SA News

16 May 2024

Eastern Cape small-scale fishermen get a shot in the arm

Location: News

Eastern Cape small-scale fishermen get a shot in the arm

Small-scale fishermen in the Eastern Cape got a shot in the arm when Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, handed over much-needed fishing gear and equipment to help improve their fishing.

The handover comes after the 2023/24 financial year, when the department injected a R1.7 million investment to kick-start support to small-scale fishing cooperatives along the province’s coastline as part of driving agricultural development programmes.

The fishing equipment was handed over to the fishing cooperative members from Lusikisiki, Port St Johns and Xolobeni during an event held at Madakeni Village, on Wednesday.

The equipment was handed over to the fishing enterprises, including small-scale fishing permit holders, who received their fishing permits, as part of government’s deliberate effort to ensure that they have proper equipment and gear for fishing. This is part of ensuring that the communities benefit from the marine resources near them.

The equipment includes fishing rods, wet suits, fishing nets, blades, sucking pumps, safety boots, head lamps, life jackets and masks with snorkels.

Pieters said the handing over the equipment forms part of the department’s ongoing investment in coastal communities aimed at helping coastal communities with fishing permits to improve their fishing and increase income from fishing.

Pieters said while the province has 75 fishing cooperatives with fishing rights, most of them are unable to harvest the marine resources due to inadequate infrastructure, fishing gear and equipment.

She said the support will benefit five cooperatives, with 195 fishers in the OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities.

“As the custodians of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform programmes in the province, the department prioritises supporting previously disadvantaged communities and individuals with appropriate fishing gear and equipment to improve their livelihoods,” Pieters said.

Pieters reiterated that the department seeks to enable subsistence and black fishing cooperatives to derive optimum economic benefit out of their agricultural activities. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 09:49

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16 May 2024

Pact to provide access for small fishers to public works facilities

Location: News

Pact to provide access for small fishers to public works facilities

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure on the preferential access for small scale fisheries co-operatives to public works facilities.

The MOA between the two departments will cover areas such as small fishing harbours, forestry villages, expanded public works as well as government offices and facilities.

“This MOA will enable us to solve a long-standing problem of access for small scale fishers to public works facilities in small harbours. This will include facilitating small scale co-operatives to enter into longer term leases of up to 10 years for public works buildings,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Wednesday.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala said this preferential access will enable co-operatives to invest in developing freezing, storage and processing facilities in small harbours.

The MOA and related implementation plans are expected to be completed in the second quarter of the financial year. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/16/2024 - 08:55

112 views

15 May 2024

KZN welcomes delegates to Africa’s Travel Indaba

Location: News

KZN welcomes delegates to Africa’s Travel Indaba

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has welcomed delegates participating in the Africa's Travel Indaba, which is currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini.

Taking place from 13 - 16 May 2024, Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for the country’s vast array of African leisure tourism products.

Welcoming the delegates at the official opening of Africa's Travel Indaba on Tuesday, Dube-Ncube said the trade show provides the ideal platform for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism services partners.

“It is the most formidable platform on the continent for you to meet face-to-face with the most influential buyers in the world, and to gain access to Africa’s excellence and its endless possibilities. These are the business opportunities and quality connections that will shape Africa’s tomorrow,” Dube-Ncube said.

READ | KZN tourism entrepreneurs set to showcase province’s rich culture at Indaba

The Premier noted that this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba takes place at a time when South Africa is celebrating 30 years since the dawn of democracy, which ushered in a new era and assured our standing in the family of other nations.

“This milestone makes all of us gush with pride as South Africans when we consider the journey that we have travelled in moulding the country of our dreams. Today, we speak of a tourism industry that can hold its own at a global level because of our country's achievements,” Dube-Ncube said.

IMAGES | 2024 Africa's Travel Indaba

As the tourism industry shows green shoots globally, she said one of the key sub-sectors the province wants to aggressively focus on is Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE).

MICE make up a big part of global business travel since every industry has regular events of some kind. The main goal is always to bring professionals together, foster connections, promote new ideas, and push growth. 

“As a province, we will be at the forefront of ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal gets the lion’s share of the tourism market. As we all know, one of the biggest trends in the tourism environment is the blending of leisure tourism and business, known as 'Bleisure Travel' [blending of business and leisure travel].

“We would like to thank all of you for your continued support of Africa’s Travel Indaba. Indeed, Africa has limitless possibilities, and we must seize the opportunity to ensure that Africa’s time is now,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:28

365 views

15 May 2024

IEC ready for voting outside the country

Location: News

IEC ready for voting outside the country

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has outlined the process for voting outside the country, allaying the fears of those who are unfamiliar with the procedures for voting in an overseas setting.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said Friday will mark yet another milestone in the elections timetable - the first day of voting in the National and Provincial Elections 2024 – when citizens abroad can vote.

“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said at a media briefing held in Pretoria.

“Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024,” he said.

Read: All systems go for elections

Mamabolo said the international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.

“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” he said.

The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.

“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”

Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.

WATCH | Full IEC briefing

SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:

- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.

- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.

Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:32

453 views

15 May 2024

Chikunga reflects on state of road safety

Location: News

Chikunga reflects on state of road safety

South Africa has seen an escalation in the number of road traffic casualties since 1994 due to the rise in the vehicle population, which has presented a plethora of road safety related challenges.

Addressing the launch of the United Nations Global Campaign for Road Safety, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga attributed the increase of the vehicle population to access to bank loans and the ability to purchase vehicles.

“Such an increase has presented a plethora of road safety related challenges, from human factors, environmental factors, engineering and technical factors, law enforcement, as well as education and awareness factors.

“From 1994 - 1995, the vehicle population increased by one million, from 5.5 to 6.5 million. Calculating from a period between 1994 and 2022, we moved from 5.5 million to an almost 13 million (12 964 430) vehicle population,” the Minister said on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

According to statistics, 87% of road fatalities in the country can be attributed to road user behaviour.

“Research has shown that our employed youth are the ones who carry the heaviest burden of road crashes, injuries, and fatalities in our country. Statistics also show that pedestrian fatalities are highest segment of victims in the country and young economically active people between the ages of 25 and 39 constitute the majority of those who die on the roads,” Chikunga said.

In an effort to address numbers of road traffic casualties, government has developed a multifaceted approach to regulate and ultimately reduce the fatalities on the roads.

“We introduced legislative amendments to enhance preventive measures, for instance we introduced blood alcohol content limits; speed limits especially in urban areas and around schools. We also established mandatory the seat belt regulations and child restraints use.

“We examined a range of sentencing options for traffic violations, including licence suspensions under the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit points system, and – for specific grades of offences – community service sentences and/or mandatory licence re-testing. We put in place, advance technical norms and standards for road infrastructure and vehicles,” the Minister said.

In addition, government approved the 2016 - 2030 National Road Safety Strategy, with intermediate and long-term actions to ensure vehicle fitness, driver safety, pedestrian safety, community participation in issues of road safety.

The National Department of Transport has convened a series of national road safety policy consultative workshops and a Road Safety Summits to foster open and critical dialogue between government, industry, civil society and academia.

Recently, South Africa conducted a detailed analysis of road crash patterns in the county over the past five years (2018 - 2022).

“The analysis has shown that although we are making steady progress in reducing fatalities, we need to fast-track progress by intelligently deploying our law enforcement, conducting safety education communication campaigns at identified hotspots and at times when crashes are likely to happen,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:33

263 views

15 May 2024

President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in providing equal access to healthcare services and addressing inequalities.

This, as he signed the NHI Bill into law on Wednesday.

“[The Bill] is also about efficiency and quality. The provision of healthcare in this country is currently fragmented, unsustainable and unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that he finally "found his pen" to sign the long-awaited Bill.

READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President

At its core, the country’s leader stated that health insurance is a commitment to eliminating the longstanding, severe disparities in healthcare access.

“The NHI is an important instrument to tackle poverty. The rising cost of health care makes families poorer. By contrast, healthcare provided through the NHI frees up resources in poor families for other essential needs.”

He believes that the NHI will make healthcare in the country more affordable.

“The way healthcare services will be paid for is meant to contain comprehensive healthcare costs and to ensure the available resources are more efficiently used.”

President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.

WATCH | President Cyril Ramaphosa signs into law the National Health Insurance Bill

The President said the public sector serves most of the population but faces budget constraints. In contrast, he said the private sector serves a fraction of society at a far higher cost without a proportional improvement in health outcomes.

He believes that tackling the imbalance requires a radical “reimagining” of resource allocation.

Meanwhile, he said the challenge in implementing the NHI lies not in the lack of funds, but in the misallocation of resources that currently favours the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.

He is of the view that the NHI Bill presents an innovative approach to funding universal healthcare based on social solidarity.

This, he said, proposes a comprehensive strategy that combines various financial resources, including both additional funding and reallocating funds already in the health system.

Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know

The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.

He also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare.

In addition, he said that health insurance ensures that both the public and private sectors complement and reinforce each other.

“The effective implementation of the NHI depends on the collective will of the South African people. We all need to embrace a future where healthcare is a shared national treasure, reflective of the dignity and value we accord to every South African life.”

According to President Ramaphosa, government has already begun implementing a national quality improvement plan in public and private healthcare facilities, and is now seeing improvement.

“Even in areas where we never thought [we would] see improvement, we see improvement of health facilities, even in our townships, where old people go to get critical medication.”

In addition, he said government would now establish the systems and put in place the necessary governance structures to implement the NHI, based on the primary healthcare approach.

The President has urged people not to fear, as the NHI will be implemented gradually rather than as "an overnight event".

“The NHI is an opportunity to make a break with the inequality and inefficiency that has long characterised our approach to the health of the South African people. Let us work together, in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity, to make the NHI work.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 16:46

216 views

15 May 2024

President Ramaphosa delivers inaugural Elijah Barayi memorial lecture

Location: News

President Ramaphosa delivers inaugural Elijah Barayi memorial lecture

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the legacy of unionists and anti-apartheid struggle heroes like Elijah Barayi can be found in the labour-related laws enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.

The President was delivering the inaugural memorial lecture for Barayi held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on Wednesday.

Barayi was a revered trade union leader and freedom fighter during the apartheid era and was one of the founding leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

He became first President of the Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu) at its launch in 1985 and was an activist in the Mass Democratic Movement since the 1950s.

His life was lived fighting for the freedom of South Africans and fair labour practises until his passing months before South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

“Thirty years into democracy, we have several progressive labour and social protection laws, including the right to strike. And it was the labour movement as led by Barayi which insisted that the most fundamental right that workers should have should be collective bargaining, the right to strike, the right to have a safe working place.

“So for them to be enshrined in the Constitution is something that we need to pay tribute to Elijah Barayi and the leadership of Cosatu and various other worker organisations at the time. And it is in honour of Elijah Barayi that today we have these rights enshrined in our Constitution.

“We have the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act to protect and advance workers’ rights. We have laws to safeguard the health and safety of workers and a Compensation Fund to support workers who are injured or sick. These achievements form part of the legacy of Elijah Barayi. They need to be protected and advanced,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that these “hard-won rights” and many others must not be rolled back.

“There are some in our country who are calling for hard-won rights … like collective bargaining, to be curtailed and for the minimum wage to be scrapped. Trade unions need to be stronger to make sure that that never happens in South Africa because it will be a total reversal of what workers have achieved and what Elijah Barayi struggled for,” he said.

The future of work

President Ramaphosa reflected that “technological advances and globalisation” are changing the labour landscape and added that in order to keep up, innovation and entrepreneurship will be crucial and this “while safeguarding workers' rights and promoting social dialogue”.

“We need to invest in technology, infrastructure and education to enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation. At the same time, we must strive to democratise the governance of work.

“In South Africa, this means strengthening and adapting labour laws, institutions and regulatory frameworks to protect workers’ rights, promote fair competition and ensure social justice.

“We need to build a more inclusive and resilient labour market that will support a just transition, greater digitalisation and other drivers of change,” he said.

The President acknowledged that although policies implemented since the dawn of democracy have “lifted millions out of poverty and despair and improved their material condition”, many other South Africans are still living difficult and challenging lives.

“As long as the divisions in our society persist, as long as some people lead lives of quality and dignity whilst others suffer at the margins of the economy, our mission remains unfulfilled. We owe it to the memory of Elijah Barayi, to the South African people and to the generations to follow that we continue to work to overcome this inequality.

“Let us honour the memory of giants like Elijah Barayi by renewing our commitment to building a better, stronger South Africa.

“As we draw inspiration from the life and times of the man we honour here today, let us deepen our resolve to advance freedom and social justice everywhere – leaving no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 14:00

324 views

15 May 2024

Approval granted to reopen Lily and Barbrook mines

Location: News

Approval granted to reopen Lily and Barbrook mines

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has approved Section 11 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) of 2002 for Vantage Goldfields to resume operations at Lily and Barbrook gold mines in Mpumalanga.

Lily Mine is the site of the 2016 tragedy where three mineworkers were trapped underground in a container following a fall of ground accident. They lost their lives and their bodies were never been retrieved.

The three miners were Solomon Nyirenda, Pretty Nkambule and Yvonne Mnisi.

“The company is expected to sink a decline/shaft to gain access to the underground workings to retrieve the container and the three missing employees at Lily mine,” the department said.

The reopening of the mine was announced following an engagement session between Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and stakeholders representing Vantage Goldfields, Lomshiyo Traditional Council, the Business Rescue Practitioner, organised labour, and government leaders.

During the session, Mantashe warned that the reopening is not a time for celebrations.

“[We] all agree that at the centre of our work is to re-open Lily mine, retrieve the bodies and bring closure to the affected families and fellow mineworkers.

“Despite the approval of the section 11 which paves the way for the re-opening of the mines and retrieval of the containers, this is not the time for celebrations, but the time for us to put more efforts and ensure that the mines re-open in the shortest possible time.”

The department said operations may resume later this year.

“All stakeholders, including representatives of the Lomshiyo Traditional Council; the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU); and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) expressed full support and confidence in the efforts to reopen the mines as these will create the much need jobs in the Liouville community.

“The business rescue process is expected to be completed by end of July 2024, after which the operations may resume,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 15:04

102 views

15 May 2024

Guidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters

Location: News

Guidance Note aims to protect personal information of voters

The Information Regulator (South Africa) has launched a guidance note to guide how political parties and independent candidates use the personal information of voters for campaigning purposes in the run-up to the National and Provincial Elections.

The Guidance Note addresses aspects such as the responsibilities of political parties and independent candidates as responsible parties in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

“This is done by aligning each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information to the circumstances of political parties and independent candidates as they campaign for elections.

"The Guidance Note indicates what would be expected of political parties and independent candidates with regard to the protection of personal information of the voters, in accordance with each of the eight conditions for the lawful processing of personal information,” the Regulator said on Tuesday.

The Guidance Note states that if political parties and independent candidates want to use personal information of voters for campaign purposes, they must collect such personal information from the voters directly and not from data brokers or lead generators and use it for campaign purposes only.

It also prohibits the supply of personal information that has been collected for campaigning purposes to third parties without the consent of a voter.

“With the new Guidance Note, the Regulator seeks to ensure that both political parties, independent candidates and the public are fully informed and enabled to take the necessary action to protect the personal information of voters during elections.

"It will also minimise the risks to the free flow of accurate information that is crucial for informed participation in the electoral process,” the Regulator said.

The new guidance note is an update to the Guidance Note issued by the Regulator in the run-up to the local government elections in 2019.

The new Guidance Note is based on recent developments in the electoral process following changes in electoral law (allowing for independent candidates to stand and campaign for elections), the increasing instances of security compromise to personal information in various segments of the economy and society and increasing risks to the electoral process due to misinformation and disinformation.

Solicitation of donations

The Guidance Note also addresses the issue of solicitation of donations by political parties and independent candidates through direct marketing.

According to the Guidance Note, campaigning for votes does not constitute the promotion of any services and does not fall within the definition of direct marketing in POPIA.

“However, the act of requesting for donations by a political party or independent candidate is subject to the regulation of direct marketing in terms of POPIA and therefore, in this respect, political parties and independent candidates have to comply with the provisions of POPIA in relation to direct marketing,” the Regulator said.

Misinformation and disinformation

The Guidance Note regards misinformation and disinformation as a violation of the right of access to accurate and reliable information and also violates the right to privacy of a person whose image and/or voice of is used without their consent to spread fake messages through generative artificial intelligence.

“It therefore requires political parties and independent candidates to play their role in fighting misinformation and disinformation by developing and implementing policies and action plans to mitigate against misinformation and disinformation.

“The Guidance Note requires political parties and independent candidates to investigate instances of misinformation and disinformation by their campaigns and take disciplinary action against their staff that engage in these practices,” the Regulator said.

It also calls on the Independent Electoral Commission to issue a code of conduct to address misinformation and disinformation in digital in digital platforms to promote free, fair and orderly elections in terms of section 99(2) of the Electoral Act. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:27

467 views

15 May 2024

President Ramaphosa to visit George building disaster site

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to visit George building disaster site

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the site of the collapsed George building in the Western Cape on Thursday.

The building construction site collapsed nearly ten days ago – trapping at least 81 people under the rubble.

By 9am on Wednesday, the George Municipality had released the following statistics:

Total estimated individuals on-site when the incident occurred: 81
Rescued and recovered: 62
Of which deceased: 33 (27 males, six females)
Currently hospitalised: 12
Unaccounted for: 19

In a statement, the Presidency said since the incident last Monday, government and its agencies have been hard at work at the disaster site.

“Government and its disaster management agencies at all levels has mobilised personnel and resources towards the rescue efforts and is providing support to the survivors and families of the deceased. President Ramaphosa remains deeply attentive to the rescue and recovery efforts underway and has expressed his deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased workers.

“Ahead of President Ramaphosa’s visit on Thursday, Ministers and Deputy Ministers in the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Employment and Labour, Health, Police, International Relations and Cooperation, and Public Works and Infrastructure have visited the site and have been working collaboratively with the Disaster Joint Operations Centre, with the Western Cape Provincial government and the Garden Route District Municipality,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:40

464 views

15 May 2024

400 Junior Border Guards to be deployed to country’s ports of entry

Location: News

400 Junior Border Guards to be deployed to country's ports of entry

The Border Management Authority (BMA) will on Thursday host a pass out parade for 400 new recruits who have completed their training at the South African Police Training College in Pretoria West.

The Junior Border Guards are to be deployed at the various ports of entry throughout the country.

They will be officially assigned as law enforcement officers with the responsibility to arrest and deport illegal migrants across all ports of entry.

“This important event comes during South Africa’s 30 years of democracy following years of struggle to curb illegal movement at ports of entry and along the borderline. In the backdrop of an ever-challenging border environment, these border guards are expected to stand firm, protecting the country’s borders with vigilance and valour,” said the BMA in a statement.

It said being a border guard in South Africa requires one to “have unwavering dedication to the nation, displaying commitment by being patriotic and having an indomitable spirit of rejecting negative persuasion”.

“Our nation's borders are complex and therefore require discipline and courage to carry out the border management mandate. In other settings, daily you are faced with illegal migrants attempting to enter the country or smuggle illegal goods in or out of South Africa,” the BMA said.

Commissioner of Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, said: “On the day, the nation will witness the culmination of the physical and mental training, with displays expected to be done on the ground during the event.

“We will celebrate not only their achievements but also reaffirm our steadfast support to the border guards. They are to be officially adorned not just as defenders of borders; they are the guardians of our freedom, the sentinels of our sovereignty.”

More than 100 border management response vehicles will also be displayed at the passing out parade.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the Border Management Authority in Musina last year

At the time, he said the authority will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination.

The Border Management Authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:44

230 views

15 May 2024

Government supports Caster Semenya in legal battle

Location: News

Government supports Caster Semenya in legal battle

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has expressed that it stands in solidarity, with unwavering commitment, to seek justice for Caster Mokgadi Semenya as she is back in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in France.

The court will reportedly consider whether the double Olympic champion must lower her testosterone levels in order to participate in competitions.

“The department is committed to advocating for fairness and equality in sport. As the country celebrates 30 Years of Democracy, every athlete, regardless of their gender or physical attributes, should have the right to compete without facing unjust obstacles.

"We trust that the Grand Chamber's judgment will uphold these principles and deliver a positive outcome for Caster and all athletes affected by similar challenges,” DSAC Acting Director-General, Dr Cynthia Khumalo, said on Wednesday.

Government is working in collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), Probono.org, and various other stakeholders to support Semenya on the matter.

“The DSAC notes the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May 2024, where the Grand Chamber will evaluate the matter presented by the Swiss government in relation to the European Court of Human Rights’ July 2023 decision. Caster Semenya has endured years of unfair discrimination based on her gender.

“The 2019 regulations imposed by the World Athletics body created significant challenges for athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD), who wish to compete in their chosen sport. This ruling reaffirmed the international legal requirement for World Athletics to refrain from engaging in discriminatory practices, barring exceptional circumstances,” the DSAC said.

The CGE has called on all to rally behind Semenya’s endeavour to seek justice not only for herself, but for other affected athletes.

“A finding by the Grand Chamber that issues between international athletics bodies, such as World Athletics and individual athletes, are not a matter of private law but of public human rights law are transformative and progressive.

"A favourable outcome will be of massive importance to athletes with differences in sexual development worldwide,” Chairperson of the CGE, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale said.

READ | Kodwa welcomes Court's ruling on Semenya's appeal

DSAC said the referral to the Grand Chamber is in accordance with the violations identified by the Court in Switzerland vs Caster Mokgadi Semenya.

“These violations encompassed a breach of the prohibition on discrimination, a denial of the right to an effective remedy, and a failure to respect private life.

“Government, through the department, has consistently advocated and supported initiatives aimed at resolving this matter equitably. The DSAC remains optimistic that the Grand Chamber's decision will reflect the values of justice, inclusivity and diversity that underpin the South African sporting sector,” DSAC said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:54

128 views

14 May 2024

Inquests re-opened into Luthuli, Mxenge and Mantyi apartheid era deaths

Location: News

Inquests re-opened into Luthuli, Mxenge and Mantyi apartheid era deaths

Inquests into the deaths of prominent anti-apartheid activists Chief Albert Luthuli and Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge and civic leader Booi Mantyi have been re-opened by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, on recommendations from the National Prosecuting Authority.

“With these inquests, we open very real wounds which are more difficult to open 30 years into our democracy, but none the less, the interest of justice can never be bound by time the truth must prevail,” said the Minister.

Regarding Luthuli, who was also Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the department said official reports found that he was struck down by a train “but the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear to this day”.

An inquest was held in September 1967 and an apartheid era court found that he had died following a fracture to the skull but that the “evidence did not disclose any criminal culpability on the part of South African Railways and anyone else”.

“As a result of representations made to the National Director of Public Prosecutions which brought to the fore that in 1967, the inquest did not consider certain mathematical and scientific principles. This mathematical and scientific report reveal that it is highly unlikely that Chief Luthuli was struck by a train and died because of that.

“Considering this information, amongst others, and the investigation done by the Truth and Reconciliation Unit of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, Minister Lamola accepts and agrees that it is necessary and in the interest of justice to approach the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa in the KwaZulu-Natal Division to re-open the inquest into the death of Chief Albert Luthuli,” the department said.

Griffiths Mxenge

The anti-Apartheid activist and civil rights lawyer Mxenge died in 1981 and his body – with some 45 lacerations – was found at a sports field in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Two years later, an inquest into the death was opened which, according to the department, “failed to identify the perpetrators, despite clear signs of foul play, including evidence of surveillance on Mr. Mxenge’s office and the poisoning of his dogs”.

“A thorough investigation was not done into the death of Mr. Mxenge. The Harms Commission and Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed that orders to kill Mr. Mxenge came from Vlakplaas head Dirk Coetzee. Dirk Coetzee and his accomplices Nofomela, and Tshikalanga were granted amnesty for the murder of Mxenge.

“There is new evidence that certain critical information was not presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the initial inquest, although the perpetrators were clearly identified. Minister Lamola accepts that it is necessary and in the interest of justice to approach the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa in the KwaZulu-Natal Division to re-open the inquest into the death of Mr Mxenge,” the department said.

Booi Mantyi

Mantyi was killed on 16 June 1985 during an alleged altercation with Apartheid era police at De Aar in the Northern Cape.

That same year, an inquest was held into Mantyi’s death with the outcome finding no one responsible.

The department explained that a fresh investigation “has revealed that an eyewitness who has not previously testified has been identified”.

“Considering the above, Minister Lamola is of the view that it is necessary and in the interests of justice to request the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division to re-open an inquest into the death of Mr Booi Mantyi,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:39

595 views

14 May 2024

President congratulates Springbok Women team

Location: News

President congratulates Springbok Women team

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Springbok Women national rugby team on winning the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup and advancing to the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

“Well done to our Springbok Women for adding another trophy to our national trophy cabinet,” the President said on Tuesday.

The Springbok Women beat Madagascar 46-17 at home in Antananarivo at the weekend to retain their African championship.

This victory qualifies Africa’s top team for next year’s Rugby World Cup and the WXV 2 tournament, which South Africa will host in September 2024.

Organised by World Rugby, this tournament will see South Africa compete against the national teams of Scotland, Italy, the United States, Japan and Samoa in the second tier of this three-tier international competition.

“Alongside the Springboks and Banyana Banyana, our Springbok Women make us proud on the field of play and showcase the strides we have made in the development of the women of our nation during our 30 years of freedom. Congratulations once more to the team on the field, the technical staff and SA Rugby,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:47

743 views

14 May 2024

Greenside learner’s innovation scoops first prize at provincial competition

Location: News

Greenside learner’s innovation scoops first prize at provincial competition

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

The 15-year-old, Yaseen Akhalwaya, was crowned the Gauteng provincial winner for his "Project Weatherman/HydroLogic" project idea.

Yaseen said he found the comments from the adjudicators insightful and he took notes on areas that require improvement, as he aims to secure the number one spot at the national level of the competition.

“I am more than grateful to the department for the chance. The comments from the adjudicators provide valuable feedback and I took notes to help refine my work and increase my chances of securing the number one spot at the national level of the competition,” Yaseen said.

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.

Fourteen schools from Gauteng took part in this year’s SAYWP competition under the various categories, including awareness, invention and innovation.

Department coordinator: Water Support Service, Reshoketswe Malepe, expressed her gratitude for the support the programme has received over the years from the adjudicators, including teachers and schools, stakeholders, and the media, among others.

“Active youth involvement in the water and sanitation sector is the only way to overcome the sector's plethora of difficulties,” Malepe said.

The competition is a vital component of Water and Sanitation Education Programme, which aims to educate learners and society on 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. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 12:05

320 views

14 May 2024

SA unemployment rate increases

Location: News

SA unemployment rate increases

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) indicates that the number of unemployed persons increased by 330 000 to 8.2 million during the first quarter of 2024.

According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate stands at 32.9 %, an increase of 0.8 of a percentage point in first quarter of 2024 (Q1: 2024) compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4: 2023).

The results of the QLFS also indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 22 000 to 16.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 214 000 to 13.1 million, while discouraged work-seekers decreased by 1 000 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net decrease of 215 000 in the not economically active population.

“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate increasing by 0.8 of a percentage point from 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024. The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition also increased by 0.8 of a percentage point to 41.9% in Q1: 2024 compared to Q4: 2023,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

Formal sector employment increased by 56 000 in Q1: 2024, while informal sector employment decreased by 100 000 over the same period.

“The industries that contributed to the net employment increase include trade (up by 109 000), manufacturing (up by 99 000), private households (up by 44 000), transport (up by 39 000), agriculture (21 000) and mining (9 000). Employment losses were recorded in community and social services (122 000), construction (106 000), finance (50 000) and utilities (17 000),” Stats SA said.

Provinces that recorded increases in employment were KwaZulu-Natal (35 000), Gauteng (26 000) and Northern Cape (4 000) when compared to the previous quarter Q4:2023 and Q1:2024.

Those that recorded decreases in employment were Western Cape (17 000), followed by North West (13 000), Mpumalanga (8 000), Eastern Cape (4 000) and Limpopo (3 000), while Free State remained unchanged.

“The youth (15 to 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market; the first quarter of 2024 results show that the total number of unemployed youth increased by 236 000 to 4.9 million while there was a decrease of 7 000 in the number of employed youth to 5,9 million. This resulted in an increase in the youth unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points from 44.3% in Q4: 2023 to 45.5% in Q1: 2024,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 12:39

517 views

14 May 2024

All systems go for elections

Location: News

All systems go for elections

The Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says it's all systems go for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

South Africans will go to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May, to elect the leadership of the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.

In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. There are 27.79 million registered voters.

Moreover, out-of-country voting is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024. More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024.

“In these elections, voters will receive three ballot papers: the national compensatory ballot for political parties, provincial and regional for parties and independent candidates,” Mamabolo said on Tuesday.

WATCH | Three ballots explained

Addressing media in Pretoria on the state of readiness for the General Elections, Mamabolo reminded voters to make only one mark against a party or candidate of their choice.

“One ballot, one mark,” he said.

Mamabolo said lease agreements for 23 303 permanent voting stations have been signed and concluded.

“Of these, 62% are schools, 9.7% are places of worship and the balance of 28% include all other categories, such as community halls and other municipal facilities.”

Mamabolo said the IEC is in the final stages of training 202 500 voting officials, who will discharge the responsibility of administering the electoral process in the voting stations.

“The addition of a new category of staff to assist the presiding officer with the counting effort is another significant step towards improving the quality of counting.”

According to Mamabolo, three such staff will be appointed for each voting station and for each sub-station where a voting centre is being operated.

“To this end, a total of 191 185 staff have been appointed,” he said.

WATCH | Full IEC briefing

Results Operations Centre

As part of final preparations, Mamabolo said the Commission will launch the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.

“The national ROC will be based at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. It will house Commission members, as well as representatives of key service providers such as Eskom and Parliament, representatives of contestants running in the national elections, domestic and international observer missions, and media organisations.

“The Commission is pleased to share that a record 160 organisations, with 5 000 observers domestically and from around the world, will be observing South Africa’s 2024 General Elections,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo explained that about 15 of the observer organisations are international and include the African Union, the Carter Centre’s Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Making voting easier

With regards to measures put in place for people with disabilities, Mamabolo said the Commission has implemented measures to make the voting process more accessible to all South Africans, regardless of physical abilities.

“Voting officials will assist voters who require assistance on voting day. Working with the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), we have developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template (UBT), to increase the chances of them confidently and confidentially exercising their right to vote,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo has also reminded the voters to vote where they are registered.

“It is therefore appropriate that, ahead of the elections, we remind voters of the general rule in elections that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the Commission.

“Notifications in this regard will close this Friday, 17 May. As of today, approximately 199 092 notifications had been approved,” Mamabolo said.

The Commission also called on registered voters to check their voting station ahead of election day.

According to the Commission, a number of channels are available to assist voters with checking their registration, including:

SMS your ID number to 32810.
Use the voting station finder application on the IEC website.
Contact help centre on 080011800.
Download the IEC APP from the Appstore.

“We call on South Africans both abroad and here at home to come out in numbers and excise their democratic rights.

“We further continue our call to citizens, media members and political party leaders to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all.

“The Electoral Commission, for its part, commits to declaring an election outcome based on South African voters' choices,” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said the counting of votes will take place at each voting station in the presence of political party agents and observers.

“There will be a result slip at the conclusion of the count which will be displayed at that voting station. All interested are allowed to capture a photo of that official result of that voting station, with their gadgets,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 13:29

308 views

14 May 2024

30 years of democracy: The electrification of South African households

Location: News

30 years of democracy: The electrification of South African households

Despite a myriad of challenges – both present and past – along the way, the South African government through Eskom and municipalities has made great strides towards achieving universal access to electricity in the country.

This came out during a roundtable on the electrification programme since 1994 hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

According to the Eskom website, in 1987, fewer than 13 million people had access to electricity with the vast majority of that access servicing white households – leaving other population groups reeling in the dark.

At the dawn of democracy in 1994, Parliament endorsed a plan to create universal access to electricity – defined at some 97% due to population growth and challenges related to the formalisation of informal settlements.

This charged government’s wholesale plan to electrify homes. Now, access to electricity in South Africa today is at least 94% according to Statistics South Africa.

Director Project Monitoring and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Lufuno Madzhie, said the electrification programme has thus far, been a success.

“[During 1994 to 1998] Eskom and municipalities only electrified 2.5 million households. In 2001, then government decided this [electrification] programme needs to reside within the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy [DMRE]. Through us as the department, working with different stakeholders, we have achieved a lot with regard to this electrification programme.

“Through this programme, the department has achieved a huge milestone. Currently, we have electrified over 8.3 million households,” he said.

Eskom’s Pozisa Njezula emphasised how access to electricity improves the welfare of households and explained how Eskom contributes to facilitating access for hard-to-reach rural areas.

“[It allows for the] improving on safety where we no longer have to use candles and paraffin stoves. It improves on convenience where we no longer have to collect wood to cook and also, in terms of improving on education where kids can study at night.

“With…us now pushing towards universal access, the challenge that we are now faced with is that we now have to reach the far-flung areas. The far corners in all the rural areas. With the support from the DMRE, as Eskom we have started and embarked on the rolling out of micro grids for those far-flung areas where you may not be able to get grid electricity because of losses as well as the amount of money that you would have to spend to get to those areas.

“The [micro grid] is just a container, it has solar panels, it has got batteries and then you’ve got the reticulation network. When you get to a certain area, you electrify it off grid and those people benefit,” she said.

Challenges and solutions

Njezula bemoaned that although the electrification programme is going full steam ahead, the power utility faces serious and dangerous challenges when going into communities.

“We are not immune as Eskom to the crime [and] extortion in our project sites. In South Africa, with almost all the projects that are being undertaken, there’s reports of these extortions and these demands for certain amounts of money, for protection fees and so forth.

“That delays the progress in our projects, and it really puts the lives of our employees as well as our contractors in danger. In some instances, we have to leave site, we need to be escorted, we need protection,” she said.

Head of energy and electricity distribution at the South African Local Government Association, Nhlanhla Ngidi, described South Africa’s electrification plan as a “moving target”.

“In terms of access itself, at 94%, I think it’s very important that people understand because this is a moving target. In a year’s time, you could find this being below 94% and it’s because of all these challenges…people moving towards where the economy is more active.

“Municipalities have done quite well but with the capacity challenges we have, we still need municipalities to be assisted and government needs to put in place agencies that can come in and be catalysts in terms of the implementation of the programme,” he said.

Energy expert, Chris Yelland, agreed that access to electricity has improved but warned that affordability remains a blockage to some households.

“[There] are some technology developments that require that we look at these distant rural customers. The first thing of course is renewable energy. The price of renewable energy…has come down dramatically over the last ten years. This is now opening the doors to renewable energy for remote households that never existed ten years ago.

“There’s a lot to celebrate in electrification [but] there’s a lot to do about affordability. We are not there yet. We need to understand where we come from, where we are and where we’re going and for that we need data…so that we know where we are and where we’re going” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 14:06

110 views

14 May 2024

Condolences for Motsuenyane family

Location: News

Condolences for Motsuenyane family

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the Motsuenyane family following the death of Nomgcibelo Jocelyn Motsuenyane.

She died a day following the funeral of her husband, Dr Sam Motsuenyane.

“As South Africans, we stand by the Motsuenyanes in your moment of compounded loss.

“Sam and Jocelyn Motsuenyane are icons of their generation whose belief in education and entrepreneurship as keys to self-realisation and reliance sustained communities and contributed to the inclusive economy we continue to build today.

“May they rest together in peace at the end of a life of service and upliftment and a union they shared for 70 years,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

Ma Motsuenyane was an anti-Apartheid activist listed in the records of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as someone who suffered gross violation of human rights under that regime.

Her home was petrol bombed – and subsequently lost in March 1986 – by members of the Bophuthatswana Police at Winterveld in the Bophuthatswana homeland.

She was part of a group attempting to organise a meeting between the community and the Winterveld Community Council to address grievances relating to police harassment.

Her husband, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, was a revered black business pioneer.

He was the co-founder of the pivotal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and played a leading role in the establishment of African Bank – both at the height of apartheid.

Ma Motsuenyane is expected to be buried later this week. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:50

263 views

14 May 2024

Nzimande committed to work with Forth Hare University Council

Location: News

Nzimande committed to work with Forth Hare University Council

Higher Education and Training Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has reiterated his commitment to working with the Council of the University of Fort Hare and all key university stakeholders to ensure clean governance at the university.

This comes after Nzimande held a special meeting with the Council of the University of Fort Hare.

The meeting, which was held last Friday, forms part of Nzimande’s continued interventions to ensure stability and clean governance at the University of Fort Hare.

The purpose of the meeting was for the Council to provide the Minister with a progress update on specific governance issues and the disturbing recent events, including the arrest of senior university employees, with some employed in the Vice Chancellor's office.

Reporting on the outcome of the meeting, the department disputed media reports suggesting that Nzimande’s meeting with the university council collapsed.

According to a statement issued by the department, some members of the Council had initially expressed concern that a detailed agenda was not distributed before the meeting.

However, after a brief break that was mutually agreed to, the meeting continued and the Minister then tabled his set of concerns about the recent developments at the university.

Nzimande also indicated that he would like the Council, as the highest decision-making body, to respond to the concerns raised.

“After tabling his concerns, it was agreed that the Council will not respond immediately to the issues raised by the Minister and that the Minister will communicate his list of concerns to the Council, in writing.

“The Minister's concerns will form the basis for the next meeting with the Council, which will be a physical meeting, to be convened by the department within several days,” the department explained.

The department said Nzimande is pleased with the outcome of the meeting and remains committed to working with the Council and all university’s key stakeholders to ensure that clean governance is restored, and that the proud history of the university is protected. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:12

157 views

14 May 2024

George building collapse: Death toll reaches 32, while 20 still unaccounted

Location: News

George building collapse: Death toll reaches 32, while 20 still unaccounted

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing into the second week after the collapse of the George building, with the death toll standing at 32, as at 9am on Tuesday.

According to the latest statistics released by George Municipality, out of the estimated 81 workers who were on site at the time of the incident on 6 May, 61 have been rescued and/or recovered, while 20 are still unaccounted for.

“The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased,” the statement read.

This is being done by the Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings, such as tattoos and clothing items, are some of the methods used to identify the deceased.”

READ | Public Works Minister to visit George building disaster site

Meanwhile, six of the deceased have already been positively identified.

Since the first call for support, the municipality confirmed that adequate numbers of fluent practitioners in Chewa, Portuguese and Shona languages are all at the scene to address the emotional, social, and overall mental health needs of those affected by the building collapse.

However, the municipality said it was having trouble obtaining accurate names of missing people or the deceased.

“We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.”

Investigations

The Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, visited the site in George and expressed his sincere gratitude to the rescue workers, who have been on site for over 187 hours, as well as the support personnel and the Joint Operations Centre for their dedicated work since the tragedy occurred.

Simmers confirmed that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has launched an independent investigation into the collapse.

“We want to make sure that we fully investigate and understand what happened so that a tragedy like this does not occur on any construction site in this province.

“I received a briefing this morning from our independent investigator and at this stage, the team is still busy with information and fact-finding processes. This includes document analysis of plans, site records and the like,” he said on Monday.

The MEC stated that specialist equipment, including ground penetration radar (GPR) is also used on-site, while investigators are also collecting material samples.

In addition, an independently appointed laboratory is working around the clock to analyse the material samples.

“Not only did the WCG appoint an independent investigation, but we also supplied trucks and machinery and even hired an excavator to assist with bulk movement of material. We will continue to provide support until all workers are accounted for and we get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Simmers.

Meanwhile, the MEC said the WCG is working with the SAPS, the Department of Employment and Labour, National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in their investigations.

“On behalf of the WCG, I offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish those currently hospitalised a speedy recovery,” the MEC added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:10

103 views

14 May 2024

President Ramaphosa to sign NHI Bill into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign NHI Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) into law on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.

According to the Presidency, the move will transform South Africa’s healthcare system and ensure universal coverage for health services.

Through this, the country will overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.

The NHI Bill, passed by the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last year, will provide free healthcare at the point of care for all South Africans, whether in public or private health facilities.

The Bill currently only requires President Ramaphosa’s signature for enactment.

Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Ramaphosa said the State was working tirelessly to improve healthcare quality and access equality, despite the country’s health system significantly impacting people’s lives.

During the debate on President Ramaphosa’s SONA, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.

“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities,” he told Parliament at the time.

In the meantime, the Minister said his department was strengthening key delivery areas. These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.

The signing ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria at 2pm.

Phaahla will conduct a question-and-answer session with the media immediately after the ceremony. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:15

282 views

13 May 2024

Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft

Location: News

Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft

Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Rural Development and Agrarian (DRDAR) Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will on Tuesday kick start the use of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) as part of efforts to fight stock theft.

LITS is a technology-based ear-tag gadget that government is delivering to 120 cattle farming enterprises across the province. The technology is also part of efforts to strengthen biosecurity measures to improve the international trade of cattle.

As part of this rollout, 30 000 cattle will be ear-tagged for identification and traceability purposes in Tsolo.

The rollout of LITS is a commitment made by Premier Mabuyane during the 2024 State of the Province Address, and as part of implementing an agreement between government and the red meat industry.

LITS will ensure individual animal identification so that livestock owners comply with the Animal Identification Act.

This will improve the prosecution rate of people charged for livestock theft and strengthen biosecurity measures in farms to improve international trade of cattle opportunities.

All ear-tagged animals and identities of their owners are registered onto a central database, where animal movement is recorded to make it easy to trace the animal back to the owner.

Once the system is fully implemented, each animal slaughtered in any abattoir can be traced to where it was farmed, the farming conditions where the animal was farmed, and all animal health practices the animal was exposed to.

This will also make it possible to identify owners of registered animals, thus improving the recovery of stolen animals.

DRDAR is implementing this national policy through collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

Currently, the department has trained and registered more than 250 veterinarians, scientists, animal health technicians and extension advisors to lead the implementation of the system. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:11

580 views

13 May 2024

Patel to preside over launch of MEDTECH

Location: News

Patel to preside over launch of MEDTECH

Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Ebrahim Patel is today presiding over the launch of the Medical Technology (MEDTECH) Master Plan by industry stakeholders at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton.

The MEDTECH Master Plan aims to provide guidance for the public and private sectors to dedicate resources and time in strengthening the sector in order to place it on a growth trajectory.

This process will involve developing agreements on areas for intervention, collaboration, and commitments for ongoing development and investment.

One of the objectives of the plan is to grow a competitive medical technology industry over the next three years, with special focus on the development of small to medium enterprises that will eventually supply domestic and international markets.

The MEDTECH industry in South Africa has been identified as a potentially important contributor to economic growth and employment, whilst simultaneously enabling an improvement in health provision and quality of life for the South African population.

The industry is diverse, using various materials to produce a variety of products such as metals (titanium-based implants), chemicals (disinfectants), textiles (bandages and dressings), plastics (catheters, IV administration sets), wood (tongue depressors) and chemicals/minerals/plants that go into the manufacture of wound products.

The industry gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as South African manufacturers tooled up to meet the growing need for medical devices.

South Africa is one of the largest MEDTECH markets across Africa and the Middle East, estimated at R21 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to R29.6 billion by 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:30

615 views