Eastern Cape College Classes Disrupted By Student Protests
No teaching at Ikhala College campuses due to demonstrations over NSFAS allowances
Registration
Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections
Over 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in 2024 Elections
The Independent Electoral Commission says over 27.79 million voters - the highest since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, are eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
According to the Commission, the voters’ roll will be certified by the Chief Electoral Officer today.
Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the voters' roll will be published by making it available at the Commission’s head office, each of the nine provincial offices of the Commission and at each municipal office of the Commission.
“The certification follows the finalisation of objections by the Commission on the provisional voters’ roll that was published for inspection on 26 February 2024. Certification signals confirmation of those citizens who are eligible to vote in the elections,” he said.
Mamabolo said the electronic copies of the voters’ roll, which contain the redacted identity numbers of voters, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act will be provided to all political parties and independent candidates who have qualified to contest the elections.
“Since the voters’ roll was compiled for the first time ahead of the 1999 National and Provincial Elections, it has shown steady growth of over 35% and contains the highest number of registered voters, recording an increase of 9.6 million voters since the 1999 general elections.
“The provincial breakdown of the registered voters indicate that Gauteng remains the biggest voting block, followed by the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, respectively.
“The highlight of the certified roll is the increase in the rate of representation by persons in the age cohort 18 - 39 years. This age band accounts for 42% (or 11. 7 million) voters on the voters’ roll,” he said.
Mamabolo said of the 27.79 million voters, 15 million are female, representing over 55%.
“The introduction of the online self-service voter registration modality has contributed to the increased rate of registration by younger voters in the country, as well as by citizens who are resident outside of the Republic,” he said.
Mamabolo said compliance verification of the candidate nomination submissions is under way.
“In terms of the law, a party submission must contain a list of candidates accompanied by payment of the applicable deposit for it to be compliant. In respect of unrepresented parties, the submission must in addition, be accompanied by proof that the requisite number of signatures have been uploaded on the nomination portal,” he said.
According to Mamabolo, the requirements for independent candidates are that a prescribed nomination form must be submitted by the cut-off time, accompanied by the prescribed form confirming that the candidate has submitted the requisite number of signatures and payment of the relevant deposit.
“Failure by a party or independent candidate to comply with any of these foundation nomination requirements cannot be remedied and will result in the disqualification of the party or independent candidate,” he said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The President Ramaphosa has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the Electoral Commission on the election date.
READ | Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections
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.
READ | IEC campaign to help youth participate in democracy
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. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:04
431 views
PSC calls on public servants to vote
PSC calls on public servants to vote
The Public Service Commission has called on all eligible South Africans to cast their votes in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections.
“The employees of the public service are to lead by example and are encouraged to take responsibility to educate societies we live in regarding the significance of voting,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said it was advisable that every eligible citizen use this democratic opportunity in having their say on how this country should be taken forward.
“If we want to see change, this is the opportunity now to influence that change,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said the call is extended to the youth of this country because they represent the future leaders. “They must participate in the decision of who becomes the leaders of our democratic dispensation,” he said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The announcement of the Election Date followed a 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 South Africa’s democratic calendar.
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.
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. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:09
438 views
Special votes: all you need to know
Special votes: all you need to know
With the General Elections coming up on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has detailed how the electorate can apply for special votes.
A special vote allows a registered voter, who can't vote at their voting station on Election Day, to apply to vote on a predetermined day before Election Day.
To qualify for a special vote, you must be unable to visit your local voting station on voting day because you are pregnant, infirm or have another disability that prevents you from visiting a voting station on Election Day.
You may also be eligible for a special vote if for other reasons, such as work.
Special votes can either be cast at home (where IEC officials visit you at your residence) or at a voting station.
Special votes and home visits for this year's general elections will take place on 27 and 28 May. The IEC says the closing date to apply for special votes is 3 May.
How to apply
To begin the online application for a special vote, visit the IEC website on https://www.elections.org.za/. Then navigate to the “Voters” tab and under the tab, click on “Apply for a special vote” in the middle column.
You can apply if you:
- Are a registered voter.
- Have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate).
To check that you're registered and to find out where you're registered, you can:
- Check your voter registration status.SMS your ID number to 32810, or
- Call the IEC's contact centre on 012 622 5700.
By law, you can apply for a special vote if you:
- Can’t travel to your voting station because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or
- Can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day.
How to apply for a special vote at your voting station
If you can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station on the predetermined date only, as per the election timetable, in one of the following ways:
- Using the IEC's secured online application form.
- By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS). (For special vote at a voting station only.)
- By visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a MEC 35 form. Forms can only be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.
Make an appointment at your local IEC office
If you can’t apply for a special vote online, you can do it in person at your local IEC office. If you want to apply for a special vote at your home, you can send a relative or spouse to apply on your behalf.
You first need to make an appointment. You can do that by calling your local IEC office.
After you have made an appointment, you can visit your local IEC office during the operating hours of Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
A the local IEC office, you will need to present the MEC 35 form. You can download the form online or you can request this form at the IEC office.
How to check special vote application status
After you’ve submitted your special vote application, you can review the status of your application online via SMS or by calling the IEC call centre.
Check special vote application status online
Visit the IECs website. On the home page, click the “I want to” Tab and then click “Check the status of special vote application”.
From there, you will be directed to the special vote status check. You will need to select the election you’re applying for and enter your ID number.
You will then be redirected to a page that will display the status of your special vote application.
Check special vote application status via IEC
You can also call the IEC call centre on 0800 11 8000 and follow the prompts to get information about your special vote application status. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/06/2024 - 13:51
301 views
Consumers Come Out Tops With Formation Of New One-Stop Ombud Scheme
1 March 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa – The newly-formed National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) today announced the commencement of operations as a single, one-stop, all-in-one dispute resolution service made up of the four (4) former existing services – the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS); the Credit Ombud (CO); the Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance (OLTI); and the Ombudsman …
Major Summit to Address Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions for the Public Sector
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The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness in the Public Sector
Recent ransomware attacks on prominent entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice underscore the urgency of our collective response. In the spirit of collaboration, our discussions will focus on fostering partnerships, sharing threat intelligence, and developing joint strategies to bolster the overall cybersecurity posture in the public sector.
Why Attend the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit
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- Gain a comprehensive understanding of recent cyber incidents targeting public sector organizations in South Africa, including ransomware attacks on major entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice. Learn from these incidents to fortify your organization's defences.
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To ensure the summit's success, an esteemed advisory board has been assembled, featuring distinguished individuals such as Abdul Kader Baba, CIO, Infrastructure South Africa; Jabu (Hugh) Hlatshwayo, CIO, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO, University of the Witwatersrand.
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Registration (https://apo-opa.co/48IhcR5) for the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is now open. Secure your spot at this essential event and join us in exploring the critical role of public-private collaboration in building cyber resilience.
For more information on the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, please visit the event website at www.PublicSecurity.co.za.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
events@itnewsafrica.com
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a total of 1 936 330 applications for funding, as of 16 February 2024.
Briefing the media on the registration process and payment of allowances on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said that of the 1 936 330 applications received, 1 244 854 are provisionally funded as of 1 March 2024, with 108 345 registrations received, 59 723 awaiting evaluations, and 94 816 awaiting supporting documents.
Van Staden said a total of 84 225 applications have been withdrawn by students, while 52 038 are in progress, and 136 468 are on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.
“NSFAS has rejected 243 113 applications and 15 174 appeals have been lodged to date,” Van Staden said at a briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria.
The briefing comes after the applications for funding closed on 15 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme is determined to improve its systems, including applications processes, to enable a smooth and seamless application process.
The chairperson said the scheme is also committed to continue working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to verify the financial eligibility criteria of all the applicants, by ensuring that the consent form is submitted by non-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applicants.
He reiterated the call to applicants to submit accurate information when applying, as this assist in reducing the timelines to make funding decisions.
Through third party verifications, Staden said NSFAS has processed about 23 000 applications per day and has prioritised applicants who have received firm offers of admission from universities, or who were enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Over 30 000 loan applications received
On the 2024 loan applications, Van Staden said NSFAS has received 30 728 loan applications as of 16 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme has pre-assessed and determined students who pre-qualify for the loan, and communication was sent to the affected students via the student portal, to confirm whether or not they were accepted for NSFAS to process their loan application.
He stressed that this is specifically for students who had applied for a bursary, but were above the income threshold for the bursary, but within the loan threshold.
“The next step would be for NSFAS to communicate with institutions, to request them to submit admission data for registered students in line with the requirements of the loan of the 70 vs 30 split in STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and social sciences respectively.
“At the completion of this process, we envisage that a total of 31 800 missing middle students will be provided with student loans,” Van Staden explained.
The loan applications also closed on 15 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:27
879 views
Institutions submit registration data to NSFAS
Institutions submit registration data to NSFAS
Twenty-nine institutions that have submitted registration data for catch up payment for the 2024 academic year allowances, will be paid by Friday, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The acting Chairperson of the NSFAS, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said following delays in the 2024 academic year, mainly due to registration, the NSFAS board took a decision to request institutions in the interim to operate as a channel to pay the February and March allowances.
“Communication was therefore sent to all universities notifying them of this decision. We also sent another communication to indicate the 2024 academic year allowances type distribution channel.
“Financial aid managers were asked to confirm the universities allowances payment commitment dates. For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, we will be paying through the direct payment channel,” Van Staden said on Monday.
To support institutions and students, Van Staden said the scheme made two upfront payments to all institutions, including the first upfront payment, which was disbursed on 31 January with the second upfront payment disbursed on 29 February 2024.
“These upfront payments were made to institutions for them to use the funds to distribute students’ allowances. The majority of institutions committed to paying students from the last week of February 2024,” Van Staden said at a media briefing held in Pretoria.
The first upfront payment was administered to cover the book allowance which was calculated at half of the 2023 academic year cost.
The payment included funds to cover one month of accommodation costs. For medical students, provision was made for two months’ worth of allowances, to assist select institutions that registered medical students whose academic year starts in January.
The second upfront payment includes book allowances, which is calculated for the second half of the 2024 academic year based on the 2023 payments made; accommodation allowances to cover the accommodation allowances for the second month (March) of the 2024 academic year; transport allowances, which is calculated to cover February 2024 allowance.
The NSFAS advanced an upfront payment to both universities and TVET colleges.
For universities, Van Staden said the NSFAS disbursed R2.8 billion in January 2024.
The chairperson noted that this disbursement does not include the calculation of the tranche payments, which “NSFAS will disburse at the beginning of April 2024.”
“This upfront payment covers one month of student accommodation and the book allowance. The book allowance is calculated at half of the total cost, whilst the accommodation is calculated as one month of the accommodation cost.
“For TVET colleges, a total of R580150 950.00 was paid to colleges as tuition upfront in January 2024. An additional R1 billion is earmarked for three months’ worth of allowances to be paid based on registration from the January-March period,” he explained.
He emphasised that all the upfront payments are meant to enable institutions to register all NSFAS-approved students for the 2024 academic year.
“We all know that in February, the university sector commences with its registration. This means that by the time the first payment is made (usually at the beginning of February), the majority of the students have already registered and are already attending classes.
“This is the reason why the board ensured that the upfront payments are inclusive of the registration period commencing in January for medical students in the university sector.”
He further explained that NSFAS requested institutions to pay allowances for both February and March due to challenges experienced at the beginning of the 2024 academic year, which led to delays in receiving registration data from institutions.
He said institutions were also requested to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, whilst they continue with payments.
“The direct payments of allowance for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024 and institutions will administer the payment of allowances for only two months (February and March) because the third allowance will be made on the direct payment platform. No exceptions or deviations will be allowed.”
Van Staden has encouraged all other institutions to submit registration data, to enable NSFAS to make a catch-up payment. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:12
254 views
Two suspects arrested for attempted police killing
Two suspects arrested for attempted police killing
The swift response by police in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal, has led to the arrest of two suspects within a few minutes after they had attempted to kill an on-duty police officer in Newlands.
The police constable was on Thursday driving a State vehicle at the corner of Inanda Road and Marbleray Drive when a white Ford Figo approached from the side. Two men got out of the vehicle, carrying a firearm. The officer immediately reversed, as he attempted to take cover.
The two suspects got back into their vehicle, made a U-turn and drove counter traffic as they chased the police officer, firing shots at him. The constable returned fire and the suspects fled.
"The suspects' vehicle was circulated and vigilant Ntuzuma police officers spotted the vehicle at the corner of Mswenya and Nyala roads in Ntuzuma.
"The vehicle was intercepted and during a subsequent search. The suspects were found in possession of a firearm, whose serial number was erased. Police also found Gauteng province registration plates and several bank cards in the vehicle," the police said.
The suspects, aged 20 and 30, who are from Ntuzuma, were arrested and will appear in the Durban Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of attempted murder of a police officer and illegal possession of a firearm. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:26
579 views
EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management
EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has developed and implemented specialised renewable energy and water resource management training programmes, in a bid to align with industry needs and technological advancements.
This was revealed during a media engagement with the organisation in Rosebank, Johannesburg on Tuesday.
EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Mookapele, engaged the media on the back of growing research that macroeconomic trends and technological advancements continue to disrupt labour markets worldwide.
Mookapele highlighted some of the courses implemented by the organisation and others currently in the pipeline, including water works management, solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance and other green energy solutions, among others.
She said as the energy sector is rapidly evolving the EWSETA is currently developing qualifications that will respond to the gaps in the curriculum.
The skills programmes that will be introduced include wind turbine operation, biogas installation, microgrid and battery energy storage operation, solar PV manufacture, design, and installation.
“When the sector needs certain skills, we are committed to working together with industry to build these capabilities. Ultimately, we exist to ensure industries are successful.
“As such, we aim to move with agility to ensure that these programmes and qualifications are concluded and submitted for registration with Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) and South African Qualification South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),” Mookapele said.
She said due to the boom in the photovoltaic sector and more people going solar, the SETA is also currently working with industry to ensure that minimum skills requirements are mandated for the PV Green Card training - a quality assurance standard for solar PV installers.
These minimum requirements will hopefully mitigate against substandard installations.
Mookapela said the EWSETA is looking for partners to enable retro-fitting technical workshops for TVET colleges to ensure that they are responding to the tech-developments in the industry.
Developing water-related qualifications
The EWSETA has also partnered with water boards, including municipalities and private industries, to develop water-related qualifications that aim to address the challenges around clean drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
“In response to the evolving water landscape, a Water Works Management NQF 6 qualification has been registered. EWSETA is in the process of developing a Water Resource Management qualification at NQF level 8 and a skills programme for a Water Conservation Practitioner,” she said.
Advances in water treatment processes will necessitate the development of qualifications that will respond to the future treatment landscape, and these include biological water treatment and smart water grids, amongst others.
“As the world transitions to net zero, the traditional career landscape is changing, and it is up to all of us to future-proof our workforce. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority is taking strides to harness the opportunities that these exciting changes present,” Mookapele said.
Skills development initiatives
Meanwhile, Mookapele underscored the importance for businesses to share their skills plans with the EWSETA to enable the organisation to capacitate learners accordingly.
Investing in skills development secures the long-term sustainability of industries and contributes to economic resilience.
“Together with government and private entities we are collaborating to fast-track skills development initiatives that seek to upskill and reskill employees to meet the workforce demands of the changing energy and water sectors,” Mookapele said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) last year revealed that 4.7 million more people were employed in clean energy globally in 2022 than in 2019.
Mookapele noted that concerns around the “green skills gap” have been echoed by a recent report from LinkedIn, which shows that only 1 in 8 employees globally possess one or more green skills.
“We don’t want to leave South Africa’s young people and workforce behind; it is important for businesses to share their skills plans with us, so that we can capacitate learners accordingly,” she said.
EWSETA’s mandate is to participate, build and strategically plan and manage skills development, and training needs in the energy and water sectors, as directed by the National Skills Development Plan 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 14:38
103 views
Elections2024: Voter verifications underway
Elections2024: Voter verifications underway
Following the proclamation of the election date of 29 May 2024 and closing of the voters’ roll, the Electoral Commission will today publish the provisional voters’ roll for inspection.
This is according to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, who briefed the media on Monday in Pretoria.
He said voter verifications as well as other validations are currently underway to ensure that there is compliance with the provisions of the law in respect of eligibility to vote.
“An electronic version of the voters’ roll will be made available at all offices of the Commission for inspection purposes. Those who wish to object to the inclusion or exclusion of a voter on the voters’ roll must do so by the 4th March 2024.
“The objections received on or before 4th March 2024 will be considered, investigated and determined by the Commission by 11 March 2024. It is important to remind roleplayers that objections to the voters’ roll are governed by the law,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the procedural as well as the substantive requirements of Section 15 of the Electoral Act must be satisfied when lodging an objection.
He said the pertinent aspects in this regard include outlining the relief sought and establishing the basis for such relief as well as serving the objection on the person against whom the objection is raised.
“Following the determination of voters’ roll objections, the Chief Electoral Officer will certify the voters’ roll on 12 March 2024. Electronic copies of the certified voters’ roll will be made available to contestants and a printed copy will be prepared for use in voting stations on Election Day,” he said.
Mamabolo said the proclamation of the election date by the President at the weekend has certain legal consequences for the electoral process.
“The first major implication is that the voters’ roll has now closed. This means no further voter registration may take place, either at a local office or online,” Mamabolo said.
He said the second implication is that the Commission is enjoined to publish an Election Timetable following consultation with the National Political Liaison Committee.
“This political consultation was also conducted on 23 February 2024, paving the way for the publication of the timetable. Accordingly, the 2024 timetable was published on Saturday, 24 February 2024.
“The timetable is the motive force in the intensive preparations for the delivery of the 2024 general elections. The timetable outlines all the key cut-off-times and dates for the performance of salient electoral activities. The timetable contains crucial performance dates for election contestants as well as the broad voting public.
“As regards the voting public, the focal point is accessing the voting process through special arrangements, including dates for applications for special votes and notifications to vote outside of voting stations of registration,” Mamabolo said.
The Chief Electoral Officer said as it pertains to contestants, the timetable is equally crucial in that it contains key dates to be complied with relating to the nomination of candidates and the payment of prescribed deposits.
Election Timetable
Notice of provisional voters’ roll available for Inspection
By 26 February 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must give notice of the periods during which and the venues where the provisionally compiled voters’ roll compiled for the election shall be available for inspection in terms of section 14(2)(e).
Notice that list of addresses of voting stations is available for inspection
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 12 April 2024, that from the date of the notice until the voting day, copies of a list containing the addresses of all voting stations will be available for inspection.
Notice of route of mobile voting stations
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 12 April 2024, of the route, including the locations and estimated times of stopping of each mobile voting station.
Cut-off date for objections to the provisional voters’ roll
Any person, including the Chief Electoral Officer, may object to the inclusion or exclusion of a person on the provisional voters’ roll, or the correctness of any person’s registration details on that provisional voter’s roll, by 4 March 2024 in terms of section 15.
Cut-off date for notification and application to vote outside of the Republic
By 22 April 2024, a person who intends to vote outside of the Republic is required to notify the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the Republic in terms of section 33(3) or (4), read with regulation 10.
Cut–off date for the commission to decide on objections to the provisional voter’s roll
By 11 March 2024, the Commission must decide any objection made in terms of section 15 in respect of the provisionally compiled voters’ roll for this election and notify the objector and the chief electoral officer and a person other than the objector whose name or registration details are involved.
Cut-off date for certification and publication of voters' roll
By 12 March 2024, the chief electoral officer must certify the voters' roll or the segments of the voters' roll to be used in this election in terms of section 24(2).
Cut-off date for submission of list of candidates and nominations of independent candidates
Registered parties that intend to contest this election must nominate and submit a list of their candidates for the election to the Chief Electoral Officer in the prescribed manner by 08 March 2024. Nominators of independent candidates that intend to contest this election must submit their nominations to the Chief Electoral Officer in the prescribed manner by 08 March 2024.
The objector or the registered party who nominated the candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(4) to the Electoral Court in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024. (2) The objector or the nominated independent candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 31E(4) in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024.
Cut-of date for notice of non-compliance by contestants in respect of lists of candidates
The Chief Electoral Officer must notify a registered party that has submitted a list of candidates in terms of section 27 but has not fully complied with section 27(2)(a), (b), (cA), (d) or section 27(4), of that non-compliance by 18 March 2024.
The Chief Electoral Officer must notify the person nominated to be an independent candidate, who has not fully complied with section 31B(3)(c), (d), (e), (f) or section 31B(4), of that non-compliance by 18 March 2024.
If the party or person notified in terms of sub-item (1) or (1A) takes the opportunity to comply with section 27(2)(a), (b), (cA), (d), section 27(4), section 31B(3)(c), (d), (e), (f) or section 31B(4), that party or person must do so by 20 March 2024.
Cut-off dates for notification of contestants of candidates appearing on multiple contestant list
The Commission must notify a candidate whose name appears on more than one party list for an election submitted in terms of section 27 and all the parties on whose party lists such a candidate appears by 22 March 2024. The Commission must notify a person who has been nominated both as an independent candidate and by one or more parties for an election; and all the parties on whose party lists such a candidate appears, of the multiple nominations by 22 March 2024. If the notified party decides to act in terms of section 28(3) or section 31C(3), that party must do so by 25 March 2024.
Inspection of lists of candidates and draft list of independent candidates and accompanying documents
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 26 March 2024, that on 26 March 2024 and 27 March 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00, copies of the following documents will be available for inspection: The lists of candidates and accompanying documents submitted by registered parties in terms of section 27, as amended and supplemented in terms of section 28; and the draft list of independent candidates and accompanying documents submitted in terms of section 31B, as amended and supplemented in terms of section 31C.
Cut-off date for objections
Any person, including the Chief Electoral Officer, may object to a candidate to the Commission in the prescribed manner by 27 March 2024.
Decision of objections
The Commission must decide an objection under section 30 or section 31E, and must notify the objector, the registered party that nominated the candidate, and the nominated independent candidate, if applicable, of the decision in the prescribed manner by 28 March 2024.
Cut-off date for appeals against decisions
The objector or the registered party who nominated the candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(4) to the Electoral Court in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024. The objector or the nominated independent candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 31E(4) in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024.
Deciding appeals
The Electoral Court must consider and decide an appeal brought under section 30(4) or 31E(4) and notify the parties to the appeal, and the chief electoral officer, of the decision in the prescribed manner by 09 April 2024.
Application for special vote to Chief Electoral Officer
A person who wants to apply to the Chief Electoral Officer for a special vote in terms of section 33(1)(a),(b) or (c) or section 33(2) read with regulation 7,8 and 9, and section 33A(1)(a),(b) or (c) or section 33A(2) read with regulation 15,15A and 15B may do so from 15 April 2024 until 03 May 2024.
List of parties and candidates entitled to contest election and final list of candidates
By 10 April 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must give effect to a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(3), section 31E(3), or a decision of the Electoral Court in terms of section 30(5) or section 31E(5); and must compile a list of the registered parties entitled to contest the election, the final list of candidates for each of those parties, and the list of independent candidates contesting this election.
Issue of certificate to candidates
By 12 April 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must issue in the prescribed manner to each candidate on a final list of candidates, and to each independent candidate on the final list of independent candidates, a certificate stating that the person is a candidate in this election in terms of section 31(3) and section 31F(3).
Casting of votes at foreign missions
A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00.
Visitation for the purposes of casting a special vote
A person who has applied for a special vote in terms of section 33(1)(a), read with regulations 7 and 8 and section 33A(1)(a) read with regulation 15 and 15A, may be visited by voting officers on 27 May 2024 and 28 May 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00.
Casting of special votes at the office of the presiding officer
A person whose application for a special vote has been approved and who wants to cast a special vote at the office of the presiding officer in terms of section 33(1)(b), (c) or 33(2) read with regulation 9, and section 33A(1)(b),(c) or 33A(2) read with regulation 15B may do so on 27 May 2024 and 28 May 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:16
449 views
Clarification on voting outside of SA
Clarification on voting outside of SA
Those who intend to vote outside of the country and who are registered on a specific country’s segment of the voters’ roll, do not have to give notice to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer that they will be voting in that country.
“The law assumes that they will be voting at the diplomatic mission of registration,” said the Electoral Commission on Monday.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said those registered elsewhere, including locally registered voters who intend to vote at a particular diplomatic mission outside the country, must give notice to the CEO of their intention to vote in that country.
“The notice to vote out of the country may be submitted as of today until 22 April 2024. An online notification facility (VEC10) is available on the Commission’s website,” Mamabolo said.
He further explained that special voting at the diplomatic missions will happen either on Friday, 17 May 2024 or Saturday, 18 May 2024.
“The exact date for each diplomatic mission will be determined considering the host country's dominant religious and cultural practices.”
On voting outside of the voting station of registration on Election Day (29 May 2024), the Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.
“However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on voting day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and the voting station where they wish to cast the vote. A notification portal will soon be launched for this purpose. Notifications in this regard will close on 17 May 2024.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 15:02
195 views
Election Day officially gazetted
Election Day officially gazetted
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially proclaimed and gazetted the 29th of May as Election Day in South Africa.
“This follows consultation by the President with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The proclamation on the election date has been published in the Government Gazette of Friday, 23 February 2024,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The President has also proclaimed the day of the election, 29 May 2024, as a public holiday throughout the Republic.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to hold a media briefing on Monday on the state of readiness for the 2024 general elections.
“During the briefing, the commission will unpack key aspects of the elections timetable, which will include the certification of the voters’ roll, the publication of voting station details, submission of candidate nominations, notices to vote outside of the country, applications for special votes, and other election-related matters,” the electoral body said.
Meanwhile ahead of the close of the voters’ roll on Friday, the IEC reminded eligible voters of the general rule of 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 after notifying the Electoral Commission by a date set in the Election Timetable, which is to be announced shortly,” the IEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 09:22
144 views
Last chance to register to vote
Last chance to register to vote
South Africans who are eligible to vote have just a few hours left to register or update their information before the voter’s roll closes.
Voter registration for the 2024 General Elections will close at midnight, which is the day of proclamation of the General Election 2024.
The President and the Provincial Premiers will proclaim Election Day, 29 May 2024, during the course of today.
“The 2024 general elections are historic in that they mark the 30th year of electoral democracy. We do not wish for any eligible citizen to miss out on this historic democratic process," said Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.
The online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za, is functional and has proven to be the most effective method, allowing everyone to update their details from the comfort of their own homes, work places and communities.
Citizens have until midnight to use the platform for voter registration and update their particulars. Citizens out of country can also use the same voter registration platform until midnight.
Citizens may also visit IEC offices in the all municipalities to register to vote. The offices will remain operational until 16:00.
Voters can also reach out to the Chat-bot on the 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line or call 0800118000.
Mamabolo assured South Africans that the Electoral Commission staff members are hand to assist voters at IEC offices in various municipalities during these last few hours.
The Electoral Commission reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. 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 after notifying the Electoral Commission by a date set in the Election Timetable. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 09:03
3432 views
IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date
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
219 views
Safeguarding Your Wealth: Asset Security in the Fintech Era
The financial technology (fintech) law and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving and could present first-mover fintech opportunities for those who keep up-to-date with these developments. In this article we delve into strategies and best practices for asset protection for those venturing into the realm of fintech investments. The Fintech Landscape Fintech has revolutionised the financial …
Emergency housing team to assist Nongoma storm victims
Emergency housing team to assist Nongoma storm victims
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has dispatched the department’s emergency housing team to establish the extent of damage caused by a storm that hit several houses in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday.
According to the department’s preliminary assessments, to date, several households in Ekubuseni, Gomodo and Holinyoka villages were largely affected, leaving four households homeless.
Kubayi said after the completion of the assessments, the Emergency Housing Unit will then intervene based on the four categories of emergency housing interventions provided by the department.
The four categories of emergency housing interventions include restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs.
Restoration provides building materials to all households whose structures were destroyed by the storm, while relocation provides Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEAs) for all homeless families.
Rebuilding involves reconstructing Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for all destroyed mud houses, while repairs include fixing all damaged formal houses after the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has completed the structural assessments.
“I have directed officials to ensure that affected households are assisted as a matter of urgency. We have roped in one of our agencies, the NHBRC, to help the team assess the integrity of all structures that have been affected,” Kubayi said.
Established in 2023, the Emergency Housing Unit is tasked with the responsibility of responding to emergencies, including fires and floods.
This is done through collaboration with other spheres of government.
“Our main objective in emergency housing response is to ensure that we respond swiftly and provide solutions that will enable the affected communities to rebuild their homes,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 10:10
308 views
Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola
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
338 views
NSFAS has a horrible day in Parliament
Troubled adverse audit described. And over 36,000 student beds still to be accredited
Waive “no work no pay” principle, say striking UCT workers
The union members downed tools for a full day on Tuesday after negotiations with management failed
Why South Africa’s networks need to defend against the devastating effect of SIM swap fraud
Mobile networks must not be complacent about SIM swap fraud and they need to prioritise the protection of customers. This is according to Gur Geva, Founder and CEO of iiDENTIFii (www.iiDENTIFii.com).
“Although SABRIC has noted a slight decline in reported SIM swap fraud in its latest report, mobile service providers still need to tighten up their data security to protect against fraudsters using false identities and SIM swap scams,” says Geva.
This is particularly relevant as telecommunications and banking industries become increasingly intertwined. Banks now offer mobile services, while mobile network operators provide financial services, and so there is a convergence between the regulatory requirements of FICA and RICA. This shift has led to heightened identity theft risks, requiring mobile operators to adopt stringent identity verification practices inspired by the financial sector's standards.
Operators need to define practical, robust security solutions that adhere to and surpass current telco legislation. Geva says, “In order to combat SIM swap and identity fraud, networks should focus on the provision of simple, scalable and safe digital identity. This has a far-reaching impact, not only on safer mobile use and the protection of consumers from fraud, but also on the ability of consumers to access mobile, financial and governmental services through their phones.”
The current state of SIM swap fraud
SABRIC's 2022 crime report (https://apo-opa.co/3HRlavN) notes that mobile banking fraud saw a 9% reduction in reported incidents in 2022, and that SIM swap incidents declined from 87% in 2021 to 76% (7 657) in 2022. While this reduction is positive, there are still thousands of SIM swap fraud incidents reported each year.
“Cyber-crime will continue to evolve, and networks need to be prepared for increasingly sophisticated SIM swap attacks. Their strongest line of defense is in securing the identity of a person's identity to each SIM,” says Geva.
The effectiveness of this approach has been demonstrated in nations such as Kenya, Namibia, Pakistan and Russia, which have all been enforcing varying levels of biometric SIM registration to deter fraudsters.
Increasing legislation to prevent attacks
The nature of these SIM-related crimes goes beyond financial crimes and SIM swap fraud.
“For the cost of a few unregistered SIM cards at R5 each from a roadside vendor, planning a murder becomes untraceable by police through RICA, and thus virtually risk-free,” says Natasha Mazzone, the DA's Shadow Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in an article on RICA legislation (https://apo-opa.co/3HRtZp4).
In 2022, ICASA published draft regulations that would require mobile network operators to collect subscriber biometric data. ICASA said these regulations would reduce instances of mobile number hijacking via fraudulent SIM swaps and number porting. However, this was met by hesitance from consumers and organisations such as Communications Risk Information Centre (COMRiC). Consumers feared that the collection of biometric data would compromise their privacy, while COMRiC felt that biometrics as a single solution was too limited in its scope and challenging to implement at scale.
What networks can do
Mobile networks (as owners of the SIM and the technology behind it) should consider implementing clear strategies and leading technologies to mitigate SIM swap fraud and protect their customers. And while SIM swaps constitute one problem, identity fraud is far more problematic.
“When it comes to securing a person's identity, we believe that face biometrics offer the most secure solution,” adds Geva.
In South Africa, face biometrics would be able to verify whether the person registering a SIM is live and doing it in the present moment, as well as binding the SIM card to that applicant's identity and facial image. It can validate barcoded identification documents presented, RICA or FICA details and a facial image back to the Department of Home Affairs. This prevents identity fraud and proves that the individual applying for services online is a ‘live' person and not a deepfake. SIM swaps become a moot point, as all SIM cards are then data bound to a legitimate individual with accurate RICA requirements.
The question of surveillance
Biometrics are deeply personal, but opt-in biometrics do not open consumers up to surveillance.
“Because biometric technology only started making its way into the mainstream relatively recently, consumers are still unsure of what the technology entails and how it may be used. This, naturally, leads to some misconceptions and fears. The reality is that opt-in biometrics are the most secure way to identify someone – and keep their information and identity safe from misuse – and these differ a great deal from biometrics used for surveillance,” says Geva.
Remote biometric onboarding links a person's biometric data, whether their face or fingerprint, to their account so that they, and only they, can access the account safely and securely. This protects them from fraud.
The question of implementation
In terms of successfully rolling out biometric identity for mobile phones in Africa to protect consumers and companies from SIM-related crime, two key criteria need to be met: scalability and accessibility.
“I urge network providers in Africa to invest in enterprise-grade identity platforms that are robust, scalable and built to handle growing subscribers and fraud-prevention demands,” says Geva. “For example, most of South Africa's leading banks have relied on our own enterprise-grade platform at iiDENTIFI to roll out fast and effective mobile banking verification initiatives at scale. This has proven that, with a simple, fast and friction-free tool, consumers are willing to pass through an extra layer of digital protection.”
“SIM swaps are still a major problem, and networks still have a way to go in protecting consumers. By securing identity for all SIM at the moment of registration, it is possible to make great leaps in providing protection against SIM-related crimes.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iiDENTIFii.
About iiDENTIFii:
iiDENTIFii is an award-winning face authentication and identity verification platform that distinguishes itself through its use of 3D and 4D Liveness® detection. Purpose-built for enterprises across Africa and the Middle East, iiDENTIFii enables frictionless, scalable customer onboarding in seconds from anywhere and on any device. Founded in 2018, iiDENTIFii has become a proven key partner in multiple tier 1 African banks. The technology plugs seamlessly into existing infrastructures, including mobile and web-based platforms. www.iiDENTIFii.com
Taking stock of the sixth administration
Taking stock of the sixth administration
Thursday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the last one to be made by the sixth administration.
The President - in his capacity as Head of State and government - will deliver the annual SONA at 7pm, before a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Just as individuals usually make a list of their goals at the start of each year, and the steps they need to take to attain them, the SONA similarly sets out government’s key policy objectives as well as deliverables for the year ahead.
The President is expected to reflect on the gains made and the areas that still need attention since the last SONA.
However, having been inaugurated as President on 25 May 2019, President Ramaphosa is also likely to look back on the term of his administration.
According to the Presidency, this administration “took office with a mandate to grow the economy, create employment and reduce poverty.” It was also tasked with putting an end to corruption as well as “restoring the integrity and capability of public institutions.”
Government has over the years made progress in improving the lives of those within the borders of South Africa.
Advancements have been made in the key priorities of growing the economy and job creation, building better lives, making communities safer and fighting crime.
Over the years, irrespective of the administration at the helm, an inclusive economy in which all South Africans can partake in, has and continues to be a top issue for government.
Fixing the economy and load shedding
In order to grow the economy, reliable energy supply is essential and energy security is cited in the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). In July 2022, government launched the Energy Action Plan (EAP). The EAP is a set of steps to be taken to address load shedding.
Government has amended Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to remove the licencing requirement for generation projects to accelerate private investment.
By September 2023, more than 100 projects were at various stages of development, representing over 10 000 megawatts of new generation capacity and over R200 billion in private sector investment.
Other steps taken to reform the electricity sector include the tabling of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill in Parliament.
In addition, progress continues to be made towards the unbundling of Eskom, with the newly established National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) obtaining its operating, trading, and import and export licences from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in September 2023, allowing the company to operate independently from the power utility. This as government works to separate Eskom into the Generation, Distribution and Transmission entities. Last month, Eskom announced the appointment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa board.
This is one of the most important pillars of Eskom’s legal separation which will “create a level playing field to enable competition in electricity generation, as a key step towards energy security,” noted the 'Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five-Year Review', document released by the Presidency earlier this week.
The sixth administration also oversaw the appointment of Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, in March last year as part of efforts to address power cuts and to expedite government’s work to ensure the full implementation of the EAP.
At a recent media briefing on the implementation of the plan, Ramokgopa said that work continues to address partial load losses – that is, when Eskom’s generating units do not produce the full capacity, they were intended to.
In November 2023, South Africa received the first consignment of 450 gasoline generators donated by the People’s Republic of China. The donation formed part of the Technical Assistance Programme that was entered into in August 2023 during China’s Head of State Visit to South Africa.
Jobs and investment
The ERRP was government’s response to the severe health, social and economic effects of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
Announced in 2020, the plan was founded on engagements among social partners, including government, labour, business and community-based organisations.
October 2023 marked three years since government embarked on the plan, which outlined the actions to rebuild the economy and create jobs in the wake of the pandemic.
The government has put in place the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). Through the initiative announced in 2020, at least 135 000 earning opportunities were secured by young people.
On Tuesday, the President held a presidential youth engagement in Cape Town reflecting on the three years since the initiation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and PYEI.
According to the Presidency, the PES and PYEI programmes have “collectively generated over 1.8 million job opportunities and provided livelihood support, predominantly benefiting young individuals”.
The sixth administration also oversaw the successful raising of the R1.2 trillion worth of investments over five years that President Ramaphosa announced in 2018.
Held annually over the past five years, the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) surpassed the initial R1.2 trillion target to reach R1.51 trillion in investment pledges. To date, there are concrete results of how the pledges made at the conference are changing lives and creating employment.
The review document notes that of the commitments made, over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.
Having made pledges continually at the SAIC, Procter &Gamble in November 2023 launched a state-of-the-art production line of Pampers Premium Care which the President attended in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni.
Another company which pledged R135 million at last year’s SAIC is also making good on its commitment.
In October 2023, energy company, Ener-G-Africa, launched an energy-efficient cook stove manufacturing line in Paarl, and expanded its solar panel production line from 15MW to 500MW capacity.
The company pledged R135 million in the production of small solar PV panels and solar cooking appliances at their women-led production facility in Cape Town.
AfCFTA
President Ramaphosa also oversaw the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as Chairperson of the African Union, which is currently the largest free trade area in the world. The AfCFTA which entered into force in May 2019, is expected to boost trade and economic growth on the continent.
Trading under the AfCFTA regime commenced January 2021 and last month South Africa practically realised the AfCFTA agreement. This as the President officiated the launch of the first export shipment of goods produced by South African companies destined for other African countries from KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban port.
Better lives and education
On building better lives, the current administration introduced the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for the first time in the country’s history, guaranteeing a minimum floor below which no worker may be paid with the coming into effect of the minimum wage on 1 January 2019.
The President had announced its coming into effect in December 2018.
Back in 2019, the minimum wage was set at R20 an hour and has increased over the years. Currently standing at R25,42 the minimum wage will increase to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked with effect from 1 March 2024.
Click here for more on the “National minimum wage increases”.
To ensure healthcare for all, Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill last year after it was introduced in 2019. The Bill aims to provide free health care at the point of care for all South Africans. In preparation for the NHI, Health Patient Registration Systems have been installed in over 3 200 facilities.
Meanwhile, social grants for people most affected by COVID-19 were expanded, including the Special Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which reached around 11 million unemployed people.
On the education front, no-fee schools which government introduced in 2007 have continued to ensure that children get access to schooling. To date, the number of learners that are not required to pay school fees increased from 71% to 75% in 2021.
In addition, the latest matric pass rate, at 82.9%, is the highest ever, up from 78% ten years ago. Learners from no-fee paying schools accounted for more than 65% of the total bachelor passes obtained. The percentage of learners who completed 12 years of education rose from 45% in 2008 to 62% in 2022.
Safer communities
The sixth administration has increased the number of police officers including the recruitment of 20 000 police trainees and an additional 4 000 public order policing members in 2022 and 2023.
In addition, 20 specialised South African Police Service Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have been established to work with business, private security and state-owned enterprises to tackle illegal mining, construction site extortion, cable theft and vandalism of economic infrastructure.
The review noted that by November 2023, 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, and confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks and other metals.
Government also launched the Border Management Authority as the third armed force to manage and secure the country’s borders, providing a vital link in government’s efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
On tackling gender-based violence and femicide(GBV), he National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence was developed, together with civil society, as a society-wide response to this national emergency. Around R21 billion has been dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the plan, including the economic empowerment of women.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has achieved an average conviction rate of 94% in femicide prosecutions and 75% in sexual offences prosecutions since 2019.
In addition, the GBVF Response Fund 1 was launched, which raised R200 million from the private sector for community-based organisations combating GBV. In the first year of the Fund’s operation, 53 community-based organisations were funded, reaching 280 000 participants.
Fighting corruption
The NPA Investigating Directorate was established to prosecute state capture and other significant corruption cases.
To date, the Investigating Directorate has taken 34 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 203 accused persons and 65 accused entities. The NPA has also secured the conviction of over 500 government officials and nearly 800 in the private sector on offences related to corruption since 2019.
In addition, a SIU Special Tribunal was appointed to expedite civil claims against corrupt individuals and the recovery of stolen funds. Since its establishment, it has recovered over R8.6 billion.
As the country prepares for its 30 years of freedom celebration, the sixth administration has certainly done its bit in a challenging environment. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 15:11
268 views
Over one million novel voters added to the voters’ roll
Over one million new voters added to the voters’ roll
The Electoral Commission says 1.2 million new voters have been added to the voters’ roll since November 2023, as the country prepares for this year’s National and Provincial Elections.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the final voter registration weekend on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the two registration weekends have given the country a growth of 1.2 million citizens on the voters’ roll.
“Following these two registration drives, the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. Regarding the past registration weekend, over 2 million (2 060 754) citizens interacted with the commission by either visiting the 23 303 voting stations or using the online voter registration portal.
“The interactions ranged from applying for registration as new voters or updating the registration details in the case of those already registered. Of the 2 million transactions recorded this past weekend, 457 384 or 22% were new entrants on the voters’ roll,” Mamabolo said.
Of the new registrations, 77% are young people under the age of 29 entering the voters’ roll for the first time. New registrations for young people stands at 352 524.
Mamabolo said a total of 1 606 370 or 88% voters inspected and updated their registration details, and this is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district where they reside, unless they notify the commission of an intention to vote elsewhere.
A total of 1 818 379 applications were also captured at the voting stations, while 240 789 were recorded online.
KZN records highest number registrations
Mamabolo said KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of registrations with 2 510 670 transactions, followed by Gauteng which recorded 452 596, while the Eastern Cape came third with 305 460 transactions recorded.
KwaZulu-Natal also recorded the highest number of young people registered at 103 647 followed by Gauteng at 82 168, and the Eastern Cape at 43 673.
The gender of the new registrations was evenly split with female registrations accounting for 233 364, which is 51%, while the male new registrations account for 224 020, which is 49%.
Mamabolo noted that Gauteng remains the province with the biggest voting population at 6.4 million voters, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 5.7 million, then the Eastern Cape at 3.4 million voters.
“The age category 20-29 at 4.3 million now represents 48% measured against the voting age population. The online registration portal has greater usage in the province of Gauteng at 99 522, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 43 240 and the Western Cape at 33 822.
“Young persons under the age of 29 account for 47% usage of the online registration portal. Females are more likely to use the online portal more than males do at 58% or 139 313. With two registration weekends under its belt, the commission now turns its focus on ramping up preparations for the National and Provincial Elections 2024,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 14:53
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Call for submissions on distribution of regional seats for National Assembly
Call for submissions on distribution of regional seats for National Assembly
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has called on interested parties to send submissions on the distribution of the 200 regional seats in the National Assembly.
Briefing media on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the Commission will consider the submissions and representations, together with voter population data in each region, to determine the spread of the 200 seats.
“This work is an important precursor to candidate nomination, as it will enable political parties to know how many candidates they may field in each respective region to the national list,” Mamabolo said.
There are 200 regional seats in the National Assembly and 200 compensatory seats.
The public submissions will close on 20 February 2024. The Gazette can be found on http://tinyurl.com/EAARegulations.
Following public consultation, Mamabolo said the Commission has now determined the quantum of election deposits for political parties and independents, who intend to contest the forthcoming elections.
The determined deposits are as follows:
• A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in all the nine regions will need to deposit an amount of R300 000.
• A political party will also need to have R50 000 for each of the provincial legislatures.
• A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in at least one region will deposit R225 000 and R25 000 for each additional region.
• Independent candidates will deposit R20 000 for each region they contest and R15 000 for the election of a provincial legislature.
Deposits are refunded to parties and independent representatives that win a seat.
“The Commission will also imminently publish its determination of the number of seats in each provincial legislature. The determination also follows a period of public consultation and representation by interested parties as well as data related to population in each province,” Mamabolo said.
Portal to capture signatures now available
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced that a portal to capture signatures supporting nominations to contest the 2024 National and Provincial Elections is now available for use by unrepresented political parties and independent candidates.
“Independent candidates must be supported by 1 000 voters in a region or province in which they stand. Unrepresented parties must be endorsed by the equivalent of 15% of the quota of votes per seat in the previous election for a region or provincial legislature they intend to contest,” Mamabolo said.
The link for the platform is https://online.elections.org.za/MyIEC
The Commission reminded voters who are still not registered to go online or visit the offices of the Electoral Commission in municipalities to register.
Mamabolo said registration will remain open until proclamation of the election date.
Voters can use the Commission’s SMS line 32810 to check their registration status.
“Our contact centre on 0800 11 8000 remains available as well as our WhatsApp line 0600 88 000 is also available to assist voters,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 15:30
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