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International Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources

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International Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources

As the world celebrates International Day for Biodiversity (IDB), Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Barbara Creecy, has called on all South Africans to participate in restoring and protecting South Africa’s biological resources.

The United Nations (UN) has proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biodiversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This year’s theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’, focuses on everyone’s commitment to preserve biodiversity and stop and reverse biodiversity loss. 

The department said Cabinet recently approved the White Paper on the Conservation and the Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity as the guiding framework, which sets out the goals and objectives aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 

“South Africa is rich in biodiversity, which is crucial for our ecosystems to function effectively, providing us with clean air, water and medicinal resources amongst the many benefits we derive. The White Paper is a milestone achievement for South Africa, as it is aspirational and advocates for a society where all people have a high quality of life, a voice and a nurturing earth supporting them,” said Creecy.

According to the department, the White Paper also promotes the equitable benefits of biodiversity for South Africa’s current and future generations. 

Strategic objectives have been set, including the improvement of biodiversity management to strengthen the economy, rural development, job creation, and social well-being.

“The IDB celebration complements South Africa’s initiatives aimed at realising the White Paper’s objective for the conservation and sustainable use of our biodiversity to have an inclusive, transformed society living in harmony with nature,” Creecy explained. 

As countries gear up for the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention to Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) to be held in Colombia later this year, the Minister said it was imperative to remind the international community of their commitments to the GBF. 

This includes adequately funding and capacitating developing countries to ensure they can implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). 

The NBSAP includes mobilising the public towards practices that sustain biodiversity’s long-term benefits by incorporating indigenous knowledge and citizen science which are essential to support the sustainable management and use of biodiversity.

“I encourage business, environmentalists, academia and civil society to engage with the policies and strategies to determine how each can contribute to the targets of conserving our precious natural assets. Your actions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on preserving the diversity of life on our planet for current and future generations.

“Together, let’s celebrate biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:54

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Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Location: News

Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in partnership with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has donated 40 houses to families living in the Kgubetswana Township in Clarens, Free State.

The residential houses were built by TCTA as accommodation for out-of-town staff members working on the construction of the Ash River Outfall during the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1 (LHWP-1). 

The organisation started leasing out the houses to the residents of Kgubetswana with the intention of selling them to occupying residents at a discounted price. 

However, according to TCTA Chief Executive, Percy Sechemane, the TCTA struggled to sell the houses to the resident occupants over the last 28 years due to affordability issues, as most of the occupants were either elderly or unemployed.

After consultations between the department and TCTA, the parties decided to donate the houses to their original occupants who were part of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mchunu emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring the upliftment of communities.

“The donation of these houses demonstrates our commitment to better the lives of citizens, wherever we can. Through the TCTA, we will continue to develop initiatives that bring dignity and progress to our communities. This quality and the size of houses is the best, and I would have loved to do more, but that in the hands of the mayor now, the standard has been set,” Mchunu said.

In 2006, the houses were valued between R65 000 and R85 000, however, a recent valuation in preparation for the transfer of ownership to the beneficiaries indicated that the current value of the houses was between R380 000 and R640 000.

“The value of the properties being donated to the 39 families and an NGO servicing persons living with disabilities is R16 720 000. The property sizes range from 208m² to 302m²,” Mchunu said.

Sechemane said the process of property transfer is currently being finalised at the Deeds Office, and all new owners will be receiving their title deeds in the next six weeks. 

“It is believed that such a massive transfer of property ownership to these families and the escalation of the property value to multiple times the original value, will make a significant contribution in boosting the property values in the area,” said Sechemane.

One of the beneficiaries and a local community leader, Sonwabo Morgan Ngubane, expressed the beneficiaries’ profound gratitude for being granted the opportunity to own their homes. 

“Today we made history. We have been working diligently with TCTA over the years, helping to resolve all the outstanding issues to ensure that the organisation can reach this day,” Ngubane said. 

The handover of houses to new owners was preceded by an engagement between the Minister, TCTA and representatives from Free State municipalities on water and sanitation services in the province. 

During the engagement, Mchunu implored municipalities in the province to do all it can to overcome any challenges hindering water and sanitation services provision in the province.

TCTA re-assured municipal representatives that the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure from October 2024 to March 2025 for maintenance, will not adversely affect water provision in both Free State and Gauteng provinces. 

“We continue to work with the DWS provincial office in Free State and local municipalities to explain all the processes we are following to ensure that water provision will continue uninterrupted during the six-month period of maintenance,” Sechemane said.
   
TCTA is a state-owned entity under the Department of Water and Sanitation and is responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure in South Africa, including the South African portion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a multi-phased initiative established by a 1986 treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, designed to provide water to South Africa’s Gauteng region and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho. 

The project includes the construction of a series of dams to harness the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in Lesotho’s highlands, for the mutual benefit of both countries. 

Phase I of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, with Phase II currently underway and expected to be completed by 2028. The project is envisaged to yield a capacity of 14 cubic metres per second to the Vaal River System. – SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:07

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High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition

Location: News

High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has called on local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition. 

The department made the call during a recent District Eskom Expo held at Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
 
The South African Youth Water Prize competition is an important part of the department's education programme and it aims to educate learners and society on various water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species. 

The competition targets Grades 9, 10, and 11 learners who possess innovative ideas and projects that can help tackle the water and sanitation crisis in their communities.

The competition starts at the provincial level to the national level, and then proceeds to the global level in Stockholm, Sweden. 

Mphothulo Eulicia from the department’s Gauteng regional office said taking part in the South African Youth Water Prize is a step towards empowering youth to become future leaders in water resource management. 

“By encouraging innovation and creativity, the department is nurturing a new generation of problem solvers who can help create a sustainable water future for South Africa,” Eulicia said.

During the District Eskom Expo, the department presented the SAYWP to mobilise schools for the 2025 adjudications and encouraged them to start their preparations early. 

Eulicia said that out of the 11 schools who were present at the expo, only five were recognised for the 2025 South African Youth Water Prize, which indicates the high level of competition and the need for schools to immediately start planning and working on their projects.

She said participating in the SAYWP can potentially change the life of a learner for the better, and emphasised the importance of not letting such opportunity slip by. 

“The prizes awarded to winners of the competition are quite substantial, including bursaries, laptops, trophies, and cash prizes, among others. These prizes can serve as a stepping stone for the youth towards a brighter future.

“By engaging in these competitions, students not only have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges but also stand a chance to win valuable prizes that can positively impact their educational and career trajectories,” Eulicia said.

A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg earned the top spot in the provincial leg of this year’s National South African Youth Water Prize competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.

Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.

The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second-place trophy. 

The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.

Interested schools can access more information at https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/SAYWP/contact.aspx or contact Reshoketswe Malepe at MalepeM@dws.gov.za or on 083 8643 493. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:49

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“Significant progress” recorded in Operation Vulindela reform initiative

Location: News

“Significant progress” recorded in Operation Vulindela reform initiative

Director-General (DG) in the Presidency Phindile Baleni says Operation Vulindlela has made significant progress in reforming the economy since its announcement nearly four years ago.

She was speaking during a media briefing aimed at providing an update on progress in the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.

Operation Vulindlela is a government-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of structural reforms in key sectors to achieve inclusive growth in the economy.

“Significant progress has been made in reforming our economy since the President announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela in October 2020.

“Our economic challenges are complex and deep rooted. However, the progress that we have made in implementing the economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela give us confidence that they will be overcome. While the impact of these reforms may not be immediate, they will be significant.

Electricity

In the electricity sector, government has moved to do away with some barriers to private electricity generation – resulting in massive investment in that space.

“In the energy sector, regulatory changes have resulted in a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation with a pipeline of more than 22 500MW of confirmed projects in development.

“The reform of the energy system has now far advanced with the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, amongst other key milestones.

“We are already seeing the impact of these reforms in reduced load shedding and in the proliferation of new energy projects across the country,” Baleni said.

Logistics

Regarding logistics, Operation Vulindlela is aimed at growing exports in the country through the improvement of efficiency.

“Greater private participation in port terminal operations has been enabled and the freight rail network is being opened to competition. These reforms will allow more volumes to be transported via rail and support export growth while making our logistics systems more efficient and competitive.

“The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which was adopted by cabinet in December last year, continues to guide the implementation of these reforms,” the DG said.

Telecoms and water sector

Baleni asserted that strides made through Operation Vulindlela in the telecoms sector are already bearing fruit with decreased costs in data just but one example.

“One of the earliest milestones in the economic reform programme was the completion of the spectrum auction – ending a more than 10 year delay and contributing to reduced data costs and improved network quality and reach,” she said.

Turning to the water sector, Baleni said reforms have led to the clearing of the backlog in water use license applications which stood at more than 1000.

“[The] license application system has been improved to reduce processing times. Concrete steps have been taken to strengthen institutions in the water system, to improve regulation as well as to encourage investment in the infrastructure,” she said.

Visa reforms

Government has also embarked on reforms for South Africa’s visa regime in order to attract skills and to encourage growth in tourism to the country.

“The e-Visa system is now available in 34 countries while visas have been waived for visitors from 135 countries. The recommendations of the work visa review task team, which was completed last year, are now being implemented including the establishment of the Trusted Employer Scheme and a points based system for work visas,” Baleni said.

Working together

The DG emphasised that one of the key drivers to achieving the progress that Operation Vulindlela has produced is collaboration.

 “Perhaps the most important lesson of Operation Vulindlela is that we can achieve significant progress by enabling collaboration across government and putting in place clear, time bound plans and by establishing systems to support delivery and ensure accountability.

“More than 15 government departments and entities have contributed to the implementation of these reforms through new ways of working and a singular focus on implementation and results. Above all, this report demonstrates that government is fully committed to staying the course on the reform agenda and removing constraints on growth,” Baleni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 13:02

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CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill

Location: News

CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, has welcomed the introduction of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2024, also known as the Coalition Bill. 

This is after the department gazetted the Coalition Bill on Tuesday, which provides a legislative framework to guide the formation and the management of coalition governments. 

The Bill also provides systems to minimise the challenges of coalitions within the local government sphere. 

“The Bill comes because of a public outcry for a framework, or guidelines or legislation, which was given rise to by the maturing democracy and increased number of hung councils, from 24 in the year 2000, to the recent 81 municipalities affected post the 2021 Local Government Elections.” 

The increased number, according to CoGTA, signalled the need to strengthen coalition governance to address challenges related to poor governance, service delivery and instability in municipal councils.  

The amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Structures Act”) is seen as a vehicle or mechanism within which the coalition governments can be institutionalised to address challenges in hung councils. 

“In essence, the Bill seeks to amend the Structures Act, to provide for a definition of ‘coalition agreement’ to compel political parties to enter into a written and negotiated binding agreement between parties that form a coalition government in a municipality in which no political party has a majority of seats in council,” the department said

CoGTA believes that the Bill will be able to address resolve towards mitigate the governance challenges related to “unscrupulous manipulation” by parties less represented in the council. 

The department also noted coalitions incentivised by promises of senior positions or outright bribes with little thought on the impact of the same on the municipality and its ability to deliver services.

They also cited the infighting in councils characterised by walkouts, resulting in “inquorate” councils failing to execute their legislated mandate and inability to make key appointments and adopt budgets and policies, resulting in an administration that cannot spend its budget to address service delivery backlogs. 

“These challenges have a direct impact on society, in particular when a municipality fails to uphold its obligations, which in turn, has repercussions ripple throughout its jurisdiction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of local residents,” said Nkadimeng.

As CoGTA moves forward with the legislative process for this Bill, Nkadimeng encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage and provide valuable input to strengthen local government structures. 

The department is inviting the public to provide inputs on the Bill, with the view to address the present implementation gaps and challenges being experienced within the local government sector. 

Written submissions or comments may be submitted to the Department of Cooperative Governance at comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za by no later than 5 July 2024.

Comments can also be posted to the department’s Director-General Nhlamulo Mathye, Department of Cooperative Governance, Private Bag X804, PRETORIA, 0001. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 15:04

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President Ramaphosa to sign anti-GBV and anti-corruption bills into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign anti-GBV and anti-corruption bills into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Friday.

According to the Presidency, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill is a “critical step forward in ensuring the safety and security of women from all walks of life”.

“The establishment of a council dedicated to drive a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental.

“The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” the Presidency said.

Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill paves way, among others, for the provision of the establishment of the Investigative Directorate against Corruption.

“The Directorate, which will over time incorporate the existing Investigating Directorate, will have investigative capacity with priority given to particularly serious criminal or unlawful conduct committed in serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime.

“The legislation directs that the Directorate be given the infrastructure and resources needed to perform its functions,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 14:17

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CoGTA, Defence sign agreement to collaborate on disaster management

Location: News

CoGTA, Defence sign agreement to collaborate on disaster management

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng says the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Department of Defence is a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, respond to and recover from disasters.

“We believe that this partnership will harness the strengths and resources of both departments, amplifying our collective ability to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” she said on Wednesday. 

Nkadimeng spoke at the launch of the MoC on Disaster Management, where she and Defence Minister Thandi Modise signed the agreement in Pretoria.

Nkadimeng announced that key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoC include the establishment of a Disaster Reserves Assurance Fund, joint development of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) and District Integrated Industrial Parks (DIIPs). 

Through this MoC, the department would involve Community Work Programme (CWP) participants in disaster preparedness and community development.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defence will be tasked with providing defence capabilities to safeguard the nation and oversee the South African Forces Institute (SAFI), which manages emergency strategic reserves and procurement.

Through this MoC, Nkadimeng said government will also be forging a strategic alliance to revitalise the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), which is responsible for coordinating disaster management interventions, CWP and SAFI by enhancing the collective ability to deal with disasters. 

“We believe that this MoC will go a long way to ensure that reaction to disasters is quick and efficient because we will be pulling resources together, and the skills found in Defence will be very handy in this area.”

Through concerted collaboration, Nkadimeng believes the State is paving the way for a future where disasters no longer wield a devastating impact. 

“Instead, we are building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adversity, propelling our nation forward on a path of sustainable development and prosperity.”

Climate change

The Minister emphasised the catastrophic impact of climate change, referring to it as a nightmare in South Africa.

“We have seen that in recent years, the severity of these occurrences and their impact are progressively increasing because of the inevitable effects of climate change.”

She said these events often strike suddenly, leaving behind devastation that affects communities, families, and livelihoods.

Nkadimeng also spoke about KwaZulu-Natal, which is prone to floods and where the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was called to assist. 

According to the Minister, government is currently in the process of reviewing the entire disaster management system, aiming to create a more adaptable framework that prioritises “resilience building”. 

“This comprehensive review seeks to ensure that our disaster management approach is agile and responsive, effectively addressing evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities against future risks.”

Despite these proactive measures, Nkadimeng acknowledged there remains a pressing need to address gaps in post-disaster response.

“Too often, communities find themselves in dire situations, lacking adequate support and assistance in the aftermath of disasters. This has highlighted to us the importance of continuously refining and enhancing our disaster response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches those in need and prevents further hardships.”

She also addressed the man-made disaster of the George collapsed building, which resulted in the loss of 34 lives.

READ | George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded

“We have been working to have and implement plans to reduce risks, and be prepared. We aim to respond quickly and effectively when disasters happen, keeping everyone safe and minimising the damage they can cause,” she told the media. 

Modise believes that government needs to be more organised to deal with disasters. She stated that Treasury is on board and will provide resources to train military personnel for disaster management.

“How much a disaster will cost will not compare to the cost of life. Therefore, we will be talking to Treasury about that... But with us, we’ll want to make sure that we don’t lose South African lives because there’s a shortage of money,” Modise said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 12:00

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Practising responsible citizenry

Location: News

Practising responsible citizenry

Five months into 2024, and many a thing has happened, requiring us to sit down and catch our collective breath.

In the last five months, the country commemorated Human Rights and Freedom Months, experienced tragedy with the recent shooting of a five-year-old boy in a hijacking in Soshanguve as well as a deadly bus crash over the Easter holiday period. 

Recently, the country was also on tenterhooks following the Victoria Street multi-storey George building collapse in the Western Cape, which claimed at least 33 lives.

Just as self-care Sundays are necessary to keep one’s wits about oneself, we need to do the same for our beloved country.

That oh so necessary routine of taking care of one’s skin, hair and reflecting on the week that was, accompanied by a delicious, nourishing meal, is the same kind of nurturing we ought to provide for the country on the southernmost tip of the African continent.

Reflection is a powerful tool that one can use to take stock of the goings-on in one’s life and with the country’s upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections, it is a tool that we can use to move the country forward.

The beautiful thing about reflection is that while it can bring back painful memories of the past which was dominated by segregation brought about by the then apartheid regime, it also affords the country time to reflect on pockets of excellence, including the provision of housing; equal education and social grants to assist the less fortunate in our country. 

While government has provided clean water, sanitation and continues to provide electricity - and yes, it is intermittent at the best of times - it has not swept the challenges under the rug.

With us approaching the half-year mark – yes can you believe it? - we can start the second part of our journey across the sun having taken action that will guide the future direction of our country.

As responsible citizens who despite our country’s challenges of unemployment, crime and gender-based violence, among others, we have to cast our votes in South Africa’s seventh democratic elections on 29 May 2024.

And as responsible citizens, entrusted with the right to vote through the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, we ought to exercise that right.

Section 19 (3) of the Bill of Rights makes provision to vote in elections and to do so in secret, while also allowing adult citizens to stand for public office and, if elected, to hold office.

This is probably the best and most important self-care routine we cannot afford to miss as a country.

And while others may still be undecided as to who to vote for, the hourglass has not run out of sand yet. You can still make up your mind on who to vote for.

This year’s elections are believed to be the most contested in our history as a democratic dispensation and you don’t want to suffer from a bout of the FOMO (fear of missing out) post the elections that will see the participation of independent candidates for the very first time.

Voting is not a pointless exercise. Many died for the privilege we enjoy today. Additionally, the World Economic Forum reported that 2024 is a historic election with elections being held in 50 countries around the world, including the United States.

Naysayers may say that project democracy has failed. In his Freedom Day speech commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that our democracy is young, highlighting that “most of the world’s most established democracies are over a hundred years old.”

Nobody can say that democracy is perfect at 100 years old, no more so than at 30 years. What we’ve seen over the last three decades as citizens is the growth of a nation that is not without its faults.

We all have faults and what matters most is that we still have the ability to recalibrate and make the necessary changes.

While there are many important issues that rile us up, including crime and corruption, that may fuel voter apathy, we cannot give up on our country.

At a recent District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Northern Cape, the President called on citizens not to throw in the towel as government is committed to delivering services and addressing challenges.

“We don’t want you, our people, to lose hope,” he said.

We should not underestimate the power of a single vote if all 27.79 million of the country’s registered voters make their voices heard as we go to the polls on 29 May 2024.  It’s a date.

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za.

Matona
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:58

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Inflation slows in April

Location: News

Inflation slows in April

The Consumer Price Index, or inflation, has slightly slowed to some 5.2% in April – down from 5.3% in March and 5.6% in February.

This according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The institution said general food inflation slowed over that period except for fresh produce and hot beverages.

“On average, vegetable prices increased by 7.4% in the 12 months to April, higher than the 6.0% increase recorded in March. Vegetable products that recorded relatively high price increases include potatoes, frozen potato chips, broccoli and beans.

“The annual rate for fruit rose from 3.3% in March to 4.5%, mainly driven by higher prices for bananas and apples. Hot beverage inflation increased marginally from 11.2% to 11.4%. The rates for instant coffee and black tea remain in double-digit territory,” Stats SA said.

The inflation for bread and cereal also slowed for the 12th month in a row in April.

“The annual rate eased to 4.3% from 5.0% in March. Bread flour, cake flour, ready-mix flour, white bread, pasta, rusks, savoury biscuits and maize meal are cheaper than a year ago.

“The average price of a loaf of white bread was R18.43 in April 2024, down from R19.07 in April 2023. On the other hand, sharp price increases were recorded for rice, pizzas and pies, instant noodles and sweet biscuits. Annual rice inflation accelerated to 26.4%, the highest reading since May 2009 when the rate was 41.9%,” the institution said.

The annual rate for sugar, sweets and desserts also slowed to 16.8% in April with egg inflation also cooling for the fifth month in a row.

“[This] after peaking at 39.9% in November 2023, then receding to 25.1% in April 2024. Except for whiteners, condensed milk, Gouda cheese and fresh cream, most products in the milk, eggs and cheese category recorded lower annual rates in April. This pulled overall inflation for the category down to 8.7% from 10.1% in March,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:00

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Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria

Location: News

Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria

The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility - the continent’s first nuclear medicine research facility, which features a cyclotron for producing isotopes used in radiation therapy – was officially opened on Tuesday, in Pretoria.

The NuMeRI will provide consolidated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences, creating significant research, development and innovation capacity in South Africa and will assist in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who opened the facility, told guests the world-class facility is a product of South Africa’s long-standing cooperation with the European Union (EU) that dates back to 2012. 

Under this agreement, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) collaborated with the EU to develop a South African first Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) for the country. 

“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” said the Minister, adding that the NuMeRI was an important pillar in this effort.

The NuMeRI is a one-stop-shop medical imaging facility dedicated to drug development and imaging-based clinical research and open to all researchers who will benefit from imaging in their product development.

“It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials,” he explained. 

In addition, the NuMeRI’s capabilities will contribute to the precision medicine approach and targeted personalised therapies being developed in South Africa.

Governance 

To ensure efficient governance and management, the two partners, the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, agreed to the establishment of a NuMeRI not-for-profit company (NPC).  

The University of Pretoria and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) are founding members of the NPC and draw on the knowledge of officials of the DSI, who are actively involved in the implementation of the NuMeRI.

The first phase of NuMeRI, established and hosted at Necsa for three years was made possible by an investment of close to R150 million between 2016 and 2019.  The second phase of implementation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital started in the 2020/21 financial year with an investment of approximately R390 million since 2020 by the DSI. 

Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria also received an additional R85 million for the NuMeRI building.

Human resource 

According to the Nzimande, it is anticipated that this infrastructure will triple the current clinical PhDs and increase six-fold basic science PhDs. 

To date, 20 Masters and 15 PhD students have completed their studies with a further 17 Master’s degrees and 22 PhD students finishing their studies. 

Meanwhile, the NuMeRI’s research activities advance the objectives and priorities of the National Department of Health, strengthening the nuclear medicine capacity in South Africa and beyond its borders in Africa. 

It also enhances South African research in medicinal chemistry, expediting the development of drugs to address national priority diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis, enabling new pharmaceuticals to reach the market sooner, and giving South African pharmaceutical development a competitive edge with global equivalents.

The research will be mainly in oncology and will cover other communicable and non-communicable diseases. 

“The opening of this facility represents yet another important milestone in the development of scientific infrastructure for our country and this is embodied in the fact that the NuMeRI is the first of its kind on the African continent.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 15:51

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Government welcomes ICC arrest warrants application

Location: News

Government welcomes ICC arrest warrants application

Government has welcomed the decision by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Kahn KC, on the application for arrest warrants that include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The application for arrest warrants is for the Prime Minister, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three leaders of Hamas – Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri and Ismail Haniyeh.

This is within the context of the present conflict raging in Gaza.

In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa – which has been a leading proponent for a ceasefire in that conflict – remains committed to “the international rule of law”.

“South Africa is committed to the international rule of law, universal respect for human rights and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation and not war, and the self-determination of all peoples, including the Palestinians.

“We have also consistently held that all participants to the conflict must ensure that fighting and hostilities come to an immediate end, that all hostages must be released immediately, and that Israel immediately withdraws its military forces from Gaza. This is the only way in which the rights of the Palestinian civilian population can be protected and the basis for sustainable peace can be achieved,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement on Monday, ICC prosecutor Karim Kahn KC said based on evidence, his office has reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Gallant “bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity”:

  • Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Statute;
  • Wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health contrary to article 8(2)(a)(iii), or cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Wilful killing contrary to article 8(2)(a)(i), or Murder as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as a war crime contrary to articles 8(2)(b)(i), or 8(2)(e)(i);
  • Extermination and/or murder contrary to articles 7(1)(b) and 7(1)(a), including in the context of deaths caused by starvation, as a crime against humanity;
  • Persecution as a crime against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(h);
  • Other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity contrary to article 7(1)(k).

On the other hand, Kahn said his office has reasonable grounds to believe that Hamas leaders, Sinwar, Al-Masri and Haniyeh “bear criminal responsibility for the following war crimes and crimes against humanity”:

  • Extermination as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(b) of the Rome Statute;
  • Murder as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(a), and as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i);
  • Taking hostages as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(iii);
  • Rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(g), and also as war crimes pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(vi) in the context of captivity;
  • Torture as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(1)(f), and also as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity;
  • Other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity, contrary to article 7(l)(k), in the context of captivity;
  • Cruel treatment as a war crime contrary to article 8(2)(c)(i), in the context of captivity; and
  • Outrages upon personal dignity as a war crime, contrary to article 8(2)(c)(ii), in the context of captivity.

The Israeli-Hamas conflict has claimed the lives of more than 34 000 Palestinians including women and children.

Conflict in the region escalated on October 7 last year when a Hamas led attack killed more than 1000 people in Israel.

Recently, South Africa returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of Palestinian people in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah.

READ | South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza

The urgent application filed earlier this month follows the escalation of Israel’s assault on Rafah, which poses an extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services into Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:21

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Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Location: News

Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

The installation of water boreholes will offer relief for rural communities in the Makhado Municipality in Limpopo who have been struggling with water issues for many years.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, working together with the Topisa Trust under its Chairperson and Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo, handed over community water boreholes in the villages of Chavani, Bokisi, Mbhokota, Shirley and Bungeni at the weekend.

Topisa Trust, a public benefit organisation, has successfully drilled and installed eight boreholes, including four boreholes at Mbhokota, two at Bokisi, one at Shirley and one at Bungeni. 

The water challenges have negatively affected the livelihoods of the economically distressed households.

Speaking at the official handover of the boreholes, Mahlobo said a total of nine tanks have been installed providing a combined 90 000 litres of potable ground water, which will also ensure that there is water provision in schools and hospitals. 

“The operation and maintenance of the infrastructure is exclusively left in the hands of the communities with various committees taking the lead in ensuring seamless operational efficiency of the borehole system. This is done to foster greater autonomous organisational capacities from below and promote community ownership of the infrastructures,” Mahlobo said.
 
He commended the Topisa Trust for the initiative to ensure consistent water supply in the rural areas, however, he emphasised that this is just a temporary measure. 

The Deputy Minister urged communities to refrain from vandalising water infrastructure.

“In Makhado, Collins Chavani, Greater Tzaneen, Thulamela, and other areas, we are faced with the challenge of people vandalising water infrastructure, stealing equipment and illegal connections.

“Let us refrain from such activities as this leads to more water shortages. We have a responsibility to take care of our infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Masondo said plans were underway to drill and install more community boreholes in neighbouring villages to ensure that those people also have access to safe drinking water. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 11:46

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Fake news destroys democracy

Location: News

Fake news destroys democracy

As South Africa draws closer to the seventh democratic elections, Media Monitoring Africa has warned that the increase of misinformation and disinformation on social media poses a threat to democratic elections.

Addressing a webinar on Tuesday, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCSI) on the upcoming elections, Media Monitoring Africa Communications Manager Nomshado Lubisi-Nkosinkulu said the "explosion of information" is making it increasingly difficult to know what is real and what is not.

The MMA is an organisation that helps to promote ethical and fair journalism, which supports human rights and democracy.

“Democracy is under threat. South Africa is dealing with unprecedented threats, and political analysts are calling the upcoming elections period as one of the most crucial, potentially aggressive, elections periods in our young democracy.

“With the dramatic increase in misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms and the lack of strong digital and media literacy skills among the public, it becomes more important than ever before for traditional media to not only be credible but also well equipped to deliver their mandate of informing and educating,” Lubisi-Nkosinkulu said.

She said that as the country moves towards the elections, misinformation, disinformation and other digital harms are not only likely, they are a certainty, and they pose clear threats to democratic elections.

Special Report | 2024 Elections

Misinformation is misleading content, while disinformation is false, inaccurate or misleading information designed, presented and promoted to intentionally cause public harm or for profit.

Public harm includes, but is not limited to, disrupting or preventing an election, conduct or outcome of an election, or unduly influencing the outcome or conduct of an election.

Lubisi-Nkosinkulu said disinformation always has a grain of truth; it makes the public angry, anxious, fearful and uncertain.

Consequently, it undermines the ability to trust and as a result, key institutions of democracy are undermined.

To combat misinformation, Lubisi-Nkosinkulu said a multi-stakeholder partnership with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) -- which includes a framework of cooperation between the Media Monitoring Africa, IEC, social media platforms and a disinformation working group with key civil society bodies -- is key.

“Using dedicated tools, including Real411, we will help combat, mitigate and investigate disinformation and other online harms during the election period,” she said.

Real411 provides a platform for the public to report digital harms, including disinformation. This ensures that online content is assessed and addressed in an independent, open, transparent and accountable manner within the laws and constitutional rights.

The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Real411, run in conjunction with the IEC, seeks to ensure that:

  • Key stakeholders play by the same rules;
  • There is a mechanism for the public to act against disinformation, helping to empower citizens to act against disinformation, thus helping to mitigate its impact;
  • It offers one central place for the public to report, regardless of the platform, and the lEC is able to deal with complaints across digital platforms.

In addition, the public now has access to the Political Party Advert Repository (PAdRE), which aims to ensure and increase access to information in the elections in South Africa, in line with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Guidelines On Access To Information And Elections In Africa.

PAdRE is an initiative aimed at supporting free and fair elections by ensuring access to information during the elections period. The platform provides information on political party adverts and how much parties are spending.

TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, said the platform’s Community Guidelines have a holistic that will help to ensure that the election’s integrity is protected.

"These guidelines define a common code of conduct. Every household has rules... We work to maintain an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome to create videos, find community, and be entertained. These guidelines also allow our community to help maintain a safe shared space.

“We deeply value that our users come from a huge breadth of nationalities and cultures, and our Community Guidelines take into account the cultural norms and local regulations of the countries in which we operate.

“We believe that feeling safe is essential to feeling comfortable expressing yourself authentically, which is why we strive to uphold our Community Guidelines by removing accounts and content that violates them,” Mgwili-Sibanda said.

On 17 May, the platform updated the rules and standards, introduced a warning strike for when a creator violates the Community Guidelines for the first time and introduced a policy to make an account temporarily ineligible for recommendation if a creator repeatedly posts content that goes against the guidelines.

An account check, which is an in-app feature that lets creators audit their accounts and post their last 30 post, was introduced.

“These are standards that we expect creators involved in TikTok programmes to follow on and off-platform," Mgwili-Sibanda said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 12:30

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Multi-skills development centre to benefit KwaSwayimane community

Location: News

Multi-skills development centre to benefit KwaSwayimane community

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has officially launched a multi-skills development centre to benefit the community of KwaSwayimane in KwaZulu-Natal.

The centre is an initiative of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) in response to requests submitted to the Minister by Inkosi SN Gcumisa of the Gcumisa Tribal Authority and uMshwathi Local Municipality Mayor, Mandla Zondi.

They had requested the Higher Education and Training Department to build a campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, or a multi-skills development centre in KwaSwayimane village.

Informed by a needs analysis, Nzimande launched a variety of SETA training interventions with a total value of R30 694 700. 

Given the importance of agriculture in KwaSwayimane, AgriSETA is the lead SETA of this skills development initiative.

AgriSETA has contributed R5 000 000 towards the skills development of 800 learners in crop production, livestock farming, and has provided accreditation to the three skills centres identified in uMshwathi.

Other investments include:

  • R1 830 000 contributed by Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA towards a learnership and skills programme for sewing, cabinet making and furniture making;
  • R2 916 000 from the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) contribution towards learnerships and skills programmes in digital training, mobile device repair and technical support training;
  • R12 788 700 contribution from the Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA) towards artisan development and learnerships in bricklaying, carpentry, welding and electrical, and
  • FOODBEV SETA contribution of R3 350 000 towards a skills programme in baking.

A total of R2 275 000 contributed by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) will go towards skills programmes in digital skills, while R2 535 000, contributed by the Wholesale and Retail (W&R) SETA, will go towards digital skills programmes and SMME support.

Speaking at an event held at Ndlebezembuzi Hall in KwaSwayimane, Nzimande said the SETA skills development intervention will be piloted in the kwaSwayimane community, and the initial phase rollout will benefit over 2 000 community members, mostly young people who are currently not in employment, education nor training (NEET).

“This contribution by our SETAs is their collective commitment to addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and to improving the quality of life in the community of KwaSwayimane. The contribution also symbolises the commitment of government to changing the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly our rural areas. 

“We are particularly excited to be making this contribution in this community. As a department, we believe that we need to make sustainable investments in our rural areas, with the view of making them economically viable,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 05/21/2024 - 13:08

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Mashatile launches SANDF-led youth initiative to create jobs, entrepreneurship

Location: News

Mashatile launches SANDF-led youth initiative to create jobs, entrepreneurship

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on all South Africans to support the newly launched National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, which aims to address youth unemployment in South Africa.

The Deputy President, together with the Department of Defence and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), unveiled the South African National Service Institution (SANSI) in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The Deputy President said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)-led NYS is a special project that will be piloted and implemented in the country’s poorest districts, where most youngsters are unemployed. 

WATCH | Launch of the South African National Service Institute 

Despite interventions such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created over 1.7 million job opportunities, the country’s second-in-command bemoaned that many young people remain on the margins of real economic participation. 

He cited the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which shows that the official unemployment rate stands at 32.9%. 

According to the survey, about 3.6 million (35.5%) out of 10.3 million young people aged between 15 and 24 were not in employment, education or training (NEET).

“I am pleased that the DWYPD, in collaboration with the Department of Defence, adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to the skills revolution for the unskilled. This will have a significant impact on restoring livelihoods, creating wealth, and alleviating poverty and hunger among the marginalised.”

READ | Employment programmes make a difference

According to the Deputy President, the initiative aims to optimise government resources by spearheading impactful projects that assist the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. 

“We envisaged inviting and encouraging young people to voluntarily join the National Youth Service, beginning with a character-building programme and progressing to industry demand-based education and training, ultimately leading to gainful employment or entrepreneurship.” 

The establishment of SANSI aims to develop, capacitate, and empower young unemployed Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and university graduates through a purposeful and smooth skills-to-industry pipeline that will lead to innovative entrepreneurship and long-term, sustainable employment. 

The initiative also intends to transform youngsters into courageous agents of change, who will tackle the country’s most pressing issues in strategic work streams. 

These include food and agricultural value chain commercialisation, maritime and ocean economy, engineering and construction, manufacturing and infrastructure rollouts, as well as skills of the future, which include digital technologies and electronics.

The initiative, Mashatile stated, represents a massive investment in the effort to get young people trained and capacitated to participate in the economy.

He views the move as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a stronger and more resilient society. 

In addition, he said the initiative would serve as a hub for nurturing leadership, fostering skills development, and promoting community engagement. 

“It will empower our young people to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country and the wellbeing of our communities,” he stressed. 

The Deputy President announced that the provincial launches are still to follow, with the project aiming to reach at least 100 000 youth participants in the current fiscal year. 

He urged all young individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the NYS to submit their applications in large numbers. 

“The youth must also take advantage of the opportunity presented by the programme to equip themselves with the much-needed skills.”

Minister of Defence Thandi Modise described SANSI as a necessary and important initiative and thanked the DWYPD Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for rallying her to see the bigger picture.

“It tallied with the call from all society that asked the Defence Force to do something and cries of mothers who had their hands on their heads and those who were trying to fight the nyaope. We see SANSI as that instrument in the hands of the Defence Force that will enable our children to come into their own,” said Modise. 

Shifting her focus to the young participants in SANSI, she emphasised that the SANDF will ensure their punctuality, obedience, ability to give and receive instructions, and leadership skills.

SANSI launch in pictures

Deputy President Mashatile and Ministers Modise and Dlamini-Zuma at the launch of SANSI. Members of the SANDF at the SANSI launch. Learners attend the launch of SANSI.

 

“The military will keep an eye on every little cent spent on this project and will go to the future of this country and the skills that we need,” Modise said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:12

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Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes

Location: News

Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed gratitude to all South Africans living abroad who turned out at voting stations to cast their ballots over the weekend.

The Deputy President was speaking at the launch of the National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, South African National Service Institution (SANSI), aimed at tackling youth unemployment in South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday. 

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 78 000 citizens were registered to vote in 111 South African missions across the world between 17 and 19 May 2024.

The mission in London (in the United Kingdom) was the only voting station that remained open on Sunday, 19 May, to cater for the more than 24 000 voters who are registered and approved.

The Commission confirmed that the special voting abroad proceeded smoothly with no major incidents.

READ | Overseas special votes conclude

READ | South Africans in London urged to cast their vote

Local special votes

The IEC is now preparing for the in-country special voting, which will take place on 27 and 28 May. 

There are 1.7 million approved special votes, with 653 000 of these being home visit special votes while just over one million are voting station special votes. 

The Deputy President used his platform to encourage all South Africans to go out in their numbers and vote on 29 May 2024. 

“Remember, placing your crosses on the ballot papers will fulfil a task that history has put on your shoulders.

“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourselves the direction of our country and the path that we should take to get there,” said Deputy President Mashatile. 

With only just seven days away from Election Day, the IEC is reminding citizens that voting stations open at 7 am and close at 9 pm. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:51

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S Africans urged to adopt and foster children to ensure the protection of youngsters

Location: News

S Africans urged to adopt and foster children to ensure the protection of youngsters

With the Child Protection Week campaign in full swing, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has encouraged South Africans to seek alternative care for their children if they are unable to care for them.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu launched Child Protection Week on Sunday in Kimberley, Northern Cape. 

The department is currently on a drive to raise awareness on upholding the rights of children, mobilising society to protect children against violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. 

Since the dawn of democracy, the department said South Africa has designed the child protection system to provide for children to be fostered or adopted, and enable children to remain within families. 

“Adoption, which is viewed as the most permanent placement option for children who are orphaned and vulnerable, remains underutilised in South Africa and this leaves children for whom there is no immediate alternative care within their extended families exceptionally vulnerable to the long-term effects of institutionalisation,” the DSD said.

According to Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa, every child has the right to parental and family care or to appropriate alternative care when removed from family care.

As per this constitutional provision, government has to provide alternative care for children when their parents or families cannot fulfil their duties of care.

Meanwhile, Section 233 of the Children’s Act also stipulates that if the parent is a child, a guardian must assist that child. 

The department stated that adoption is one of the alternative care placement options and forms part of the comprehensive child protection system.

South Africa currently has orphaned children due to factors such as violent crime, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed many lives worldwide.

“On the other hand, some children are abandoned due to the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which culminate into multiple social ills including unwanted pregnancy. 

“Adoption, therefore, serves as the best possible option or alternative for these children, only if there are no prospects to reunite them with their parent(s) or families.

“Although adoption is a person’s or a family’s choice, it is important to promote adoption services and recruit prospective adoptive parents within the country.” 

The department acknowledged there could be barriers, which may prevent people from adopting children, such as cultural obstacles. 

“This suggests that there is a need for increased awareness of this tool of child protection. South Africans are, therefore, encouraged to look into adoption as one of the child protection measures to increase the number of prospective adoptive parents who are willing to adopt children in need of permanent and stable families.”

Between April 2010 and March 2024, the department recorded 16 593 national adoptions. Additionally, there were 2 239 inter-country adoptions, which brought the total of registered adoptions to 18 832.

The department announced it has employed 412 social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) and have since been armed to provide adoption services.

Foster care

The Children’s Act also makes provision for foster care as an alternative form for children who cannot be cared for by their biological parents. 

“Foster care is a court-ordered care of a child that needs care and protection, placing the child in a cluster foster care scheme or a suitable person other than a biological parent or a guardian,” the department explained. 

As part of foster care, the Children’s Act introduced the concept of cluster foster care placement which is aimed to maximise the available resources, strengthening the provision of foster care services to children including those with special needs within a community-based setting.

The department explained that children who are placed in foster care with a valid court order gain access to the package of government services that include therapeutic services, psychosocial support services, education, healthcare and foster child grants. 

“The purpose of foster care is to create an opportunity for children in need of care and protection to live in a protective, nurturing, stable and secure family environment. It requires the facilitation of reunification of the child with the parents or other safe and nurturing family relationships that will ensure stability in a child’s life.” 

By February 2008, the number of children in foster care was 454 000, and by the end of March 2024, it had decreased to 306 683, with the recipients receiving grants.

“With the introduction of the comprehensive legal solution to foster care prompted by the litigation on lapsed foster care orders, the Children’s Amendment Act 2022 makes a provision to prevent the lapsing of the foster care orders, by enabling the presiding officers to issue interim orders.”

Meanwhile, the Social Assistance Amendment Act increases access to social assistance for orphaned children in the care of relatives through the Child Support Grant-Top Up. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:37

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President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call

Location: News

President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call

President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a bilateral telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

According to a statement by the Presidency, the conversation was a positive and constructive discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

The statement said the two leaders also discussed the need for more engagement to address global peace and reaffirmed shared respect for international law.

“They both welcomed the recent bilateral South Africa-European Union Political and Security Dialogue Forum, and the Human Rights Dialogue held in Pretoria on 26 and 27 February 2024, and they agreed to continue stepping up cooperation to support stability and prosperity.

“In this regard, both Presidents discussed the importance of upholding the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity notably in Ukraine. Furthermore, both Presidents stressed the importance of addressing urgently the situation in the Middle East, notably reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance, recalling the orders of the International Court of Justice in this respect,” the Presidency said.

On matters relating to tensions in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, “both underlined the importance of a political solution” in that country and also called for an “immediate and durable ceasefire” in Sudan.

Globally, the two leaders agreed to closer working relations in the run up to and during South Africa’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 in 2025 “including on the protection and advancement of multilateral cooperation and the international rules-based order”.

The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union – which has brought economic and social dividends for both parties – also came under discussion.

“They welcomed recent engagements in Brussels and in Pretoria to deepen and expand the partnership to new areas of mutual interest, such as strategic value chains in the sectors of green hydrogen, critical minerals and vaccines, which will also support progress in regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“Against this framework of close and regular cooperation, both Presidents agreed to hold a bilateral Summit at earliest convenience,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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DWS one step closer to establishing national water agency

Location: News

DWS one step closer to establishing national water agency

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is one step closer to establishing the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) to ensure sustainable, equitable and reliable supply of water from national water resources infrastructure.

The NWRIA Bill was recently adopted by the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements and the National Council of Provinces.

This follows the Bill’s adoption by the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation and the National Assembly. 

READ | National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill: Explanatory Summary

The Bill seeks to establish the NWRIA, which will result in the ownership of national water resources infrastructure, as well as its asset management and revenue collection-related functions being integrated under one entity. 

Departmental spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the agency will raise funding for the development of national water resources infrastructure.

The NWRIA Bill was initially drafted in late 2021, after which it received preliminary certification from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor in April 2022. 

The certification set the wheels in motion for the Department of Water and Sanitation to commence with the Cabinet process and seek approval to conduct public consultations. 

The department had comprehensive, all-inclusive public consultations for a period of 120 days aimed at soliciting meaningful inputs from the public, as the key water sector stakeholders, to enhance the legislation and echo the voices of South Africans.

Mavasa said the department received over 80 comments, and these include comments from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), National Treasury, Labour Unions, and Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a departmental entity responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects. 

The comments were taken into consideration when the Bill was being refined, and in June 2023, Cabinet approved the Bill for introduction to Parliament. 

“Now that the Bill has been adopted, this means that we will submit it to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his sign-off. Once that happens, the Bill will become law, which will entail that we move with the establishment for the agency,” Mavasa said.

The department reiterated the assurance that the agency will significantly improve the provision of reliable water supply through effective rollout of national water resource infrastructure projects. 

The main mandates of the NWRIA are to: 
• Implement water resource management infrastructure as identified by the department’s water resources planning processes;
• Manage national water resources infrastructure;
• Generate and collect revenue from the sale of water as its primary source of income, and
• Raise commercial funding on the strength of its balance sheet and operational cash flows (actual and projected) for commercially viable projects. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:52

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Two more suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo Phalane’s murder

Location: News

Two more suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo Phalane’s murder

The Hawks' Pretoria-based team, together with the Arcadia Crime Prevention Unit and Tshwane District Crime Intelligence, have arrested two more suspects in connection with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane Junior.

Ditebogo, aged five, was killed during the hijacking of his father’s car in Soshanguve, Tshwane.

The two suspects, aged 29 and 30, were arrested on Monday in Soshanguve and Atteridgeville, where two unlicensed firearms were recovered, with one firearm alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo.

The arrest brings to four the number of suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo’s murder.

READ | Two suspects arrested in Soshanguve fatal child shooting

In a statement, the Hawks said the arrest followed information received by the team from Crime Intelligence on the whereabouts of the suspects linked to the murder of the little boy.

“Information received from Crime Intelligence was operationalised late yesterday [Sunday] leading the multi-disciplinary to Soshanguve and Atteridgeville respectively where two suspects were arrested, and two unlicensed firearms were recovered. 

“One of the firearms is alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo Phalane but that will be confirmed once the firearms have been sent for testing. One of the suspects is believed to have been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearm,” Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Wendy Nkabi, said. 

The suspects are expected to make their first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
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Condolences for the people of Iran following air disaster

Location: News

Condolences for the people of Iran following air disaster

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the South African people and government, extended his condolences to the people of Iran following the death of President Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi and well as that country’s Foreign Minister.

President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as well as other personnel died when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in East Azerbaijan on their way back to Iran on Sunday.

President Ramaphosa said government joins that country “in this moment of mourning”.

“This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations and whom we were honoured to welcome to the BRICS fold in Johannesburg in 2023.

“Our hearts go out to the affected families and the administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.

In a statement, the Presidency said: “On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Supreme Leader of Iran, The Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and the government and people of the Islamic Republic. President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are with the families of the late President and Foreign Minister as well as the relatives of the personnel and air crew who perished”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 09:19

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KZN Government sends condolences to families of Ballito wall collapse

Location: News

KZN Government sends condolences to families of Ballito wall collapse

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has sent condolences to the families of four construction workers who died during the tragic Ballito wall collapse on Saturday.

Five construction workers were trapped when a wall collapsed at the Ballito construction site in Zen Drive, Durban, and claimed the lives of four workers.

One construction worker survived and is recovering in hospital. 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, expressed her sadness at the incident, which she described as “yet another tragedy in the built environment and construction sector”, following the multi-storey building collapse in George, Western Cape, which to date has claimed the lives of 33 people.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the four construction workers who tragically lost their lives when a wall collapsed at a construction site on Zen Drive in Ballito on Saturday. This devastating incident has cast a shadow of grief over our community, and we mourn alongside those who are suffering this unimaginable loss,” Dube-Ncube said.

READ | George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded

Dube-Ncube said while awaiting the results of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the provincial government is committed to ensuring that the families affected receive the support and assistance they need.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish to extend our support to the one worker who survived this tragic event and is currently recovering from the ordeal. 

“The bravery and dedication of the search and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to rescue the workers, do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also emphasised the safety and well-being of the workers as a priority, adding that government will work diligently to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“In this time of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support those who have lost their loved ones and to honour the memory of those who perished. Their hard work and dedication will not be forgotten. May their respective souls rest in peace,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 09:38

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Babanango natural spring to benefit thousands of residents in KZN

Location: News

Babanango natural spring to benefit thousands of residents in KZN

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says the department is in a process of transforming water spewing from the natural spring in Babanango to a quality drinkable water that will benefit more than 250 000 households in Zululand and uMzinyathi District Municipalities. 

The Minister said this is part of the department’s effort to diversify South Africa's water resource mix for water security. 

Mchunu launched the Babanango/Inhlengile Spring Water Project during an inspection site visit to the project at Ulundi Local Municipality.

The Babanango Water Spring Project is part of the emergency upgrade of the Babanango/Inhlengile Communal Water Supply Scheme undertaken by uMngeni-uThukela Water as the implementing agent. 

It is a cross-boundary water project supplying water to the District Municipalities of Zululand and uMzinyathi.

Due to the sporadic water supply from their taps' water supply shortage in the area, the community of Inhlengile, under Inkosi Mahlobo Ntobela discovered the water springs that could be developed and be used for communal water supply in Babanango. 

This prompted their traditional leader, Inkosi Ntobela to request the department’s intervention on the discovered water springs. 

The department conducted scientific tests on the spring water which revealed that the spring water contained elements that were not suitable for human consumption. 

The department then appointed uMngeni-uThukela Water as the Implementing Agent to upgrade the spring water project initiated by the community. 

A contractor was appointed by the water entity which has commenced with construction work to improve the quality of the spring water. 

Mchunu said the Babanango/Inhlengile Water project is now at 70% complete and will produce about 0.5 megalitres of purified water from the spring to benefit the communities of the two districts. 

He said part of the work includes the construction of a water treatment works and a packaging plant which will purify the spring water to be able to provide clean drinking water supply complies with SANS 241 [drinking water specification that states the minimum requirements for potable water to be considered safe for human consumption].

“From the water treatment works and the packing plant, purified water will then be transferred by a 6 kilometres pipeline to a 500-kilolitre water storage tank, which will supply freshwater to the communities,” Mchunu explained.

Mchunu said the project will bring a much-needed relief of water supply not only to the area of Inhlengile in Babanango, but also to the communities in both the Zululand and uMzinyathi District Municipalities. 

The Minister also noted that the water resource project is more sustainable and more reliable than water supply by means of water tinkering, and from the boreholes.

“This is part of our core business of water resource management because water that is received from the natural spring in this area will be processed to the required standards. It is our duty as the Department of Water and Sanitation to develop and maintain such resources so that they benefit the people and the generations to come,” Mchunu said.

“As the department we are also advancing the Sustainable Development Goal 6 established by the United Nations General Assembly in ensuring that we provide clean water and sanitation for all,” Mchunu said.

The Minister said the communities of the two districts are expected to receive freshwater supply harvested from the natural springs by end of July this year. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:52

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Hard work at Eskom keeps the lights on

Location: News

Hard work at Eskom keeps the lights on

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the current improved electricity performance in South Africa is in large part thanks to the hard work of officials at Eskom.

The Minister was briefing the media at Megawatt Park on Monday on the latest developments in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan which was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022.

The country has experienced at least 54 days of no load shedding.

“What we are seeing now is an exceptionally improved energy situation...is as a result of [a] constellation of efforts on the part of Eskom. It’s [also] an all-of-government effort to ensure that we resolve the challenges that are facing the country…the resolution of an energy deficit.

“We are not yet out of the woods but we can see the trend line. We know that we are going to have momentary setbacks. It is the nature of this, but we must be fixed on...returning units on time. And where there are periods of failure, you mustn’t be despondent,” he said.

Ramokgopa moved to dispel the reports claiming that Eskom is burning diesel at a high rate to keep the lights on.

“The [Open Cycle Gas Turbines] are part of the fleet. They are designed…that during afternoon peak, when you have elevated demand, if you are struggling to meet that demand then you engage the OCGTs.

“If you look at the period that they were on load on average was previously about 17% and then now, we are just shy of 6%. So it’s a considerable drop on the usage. From the 1st of April 2024 to the 16th of May, Eskom spent R1.24 billion in engaging the OCGTs. The same period last year…we had burnt R5.2 billion worth of diesel. Essentially, we have seen a drop of 78%,” he said.

Ramokgopa said solar energy remains part of the strategy to combat load shedding and Eskom’s performance is not necessarily as a result of the performance of the renewable energy projects.

“If you go to the Energy Action Plan and you look at Outcome 4, it says…we have to introduce incentives to make it possible for us to aggressively roll out rooftop solar solutions by both industry and households. We have been able to double the amount of rooftop solar solution megawatts that can be drawn from that intervention from about 2100MW to 4400MW,” he said.

Turning to Eskom employees, the Minister encouraged them to continue working hard to ensure that the challenge of keeping the lights on is resolved.

“As consummate professionals, you have done very well to get us to where we are. We are still looking for additional improved performance on your side. On behalf of Cabinet, we want to say thank you very much,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:57

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