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Planned maintenance to affect water supply in parts of Benoni

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Planned maintenance to affect water supply in parts of Benoni

The City of Ekurhuleni has reminded customers in Benoni of the planned seven-hour water shutdown to be undertaken on Tuesday.

The shutdown will affect customers in parts of Benoni. It will be implemented from 9am to 4pm to make way for the replacement of faulty valves.

The areas to be affected by shutdown include Airfield, Farrarmere, Farrarmere Gardens and Lakefield.

“To mitigate the effect of the supply interruption, water tankers will supply water to the affected areas. Updates on any development will be communicated through the city’s digital platforms,” the city said in a statement.

Meanwhile, water supply has finally been restored to all the areas in Region 7 following weeks of water outage caused by the breakdown of a pump at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant in Tshwane.

The City of Tshwane said a new pump and motor were successfully installed at the plant last Friday, and pumping started in earnest at around 4pm.

“Full supply has been restored in Ekangala and Rethabiseng, except in Rethabiseng Extension 4, due to the infrastructure network connection. The section will start receiving water once there is enough water pressure in the whole area.

“The high lying area are also receiving water. There are indications that water is gradually trickling in at Ekandustria since this morning. The city apologises profusely to the residents for the inconvenience caused,” the city said on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:11

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Government harnessing Land Reform to support growth of agriculture and job creation 

Location: News

Government harnessing Land Reform to support growth of agriculture and job creation 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that government is actively implementing various programs and initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of land reform aimed at bolstering agricultural growth and to foster increased employment within the industry.

President Ramaphosa was responding to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
 
A Member of Parliament asked the President to elaborate on the integrated plan that government has in place to maintain growth and job creation in the agricultural sector through land reform. 

“Government’s land reform programme is supported by several complementary programmes and initiatives to enable growth and job creation.   

“Through these complementary programmes and initiatives, we are working to ensure that land reform is harnessed more effectively to support the growth of agriculture and agro-processing and to expand employment and livelihoods in this vital industry,” the President said. 

The President told Members of Parliament that land reform is vital to the transformation of our society and to correct historical injustices.   

He noted that redistribution, restitution and the provision of secure tenure also contribute to greater agricultural activity and enable more people to earn a living off farming.   

President Ramaphosa highlighted that in May 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development signed the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan with partners in business and labour.   

Among many other things, the plan supports the acceleration of land reform and outlines actions that the private sector can take to support optimal use of land available to black farmers as a result of land reform projects.

These actions include support to black farmers and SMMEs at the processing level to have better access to domestic and export markets.   

The plan also encourages large commercial farmers to participate voluntarily in the land reform programme by donating land to historically disadvantaged farmers or participating in joint ventures to facilitate linkages between small- and medium-scale farmers operating on a commercial basis.   

“If the proposed interventions are implemented effectively, the social partners believe that by 2030, the agricultural sector can grow by an additional R32 billion above the ‘business-as-usual’ baseline.   

“Through this plan, they intend to maintain the existing jobs in the sector and create 75,000 new jobs by 2030.   For the economic potential of our land reform programme to be fully realised, we are prioritising broader rural development,” the President said. 

The Integrated Rural Development Sector Strategy of 2023 aims, among other things, to revitalise the rural economy through investment in, and development of rural infrastructure.   

This includes investment in roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure, water and irrigation schemes, public health and education.   

The strategy also provides for support to industries that support rural development, including agriculture and agro-processing, mining, the digital economy, the ocean economy, tourism, arts and culture.   

“Improvements in rural infrastructure are necessary if we are to reap the economic potential of land reform. Beneficiaries of the various land reform projects need to be able to access water resources, get their produce to market, participate in local economic activity and have ready access to funding and other support,” he said. 

The President highlighted that the land reform programme is also supported by initiatives that support skills development and employment, particularly for the youth.   

Through the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) government provides young people with the skills and capabilities to participate in the economy. 

He explained that through such rural development initiatives, more than 1 100 jobs have been facilitated in the current financial year.

He further stated that through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, more than 180 000 agricultural production input vouchers have been issued to subsistence producers.   

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has also worked with the provincial departments of agriculture and social partners to provide support to more than 62 000 subsistence and smallholder producers to strengthen self-employment and food security. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 15:02

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Optimum Coal Mine pays back R6.9m

Location: News

Optimum Coal Mine pays back R6.9m

Optimum Coal Mine – formerly owned by the infamous Gupta brothers – has paid back some R6.9 million in outstanding motor licensing fees and penalties as part of its Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) signed with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The AoD stems from an SIU investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the national and provincial Departments of Transport.

READ | Optimum Coal Mine acknowledges R6m vehicle licensing debt

“The SIU's investigation focused on any conduct by officials or agents of the department or any other person which relates to the registration of motor vehicle ownership and licensing details and non-payments of motor vehicle licensing fees, arrears and penalties.

“The SIU analysed the information obtained from the Department of Transport and Road Traffic Management Centre, as well as the eNatis data. After sifting through the eNatis data, the SIU established that the Department is owed the sum of R6 914 304.52 in respect of the trucks and smaller vehicles owned by Optimum,” the SIU said in a statement.

The corruption-busting unit said the recovery of the funds from Optimum “does not exempt other legal processes from being actioned”.

“The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:43

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SA to commemorate Human Rights Day

Location: News

SA to commemorate Human Rights Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver a keynote address at the national commemoration of Human Rights Day to be held in Sharpeville, Sedibeng District Municipality, in the Gauteng province. 

The President will commence the day with a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for 10:00 at the Sharpeville Memorial Site, after which he will deliver a keynote speech at the George Thabe Cricket Grounds in Sharpeville.

“Ahead of addressing the national event, the President, joined by bereaved families of fallen victims, will commence with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sharpeville memorial in honour of the fallen Sharpeville Massacre victims,” the Presidency said in a statement. 
 
The national event coincides with the 30th anniversary of freedom and democracy, and will be held under the theme, 'Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights'.

The month of March will be used to reflect on the country's achievements to promote respect for basic human rights and restore human dignity in line with the Bill of Rights.

Human Rights Month is commemorated to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.

It also commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where peaceful protestors marching against discriminatory pass laws were fatally shot by the apartheid police and others were wounded.

“The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises the government’s commitment to honour the sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our liberation in Sharpeville and other communities throughout South Africa,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:38

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Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals

Location: News

Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals

President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is central to the achievement of the country’s development goals.

“Infrastructure is an enormous economic multiplier, providing dividends for an economy long after the infrastructure has been built,” President Ramaphosa said.

Addressing the 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa said the symposium is an important part of government’s effort to close the infrastructure spending gap in the country.

“It is estimated that to achieve our infrastructure goals, we need an additional R1.6 trillion in public sector infrastructure investment and a further R3.2 trillion from the private sector by 2030,” President Ramaphosa said.

A number of bold initiatives are being implemented to deliver infrastructure at the required scale and pace.

“We are working on reforms to develop sustainable infrastructure, lift business confidence and encourage investment.

“These reforms include the amendment of the Division of Revenue Act to enable provincial governments to use their infrastructure grants and budget allocations to crowd-in private sector finance for large social infrastructure programmes,” President Ramaphosa said.

READ | National Assembly approves Division of Revenue Amendment Bill

The President said amendments to the public-private partnership regulations, which have recently been published for public comment, are part of broader reforms to mobilise and pool public and private sector resources for infrastructure.    

“The operationalisation of the Infrastructure Fund has seen a steady growth in the portfolio of blended finance projects that use relatively small fiscal allocations to de-risk public infrastructure projects and raise finance in debt capital markets.

“Through the work that has been done in transforming the infrastructure landscape, the total value of the country’s Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from R340 billion in July 2020 to R540 billion now.

“Eighteen projects, valued at around R10 billion, have been completed, covering human settlements, roads, water and sanitation,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the President, the value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion.

“Projects worth nearly R170 billion are currently in procurement. In this calendar year, 11 such projects, with a total investment value of R45 billion, are expected to reach financial close.

“To date, Infrastructure South Africa has unblocked a total of R25 billion worth of projects in the renewable energy space using the Infrastructure Development Act to fast-track government authorisations,” the President said.

Hosted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the symposium, in its third iteration, is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, among them, innovative funding models for infrastructure development.

Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected to anchor various panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.

SIDSSA 2024  will showcase the following outcomes :

-               Launch of the construction book: a repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.

-               Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with 22 participating Ministers from the African continent.

-               Top 12 Infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.

-               Signing of MOU’s with important partners and stakeholders.

The Symposium will also provide the following updates:

-               Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.

-               Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.

-               Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:05

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Mashatile to attend Iftar dinner at Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand 

Location: News

Mashatile to attend Iftar dinner at Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday be the guest of honour at the Iftar dinner marking the breaking of the fast of Ramadan for the Muslim community at the Nizamiye Mosque and Complex in Midrand, Johannesburg. 

“Deputy President Mashatile will join the Muslim community and guests in prayer, reflection, gratitude and generosity as they together break the fast of Ramadan and observe key Islamic principles of community, faith and sharing in the form of the Iftar dinner,” a statement from the Presidency said.

The breaking of the fast during Ramadan is an important occasion for Muslims around the world. 

“It marks the end of a day of fasting and devotion during Ramadan, a month known for fostering compassion and strengthening bonds of community,” the Presidency explained. 

The ottoman-style complex is situated in Midrand in the north of Johannesburg and was officially opened in 2012. 

The mosque serves the Muslim communities in South Africa and neighbouring countries, providing quality education in Islamic and modern sciences. 

It also consists of a complete primary and high school, a bazaar and a madrasah.

President Cyril Ramaphosa tasks the Deputy President to facilitate dialogue and foster social compacts with key sectors of South African society, including faith-based institutions and communities, to promote social cohesion and support nation-building initiatives nationwide. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:54

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Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality

Location: News

Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality

Residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas stand to benefit from a multimillion rand upgrade of the Main Road P2-53, which will not only improve local infrastructure, but create employment and contribute to economic growth in the area.

The Main Road P2-53 53 in uPhongolo Local Municipality serves as a crucial feeder road to the National Road, N2-32.

Its resurfacing, at a cost of over R329 million, is aimed at enhancing accessibility, benefiting numerous residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas.

The development of the road will also improve road safety in the area, and also help to boost the local economy by making it easier for people to travel to and from the area.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the development of the road not only promises better accessibility, but also aims to bolster road safety within the region. 

Dube-Ncube said the upgraded road is also expected to catalyse the local economy by facilitating smoother travel for residents and visitors alike. 

“Moreover, the upgraded road provides vital access to numerous communities, social facilities, and businesses, including educational institutions like Petergate Primary, Empakama Public, KwaMagwaza Combined Primary, and others. 

“It also serves as a gateway to essential amenities such as healthcare facilities, police stations, places of worship, and recreational areas like the Mkhuze Game Reserve,” Dube-Ncube said.

To ensure the inclusivity of the project, the Premier said a combination of established contractors and emerging contractors was enlisted through the Contractor Participation Goal (CPG). 

“Contracts were strategically grouped to maximise employment opportunities, aligning with the objectives of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and contract participation goals, thus fostering job creation within the area,” the Premier said.

The section of the road undergoing upgrades falls under the governance of Mgazini Traditional Council, under the leadership of Inkosi Ntshangase, and Osuthu Traditional Council, under the auspices of His Majesty King Misizulu kaZwelithini, covering Ward One and Ward 18. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:55

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297 suspects arrested in N Cape

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297 suspects arrested in N Cape

The South African Police Service's Operation Shanela has netted 297 suspects in the Northern Cape.

The suspects, who were arrested last week, were nabbed for a variety of crimes including trio crimes (robbery at non-residential premises, mainly small businesses; robbery at residential premises and carjacking), contact crimes, drug and alcohol related offences and property related crimes.

Of the 297 suspects, 136 are wanted persons arrested by detectives during tracing operations.

The suspects were arrested for the commission of serious crimes, including aggravated robbery, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and robbery.

Roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 4 432 persons and 2 366 vehicles were stopped and searched.

Compliance inspections were conducted at second hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, formal and informal businesses and liquor outlets, resulting in the closure of five unlicensed outlets and the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor and gambling machines.

High visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.

The actions resulted in the confiscation of a considerable amount of liquor, drugs and dangerous weapons.

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all the commanders and members who contributed to the successes achieved, as well as the communities for their cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:28

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South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal

Location: News

South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina.

The agreement is the product of the bilateral agreement of cooperation on water resources management, and the establishment and functioning of the Joint Water Commission established by the two countries in 2015. 

The transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area. 

The capacity of the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant is 35 million cubic metres/annum (96 Ml/day) and is currently not fully utilised in Zimbabwe, with only 10% of the capacity used for Beitbridge. 

Mchunu has welcomed the signing of the agreement and assured the community of Musina that the transfer of water from Beitbridge will alleviate water supply challenges in the area, as the quantities to be supplied are more than the current demand. 

According to the agreement, the two countries will kick-start an implementation plan and oversee the construction of a pipeline and of pump stations to transfer 15 million cubic metres (41 ML/day) of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina. 

The two implementing agents to oversee the construction projects include the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The project is expected to be completed in 2026. 

The treated water to be transferred is expected to comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS), which is informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Mchunu said in the interim, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality, which is the Water Services Authority for Musina Local Municipality, in addressing challenges with the existing water infrastructure, including rehabilitating the existing but non-functional boreholes, while the project is being implemented.

“We are looking at operationalising the non-functioning boreholes in Musina and we believe that with the transfer of water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works, the challenges of water supply in Musina will be a thing of the past. 

“...We are thankful to the government of Zimbabwe to be able to expedite this water sharing deal, which will change the lives of the people of Musina,” Mchunu said.

Masuka also welcomed the contribution of the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that economic development is sustainable in Musina.

“I am very pleased that this day has come to fruition. It has taken years of negotiation and I thank the technical team for having put their very best for their countries to ensure that we come to this level today,” Masuka said.

The Minister reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to supplying the maximum 15 million cubic metres of treated water per year to Musina town for the duration of the agreement. He is hopeful that the contribution will alleviate the water challenges in Musina, and also contribute to the economic development of the region.

As part of the two-day programme, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, held a meeting with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership on Friday to discuss immediate, medium- and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges affecting the region. 

The leaders later held an imbizo, where they gave an update to the community of Musina on the plans underway to provide them with water, as well as interim measures to alleviate intermittent water provision. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:47

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Human Rights for only some, are Human Rights for none – President 

Location: News

Human Rights for only some, are Human Rights for none – President 

Ahead of Human Rights Day later this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reminded the country that “we cannot truly be free until all people are free”. 

Speaking to the nation through his weekly newsletter, the President said all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them. 

“As we continue to work towards realising the basic human rights of all South Africans, we are reminded that these rights are universal. That all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them. We are reminded that we cannot truly be free until all people are free,” he said.

President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of being aware of the worsening human rights situation globally. 

“When we consider the deteriorating state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in many parts of the world today, we are mindful that we have a moral responsibility to strive for the achievement of human rights not just for our own people, but for all people across the world. 

“As we commemorate the tragic events that took place in Sharpeville in 1960, and recommit ourselves to the cause of human freedom, we stand firm in our position that human rights for only some are human rights for none. Let us all continue to advance and protect the human rights of all who live in South Africa,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa further reflected that over the past three decades, the country has worked together to undo the terrible legacy of apartheid. 

However, he said, the effects of apartheid persist across society – whether it is in health, educational and developmental outcomes, access to basic services and infrastructure, or in the racialised nature of poverty, unemployment, inequality and exclusion. 
 
“Human Rights Month is an opportunity to assess the progress we have made over the past three decades to advance the Bill of Rights set out in our Constitution, as well as to reflect honestly on where we have fallen short,” he said. 
 
He added that the results of Census 2022 released last year highlight the progress made as a country in giving effect to the rights contained in the Constitution. 
 
The pro-poor policies of the democratic state have lifted millions out of absolute poverty, expanded access to basic services, improved educational and health outcomes for the country’s majority, and broadened participation in economic activity.
 
“As we head into our country’s 7th democratic election this year, we are further reminded of the fundamental freedoms South Africans enjoy today. These include freedom of conscience and opinion, the right to assembly and demonstration, freedom of association, and wide-ranging political rights.

 “We also have a free, independent media that plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability.

“We have to stand together united as we work for the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. We should not be in denial about our shortcomings and strive to overcome them with urgency. For millions of South Africans, lack of access to basic services, unemployment and lack of opportunity affect the most fundamental of human rights – the right to dignity,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:52

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SANRAL invests R2 billion in Eastern Cape road maintenance

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SANRAL invests R2 billion in Eastern Cape road maintenance

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is expected to inject close to R2 billion into the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape when it implements its road maintenance projects over the next three years.

The roads agency said it will implement two road infrastructure development projects in the municipality, which include the road improvements of the R61 National Road between All Saints to Bayiza, as well as road improvements of the R61 National Road between Qumanco and eNgcobo.

The scope of work on these projects will entail the upgrading of roads, bridges and culverts and improving road safety in the area.

SANRAL has set aside a minimum of 30% of the project value to be subcontracted to SMMEs and a minimum of 8% of the project value will be set aside for local labour.

The construction tender closed on 8 March this year, and the projects are envisaged to take place over three years once a contractor is appointed.

SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator Welekazi Ndika said project liaison committees (PLCs) would be established to ensure better communication and transparency on SANRAL projects, as well as ensuring that work done on projects is seamless.

“PLCs will assist in creating a platform for project liaison, works execution, subcontracting and facilitating employment opportunities for local community members. These include young people, women, people with disabilities and military veterans. Local subcontractors and communities must benefit from our projects, and we value transparency with communities on these contracts,” Ndika said.

While highlighting the country’s high unemployment rate among the youth, Ndika implored the youth to participate in PLC structures.

SANRAL Southern Region’s Transformation Unit Zenande Mpondo said the roads agency will train and develop Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) contractors to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.

“All small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) will be required to undertake assessment and class activities during the training, and they will have to demonstrate competence to be awarded the unit standard. The unit standards are from the National Certificate: Construction Contracting NQF 2. These unit standards are a skills programme that will have a credit value towards the National Certificate,” Mpondo said.

She mentioned that it is SANRAL’s commitment to ensure that SMMEs are assisted with information on tenders, as well as on development opportunities, ensuring that they can participate in SANRAL projects.

“Through our Supplier Development Desk at SANRAL, we are available to manage incoming queries from our Transformation Portal, telephonic queries, emails, as well as walk-ins. The desk also advises on upcoming training, workshops and transformation sessions that we host. We also offer guidelines for SMMEs on how to tender on the portal. This is just one of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we improve interaction with SMMEs,” Mpondo said.

SANRAL currently manages a road network of 5 334km in the Eastern Cape. The roads agency has recently taken over several roads in the province, and this will increase its road network to 5 600km in the Eastern Cape.

SANRAL invested over R28 billion in the Eastern Cape between 2014 and 2022, significantly boosting economic development and job creation.

In line with its strategic intent to ensure sustainability of the construction industry, SANRAL intends to spend just over R55 billion between April this year and March 2027. - SAnews.gov.za

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Mon, 03/18/2024 - 14:04

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More work needed for full Human Rights enjoyment

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More work needed for full Human Rights enjoyment

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that although government has made significant strides in advancing the constitutional and rights-based system, there remains a considerable amount of work ahead to ensure all citizens can fully exercise their basic human rights.

The country continues to be plagued by poor service delivery, especially in municipalities, said the President, adding that corruption deprives citizens of the fulfilment of their rights.

“Whilst we are rightfully proud of how far our constitutional, rights-based order has come, we know that much still has to be done to fulfil the promise of the full enjoyment of the basic human rights of all our people.

“The creation of employment for our people and promoting the rights that are enshrined in our Constitution are necessary to improve lives and lift millions out of poverty and despair. 

“We are duty-bound, not just as government but as all who have a stake in the future progress and prosperity of this great country, to work harder, sparing neither strength nor courage to fulfil the basic human rights of our people. The South Africa of today is a vastly different place to what it was thirty years ago,” the President said. 

He was addressing the National Conference on 30 years of Human Rights in South Africa at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Monday.

The conference is being hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.

The three-day conference will see government officials and key stakeholders reflect on the work that has been done since South Africa’s democratic dispensation.

The President reflected that since 1994 government has prioritised the advancement and fulfilment of the Bill of Rights as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic order. 

He emphasised that human rights are the basic rights that all human beings should have. 

“Human rights embody the key values of our society such as equality, dignity and fairness, and define our nationhood. Human rights should manifest themselves through protection for vulnerable groups, freedom of speech and expression, religious freedom, freedom to love and other rights that promote the well-being of people.”

President Ramaphosa further acknowledged that there have been challenges and shortcomings over the past 30 years, and “we have a long way to go towards completely fulfilling the promise of the Constitution”.

That said, he added, the nation should not shy away from the immense progress that has been made.

The President outlined the pieces of legislation that have been passed that give effect to the Constitution. 

“The Bill of Rights enjoins the democratic state to enact various pieces of legislation to promote human rights between and among people. Amongst those we have put in place are the Promotion of Access to information Act, which gives effect to Section 32 of the Constitution; the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act which gives effect to section 33; and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, which gives effect to section 9. 

“To give effect to section 9 (2) of the Constitution, relating to measures of redress for the previously disadvantaged, we passed the Employment Equity Act, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act and others,” he said. 

He further highlighted that the constitutional order is premised not only on building a non-racial society, but also a non-sexist society. 

Over the past 30 years there have been significant changes in the position of women across society. Today, there are more women serving as leaders in both the public and private sectors.

“We have passed a broad range of laws to protect women from all forms of abuse and to advance their rights. These include laws around domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and workplace discrimination,” he said.

Strengthening constitutional democracy

To promote accountability, responsiveness and openness, the President said government has established various institutions to strengthen constitutional democracy. These include the South African Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Public Protector, the Commission for Gender Equality and others. 

President Ramaphosa said he was proud of these institutions supporting democracy and their establishment ushered in a new era of accountability and respect for dignity. 

“Before the advent of democracy, our country was a pariah state that was infamous for violating the basic rights of the majority of its citizens. We lived in a country where racial discrimination was at the core of government policy. 

“Today our country is revered as a country that upholds, protects and advances the basic human rights of the people who live in South Africa. Following our country’s admission as a fully-fledged member of the community of nations, the democratic state has signed, ratified and acceded to various international human rights law treaties,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Mon, 03/18/2024 - 14:33

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Municipalities’ expenditure on infrastructure grants low

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Municipalities’ expenditure on infrastructure grants low

National Treasury has expressed concern at the low expenditure on infrastructure grants by municipalities during the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.

“The performance of the infrastructure grants to municipalities during the second quarter was not satisfactory. Low expenditure on infrastructure grants is a source of concern because this slow performance may eventually lead to unspent conditional grants that have to revert to the National Revenue Fund (NRF),” National Treasury said on Monday.

National Treasury said the surrendering of unspent conditional grants to the NRF has negative consequences to the communities that must receive the services linked to the infrastructure to be built.

“The Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) is the highest performing direct infrastructure grant to municipalities during the second quarter, with a performance of 49.3%, which is higher than the 37.6 % reported for the same period in the previous financial year.

“The Integrated Urban Development Grant Water (IUDG) is the second highest performing grant with a performance of 46.7%. The MIG grant has been the highest performing grant for the third consecutive time as at the end of the second quarter year-on-year,” National Treasury said.

National Treasury has released the local government revenue and expenditure report for the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year (1 July 2023 -31 December 2023).

This report covers the performance against the adopted budgets of local government for the second quarter of the municipal financial year ending on 31 December 2023 and includes spending against conditional grant allocations for the same period.

As of 31 December 2023, R27.8 billion, or 63.5%, of the R43.7 billion allocated to municipalities in direct conditional grants for 2023/24 has been transferred to municipalities.

“The Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG) had the lowest spending grant during the second quarter, with a 12.7% expenditure, equivalent to R40.1 million expenditure against the R320 million allocation.

“The Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) is the second lowest performing grant with expenditure performance of 25%. It should be noted that the PTNG is an infrastructure grant allocated to metropolitan municipalities only and it is an observation that metropolitan municipalities are increasingly struggling to implement this programme,” National Treasury said.

Aggregate trends

Aggregate municipal consumer debts amounted to R338.2 billion (compared to R306.7 billion reported in the first quarter of 2023/24) as at 31 December 2023.

“A total amount of R6.4 billion or 1.9% has been written off as bad debt. The largest component of this debt relates to households and represents 72.7% or R245.8 billion (71.9% or R220.4 billion in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year). Debt owed to municipalities in the category of below 90 days, amounts to R43.1 billion,” National Treasury said.

The creditors’ age analysis shows that R104.3 billion is owed by municipalities as at 31 December 2023, an increase of R2.9 billion compared to the R101.4 billion reported in the first quarter of 2023/24.

“The analysis of the collection rates indicates that while municipalities’ year-to-date have budgeted for a 75.6% collection rate, aggregated actual collection performance against billed is only 58.4%. The underperformance of actual collections against billed revenue holds a significant risk for the liquidity position of most municipalities as the planned expenditure is based on a higher performance level,” National Treasury said.

As of 31 December 2023, aggregate municipal spending (for both operating and capital budgets) was 46.3% or R283.5 billion of the total adopted expenditure budget of R612 billion.

“Aggregated billing and other revenue was 50.3% or R310.9 billion of the total adopted revenue budget of R618.5 billion. Capital expenditure was R25.6 billion or 31.1% of the adopted capital budget of R82.5 billion.

“The adopted operating expenditure budget was R536 billion, of which R285.3 billion (53.2%) was spent by 31 December 2023. Municipalities adopted a budget of R154.5 billion for salaries and wages (including remuneration of councillors’ remuneration), representing a R7.9 billion or a 5.4% increase from the adopted budget of R146.6 billion for the 2022/23 municipal financial year,” National Treasury said.

As of 31 December 2023, R72.8 billion or 47.2% of the adopted salary budget, had been spent.

National Treasury said this information is published in terms of Sections 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003) (MFMA), and 30(3) of the Division of Revenue Act, 2023 (Act No. 5 of 2023) (DoRA).

The budgeted figures shown are based on the 2023/24 adopted budgets approved by municipal councils. This second quarter publication covers 257 municipalities on financial information and conditional grant information.

“The Section 71 report facilitates transparency in reporting, better in-year management and the oversight of the financial performance of municipalities against their adopted budgets. This report is, therefore, a management tool that serves as an early warning mechanism for councils, provincial legislatures, and municipal management to monitor and improve municipal performance timeously.

“Improving the credibility of the data strings is a priority for national and provincial treasuries and the submitted data strings are analysed monthly and errors are communicated to municipalities for correction,” National Treasury said.

Further details on this report can be accessed on the National Treasury’s website: www.treasury.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

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Six-month planned maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel

Location: News

Six-month planned maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel

Water users of the Vaal River System have been reminded about the upcoming six-month closure of the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel for planned maintenance work.

The planned maintenance work on the transfer and delivery tunnels of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is scheduled to start from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The tunnel system consists of a Transfer Tunnel, linking Katse Dam with Muela Power Station and Muela Dam, and a Delivery Tunnel, linking Muela Dam with the Ash River Outfall Works between Clarens and Bethlehem.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the inspections and maintenance of the tunnels are conducted at intervals not shorter than five years and not exceeding 10 years. 

“The last maintenance was conducted in 2019. During the shutdown of 2019 it was found that the steel liners in the tunnel urgently need extensive maintenance on both the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho side,” the department said. 

It noted that this process cannot be done in a shorter period than six months. 

The planned maintenance work is being overseen by the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, a joint governance body between South Africa and Lesotho and will be jointly undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA). 

The work required to be undertaken during the period includes grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, as well as other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown. 

The work to be undertaken requires lot of time as it is expected to protect the infrastructure for another 20-30 years. 

“This much-needed maintenance is critical to maintain the integrity of the delivery tunnels as a tunnel failure will risk the transfer of the 780 million m3/annum to the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), from which Rand Water draws water to supply its customers. The six months period required to conduct maintenance is thus crucial to avoid any catastrophic event which may result from lack of maintenance,” the department explained.

As a result of the tunnel shutdown, the department said 700 million m3 per annum will be transferred in 2024, and only a shortfall of 80 million m3 from the annual transfer volume will be impacted.

“After the shutdown period, the water transfers will be increased to enable the shortfall in transfers to be recovered. It must be noted that for the IVRS, transferring the full volume (780 million m3) on an annual basis from Lesotho (regardless of the status of the IVRS) does not yield the most efficient use of the system yield,” the department said. 

An analysis was undertaken in May 2023 to assess the risk to the IVRS’ performance because of the outage and to determine the impact of the shutdown on water availability to users in South Africa. 

The results showed that the impact of the outage on the overall IVRS will be insignificant considering that dams in the IVRS such as the Sterkfontein Dam and others are relatively full. 

The standard operating rule is that Sterkfontein Dam releases water to the Vaal Dam when the Vaal Dam reaches a minimum operating level of 18%. 

The department’s analysis indicates that this is unlikely to occur at any probability level in the 2023-2024 operating year (1 May – 31 April). 

The department said further analysis will be undertaken in May 2024 to ensure that there are also no likely risks to water supply from the IVRS in the 2024-2025 operating year. 

However, the department warned that the shutdown will have implications of water supply to users along the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries during that period, as the river directly receives outflows from the tunnel. 

“The towns of Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling as well as licensed irrigators will be affected. The reason for these users being affected is that there will be a significantly reduced amount of water in the Liebenbergsvlei River and its tributaries, from which these users draw their water. 

“In order to secure water during the shutdown for these local users, the Saulspoort Dam will be filled up at the commencement of the shutdown period. DWS analysis indicates that a full Saulspoort Dam will be able to provide water for local requirements including those of Bethlehem, Reitz, and Tweeling for a period of up to nine months which is more than the six months tunnel outage,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Ministers commit to support transboundary cooperation in shared water basin

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Ministers commit to support transboundary cooperation in shared water basin

Ministers responsible for Water Affairs from the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have recommitted their support to deepening transboundary cooperation in the Limpopo River Basin.

During the biannual meeting by the four Member States held recently in Musina, Limpopo, the Ministers, who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM), signed an endorsement agreement to make amendments to the existing transboundary agreement of LIMCOM on the shared water basin.

READ | SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina

The Department of Water and Sanitation has been a member of LIMCOM since the Commission was established between the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe through the LIMCOM Agreement signed in November 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Article 3.1 of the LIMCOM Agreement (Agreement 2003), stipulates that the objective of the Commission is to “advise the Contracting Parties and provide recommendations on the uses of the Limpopo River, its tributaries and its waters for purposes and measures of protection, preservation and management of the Limpopo River”.

With respect to the Commission’s institutional arrangements to deliver its mandate, the 2003 Agreement, under Article 4, stipulates that the principal organ of the Commission is the Council composed of not more than three delegates per country, with the mandate to establish the Secretariat and any other organ as may be necessary.

However, the Commission recognised that Article 4 of the LIMCOM Agreement signed in 2003 did not include the Council of Ministers as the principal organ of decision making. 

As a result, the formalisation of the Council of Ministers as the main policy body will improve the governance structure of LIMCOM and its Secretariat, and also foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and coordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourses. This is in line with the 2000 Revised Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Shared Watercourses. 

South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, said it was necessary to include the Ministers so that they execute the mandate regarding the management of the Limpopo River Basin. 

Mchunu said the amendment of the agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities. 

“We are looking forward to execute the mandates given to us by the people through LIMCOM and we hope that Southern Africa will look at their rivers as assets which are instrumental in developing socio-economic activities including agriculture, tourism, energy generation as well as for domestic use,” Mchunu said.

Located in Southern Africa, the Limpopo River Basin encompassing portions of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The basin faces a number of challenges, especially water scarcity.

In South Africa, there are four Water Management Areas (WMA) found in the Limpopo River Basin, and these include Limpopo WMA, Luvuvhu and Letaba WMA, Olifants WMA and Crocodile (West) and Marico WMA. 

However, there is an increasing demand for water to meet the needs of the population and the key economic sectors while faced with limited, if not dwindling, water resources. 

The four Ministers also launched the “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa, in partnership with the Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa (GWPSA).

The project aims to achieve integrated, cross sectoral, ecosystem-based management of the Limpopo River and to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystems services.

The project implementation is guided by the LIMCOM Agreement and the principles which are contained in the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses of 2000.

The principles include sustainable utilisation; equitable and reasonable utilisation; protection, preservation, and conservation of the environment; and prevention and mitigation of significant harm.

“These principles shall be interpreted according to the provisions of Article 3 of the SADC Protocol and developed in accordance with the best international practices. 

“Furthermore, in the implementation of this project, the Governments of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe commit themselves to uphold the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government activities for the week 18 to 22 March 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 18 to 22 March 2024

From Monday, 18 March, to Tuesday, 19 March, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.

On Monday, 18 March, Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will be addressing the European Union funding and policy dialogue at Origins Centre (Wits University west campus) in Johannesburg.

From Monday, 18 March, to Wednesday, 20 March, is the national Conference on Human Rights in South Africa in Gauteng.

On Tuesday, 19 March, the National Library of South Africa commemorates Library Week at Pretoria Campus.

Wednesday, 20 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Second Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

On Thursday, 21 March, the Human Rights Day celebration at the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville, Gauteng. It will also be World Poetry Day.

Friday, 22 March, is World Water Day.

 

 

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NERSA approves Eskom’s NTCSA powers transfer application

Location: News

NERSA approves Eskom's NTCSA powers transfer application

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Eskom’s application for a transfer of its powers and duties related to section 34 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).

The NTCSA is the transmission arm of Eskom and the move represents a step forward in the power utility’s unbundling process.

“Eskom’s application to NERSA on 21 December 2023 for consent to transfer its powers and duties under section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act to the NTCSA was a pivotal step in its unbundling process, as outlined in the 'Roadmap for Eskom in a reformed electricity supply industry' published by the Department of Public Enterprises in 2019.

“The transition of the Buyer role for section 34 IPPs from Eskom to the NTCSA is a critical component of this process,” NERSA said in a statement.

The NTCSA has also been designated as a buyer in the electricity space.

“In addition to this landmark decision, the Energy Regulator further sanctioned the issuance of a cost recovery letter to the NTCSA for section 34 IPP projects, and the amendment of the IPP’s generation licences to designate the NTCSA as the buyer in terms of section 16(1)(d) of the Electricity Regulation Act, replacing Eskom Holdings in this role. The NTCSA’s trading licence will be amended accordingly,” NERSA said.

Meanwhile, NERSA has announced that it has made a “significant decision regarding the processing of high-profile decisions by its subcommittees particularly the Electricity Subcommittee and the Petroleum Pipelines Subcommittee”.

“The Energy Regulator resolved that all subcommittees will no longer withhold the exact number or decision, for example, the total percentage of allowed tariff/revenue being recommended to the Energy Regulator for approval in high-profile matters.

“This decision of the Energy Regulator is in keeping with section 8(9) of the National Energy Regulator Act, which mandates that all Energy Regulator meetings must be open to the public, with the exception being when discussing information that would require the Energy Regulator to refuse access under the Promotion of Access to Information Act,” the regulator said.

NERSA explained that before this decision, certain information would be withheld from the public until a final decision had been reached and communicated with affected parties.

“This decision is a step towards greater transparency and accountability in Energy Regulator proceedings, particularly in cases involving applications from entities such as Eskom and Transnet.

“Moving forward, unless a resolution is passed to withhold information due to legal constraints, all subcommittees will fully disclose the intended recommendations to the Energy Regulator,” NERSA said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Stage 2 load shedding implemented ‘until further notice’

Location: News

Stage 2 load shedding implemented 'until further notice'

Eskom has implemented Stage 2 load shedding with effect from 5am today.

By Sunday afternoon, unplanned outages at power stations accounted for the unavailability of some 14 641MW of generating capacity with a further 7 850MW offline due to planned maintenance.

“Due to the loss of two generating units over the past 24 hours and the increase of planned maintenance as part of Eskom’s plan to improve its generation fleet reliability, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 5am on Monday until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and provide an update should any significant changes occur.

“Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams are working diligently to ensure that additional generating capacity is recovered by bringing units on unplanned outages and planned maintenance back to service as soon as possible.

“A total of 3 830MW of generating capacity is anticipated to return to service by Wednesday,” the power utility said.

Eskom urged all consumers to use electricity sparingly, particularly during peak times.

“We would like to thank those who heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to pm or during load limiting. This lowers demand and helps alleviate the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of load shedding,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium

Location: News

Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 between 17 and 19 March 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.

SIDSSA is a pioneering event aimed at bringing together key stakeholders, experts and decision-makers in the field of infrastructure development. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the symposium on Tuesday, 19 March, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver an address at the stakeholder dinner on Monday.  

Various Ministers and Deputy Ministers will anchor panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium. 

“The symposium serves as a platform to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as pivot investment opportunities in infrastructure in South Africa. Additionally, the symposium is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, innovative funding models for infrastructure, and investing in infrastructure for a shared prosperity for all,’’ the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said.

This year, the symposium will feature the following milestones:
 
•    Launch of the construction book: A repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.
•    Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with other Ministers invited from the continent.
•    Top 12 infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.
•    Signing of MOUs with important partners and stakeholders.

The symposium will also provide the following updates:
•    Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
•    Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.
•    Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.

- SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile reiterates commitment to accelerated service delivery in N West

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Mashatile reiterates commitment to accelerated service delivery in N West

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue to provide basic services to its people and ensure that all South Africans have equal rights, as outlined in the Freedom Charter. 

Mashatile said government recognises that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience; it is also about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services.

“Improving the delivery of basic services in South Africa is more than just a question of duty; it is also about social fairness, equality, and dignity. By ensuring that everyone has access to essential services, we can empower people, strengthen communities, and create a more successful and inclusive country,” he said.
 
The second-in-command was leading the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery programme in Rusternburg, North West, on Friday.

Thuntsha Lerole is an initiative led by the North West provincial government aimed at confronting the critical issue of service delivery in communities through strengthened partnerships with government, the private sector as well as civil society organisations.
  
The programme is in accordance with the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to tackle service delivery issues by facilitating collaboration and coordination among all levels of government, from local municipalities to the national government.

It is currently in its third phase, which aims to launch and hand over service delivery projects in identified communities, running from March to May 2024.

READ | District Development Model: A game changer

The Deputy President said they support the 'Early Warning System' in the form of an electronic dashboard that will monitor municipal performance and reporting in a more coordinated manner. 

The Thuntsha-Lerole mobile app, which has now gone live, will provide an interactive communication platform to connect government with citizens, allowing them to report service delivery challenges in real time in their localities.

Through this app, communities will have the ability to promptly escalate service delivery issues to the appropriate department and municipal officials. 

“This will enable speedy responses to challenges such as water disruptions, sewer spillages, electricity outages, and more. Given the high cost of data in our country and the prevalence of poverty in our society, we anticipate that the application will soon become accessible without requiring data, hence enhancing access for individuals, especially those residing in rural areas and townships,” the Deputy President said.

READ | Mashatile calls for accelerated service delivery in communities across SA
 
Mashatile visited several sites in Tlhabane, including a newly-built school and the Tlhabane Community Health Centre, unveiling a state-of-the-art X-ray machine.

He handed over the R2.2 million modern technology X-Ray machine, which was donated to the Health Centre by Glencore Mine. The machine allows doctors and radiographers to view patient scans on display, reducing hospital referrals and wait times. It also stores X-ray records for up to five years, enhancing patient care. 

“Let me express our deepest gratitude, as government, to Glencore Mine for this donation, which will go a long way towards improving the health of our people. It is through working together as social partners that we will attain our country’s developmental aspirations and a better life for all,” Mashatile said. 

The Deputy President said these initiatives are just part of providing solutions to the service delivery challenges faced by the North West community. 

“We are aware that a lot still needs to be done to meet the needs of our people. Greater and more focused endeavours are required, particularly in addressing the reversal of the governance collapse in the province,” he said. 

He highlighted that the 6th administration of government faced difficulties related to the stability and collapse of administration and as a result, the President and Cabinet utilised Section 100 of the Constitution to intervene in the province.

“Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear Acting Premier Nono Maloyi's State of the Province Address, in which it was said that despite these difficulties, your determination remains unshaken and your commitment to serving the people of the North West has been fortified.

“We applaud your ability to successfully implement a sustainable turnaround strategy in all 22 municipalities in the province, using the District Development Model (DDM),” he said.

READ | Mashatile officiates launch of North West service delivery programme. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Spotlight on women empowerment at CSW68

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Spotlight on women empowerment at CSW68

National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Deputy Chairperson Sylvia Lucas has told delegates at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) that advancing gender transformation necessitates parliaments to regularly assess prevailing gender norms in communities. 

This, she stated, will ensure that policy interventions are targeted for each community to improve the efficiency of policies.

Lucas addressed the second session of the gathering on the theme, 'Gender-sensitive Institutions to Break the Poverty Cycle'.

In her address, she said parliaments’ capacity to craft gender responsive law-making and policy interventions is a critical area that needs attention. 

Parliaments should also continue to build women’s capacity to advocate for gender-responsive oversight and law-making processes across important sectors like development and transformation.

The Deputy Chairperson is accompanying National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to the CSW68, which is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and United Nations (UN) Women. It is taking place in New York until 22 March.

Lucas said parliaments have a critical role to play in reducing poverty through gender transformation by enacting laws that are gender-responsive and which are framed with dexterity to disrupt gender-regressive norms and behaviors across society at large.

“In working towards achieving gender transformation, we must continue to be guided by existing international and national protocols and legal frameworks, including prescribed norms of gender transformation, which can be used to strategically shape policy-making and promote gender equality,” she said.

Lucas told the session that South Africa has recently adopted the 2021 Women’s Charter for Accelerated Development. This charter is based on international best practice and mandated by South African women. It outlines critical areas for parliamentary intervention in policy, legislation and programming. The charter’s goal is to meaningfully advance gender transformation and reduce poverty.

“To this end, critical policy areas highlighted through our Women’s Charter Review process include the recommendation for the amendment of budget policies, money bills, fiscal policies and tax laws, including macroeconomic policies, which we view as critical areas for sustained and high-level analysis and amendment. 

“If amended to make them more gender-responsive in their shape, form and content, these policies and legislative instruments will serve as enabling instruments to achieve poverty reduction and gender transformation objectives,” Lucas said.

Lucas said some of the capacities and resources parliaments should continue to invest in include gender-responsive budget analysis capabilities and law-making, gender-responsive oversight and oversight agenda-setting, and increasing capacity to use gender-disaggregated data to shape budget decisions and commitments. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Parliament calls for intensified training on domestic violence among officers

Location: News

Parliament calls for intensified training on domestic violence among officers

The Portfolio Committee on Police has directed South African Police Service (SAPS) senior managers to increase and enhance training for SAPS members to ensure compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA).

This comes after the committee received a report on compliance with the Act and complaints against SAPS members, as contemplated in Section 18(4)(a) of the Act.

The committee said non-compliance with the Act undermines the fight against gender-based violence, and that increased training will equip police officers with the tools necessary to ensure proper reporting and investigation of domestic violence. 

“It is unacceptable that in a country like South Africa, with abnormally high cases of domestic violence, there are still some members of the SAPS that are not compliant with the Act. While there is a general improvement in the number of complaints received, complete compliance is non-negotiable, according to the committee,” the chairperson of the committee, Nocks Seabi, said. 

SAPS and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service informed the committee that from 1 April to 30 September 2023, 60 complaints were reported. Fifty of those cases involved failure to complete a SAPS 508(a) form (a domestic violence form used to descriptively register the incident of domestic violence received) and the Domestic Violence Register (SAPS 508(b)).

Seven cases involved the failure to record domestic violence incidents in the occurrence pocketbook, and two cases concern failure to assist a complainant to open a case. 

While the committee acknowledged that various actions have been taken, including the issuing of verbal warning and final written warnings, the committee believes continuous training will assist police officers to properly handle cases of domestic violence and comply with legislation.

The committee has also urged departmental investigations to be speedily concluded to ensure that members are held accountable.

The committee was also critical of the high number of police officers accused of perpetrating domestic violence in the period under review. 

“It is alarming that 165 members of SAPS are accused of being perpetrators of domestic violence. How can we expect perpetrators to assist and protect the most vulnerable? This is unacceptable and urgent strategies must be developed and implemented to remedy this concern,” Seabi emphasised. 

The committee has also called for enhanced psycho-social support for members to help them cope with the violent environment in which they operate.

Another concern for the committee is that 116 police stations are still without victim-friendly rooms. While the committee acknowledges that there are measures to mitigate this gap, it emphasised the need for more focus on capital projects to develop such rooms.

Meanwhile, the committee also received a report on the outcomes of Safer Festive Season operations. It said it is "generally pleased" with the police visibility and operations during the festive season.

While the committee acknowledged that budgetary constraints hinder the continued roll-out of similar operations, it requested a budgetary estimation on the costs involved for Parliament to consider. – SAnews.gov.za

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Motsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists 

Location: News

Motsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists 

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has clarified allegations that his department is “chasing away tourists from South Africa” following an internal circular that was issued by the department on 21 December 2023.

Briefing media on Sunday in Pretoria, Motsoaledi explained that the circular was directed to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), as well as managers of ports of entry. The circular was also sent to Provincial Inspectorate and Visa Facilitation Centres. 

Motsoaledi said the circular was meant to guide BMA officials at the ports of entry on what to do when they encounter nationals of other countries falling within particular categories at the borders. This includes individuals who have applied for visa extensions, waivers or appeals and have not yet received their outcomes - negative or positive. 

“I wish to emphasise that this circular was an internal communications document. It was targeted for Home Affairs and BMA officials, who I have mentioned.
 
“Rather than guide anybody, unfortunately this document raised a storm in the media and within establishments that have to do with tourism,” he said. 

The Minister said the Department of Home Affairs was accused of “chasing away tourists from the country”, and in the process weakening, and even risking the collapse the tourism industry. 

“One specific group of tourists mentioned in this regard are called ‘Swallows’. These are people who move between the northern and the southern hemisphere in search of sunny days and they are regarded as very important to the tourism industry. 

“I wish to state categorically that the Department of Home Affairs would gain nothing by destroying the tourism industry, which is regarded as one of the pillars of the economy, not only in South Africa but in many other countries,” he said. 

Motsoaledi further explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism always work in partnership on issues of tourism because both departments are important in this regard, and this particular issue is no exception. 

The Minister said he has contacted Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille to discuss the matter and after this consultation, he tried to clarify the matter in the debate of State of the Nation Address on 14 February 2024. 

“In my input, I did concede that this was a very unfortunate circular, which should not have been issued because the matters it was trying to clarify could have… been addressed in the normal course of operations between BMA and the department.

“I further clarified this matter on the occasion of the responses to oral questions by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) during plenary in Parliamentary on 28 February 2024. 

“Judging by the reactions, it appears that my explanation in Parliament was not enough. We arrived at the conclusion that if indeed the circular had the effect of chasing tourists out of the country, we needed to find a way to resolve that. Hence, we needed to check at the borders if there was a significant spike of people who had visited South Africa as tourists and are leaving. If there was such a spike, we wanted to act in mitigation. 

“In this regard, we reasoned that if tourists are in trouble, their first port of call will be the tourist industry operators and the ministry of tourism. If the industry feels threatened, they will approach the Tourism Ministry. It is with that in mind that we approached Minister De Lille to find out how many people approached her as a consequence of actions emanating from this circular,” he said. 

Motsoaledi said De Lille informed the department that only one case was referred to her department and she immediately contacted the Department of Home Affairs and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the individual concerned. 

He said they also scouted ports of entry, especially the airports, to see if such individuals were encountered. 

“It was at the Cape Town International Airport where five people are said to have encountered problems because they were declared undesirable due to their overstay in the country. We have instructed officials to take steps so that this undesirability status could be lifted without any waste of time,” he said. 

Declaring people ‘undesirable’

Turning to the concept of declaring people undesirable, Motsoaledi said the word ‘undesirable’ is perhaps by itself unfortunate, but it is the term used when the Immigration Act of 2002 was enacted in Parliament. 

He explained that in all the ports of entry in and out of South Africa, they have an electronic movement control system (MCS). When people enter the country, the MCS electronically records the date and time of entry. 

“As you would know, your passports and visas indicate the number of days you have been allocated to be in South Africa. If you exceed your allocated days, even by just one day, the MCS at the borders will pick it up, regard it as an overstay, and automatically declare you undesirable. 

“Fortunately, lawmakers in this country also realised that there could be myriad reasons that may cause a person to exceed their allocated days. Hence in the Act, the legislature empowers the Minister to review and set aside an undesirability status on application by the affected individual if cogent reasons are provided,” he said. 

The Minister explained that when one applies for the extension of their visa before it expires, they are given a receipt, which has a reference number with which they can trace their application. 

“In case your visa expires before the department has responded to your application, that receipt will act as an extension of your visa until such time you get a response, negative or positive. This means that no law enforcement officer, immigration officer or officials at the port of entry may trouble you while you are carrying such a receipt.

“As I said earlier on, when the circular was issued, it was an attempt to guide BMA officials because they were regarded as new at the borders.

“If there is anybody who was declared undesirable whilst they were carrying their receipt, they need to present themselves to the department so that their undesirability status can be removed,” he said.
 
The Minister said given that they have identified only one person from the Department of Tourism and five at the Cape Town International Airport, they are not in a position to conclude that these were the only people who were negatively affected by the circular. 

“So today, we are making a call to the people in the industry or any other institution which is in a position to identity such people, so that we can immediately resolve their issues. Up [till now], the accusations directed at Home Affairs are full of generalities, anecdotes and no specific cases were given to us. 

“We are pleading today, that anybody who wants to [make accusations] must please be specific because accusations without providing specific details won’t help the individuals affected…” Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 13:32

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Read moreMotsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists 

Mineral Resources and Energy committee chair welcomes passing of ERA Bill 

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Mineral Resources and Energy committee chair welcomes passing of ERA Bill 

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, has welcomed the passing of the Electricity Regulations and Amendment (ERA) Bill by the National Assembly (NA).

In a statement, Luzipo said the Bill is a product of the collective wisdom of everyone who participated in the process, including the public hearings held in all nine provinces and those who made written submissions. 

The provincial public hearings were held from 26 September 2023 to 29 January 2024 and the majority of those who participated supported the Bill.

The Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 and once enacted into law, it will enable the transformation of the country’s electricity sector to ensure electricity sustainability, supply and affordability.

READ | National Assembly passes Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill
 
“It proposes an end to the monopoly-driven market and allows competition through key legislative reforms. This move is underscored in the Department of Public Enterprises’ 2019 Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry.
 
“The Bill, however, does not propose the privatisation of Eskom, which the majority of participants in the public hearings said they opposed,” the statement read. 

Furthermore, the Bill proposes the establishment, within five years, of a State-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO) that is legally distinct from Eskom; the expansion and alignment of the powers of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to regulate the competitive market and the empowerment of NERSA to set and approve tariffs and prices, as well as regulate the participation of independent power producers (IPPs), among other things.

In the interim, it authorises a ring-fenced subsidiary of Eskom Holdings, in the form of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, or NTCSA, to fulfil the functions of the TSO.
 
The TSO is an enabler of a competitive market. Therefore, the functions of the TSO are grid ownership and operation, system operation, market operation, and the creation of a Central Purchasing Agency that will take care of the legacy and vesting contracts.

“I am happy that the NA has passed the Bill that is responding to the people’s concerns about the need for setting parameters on the competitive behaviour of IPPs [independent power producers], as this will ensure that the sector delivers sustainable electricity at competitive prices,” Luzipo said. 

According to Luzipo, this is important not only for competition but also because it addresses global commitments around climate change issues with regards to the country’s transition within the context of the Just Energy Transition framework. This is because the participation of multiple players will result in diverse electricity generation technologies, such as renewable energy.

“It is anticipated that, in the long-term, the Bill will drive down the cost of electricity generation, which will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower electricity bills.

“Further, new investment in the industry will bring new technologies and multi-year capital programmes that will enable new local industries and local businesses to empower youth and create new-age skills and digital capabilities because individuals who generate electricity for their use will be allowed to sell surplus to the government,” Luzipo said. 

The ERA Bill criminalises the unlawful destruction and damage of electricity infrastructure, inclusive of transmission, distribution or generation equipment and infrastructure.
 
This provision ensures that cable theft and unlawful electricity damage, amongst other things, are decisively addressed. 
The Bill states that if a person is convicted of these offences, a fine not exceeding R1 million will be imposed.

 
If a person is found guilty of unlawful trading of the electricity infrastructure as listed above, a fine not exceeding R5 million will be charged, or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both such a fine and imprisonment.

Luzipo said that the committee intends for the Bill to not only address the immediate electricity challenges and load shedding but also to enable long-term electricity supply for businesses and the broader society. 

He thanked all political parties that supported the Bill in the NA and for putting the interest of the country and its citizens ahead of their political interests in the forthcoming elections.

Luzipo further thanked members of the committee and the staff for their dedication. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 12:14

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Read moreMineral Resources and Energy committee chair welcomes passing of ERA Bill