLC involved in alleged crime and urged the new NLC board and management to address this with urgency,” Hermans said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 14:49

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Challenges remain, but South African lives believe been improved during democracy

Location: News

Challenges remain, but South African lives have been improved during democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa says despite challenges, the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

The President was delivering his reply to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate held at the Cape Town City Hall.

“The debate in this House over the last two days has shown that there are sharp differences among political parties about our past. There are also sharp differences about our present and indeed about our future as well.

“Yet amongst all the contributions made in the debate, no speaker has been able to refute a fundamental reality that the lives of millions of South Africans have been transformed over the 30 years of freedom. This is the reality… whether we like it, or we don’t like it, that is the reality we confront,” he said on Thursday.

The President said the transformation of South African lives can be found in the recent national census conducted by Statistics South Africa, which shows “extraordinary improvements on a range of social and economic indicators over the past three decades”.

“This transformation is most evident in the lived experience of our people, who have witnessed the changes in their own communities and who have also witnessed the changes in their own personal lives,” he said.

Facing challenges

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that although progress has been made, there are critical issues that need to be addressed with urgency.

“We need to celebrate the fact that young people… have had the opportunities that were never available before. But we also need to recognise, as we did in the [SONA] that young people… still have many challenges.

“Despite everything we have achieved, many South Africans, young and old, are concerned about the state of affairs in our nation, and rightly so. Many people cannot find jobs. Even people with jobs wonder if they will be able to provide for their families as the cost of living increases,” he said.

The President further acknowledged other challenges, including crime, load shedding, corruption and municipalities that are struggling to deliver services. He said the sixth administration is hard at work to resolve these issues.

He listed gains that government has made in sectors, including in the economy, tourism and the agricultural sectors as measures of progress

“Over the last five years, we have made significant progress in restoring our economy to grow and create jobs. When COVID hit, our economy tanked and just to demonstrate the resilience of our economy, it bounced back and now it is above the pre-COVID period.

“We have seen the results of these efforts in the growth of our agricultural exports. In 2022, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $12.8 billion or R247 billion and we are the top food secure country on our continent.

“We have seen a massive increase in international tourists coming to our country. Between January and December last year, our country recorded 8.5 million international tourist arrivals, which was a 29% increase on the previous year,” he said.

He assured the country that government will remain steadfast in its quest to “build a better life for all of democracy’s children”.

“As a nation, we continue to write the story of Tintswalo. Through our collective actions, through our sheer determination, we will ensure that all the Tintswalos of this country, together with their parents and grandparents, overcome the many challenges of the present.

READ | Tintswalo, a child of democracy

“It is by working together that we will continue to write the story of our free nation and of a future of peace, comfort and prosperity for all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 15:40

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Read moreChallenges remain, but South African lives believe been improved during democracy

Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola

Location: News

Sixth administration cracking down on crime - Lamola

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola says the sixth administration is steadily rebuilding law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority to fight crime.

Lamola was speaking during the debate of the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town.

“[It] is the sixth administration that strengthened the work of law enforcement agencies like the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] by appointing permanent leadership in the upper echelons of the NPA and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and increased the operational budget resulting in visible institutional growth and stability.

“Organized crime verdicts have increased by 21% from 193 to 234 at a conviction rate that is above 80%. Gang leaders are behind bars or in court, whether it is Jerome Booysen, Nafik Modak, Ralph Stanfield, Mark Lifman and Vusi Khekhe, all are behind bars.

“The conviction rate in gender-based violence and femicide matters is at 74.6%. When it comes to successful prosecutions for cable theft matters, the NPA has exceeded some of the targets, the conviction rate is well above 85%, 299 convictions have been obtained from 347 cable theft verdicts,” Lamola said.

The Minister added that R3.2 billion from the criminal assets recovery funds has been allocated to fighting illegal mining and organised crime.

Furthermore, 2 996 arrests have been executed related to illegal mining activities as at December last year.

“SAPS is implementing Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime throughout the country. The plan includes clamping down on illegal mining areas.

“At the end of last year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigation Units and the Hawks have secured preservation orders to freeze assets which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Gauteng province.

“The frozen assets include 51 properties with a value of more than R16 million. In Mpumalanga, they secured a preservation order of assets worth more than one billion rands. The message is clear, crime does not pay and the tide against crime is turning,” Lamola said.

‘I am Tintswalo’

Harking back to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA last week in which he described the life of Tintswalo, Lamola described how he himself is a product of progressive government policies.

He recalled how he benefitted from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), now known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), after his parents who were both farmworkers could not afford his tertiary education.

“I can stand here in this house [and say] with great conviction that had it not been for …government’s expansion of TEFSA and my sister paying for my university registration and monthly stipend, I would not be standing here today.

“I would not have been an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa having appeared in the highest Court in the world, the ICJ, on global affairs. My life was predestined as a farm worker [by] design by the apartheid government and not by choice.

“The village where I come from, Cunningmore B in Mpumalanga, had no electricity nor running water. Today there is electricity, running water and tarred roads, so are many villages across the country.

“[NSFAS]…results are tangible. You can touch them with your bare hands,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:59

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Read moreSixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola

Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla

Location: News

Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla

Government is working tirelessly to ensure that unemployed doctors who want to join the public service are placed by 1 April this year, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla has announced.  

This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.

“I am, therefore, happy to announce that working with the Minister of Finance we have a solution to address the current challenge of doctors who want to stay in the public service but could not be offered funded posts,” said the Minister.

During the debate on the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Phaahla said the Finance Minister will flesh out more details during his Budget Speech next week on how these posts will be funded.

“Our national team is working with the National Treasury team to thrash out the details and working with provincial health departments to speed up the process so that by 1st April 2024 all those who will not be already in posts can be able to start.” 

Phaahla said he was confident that some provinces will even be able to start giving out appointment letters before 1 April 2024. 

“The measures we are working on with the Minister of Finance will give us sufficient breathing space while we are working on long-term solutions.” 

He told Parliament that over the last 15 years, government has ramped up the training of doctors both in the local universities and the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro programme in Cuba.

The number of graduates, according to Phaahla, has almost doubled over the last 10 years, from 1 338 graduates who entered the internship programme in 2014 to 2 210 this year.

“The medical profession is very key in the multidisciplinary teams and that is why we are doing everything to retain as many doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other members of the teams in the public health system.”

In addition, he said his department was committed to working with the medical association and the trade union to look at more opportunities for doctors including offering primary health services in the community as the State prepares to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

NHI

He told the House that the government interventions are laying the foundation for the implementation of the NHI. 

Phaahla also took the time to thank members of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) who passed the Bill last year. 

As stated in the Bill, he said the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund. 

“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities.” 

In the meantime, he said his department was strengthening key delivery areas. 

These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention. 

COVID-19

Since the lifting of all restrictions in June 2022, he said the health sector has been on a recovery path. 

“Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members indeed as stated by the President, key indicators show that we have recovered well from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

For example, he cited the improved life expectancy approaching pre-COVID, the continued reduction in maternal mortality in pregnancy and reduced infant and under-five mortality rates. 

Meanwhile, he said backlogs in planned surgery procedures including in orthopaedics, general surgery and eye operations are being attended to through the mobilisation of specialists to spend time in under-served areas with many doing it free of charge. 

In addition, Phaahla said procurement and distribution of medicines has stabilised with the result and that public health institutions now have stock availability of 85%.

As stated by the President in his SONA, the department will also focus on serious interventions to improve the quality of health services by upgrading infrastructure, including building new facilities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:32

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Read moreUnemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla