SA News

17 April 2024

Call for calm amid rumours of a Mahikeng shutdown

Location: News

Call for calm amid rumours of a Mahikeng shutdown

The North West provincial government has urged residents of Mahikeng and surrounding areas to remain calm and not panic following rumours of a shutdown taking place today, 17 April 2024.

Protest organisers have vowed to close roads leading to the Mahikeng central business district (CBD) due to the decay and lack of services, according to the SABC.

Meanwhile, the provincial government said no application to march has been made by organisers of the purported shutdown.

“While the provincial government respects the rights of any person to march and protest about any grievance, it maintains this should be done within the confines of the law.”

The North West government has since assured residents that measures have been put in place to ensure that the rule of law is enforced and that the safety of residents is prioritised.

In addition, the provincial government urged public servants to treat today as a normal working day, as security in all state buildings in Mahikeng will be intensified to ensure that government properties and employees are protected.

“The provincial government has also received assurance from the South African Police Services that no lawlessness will be tolerated, and action will be taken against those who impede on the rights of others, including threats to human life and property damage,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 09:23

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17 April 2024

Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court

Location: News

Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has welcomed the high court judgment which threw out an application of the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) to declare that the appointment of the Boxing South Africa (BSA) Accounting Authority is irregular and invalid.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday delivered a judgment dismissing with costs the NPBPA’s application based on lack of legal standing.

According to the SABC, the application was also seeking an order to stop BSA from sanctioning boxing tournaments until a legitimate board was appointed.

In December, the promoters successfully interdicted the BSA board appointed by Kodwa. The Minister then appointed Mandla Ntlanganiso in February as the Acting CEO and Accounting Authority, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, to temporarily replace the board.

Tuesday’s ruling means Ntlanganiso will remain in his position until May 2024, when a full-time board will be appointed.

“The judgement marks a salutary corrective measure on the path to restoring stability and ethical governance at Boxing SA. For too long, Boxing SA has been bleeding as an institution, with athletes losing match time, and promoters and trainers losing their market share,” Kodwa said on Wednesday.

The Minister believes the court’s decision is an opportunity for all stakeholders in South African boxing to link and focus on the roadmap to reset and revitalise the sport in the country.

“I have repeatedly said that let’s box in the ring and not in the courts.”

“Let us focus, engage, and work together to build this sporting code that lies close to the hearts of millions of South Africans. Let us work together to revive South African boxing,” the Minister pleaded.

Reports state that the NPBPA was ordered to pay the respondents’ costs, including those of the Ministers of Sport, Arts and Culture and Finance, BSA, and Ntlanganiso.

They were also ordered to pay the costs of two counsels, including the Senior Counsel. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:20

524 views

17 April 2024

GBV fight strengthened with opening of Thuthuzela centre

Location: News

GBV fight strengthened with opening of Thuthuzela centre

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched a state-of-the-art Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Stellenbosch.

TCCs are a one stop facility for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) where they are able to receive psycho-social support, medical treatment, and legal services.

These centres are also aimed at removing incidents of secondary victimisation and create a platform for building successful cases.

Speaking at the launch of the TCC, NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, explained that the site became operational in February this year.

“It enables the victims of GBV in Stellenbosch and surrounding communities to access and receive world class GBV services. The TCC model is an international best practice. This model works because it is victim centred [and] court directed which is really important because we need to ensure justice for the victims.

“One of the NPA’s innovative interventions to give effect to these commitments [on the response to GBV] has been the introduction of the TCC model. But now, it is not just an NPA initiative, it is a collaborative initiative by various government departments,” Batohi said.

Reflecting on the statistics of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, the NDPP called on all of society to join hands to fight it.

“Sadly, as we all know, GBV is a scourge in South Africa. The 2023 World Population Review Report notes that South Africa is amongst 10 countries with the highest levels of rape worldwide.

“It is therefore not unexpected that a December 2022 Afrobarometer survey found that South Africans – both men and women – see GBV as the most important women’s human rights issue that government and society must address as a collective.

“The rape and killing of our women is in fact reflective of the society that is devoid of a sense of humanity. It requires that a whole of society approach be adopted in particular by men that we declare war on GBVF,” she said.

Batohi highlighted that in Sexual Offences Courts around the country, the NPA has a conviction rate of at least 70%.

However, she bemoaned the fact that this drops “dramatically” when unreported cases are included.

“If included; the unreported matters; the conviction drops dramatically to under 10%. So, under 10% of victims actually get justice. It’s something that we really need to look at. SAPS have done presentations…where they say that over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim.

“So the question is if over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim, why do we not have at least 50% of cases reported ultimately convicted?

“Children are very often abused because there are not enough care facilities for mothers working and so they leave the young children, with a neighbour [or] family member and very often, these young children are actually then violated by people that are known to the family. So, we really need to look at why that detection rate is still this low,” she explained.

Batohi said that through the more than 60 TCC units across the country, more victims are reporting.

“Besides providing better services to victims of GBV, a larger footprint of TCCs translates into improved reporting. We had 29 593 matters reported in 2020/21 at the 60 TCCs. This increased to 36813 reported in 22/23 at 62 TCCs. In this past eight years combined, TCCs have dealt with 266 593 matters reported at these sites.

“More TCCs means more reporting, more confidence in the system. We also have an increase in convictions rates in cases that are finalised through the TCC process. They have steadily increased from about 60% ...to now sitting around 75, 76%,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:45

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17 April 2024

Cabinet approves Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection

Location: News

Cabinet approves Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection

Cabinet has approved the Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.

This is according to Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who briefed the media on Wednesday.

“The Department of Home Affairs carefully and duly considered all the oral and written submissions. This final White Paper is the product of robust engagements.

“The Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa approved this final White Paper on Wednesday, 10 April…and it has been published in the Government Gazette…today,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi explained that the department had received an “overwhelming” response to the call for public comments.

“The responses have been overwhelming. Individuals, that is citizens, asylum seekers and refugees as well as public interest groups, companies, national and local government departments, premiers, research institutes, political parties, [international bodies]…and many others made their voices heard and made constructive comments.

“The [department’s] team and I conducted public hearings in all nine provinces. The outcome of the engagements and public comments is that the policy position adopted in the White Paper enjoys wide support.

“Only a handful of public interest groups are opposed to selected policy positions such as the withdrawal of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol and re-acceding to them with reservations, proposed repeal of Section 4 (3) of the South African Citizenship Act and the First Safe Country principle,” he said.

International Agreements

Turning to international agreements that South Africa is party to, Motsoaledi explained that the White Paper seeks to open a path for government to exercise its right to make reservations on some elements of the agreements.

“In 1996, two years after the first democratic elections, South Africa acceded to various international agreements such as the 1951 Convention, the 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU [Organization of African Unity] Convention and other international instruments. This was done without the government having developed a clear policy on migration, including refugee protection.

“The government did not make reservations and exceptions permitted in terms of international law. The white paper proposes that the government of the Republic of South Africa must review and/or withdraw from the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol with a view to accede to them with reservations like many countries did.

“All the South African government intends achieving is to exercise its right granted in Article 42 of the 1951 Convention and Article 7 of the 1967 Protocol and make reservations accordingly,” he said.

Motsoaledi emphasised that South Africa “does not have the resources” to fulfil all of the requirements of the 1951 Convention.

“The Refugee Protection and Immigration legislation must provide for reservations and exceptions as contained in the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention. Particularly in that South Africa does not have the resources to grant the socio-economic rights envisaged in the 1951 Convention,” he said.

The final White Paper can be accessed on the Government Gazette at http://www.gpwonline.co.za/GPWGazettes.htm#:~:text=50530%2017%2D04%20HomeAffairs .– SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:28

90 views

17 April 2024

Nkadimeng to handover Van Schalkwyk Road in Sebokeng, Gauteng

Location: News

Nkadimeng to handover Van Schalkwyk Road in Sebokeng, Gauteng

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, will be handing over the Van Schalkwyk Road in Eatonside Sebokeng Unit 6 under the Emfuleni Local Municipality, which is situated within the Sedibeng District in Gauteng.

This event will take place on Thursday and the Gauteng MEC of CoGTA Mzikayifane Khumalo, the Sedibeng Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka, as well as the leadership from the Emfuleni Local Municipality will join the Minister.

The department explained that before the project was implemented, the gravel road often flooded during rainy seasons.

It also experienced sewer spillages, which hindered residents’ access to schools, clinics, and other destinations.

Furthermore, the uneven surface posed challenges for motorists, and stormwater accumulation made crossing the roads difficult.

The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), an entity of the Department of Cooperative Governance, provided funding for the construction of the Van Schalkwyk Road through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

According to the department, the road covers 3.46 kilometres by 6 metres wide tarred road.

This project resulted in the construction of a tarred road that is complete with concrete-paved sidewalks and efficient stormwater channels.

The project also benefitted a total number of 4 899 households.

Additionally, the construction of the road created work opportunities for 23 residents and enhanced connectivity and safety for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:58

446 views

17 April 2024

CPI dips slightly in March

Location: News

CPI dips slightly in March

Consumer inflation has marginally dipped from 5.6% in February to 5.3% in March, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Wednesday.

The Consumer Price Index was 0.8% in March down from 1% in February.

“The categories with the highest annual price changes in March were miscellaneous goods and services up 8.5%, education up 6.3%, health up 6.0% and housing and utilities up 5.9%.

“Education fees are surveyed once a year in March. Overall, education was 6.3% more expensive in 2024 than it was in 2023. This exceeds the 5.7% annual increase in 2023 and is the highest since 2020 when the rate was 6.4%,” Stats SA said.

Stats SA said food inflation in South Africa is now at “at a three-and-a-half-year low”.

“Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages slowed to 5.1% in March from 6.1% in February. This is down from its recent peak of 14.0% in March 2023, and is the lowest annual increase since September 2020 when the rate was 3.8%.

“Bread and cereals registered a softer annual print of 5.0% from February’s 6.1%. The rate is substantially lower than the recent high of 21.8% in January 2023. Bread flour, pasta, rusks, maize meal, ready-mix flour and white bread are cheaper than a year ago.

“Meat inflation also cooled in March on the back of lower beef and mutton prices. The annual rate for meat in March was 0.8%, significantly lower than the recent peak of 11.4% in February 2023.

“Annual inflation for sugar, sweets and desserts has remained above the 15.0% level since June 2023. The rate in March 2024 was 17.8%. Products with the most significant annual price increases include brown sugar up 22.0%, white sugar up 20.1%, chocolate slabs up 17.9% and chocolate bars up 15.9%,” the institution said.

According to Stats SA, the increase in excise taxes has fuelled inflation growth for alcohol and tobacco while housing and transport also rose.

“The index increased by a monthly 1.9% in March. This is the highest monthly rise since March last year when excise tax increases led to a 2.2% monthly rise. Prices increased by 4.5% overall in the 12 months to March.

“Housing rents were surveyed in March, rising by 0.8%. The transport index rose by 2.0% between February and March, mainly due to a monthly rise of 5.3% in fuel prices. On average, petrol increased by 5.2% and diesel by 5.3%,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:03

345 views

17 April 2024

President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate over the celebration of 20 years of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.

The President will also launch Phase V of the programme.

“The EPWP is a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.

“The programme is one of government’s flagship Public Employment Programmes and has been implemented for the past 20 years since April 2004,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The programme is implemented in the following sectors:

Infrastructure sector and the non-state sector coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Social sector coordinated by the Department of Social Development
Environment and culture sector coordinated by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

According to the Presidency, since the EPWP’s inception, some 14 million working opportunities have been created through “more than 300 public bodies and non-profit organisations (NPO) implementing the EPWP”.

“The work opportunities were created in sectors such as road construction, road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, provision of early childhood development services, environmental greening and clean-up projects, fire projects and removal of alien vegetation projects.

“These also include training and skilling in construction skills in painting, brick laying, carpentry; home community care skills and firefighting.

“The launch of the Phase V implemented from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 will be used to unveil millions of more work opportunities to benefit women, youth and poor households for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the country,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:28

64 views

17 April 2024

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Location: News

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024.

The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet.

The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo.

The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.

The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities.

By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.

“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read.

Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.

The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.

So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities.

These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.

The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23

127 views

17 April 2024

Thabong Service Centre, a shining example of excellence

Location: News

Thabong Service Centre, a shining example of excellence

by Simphiwe Mngomezulu

Thusong Service Centre Managers and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) provincial teams from all corners of the country gathered on Tuesday in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to learn best practices from the Thabong Service Centre.

The benchmarking programme was hosted by the National Inter-Sectoral Steering Committee (NISSC) which is the national coordination structure of the Thusong Service Centre Programme, chaired by the GCIS at national level.

The vibrant intergovernmental programme took place in the heart of the township at the Boitumelo Junction Mall.

During the event, the Thabong Service Centre was acknowledged as one of the most optimally and efficiently performing Thusong Service Centres in the country. It is also the second urban Thusong Centre to be located within a mall like the centre located at Maponya Mall in Gauteng.

The one-stop-shop provides information and integrated government services from various departments, including the Office of the Premier, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development, Labour and Employment, GCIS and the local Councilor.

Lejweleputswa District Municipality Executive Mayor, Veronica Ntakumbana, attended the event and spoke about the importance of bringing services closer to the people.

According to Boitumelo Junction Mall marketing manager, Mampoi Mahasa, the centre services a low-income community that cannot afford to frequently travel to town to access government services.

“The availability of SASSA and the clinic in the centre has been of great help to the community,” said Mampoi.

The Thusong Service Centre programme was first launched in 1999. The Free State province currently has five operational Thusong Service Centers.

The NISSC: Thusong Service Centre programme will run over three days.

On Wednesday, the structure will host a meeting at Mangaung Municipality to provide feedback from the last meeting held in April 2023 and further outline new projects.

On 18 April 2024, the NISSC will host another integrated services outreach at Hoffman Square, in Bloemfontein Central which will be followed by the Annual Thusong Service Centre Awards.

The Awards will take place at the Floreat Hall, Bram Fischer Building, Mangaung Metro, in Bloemfontein. The event will be officiated by the Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and the Premier of the Free State, Mxolisi Dukwana. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:04

131 views

16 April 2024

SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency

Location: News

SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency

National Treasury has welcomed South Africa’s ranking by the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report of being among the top three countries worldwide for fiscal transparency.

According to the International Budget Partnership, South Africa has a strong record of fiscal transparency and consistently ranks among the top three countries worldwide for transparency.

“A predictable and transparent fiscal policy underpins macroeconomic stability. The IMF’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report notes a strong performance in fiscal reporting and budget transparency,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

The report also suggested improvements in three areas, which include:

Fiscal reporting: Expand and align fiscal reporting to international best practice by including other spheres of the public sector, strengthening tax expenditure disclosure, and improving adherence to audit timelines for published financial statements;
Forecasting and budgeting: Implement precise, time-bound and stable fiscal rules, and
Fiscal risk analysis: Enhance analysis of risks in the fiscal risk statement, publish public-private partnership financial data regularly, consolidate transfers to state owned companies to show fiscal impact and set limits on government guarantees.

“Work is underway on all these areas. Government is committed to addressing these areas to enhance fiscal credibility and ensure continued transparency and accountability in the management of public finances,” National Treasury said.

The full report can be accessed from the IMF website on: https://bit.ly/4arlhux. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:11

596 views

16 April 2024

Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape

Location: News

Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to undertake an outreach programme with business stakeholders in the Northern Cape.

The programme is expected to be held on Thursday and Friday.

“The programme seeks to forge partnerships between all spheres of government and organised business/industrialists to achieve the Energy Action Plan’s [EAP] target of ending load shedding and creating energy security.

“The programme focuses on localised solutions to energy supply to protect local economies and save jobs and livelihoods,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Minister will be joined by Premier Zamani Saul with the support of provincial and local government.

“On Thursday, the Minister…will be part of marking the reaching of commercial operation of one of the largest hybrid solar and energy battery storage facilities, Scatec ASA. Scatec has now officially commenced producing and supplying electricity to the national grid from their three Kenhardt plants in the Northern Cape.

“With an installed solar capacity of 540 MW and a battery storage capacity of 225MW/ 1140MWh, this innovative and large-scale project delivers 150 MW of dispatchable power to the grid.

“This milestone is in fulfilment of the EAP’s pillars of enabling private investment in generation and fast tracking the procurement of new generation from renewable energy sources, as part of South Africa’s energy mix,” the Ministry said.

The programme will conclude on Friday with an engagement with business representatives in the province to be held in Upington. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:54

821 views

16 April 2024

IEC ready to print ballot papers for 2024 elections

Location: News

IEC ready to print ballot papers for 2024 elections

With the finalisation of the list of candidates contesting seats in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024), the Electoral Commission (IEC) can now go ahead with the printing of ballot papers for the elections.

"The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said on Tuesday in Centurion.

Addressing a media briefing, Mamabolo said the use of the three ballots follows the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was signed into law in April 2023.

“This amendment revised the electoral system to allow independent candidates to contest in the regional (province-to-national) tier of the National Assembly and the Provincial Legislatures. Although the phenomenon of three ballots will be familiar to voters in various local municipalities, it will be new to voters in metropolitan areas and for the first time in general elections for national and provinces.

“There are a total of 400 contested seats in the National Assembly. The proportional representation compensatory 200 seats will be contested by political parties only and there is a dedicated ballot paper for this tier of the National Assembly.

“The remaining regional or province-to-national 200 seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties. This tier of the National Assembly will also have a dedicated ballot paper,” he said.

This means that National Assembly elections will be based on two ballot papers – a national ballot and the newly introduced regional or province-to-national ballot.

“Therefore, in respect of the elections of the National Assembly, voters may elect a preferred party on the national ballot and elect another preferred party or independent on the regional ballot. However, in respect of provincial elections, voters will elect a preferred party or independent candidate on a single provincial ballot,” the CEO said.

Mamabolo explained how the three ballot papers would work.

WATCH |

The National Ballot will consist of a list of political parties vying for seats for 200 seats in the National Assembly.

“This ballot will be used to vote for political parties. There are currently 52 parties who will be on this ballot and the configuration will be a dual column. The Regional or Province-to-National Ballots will have political parties and independent candidates contesting for the seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly.

“Voters will use this ballot to elect a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly. The number of contestants range from 30 to 44 on regional ballots. The configuration of this ballot is single column,” he said.

The Provincial Ballots are unique to each province and include parties and independent candidates competing for seats in each respective provincial legislature.

“This ballot will allow voters to choose either a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in provincial legislatures. The number of contestants range from 24 to 45 on the provincial legislatures ballots,” the CEO said.

The Commission has decided that the design of the ballot papers will be underpinned by the following identifiers:

Full registered name of the party.
The photograph of the registered party leader.
Registered abbreviated name of the party.
The registered emblem or symbol of the party.

In respect of independent candidates, the ballot papers will have:

The name of the independent;
The photograph bearing the face of the independent and
The word “INDEPENDENT.”

The Commission has urged voters to carefully review and mark each of these three ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.

“Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled ballot and will not [count]. The Universal Ballot Template (UBT), whose dimensions are benchmarked against the longest ballot paper, is in production and will be available in all voting stations.

“The UBT can be used by blind and partially sighted people, low-vision users, people who are dyslexic, and people with motor and neuron conditions which do not allow for a steady hand,” Mamabolo said.

Voters have been reminded that they may only vote at a voting station at which they are registered.

“Voters who will inevitably be away from their voting districts on Election Day, 29 May 2024, may give a Section 24A notice of their intention to vote at another identified voting station by no later than 17 May 2024,” the CEO said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 12:11

583 views

16 April 2024

Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections

Location: News

Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to participate in the May 29 elections, and ensure they are free and fair.

“We will, as a nation, hold the seventh democratic National and Provincial Elections. In this context, traditional leaders should continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections,” he said on Tuesday.

The Deputy President, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, delivered a keynote address during a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Pretoria.

“We urge traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections and ensure that all voters exercise their democratic right — a right that was hard fought for and must never be taken for granted.”

He also took the time to urge rural leaders to work with the government to address the killings of traditional leaders.

“As an institution located in rural areas, it is important that we collaborate to identify obstacles that are hampering community development, such as the killing of traditional leaders, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“We encourage amakhosi and izinduna to continue working closely with the government to address this challenge effectively.”

The Deputy President condemned acts of violence and urged the community to serve as government’s eyes and ears by reporting those who conspire or have committed such crimes to the appropriate authorities.

“Our law enforcement agencies are also working hard to hold those responsible to account.”

Land

The country's second-in-command acknowledged the urgent need for the State to expedite its rural development efforts, particularly through the implementation of the InvestRural Master Plan.

The InvestRural initiative enables rural communities to unlock their potential and improve their livelihoods.

“Investing in local economies and land ownership is still critical for rural communities’ development.”

He recognised that land tenure and administration are contentious issues and government will work hard to transfer land ownership to its legitimate owners and sustain rural communities.

“Government has also undertaken to divest itself of the communal land it holds in trust for communities.”

The Deputy President assured leaders that government was prioritising land access for rural development and economic transformation.

“We are finalising the Draft Communal Land Bill and Policy, with consultations underway to solicit input from various sectors, including traditional leaders.”

The documents, according to the Deputy President, will be processed through government structures and the Cabinet for public comments during the 2024/25 financial year.

“We are confident that the Draft Communal Land Rights Bill will facilitate the transfer of government-held communal land to communities. It will also allow for communal land registration and dispute resolution mechanisms.”

He believes that it wais important to optimally utilise the land.

“If we can till the land, the people can fight hunger and poverty through small-scale farming or agricultural start-ups.”

Social issues

During the meeting,Mashatile offered to work with leaders to tackle pressing issues such as substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence.

“GBVF has a negative impact on socio-economic conditions, particularly for women and girls. Therefore, ending this scourge is urgent and critical for our nation's development.

“You must never allow anyone to act violently and abusively against their partners in the name of culture. Together, we must stand firm and say no to all forms of abuse and violence.”

He also touched on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), particularly among adolescent girls and young women.

“As part of our prevention efforts, we must continue to communicate good and compelling messages to young people about delaying the commencement of sexual interactions as much as possible, and when they do begin, having sexually safe relationships and living healthy lifestyles.”

He also encouraged local Houses of traditional leaders to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs.

The Deputy President also took the time to congratulate Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on his recent election as Interim Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction.

“The establishment of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of our traditional leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:10

201 views

16 April 2024

N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

Location: News

N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will lead a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday to mark the official launch of the Mahikeng Student City.

This initiative aims to alleviate the urgent need for student housing in the provincial capital.

The Student City project is a 10 000-bed facility, with provisions for modern amenities such as a fitness centre and health and retail facilities.

In addition, the project is expected to generate 10 000 job opportunities, both short- and long-term.

“This project forms part of ongoing efforts by government to create various socio-economic opportunities for locals and bolster infrastructure development in the province,” the statement read.

The official sod-turning ceremony, which be attended by officials and media, will be at Mmabatho Stadium. There will also be a prayer session led by pastors from various denominations. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:22

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16 April 2024

Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group

Location: News

Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group

The Presidency has provided an update on the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.

The group was announced following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the area earlier this year and is aimed at improving service delivery, improving business confidence, and repositioning eThekwini as an investment and tourism hotspot.

READ | Presidential Working Group to accelerate resolution of issues impacting eThekwini

It is co-chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet, Phindile Baleni, and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu.

“On the 8th of April 2024, Director-General Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu led a series of follow-up engagements with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, organised labour in eThekwini, and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the Working Group’s eight priority focal areas.

“The focal areas are the outcome of a deliberate consultation process within government and with social partners in eThekwini. The municipality, organised labour, and the business community expressed their commitment to leverage their expertise to support turnaround strategies across the identified focal areas.

“The Working Group represents an intergovernmental collaborative approach to addressing challenges in local government and will include active participation from all levels of government, the private sector, state owned enterprises, organised labour, and civil society,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The group’s focal areas are:

Governance and financial sustainability
Water and sanitation
Safety and security
Tourism revitalisation
Roads, bridges, and transport
Human settlements
Disaster response
Communication and stakeholder management.

The statement said the intervention is expected to last some 24 months.

“The Presidential eThekwini Working Group will be responsible for reporting progress on the implementation of turnaround strategies to the President and Minsters every three weeks. The intervention will last 24 months and focus on both short-term and long-term interventions.

“The learnings and outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will inform similar interventions in other municipalities facing service delivery challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:25

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16 April 2024

Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended

Location: News

Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended

The deadline for submissions of proposals to the Budget Facility for Infrastructure has been extended to 17 May 2024.

This, according to National Treasury, is in a bid to add more time for project sponsors to package and submit their proposals.

“The department earlier published a call for proposals for consideration by the Budget Facility for Infrastructure [BFI]. The BFI is a reform established in 2016 to support the execution of priority infrastructure projects and programmes through a more rigorous planning, appraisal, and selection process.

“This call for proposals was announced by the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana] during the 2024 Budget Speech. The National Treasury intends to utilise this BFI Window to develop a pipeline of projects and programmes to test alternative financing and funding models,” Treasury said.

Public institutions, including national, provincial, municipal and public entities are qualified to submit proposals with projects and programmes set to form part of the pipeline.

“The primary purpose of this BFI Special Window is to close funding gaps and provide viability gap funding for projects and programmes that will leverage private sector financing and technical assistance.

“The call for proposals is open to projects and programmes that are undertaken under alternative financing and delivery mechanisms and private sector participation frameworks such as public-private partnership and concessions,” Treasury said.

Further information and guidelines can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3U1dnB3. - SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:37

111 views

15 April 2024

Play your part to consolidate democracy

Location: News

Play your part to consolidate democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens, political parties and civil society to work together to ensure that this year’s election is a “success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation”.

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.

The 2024 National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on 29 May this year.

“It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections.

“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence,” President Ramaphosa said.

This year’s elections will be the seventh held since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.

As highlighted by the President, the country’s electoral processes together with the rights enjoyed by citizens and political parties to organise, campaign and contest, “are among the greatest strengths of our constitutional order”.

Valuable rights

President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that in this country, politicians are free to contest and media freedom to report is guaranteed with the courts administering justice “without fear or favour, including an Electoral Court that oversees the work of the Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] and the conduct of elections”.

“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have.

“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues.

“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” he said.

The South African voter

President Ramaphosa said that according to research, most South Africans “recognise the importance of their vote and believe they have a duty to vote” with the IEC commissioned research finding that some 57% of South Africans having expressed belief that voting is their duty.

“While youth apathy is often cited as a problem in our country, some 55% of 18-24 year olds saw it as their duty to vote. It is significant that young people accounted for over 78% of new voter registrations last year. The IEC research also found that the majority of respondents agreed that democracy is preferable to other kinds of government.

“Despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health. Even as political and other forms of contestation continue in the run-up to this year’s polls, they are taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:57

450 views

15 April 2024

KZN activates disaster teams

Location: News

KZN activates disaster teams

Disaster teams have been activated in all KwaZulu-Natal municipalities following a level 5 warning of disruptive rains expected in eThekwini Metro and the south coast on Monday, which could result in localised flooding.

According to the warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the heavy downpours may result in some areas receiving rainfall accumulation of more than 200 millimetres over a 24-hour period, which may lead to flooding of settlements and roads, damage to houses, and the displacement of communities over the extreme south-eastern part of the province.

In a statement issued on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said areas that are likely to be affected include eThekwini Metro, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalities on Monday.

The department said disaster teams reported that flood damage occurred in Margate town on Sunday night, which was caused by severe thunderstorms.

The department said businesses and public infrastructure, including roads and houses, have been severely damaged.

“No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this stage. Our teams are currently conducting an assessment. Updates will be communicated in due course.

“The public is advised to take precautionary measures by moving to safer places and avoid travelling to mitigate risk. These thunderstorms may cause localised damage to settlements, vehicles, livelihood, livestock and power surges due to excessive lightning,” the department said.

The department has also warned the public of the dangers of lightning and advised communities to seek shelter in safe places.

“Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to the inclement weather.

“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:06

305 views

15 April 2024

Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024

On Monday, 15 April, the Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, unveils an in-patient treatment centre in Delmas, Victor Khanye Local Municipality.

On Tuesday, 16 April, the Deputy Minister of Health together with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will interact with young people in KwaZulu-Natal as part of ongoing youth engagements and dialogues to tackle health-related challenges facing young people with potential to affect their academic journey.

On Thursday, 18 April, the Department of Tourism hosts a community engagement in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to share information on government’s programmes and opportunities that serve to empower SMMEs and create robust and sustainable local economies in the Free State.

Janine
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:18

36 views

15 April 2024

SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup

Location: News

SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled two batches of Benylin pediatric cough syrup.

On 10 April 2024, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported to the concerned party that a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol detected in it.

According to the SAHPRA, diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.

“SAHPRA immediately contacted the South African manufacturer, Kenvue, formerly Johnson and Johnson, for a response. Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, it was resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing,” the local drug watchdog explained.

SAHPRA, in collaboration with Kenvue, has identified the affected batch numbers as 329304 and 329303.

These affected batches have been distributed to several countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said as a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that they protect the health of the public.

“SAHPRA is recalling these two batches from the market due to reported high levels of diethylene glycol, with the potential to cause serious adverse events,” Semete-Makokotlela explained.

Benylin paediatric is a bright red syrup with a raspberry smell and taste, packaged in a 100ml amber glass bottle with a plastic measuring cup.

It is used to relieve cough and congestive symptoms and treat hay fever and other allergies affecting the upper respiratory tract.

“SAHPRA wishes to inform the public not to panic, as the matter is being handled with priority. Batch recalls are batch-specific and do not necessarily apply to other batches or similar products. The manufacturer is a SAHPRA-licenced manufacturer and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),” said Semete-Makokotlela.

The drug watchdog stressed that the recall is limited to two batches and that the public should not panic regarding the range of products bearing the same name.

“SAHPRA is alerting healthcare professionals and the public to discontinue the use of the two batches mentioned, remove them from their inventory and return them to their normal distribution channels immediately,” said Semete-Makokotlela.

The recall is classified as a Class 1, Type A recall, which is associated with a serious product quality concern that may have severe consequences.

According to SAHPRA, this is a countrywide recall.

The product is being recalled from hospitals, retail outlets, healthcare professionals, authorised prescribers and individual customers or patients.

Those who have consumed these two batches and experienced any adverse reaction or witnessed it in children should consult their healthcare professional and report this using the Med Safety App or send an email to adr@sahpra.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:02

243 views

15 April 2024

IEC to provide details of Elections Timetable

Location: News

IEC to provide details of Elections Timetable

With the 2024 National and Provincial Elections getting closer, the Electoral Commission (IEC) will brief the media on key aspects of the Elections Timetable in the run-up to Election Day.

“The briefing will cover, among other things, special vote applications, a list of voting stations, notification to vote out-of-country, and a breakdown of the candidates contesting in the 2024 national and provincial elections,” the IEC said.

The briefing is set to be held on Tuesday.

These elections coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

This year marks 30 years since millions of South Africans cast their ballot in the first democratic election of 1994.

The 30-year celebrations is premised on celebrating the gains, achievements, and the milestone of 30 years of democratic rule as well as living in a free and democratic society.

South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote on 29 May 2024.

Annually, the month of April is designated as Freedom Month in South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:00

205 views

15 April 2024

President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan

Location: News

President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Uganda to meet with President Yoweri Museveni.

In a statement, the Presidency said the two leaders are expected to discuss security in that region of Africa “including the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo”.

Following that visit, President Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Republic of South Sudan in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The President will also use the visit to receive a detailed briefing from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and all other stakeholders, on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan [R-ARCSS] which was signed on 12 September 2018,” the statement read.

The agreement comes to an end in February next year and elections must be held in December this year.

“It is in this context that President Ramaphosa has designated Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as his Special Envoy, to provide practical and political support to the parties to the R-ARCSS and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity [R-TGoNU], towards achieving the measures set to achieve a democratic and peaceful end to the transitional period.

“To this end, Deputy President Mashatile has visited South Sudan and based on his engagements with stakeholders, recommended a follow-up visit by President Ramaphosa. South Africa has always been walking with South Sudan on its path to reconstruction and development since the dawn of independence in 2011.

“South Africa has participated in various conflict resolution and mediation mechanisms, State building, capacity building of State institutions and programmes for post-conflict reconstruction and development,” the Presidency statement said.

Official bilateral relations between South Sudan and South Africa were signed into establishment in September 2012 and are conducted through the General Cooperation Agreement.

“South Africa is also the Chair of the African Union High-Level Ad-hoc Committee for South Sudan (also known as C5), which has been mandated by the African Union to support South Sudan in its transitional process.

“South Africa enjoys cordial bilateral relations with South Sudan and the two countries have a long-standing historical relationship that pre-dates South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:02

204 views

14 April 2024

Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally

Location: News

Massive training of unemployed set to be rolled-out nationally

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme (LAP), which is set up to provide training for employment and entrepreneurship programmes, is up-and-running and set to be rolled-out in other provinces, says Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi.

Addressing an employer’s breakfast session at the Kempton Park Civic Centre on Friday, Nxesi said South Africa finds itself in the throes of an ever-changing technological era, and this calls for adaptation.

“We are living in a technological era. This massive training is now needed to be implemented on a large scale to multi-skill the unemployed [so they can] adapt to the ever-changing world of technology,” Nxesi said.

Last week, Nxesi announced that the Department of Employment and Labour, through the UIF’s LAP,has launched a R23.8 billion programme to fund the training for employment and entrepreneurship programme.

Nxesi said government plans to help business, especially small enterprises, because the “big employer is small business”.

The Minister appealed for partnerships at district level to ensure integrated interventions as part of the District Development Model (DDM).

“It is unacceptable that Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, has a high unemployment rate and this situation could be even be worse in other provinces,” Nxesi said.

During the employer breakfast, a number of service providers were handed certificates confirming their participation in the programme.

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who shared the podium with Nxesi, reiterated the role of partnerships.

Ndabeni-Abrahams said the National Development Plan (NDP) envisioned the creation of 11 million new jobs by 2030 and that most of these should come from small business.

She said that the only way to make South Africa work is to grow small business.

“We have to also look at developing new industries. We are continuously advocating for more incentives to be given to business, especially those geared towards promoting small business,” the Minister said.

Ndabeni-Abrahams also emphasised the need to support informal businesses to transition to formal business.

The employer’s breakfast session was held alongside the Jobs and Careers Fair held in Tembisa.

The event is part of an initiative to engage with individuals seeking employment, providing them with the opportunity to interact with potential employers and gain insights into crucial career paths. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 15:07

827 views

14 April 2024

President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit

Location: News

President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini for a working visit, the Presidency said on Sunday.

President Ramaphosa will receive His Majesty the King at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria on Monday.

The visit follows a courtesy visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, eSwatini on Wednesday, 03 April 2024.

“South Africa and eSwatini share strong historical bonds as well as mutually beneficial political and trade ties,” said the Presidency.

During his visit to Eswatini earlier this month, President Ramaphosa paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King.

According to the Presidency statement at the time, the two discussed the “historical bonds” of the two Southern African nations while also affirming their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 14:26

562 views