SA News

21 December 2023

Municipalities urged to prioritise infrastructure maintenance

Location: News

Municipalities urged to prioritise infrastructure maintenance

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has appealed to local authorities to prioritise the maintenance of water infrastructure in their area of operation to improve uninterrupted water supply to communities.

Mchunu said this during a joint Imbizo held at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, on Wednesday.

The imbizo, which was an initiative of all spheres of government and attended by eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, aimed to find lasting solutions to the water challenges experienced in Umlazi and some parts of eThekwini.

Delivering a keynote address, Mchunu said some water problems experienced in communities could have been easily resolved had local authorities stuck to the basics of operations and maintenance of infrastructure from the onset.

“The problems that we have currently, can be resolved and resolved quite urgently if we go back to the basics. Our infrastructure has a life span and we need to take serious care of it before it is too late.

“We must not allow our infrastructure to reach its life span. We need to act proactively to ensure that our house is in order. We are where we are because people are too relaxed at times and only react when there are problems,” Mchunu said.

The Minister said he was encouraged by the resolve shown by Kaunda to solve issues in a short space of time to the benefit of communities.

He underscored the need for urgency in the provision of water to communities.

“We need to accelerate the pace in which we do things [and] where there are issues, we need to be decisive and a sense of urgency is needed. We can’t relax when people do not have water. Let us talk, decide, and implement with a speed that is required and ensure that we fulfil our mandate of providing people with adequate water supply,” Mchunu said.

Kaunda said eThekwini Municipality is doing the best it can to resolve the current water challenges in the city and appealed to provincial and national government to give them the necessary support in their resolve.

“We are regulated by provincial and national spheres of government in our constitutional mandate as the Water Service Authority and we acknowledge our role and responsibility. We cannot do this alone. We need all the support that we can get, with capacity and resources,” Kaunda said.

Kaunda also dispelled the notion of mistrust of the quality of water in the city, reiterating that water gets tested twice a week by the city and independent scientists to ensure compliance with quality standards.

He further urged residents to work with the city and pay for services rendered to them so that revenue collected can be reinvested.

“Only those who are not working are exempted from paying for government services and they need to come to us and register as indigent, so that they can be on the indigent programme of the city,” Kaunda explained.

Operation and maintenance contract

Meanwhile, uMngeni-uThukela Water has entered into a short-term operation and maintenance contract with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to prioritise waste water maintenance.

As part of this agreement, Kaunda said uMngeni-uThukela Water will operate waste water works owned by eThekwini and two pump stations deemed critical and this represents 90% of the effluent that the city treats.

“uMngeni-uThukela Water has been working on priority projects to urgently improve compliance and has since delivered chemicals necessary for treatment in all the waste water works needing chemicals and is currently spreading the refurbishment of infrastructure.”

eThekwini Metro is supplied from two large water treatment plants - the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 615 Ml/d and Wiggins Water Treatment Plant with a capacity of 315 Ml/d.

Further supply is from Midmar Water Treatment Plant and DV Harris Water Treatment Plant via uMbumbulu pumpstation and Point M.

All these schemes abstract raw water from the Mgeni River System through Midmar, Nagle and Inanda dams. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 13:56

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21 December 2023

Public urged to follow instructions of firefighting authorities in Simon’s Town

Location: News

Public urged to follow instructions of firefighting authorities in Simon’s Town

The public has been urged to follow instructions from firefighters managing the wildfire in Simon’s Town.

“We have a strong and professional team on the ground, and we request that the public do not panic and work with us.

“Our officials will request residents well in advance if they need to evacuate, and all firefighting decisions being made is with the safety of the public as number one priority,” Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said on Wednesday afternoon.

The fire has been burning since Tuesday morning and firefighting efforts are currently focused on the flank moving from Castle Rock towards Simon’s Town.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has availed provincial aerial resources to the Simon’s Town fire. Currently, there are four Huey helicopters and a spotter plane, as well as an Oryx helicopter from the South African Defence Force, deployed.

“Staff from Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services, NCC Environmental Services, the City of Cape Town and South African National Parks (SANParks) have through Tuesday night worked tirelessly to protect people and property until they could be supported with aerial water bombing again since daybreak today,” the MEC said.

While Simon's Town is being addressed, several wildfires in the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) also need attending to.

Firefighters from CWDM Fire Services, CapeNature, Winelands Fire Protection Association, NCC Environmental Services and aerial resources from Leading Edge has been engaged in active firefighting on several fronts.

The provincial government said a fire is burning through dense and inaccessible vegetation along the Berg River in the vicinity of the Berg River Dam outside Franschhoek.

Efforts are focused on preventing the spread to farms and nearby infrastructure. A fire in Du Toit’s Kloof outside Paarl is currently mostly contained, with ground crews attending to isolated hot spots, monitoring for flareups, and doing general mopping up work.

The Western Cape Provincial Government has budgeted R16 million for the current wildfire season.

“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires,” the MEC said.

Bredell asked that people report any sighting of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities.

“Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control,” he said.

The following numbers can be contacted to report any fire sightings:

City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone
Overberg: 028 425 1690
West Coast: 022 433 8700
Garden Route: 044 805 5071
Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
Cape Winelands: 021 887 4446

-SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:59

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21 December 2023

SONA set for 8 February 2024

Location: News

SONA set for 8 February 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa has written to the National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson, Amos Masondo, requesting them to convene a Joint Sitting of the two Houses for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to take place on 8 February 2024.

The State of the Nation Address marks the official start of the parliamentary programme for the year ahead.

The President calls this Joint Sitting of the Houses of Parliament to set out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead.

“During SONA, the President also highlights achievements, flags challenges and outlines interventions that government will undertake to unlock development interventions for the coming financial year,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The 2024 SONA will start at 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 11:10

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21 December 2023

Zulu to deliver humanitarian assistance to Mtubatuba flood-stricken families

Location: News

Zulu to deliver humanitarian assistance to Mtubatuba flood-stricken families

As part of ongoing efforts to provide much needed humanitarian assistance to flood-stricken families under uMkhanyakude District Municipality, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu will today visit the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality.

The October floods left a trail of destruction to property and infrastructure, with over 600 households across the province left damaged, including over 130 houses destroyed in Somkhele and KwaMyeki in Mtubatuba.

Some of the houses were completely damaged, leaving families homeless. Residents also lost livestock, including goats, chickens and cows.

The department said the provision of humanitarian assistance is supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is collaborating with Social Development and Action Development to render humanitarian assistance and sustainable livelihoods initiatives. These initiatives are aimed particularly at people with disabilities, child-headed households and older persons.

“With the festive season upon us, this generous donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is timely and will assist many of the flood-stricken families who lost everything during the disaster to put food on the table this Christmas as they recover and rebuild their lives,” Zulu said.

The handing over of humanitarian assistance will take place at Ward 15 Mahujini Community Hall, in Mtubatuba. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:30

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20 December 2023

Government refurbishes Wolwekloof Nature Reserve project to attract tourists

Location: News

Government refurbishes Wolwekloof Nature Reserve project to attract tourists

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has handed over the multimillion rand refurbished Wolwekloof Nature Reserve Project in the Witzenberg Municipality to CapeNature in the Western Cape.

The multimillion rand infrastructure maintenance project was funded by the Department of Tourism with the intension to stimulate demand by investing in tourist attractions to build and diversify the country’s tourism offerings.

“Tourism is a key sector in our economy, injecting billions into the economy each year and providing much needed jobs for our people. We must therefore continue to work with urgency and work as partners to grow our tourism offering so that we attract more tourists to our beautiful country. The more tourists we welcome, the more investment and jobs the tourism sector can create,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The Wolwekloof Resort in the Witzenberg Municipality, near Ceres, was one of the few facilities that people of colour could visit during the apartheid era and it was a place of many great memories for families and friends.

In recent years, the facility was closed to the public and was used by various government user departments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) until a few years ago when Cape Nature was afforded the opportunity to take over management of the resort.

“The maintenance work at the Wolwekloof Resort sought to preserve the quality of product offerings at the identified site, as well as enhance the visitors’ experience and destination competitiveness.

“The scope of work entailed upgrading the existing pools, installing a new pool slide and installing new fencing to pools, construction of new braai areas and construction of walkways. The project site was handed over for implementation in December 2022 with a contract value of R3.7 million and reached practical completion earlier this year,” the Minister said.

This project is part of the national maintenance and beautification of provincial State-owned attractions, which initially were a part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.

Throughout the duration of the contract implementation, the project has provided employment to 11 general workers of which six were youth who have assisted in duties such as bricklaying, painting, paving and plumbing including any general construction duties.

Opportunities were also offered to six Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), who participated in skilled labour such as works installation and repairs.

Apart from the work done by the Department of Tourism’s contractor at the Wolwekloof Resort, the department also conducted infrastructure maintenance work at several other sites in the Western Cape.

“The investment by government into these projects is critical to our mission to provide quality and enjoyable tourist attractions to local and international visitors. Infrastructure investment by government is about creating the conditions for further investment and job creation by the private sector.

“We are also pleased that these projects have been able to employ people from surrounding communities to assist with job creation and poverty alleviation measures by government. Although the Department of Tourism’s work at Wolwekloof is now complete, CapeNature is still conducting an extensive amount of work in a phased approach,” the Minister said.

The Wolwekloof Resort project is still in phase one with more work to be done on the water and electricity infrastructure at the site by CapeNature in the next three phases.

CapeNature’s vision is to reinstitute the site for recreational and leisure purposes with a modern twist.

“While we hoped the facility could be opened in time for the peak summer tourism period, CapeNature will be completing a range of important work to get the site up to standard and envisages to open the resort to the public in the Spring of 2024. It is my hope that we will continue to work as partners, all three spheres of government, together with CapeNature to restore this important tourist attraction to its former glory and upgrade it to be better than before,” De Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 10:20

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20 December 2023

MEC Marais mourns death of celebrity cook Fatima Sydow

Location: News

MEC Marais mourns death of celebrity cook Fatima Sydow

Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of celebrity cook, Fatima Sydow, at the age of 50.

According to a statement released by the family, Sydow passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, after battling soft tissue sarcoma since 2020.

She was surrounded by her immediate family.

Marais said Sydow would be missed by everyone she touched with her warm personality, including the many fans of her hit TV show, Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters.

“The sun will shine a little less brightly after Fatima lost her battle, so bravely fought, against soft tissue sarcoma, which has robbed the Western Cape of one of its most beloved residents. Her recipes were often short and simple enough for anyone to attempt. Yet the end product, often with Cape Malay flair, would always be so spectacular,” Marais said.

The MEC thanked Sydow’s family and loved ones for supporting her so that she might share her gift with the nation.

“She made her mark and will be sorely missed by all those who knew and cared for her. Her life and work will live on through her recipes. I send my most heartfelt condolences and hope that you will find peace and strength during this difficult time,” Marais said.

Sydow is a renowned culinary artist and beloved personality known for her exceptional culinary skills, infectious enthusiasm and warm personality.

The cook was born on 12 November 1973 to Abduraghmaan and the late Waseela (nee Davids) Sydow on the Cape Flats in Cape Town.

“Her culinary odyssey commenced at the tender age of nine, standing alongside her mother, peeling potatoes, and cutting onions.

“Inspired by her mother's ability to perform culinary miracles with few ingredients; creating dishes that generously fed many hungry stomachs, Fatima found the spark that would ignite her own culinary journey,” said Marais.

In 2015, she published a book, The Journey of Cape Malay Cooking with Fatima Sydow.

She subsequently published three more books, Cape, Curry & Koesisters, Fatima Sydow Cooks, and My Story, My Heritage.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday in Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:04

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20 December 2023

NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure

Location: News

NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has welcomed the arrest and successful prosecution of criminals tampering with the Transnet pipeline to steal petrol and diesel.

In two separate matters, a thief was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for damaging essential infrastructure, while in another, two men were sentenced to 10 and 15 years, respectively, for theft of fuel.

Regulator Member Primarily Responsible for Petroleum Pipelines Regulation at NERSA, Muzi Mkhize, said: “We commend the law enforcement agencies for the successful prosecution and incarceration of criminals set to commit acts of economic sabotage in the country. We further plead with municipalities and landowners, on which critical infrastructure traverses, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to earnestly protect both public and private infrastructure against acts of criminality and vandalism, as this results in dire consequences for the country.”

In a question and answer session in October, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is committed to combatting infrastructure damage.

He revealed that some 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have been formed through the South African Police Service.

“A total of 946 personnel have been allocated to the 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams from existing structures within each province, district and station. They are experienced and knowledgeable personnel within their respective functional environments.

“The Task Teams integrate processes, resources and intelligence across all of the operational environments of the SAPS under a single command. This is to enable them to successfully combat essential infrastructure crimes, illicit mining and extortion within the construction sector.

“The Task Teams incorporate personnel from SAPS divisions such as Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing and Operations, and Detective and Forensic Services, as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:24

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20 December 2023

Disaster teams respond to Dundee flood victims

Location: News

Disaster teams respond to Dundee flood victims

KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management teams have swiftly responded to the disaster caused by devastating thunderstorms in and around Dundee, under Umzinyathi District, following inclement weather that wreaked havoc on Monday night.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre preliminary reports, a thunderstorm, which lasted about 45 minutes, swept through Sithembile Township, outside Dundee, tragically claiming one life – an adult male who was struck by lightning and later succumbed to his injuries.

Six people were also injured as roofs and walls collapsed on top of them. Some victims were rushed to hospital, while others received treatment in their homes.

The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) department said the damage caused includes flooding in numerous households within the township and fallen trees resulting in blocked roads.

“There was also significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, fences, and bridges. Several businesses suffered losses, including farmers who lost livestock and crops.

“Assessments indicate that about 173 households were damaged, affecting 1 211 people. The teams are still on the ground conducting further assessments,” the department said.

Meanwhile, another incident of destruction was also recorded in areas under Umgungundlovu District Municipality, where a few houses were damaged in different local municipalities.

The department said no injuries or fatalities were reported to date, and assessments are also ongoing in the affected areas.

KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has extended her heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and wished a speedy recovery to all people who sustained injuries.

Sithole-Moloi has encouraged all disaster management centres in the municipalities to continue conducting assessments and to help people affected by the incidents.

The MEC assured that the disaster response teams will continue to provide relief to the affected families.

Concerns about recurring devastating rains

Meanwhile, Sithole-Moloi has raised the department’s concerns about the recurring devastating rains in the province, saying it is an alarming indication of the impact of global warming.

She said the department has been issuing weather warnings and recently launched a Multi-Agency Disaster Awareness campaign, collaborating with various stakeholders to raise awareness, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to disasters.

“While some weather incidents are unavoidable, we encourage our residents to heed warnings and relocate to safer areas when advised. We have also collaborated with other departments, such as Social Development and Human Settlements, to ensure that the victims receive support in different forms.

“Our teams have distributed blankets, plastic sheets, mattresses, and food parcels to the affected families as part of the relief efforts. Public facilities such as community halls have been made available for temporary shelter, although no families have opted for this option,” Sithole-Moloi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:26

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20 December 2023

City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft

Location: News

City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft

Two City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) municipality officials have been arrested on allegations that they were stealing diesel belonging to the municipality.

According to the CoE, the two were arrested following a sting operation conducted at an agricultural holding by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, various law enforcement agencies and private security stakeholders.

“The first suspect was arrested when he came in to off-load diesel and the rest were nabbed at the Springs Depot. Also arrested were the owner of the private bus fleet company and two of his employees in the facility where the diesel was being off-loaded.

“The arrests followed an ongoing intelligence-driven operation that has been surveilling the city’s vehicles, mainly trucks, which had been spotted on several instances off-loading diesel at the facility, which is a private bus depot. Following weeks of investigations, the private security operators working under supervision with the Multi Dimensional Organised Crime unit, finally pounced on the suspects,” the municipality said.

The CoE said it is unclear how diesel was looted from the resources of the city.

“The modus operandi was that the trucks would fill up at the municipal depots each morning only to go and off load the fuel at the private facility and get paid for this. They would then return the vehicles empty and refill the next morning and do the same thing over,” the municipality said.

The municipality's Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye said more arrests are imminent.

“This seems to have been a well-orchestrated operation that ran for months, and the police working with the fleet management team of the city (EMPD) have been working tirelessly to nail those involved.

“Foul play has always been suspected because of the rate at which some of our vehicles were refilling fuel on a regular basis. Unfortunately for the criminal elements their luck finally ran out.

“We will not rest until all those who are involved in such illicit acts are behind bars. This is public money and money that we desperately need to provide quality and sustainable services to the community of Ekurhuleni,” Mapiyeye vowed. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:58

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20 December 2023

Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana

Location: News

Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana

Umalusi and its stakeholders said they are in deep grief after the passing of Professor Peliwe Lolwana.

Lolwana was the last Chief Executive of the South African Certification Council (SAFCERT) and the first CEO of Umalusi, a position she held from 2000 until her retirement in 2008.

“She was at Umalusi on 24 November 2023 to give a memorable tribute speech at a memorial lecture and roundtable discussion organised in honour of the late Dr Fred Calitz, her SAFCERT predecessor.

“Little did we know that she had come to say goodbye to all of us. While she reached her statutory retirement age over fifteen years ago, Prof Lolwana continued to serve her own country in various roles,” the Council said.

Those include chairing the Board of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Council, and playing various roles in academia, the NGO and private sectors.

She has also been described as someone who played a transformational role in every position that she held, shaping the form and focus of all the organisations that she led.

This assertion is supported by the people who worked closely with her.

Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examinations in the Department of Basic Education, Dr Rufus Poliah, said the early 2000s “was an exciting phase, in that Prof Lolwana, a real visionary, was tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the transformation of SAFCERT to Umalusi”.

“The period between 2000 and 2008, saw Prof Lolwana transforming a certification Council into a quality assurance council, with all its legislative frameworks and procedures, and placing this structure firmly on the national education map.”

In the words of Professor Moon Moodley, a member of the Assessment Standards Committee (ASC) of Umalusi: “Umalusi enjoys a high degree of independence that has been achieved over many years by commanding the respect of all stakeholders. Prof Peliwe Lolwana has played a crucial role in Umalusi’s gaining ownership of the standardisation meetings.”

Commentators said Lolwana conceptualised new quality assurance approaches, departing from those used during the SAFCERT era.

Having played various roles within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) space over the years, Umalusi said the NQF family stands on the shoulders of a strong intellectual giant – those of Lolwana.

“Umalusi and its stakeholders thank the Lolwana family and friends for allowing Peliwe the time to shape how we understand education and training today. She has served her country so diligently. As Umalusi, we share in your sorrow. Her spirit, her wisdom and her dedication will never be forgotten,” the council said.

Lolwana recently retired as the Director of the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL).

Lolwana continued to serve as a visiting Associate Professor in the Wits School of Education. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:36

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20 December 2023

Former Lotteries Commission grant manager’s pension payout interdicted

Location: News

Former Lotteries Commission grant manager's pension payout interdicted

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a Special Tribunal order interdicting the R1.7 million pension payout due to former National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) Grant Manager, Marubini Ramatsekisa.

This in a long-running action taken by the SIU following an investigation into the affairs of the NLC.

The probe has resulted in, amongst others, the freezing of millions of rands in assets and the implication of board members of the commission in serious allegations of fraud and corruption at the commission.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that Ramatsekisa allegedly “orchestrated a scheme that resulted in the NLC losing approximately R4 million” and was a “key player” in a scheme to defraud the commission through active funding of a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO).

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that on 20 February 2019, Ramatsekisa prepared a proposal for pro-active funding and recommended that the acting chief operating officer approve pro-active funding of approximately R4 million to conduct a study that will assist in developing the Khoi-San language.

“Three weeks later, three people acquired and became directors of a dormant shelf company named Zibsicraft NPC. From the documents in the SIU’s possession, Zibsicraft NPC then applied to the NLC for grant funding. The application is not stamped, which means it was never processed by the client liaison officer. The application was dated 25 March 2019, ten days after they had acquired the company.

“The application was accompanied by financial statements prepared for the periods ending 28 February 2018 and 28 February 2019. However, the NPO only opened a bank account on 19 March 2019, six days before it applied for funding,” Kganyago said.

He added that some R2.2 million of the dodgy funding was allegedly siphoned “towards purchasing property for a church… [and] in the offer to purchase, the church was being represented by the former NLC Board Chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda and his wife, Mrs Tshilidzi Rachel Nevhutanda”.

Kganyago said the unit intends to “institute civil proceedings against Mr Ramatsekisa to recover damages suffered by NLC because of his conduct”.

In September last year, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi told the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry that the unit’s investigation had revealed some that some R279 million was siphoned out of the coffers of the NLC.

“This investigation has been so intense, massive and complex in terms of tracing the money but the investigation will reveal that. The amount of money that was under investigation in phase one was about R279 million. The evidence has indicated that this money was corruptly siphoned out of the NLC, with the assistance of certain executives and certain board members.

“This is an organised syndicate meant to siphon money from the NLC. We have used trace methods and technology that has led us to all the monies that we have traced. This investigation also entailed meticulous analysis of bank accounts and payment processes from various banks, and we traced which bank accounts benefitted and which ones benefitted corruptly,” Mothibi said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:31

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20 December 2023

Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road

Location: News

Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on all road users to obey the rules of the road and for motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a trip and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Please behave on the roads. In terms of our statistics, pedestrians are the most affected by road crashes, followed by victims of hit and run incidents, followed by cars that are overtaking on the road and head-on collisions,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Leading the Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign on the N3 Heidelberg Weighbridge in Johannesburg, the Minister said these factors that cause road crashes relate to human behavior.

“We urge all pedestrians to cross at places designated for crossing the road. This can not only save you but save your family as well from the pain that they will suffer if you die due to an accident on the road,” Chikunga said.

The Department of Transport’s Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign is a government programme aimed at prioritising and promoting safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads.

The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic, but also to prevent negligent and reckless driving which could result in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.

The campaign was launched in the last week of November. It is a collaboration between different levels of government, transport entities led by CEOs, private sector organisations, NGOs and key stakeholders and role players.

Festive season activities in South Africa are associated with year-end celebrations, economic industry slowdowns and year-end closures, increased traffic volumes and increased road crash incidents - the large proportion of road crash victims usually pedestrians and passengers as a result of lack or even non-use of safety belts and jaywalking.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) CEO Makhosini Msibi said law enforcement officials are out in full force to ensure adherence to rules as traffic volumes begin to peak.

“We are here to deal with truck drivers because if you look at the trucking population it is quite massive. We will engage the trucking industry on the phenomenon of fatigue because most of the fatal crashes are caused by fatigue.

“This engagement will also educate us on their experiences and what they can do better. We also want to know how we can partner with them in changing the attitudes and culture of driving. We are certain that we are going to make a dent in terms of the fatal crashes,” Msibi said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:47

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20 December 2023

Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape

Location: News

Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape

Targeted skills programmes run by the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the private sector, resulted in 2 772 jobs for previously unemployed young people between April and November 2023.

The province said there has been "notable" post-pandemic growth in the tourism sector.

According to the latest data, between 2021 and 2022, 154 442 tourism jobs were created in the province, bringing the total to 214 909 jobs.

“In just three sectors in the Western Cape, we have seen the creation of nearly 160 000 jobs since 2021. This achievement has not happened by chance and is the result of hard work, strategic support, and critical partnerships with the private sector to support and enable businesses to do what they do best – create jobs,” said Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger.

She said she was “extremely” proud of the work done by DEDAT, together with the private sector.

“We are getting the most out of every cent of public funds by enabling job creation in the province, despite the current tough economic climate and a fiscal crisis that has resulted in unprecedented in-year budget cuts.

“The thousands of jobs being created are a true testament to the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors, for the benefit of all residents,” Wenger said.

She noted the key outcomes of the targeted programmes within DEDAT this year.

These include the skills training and placement programmes in the clothing and textiles sector, which created 402 jobs.

Meanwhile, the partnership with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) also placed 124 unemployed youth at the Cape Town International Airport to assist with providing information services to travellers and help process passengers in peak times.

The provincial department also worked with the thriving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector to upskill and place 2 196 previously jobless youngsters in full-time employment opportunities in the sector.

“2023 has been a year of jobs and growth in the Western Cape.”

However, Wenger said without a growing pool of talent, the province cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of the economy or give young people the opportunities they need to succeed.

“This is why we will continue to work hard with our partners and stakeholders across all levels of government, our international partners and investors, and across the private sector to invest in the right qualifications, skills, and experience for jobs available this year and in the future.

“We can create many more jobs and opportunities for a better future for everyone in our province,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:37

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20 December 2023

SAA, SunExpress sign MoU

Location: News

SAA, SunExpress sign MoU

South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress for four aircrafts to support the national carrier’s operations in the 2024/25 financial year.

According to SAA, the MoU is an add-on to the two airlines’ current six-month damp lease agreement, which includes “the lease of two Boeing 737-800s, as well as maintenance and cockpit crew”.

“In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to maintenance, training and commercial support,” a statement from SAA read.

In a damp lease, the lessor provides the aircraft and some of the crew, usually the cockpit crew, and the lessee provides the rest of the crew, maintenance and insurance. This means that the lessor and the lessee share some of the responsibilities and costs of the operation, depending on the terms of the contract.

Acting SAA CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the agreement would assist the State-owned airline to meet demand.

“SunExpress has proven to be an extremely reliable partner for us in the first few months. We are therefore delighted that this valuable partnership will not only be continued but the scope of the partnership expanded to include additional aircraft for our 2024 holiday peak season.

“The additional aircraft will support our operations to meet the growing customer demand during peak seasons and mitigates our management of the global aircraft availability crisis,” Lamola said.

SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki said: “The memorandum of understanding clearly underlines our commitment to further deepen our successful partnership with SAA. We are proud of the trust that SAA is placing in us with the renewed intention to collaborate. We strive to build on this to develop a strong, long-term partnership and leverage more opportunities together in the future.

“Over the next decade, SunExpress will more than double its fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. These kinds of partnerships enable us to efficiently utilise our fleet, mitigating the impact of our seasonality.”

Before its official relaunch earlier this year, the State-owned airline endured challenges for several years.

SAA was racked by allegations of fraud and corruption during the State capture years and was also put under business rescue and grounded.

At the official relaunch, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan explained the work it took to have the airline back in the skies.

“What we have been able to do is to firstly establish that there’s no more money that’s going to come from taxes that’s going to go into SAA, like the R40 billion that went in over a 10-year period. SAA must survive on its own strength... [and] on the capital that is actually provided by the strategic equity partner and it must grow organically. Through the business rescue process, its balance sheet is not encumbered in any kind of way.

“It took three and a half years of very hard work… to ensure that we steer this process. It’s a signal to investors and the investing community in South Africa that reforms are possible in South Africa. That we can execute, just with South African talent, these very complex deals and complex reform processes in State-owned entities,” Gordhan said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:07

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19 December 2023

Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season

Location: News

Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season

The Department of Health has announced that it has intensified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with over 1 540 ambulances deployed across the country’s major routes and strategic points and hotspots.

According to the department, this move aims to accelerate a turnaround time for emergency medical response during the festive season, a period associated with a high demand for emergency medical services.

“This number will be complemented by private sector ambulances as part of existing service level agreements entered with provinces to beef up EMS to ensure quick response to major accidents and to prevent avoidable loss of lives resulting from accidents,” the department explained.

The department is appealing to communities to join hands with government and law enforcement agencies during this period to create an enabling environment for frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses and paramedics to perform their lifesaving duties freely without fear of both verbal and physical violence and aggression.

“Health workers have fallen victims of violence and crime in the line of duty over the months and recent years in the country and this can only be stopped if communities become protectors than by-standers.

“Violence against health workers is unacceptable because it does not only negatively impact on their psychological and physical well-being, but also affects their job motivation and has potential to compromise the quality of care and puts health-care provision at risk.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines attacks against health care as any act of verbal or physical violence or obstruction or threat of violence that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and preventive health services during emergencies.

The department said emergency medical personnel play an essential role in the health system by providing timely and appropriate medical care to patients in need.

“They respond to emergencies to save lives and risk theirs. It is not possible to have ambulances accompanied by police or armed private security, hence communities need to play a role in ending attacks against paramedics and other health workers.”

According to the WHO, health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world with between 8% and 38% of health workers suffering physical violence at some point in their careers.

Some of the associated risks during the festive season include vehicle accidents, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and drowning.

In a life threatening emergency, people must dial 112 from a landline or a cellphone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.

Important details that will be required when you make the call include name, phone number, address, nearest landmark and the patient's current medical status.

“Ensure that you get a call reference number before the end of the call to be used when you follow up on the progress of the call.”

All health facilities will remain open to enable South Africans to access health services.

Some of the major routes to be prioritised for ambulances in provinces include:

The N2, N10, R61 and R72 in the Eastern Cape.
The N1, N3, N5, N6 and N8 in the Free State.
The N1, N3, N4, N12, N17, R21, R59 and R101 in Gauteng.
The N2, N3 and R56 in KwaZulu-Natal.
The N1, N11, R36, R37, R71, R101, R518, R524, R528 and R579 in Limpopo.
The N2, N3, N4, N11, N12, N17, R23, R38, R40 and R573 in Mpumalanga.
The N4, N14, N12, N18 and R30 in the North West.
The N1, N7, N8, N10, N12, N14, N18, R31 and R382 in the Northern Cape.
The N1, N2, N7, R27 and R62 in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:52

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19 December 2023

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

Location: News

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF) has welcomed the progress made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies on the progress made to crackdown on the construction mafia.

The IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said hundreds of arrests have been made relating to illegal practices in construction.

“There are ongoing investigations in the sector by various law enforcement agencies that have led to consequence management such as asset recovery, disciplinary action, and criminal prosecution.

“It is against this background that the IBACF welcomes and congratulates the SAPS on their progress in addressing the construction sector mafia in South Africa. The SAPS has confirmed that the 712 cases referred for investigation have resulted in 722 arrests and 52 convictions so far,” Kganyago said.

According to Kganyago, at a recent meeting of the IBACF, the National Priority Committee on Extortion and Violence at Economic Sites reported that “the fight against fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the construction sector is gaining significant ground”.

“A notable recent arrest has been that of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson. Several Cape Town construction contractors had to abandon government housing construction sites following alleged acts of intimidation and violence.

“Thereafter, the Western Cape government’s Human Settlements Department awarded Johnson's company, Glomix House Brokers, the contracts for completing these abandoned projects,” the SIU said.

Kganyago explained that the construction mafia refers to groups of extortionists who attempt to forcefully extract protection fees from local construction companies and contractors or extort a portion of the cost of an infrastructure project, including specific individuals affiliated with the mafia being recruited to work on the site.

“The construction sector is one of the most important job-creating sectors in the country. Investment in the sector not only benefits the country through improved infrastructure but creates hundreds of thousands of jobs on construction sites and throughout the construction sector value chain.

“Research documents published during the last two years have revealed the impact of construction sector mafia on construction projects and investment in the sector. In the period leading up to 2022, up to R63 billion worth of projects were reported, and delayed or cancelled as a result of the extortion tactics and disruptions posed by construction mafia,” Kganyago said.

Community involvement

The SIU called on community members to report any illegality on construction sites.

“The IBACF encourages proactive community engagement to inform residents of the projects underway in their areas; of possible opportunities for legitimate sub-contractors and workers, and encourages all South Africans, who are aware of any criminal actions such as threats of violence or extortion that may lead to the loss of such projects and work opportunities, to report these crimes,” the SIU said.

Crimes of this nature can be reported to:

Any South African Police Service (SAPS) station;
The toll-free National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701;
The Presidential Hotline on 17737 or email president@po.gov.za, and
The SIU Hotline on 0800 037 774.

“As the SAPS report back on arrests and convictions, we warn the public that there are consequences for people who engage in illegal activities within the construction sector. The IBACF thanks the whistleblowers and law enforcement agencies for their bravery and tremendous efforts in tackling these criminal matters,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:55

477 views

19 December 2023

Police commence Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Gauteng

Location: News

Police commence Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Gauteng

The Ministry of Police and South African Police Service (SAPS) management will today kick off the annual countrywide Festive Season Inspection Roadshow.

The roadshow, according to a statement, forms part of efforts by the SAPS to channel resources to areas where they are most needed.

“The festive season policing interventions, running parallel with the high-density Operation Shanela, are enabling the police to decisively deal with crime and any security threats this holiday season and beyond,” said the police.

This year’s theme focuses on combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement.

“The Ministry, together with the SAPS management led by National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, will assess the effectiveness of the SAPS’ safer festive season operational plans put in place to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all residents and holidaymakers in the country during the holiday period.”

The first stop of the annual roadshow will commence in Gauteng on Tuesday, 19 December and end in KwaZulu-Natal on 2 January 2024.

The exercise will include visits to centres of entertainment leisure and business, transport hubs taxi ranks, multi-disciplinary roadblocks and targeted operations in high crime areas. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:09

507 views

19 December 2023

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

Location: News

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on his re-election as president of that country.

According to Egypt’s National Elections Authority, El-Sisi won his third term in office after receiving some 89.6% of the votes during the country’s elections held last week.

A Presidency statement said President Ramaphosa congratulated not only El-Sisi but also other candidates.

“The historic elections reflect the will of the people of Egypt in charting their future. The President also commends the other candidates for participating in the elections in a gracious and commendable manner.

“The President further wishes to congratulate the National Election Authority of Egypt and all national stakeholders for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted. The President also takes note of the observations of the AU-COMESA [African Union-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa] Joint Observer Mission,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the Presidency reiterated government’s willingness to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“The South African government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the government and people of Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate together in consolidation of the African Agenda.

“The South African Government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Egypt,” the Presidency said.

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong historical and fraternal bonds dating back to the era of the liberation struggle. South Africa considers Egypt a strategic partner that supported the liberation struggle. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:22

444 views

19 December 2023

NRF increases funding for postdoctoral fellows

Location: News

NRF increases funding for postdoctoral fellows

The National Research Foundation (NRF) announced on Tuesday its decision to increase the annual value of grants awarded to postdoctoral fellows.

The new cohort that will start their Freestanding, Innovation and Scarce Skills (FISS) and grant holder-linked postdoctoral fellowships in 2024 will receive increased grants.

The NRF’s postdoctoral fellowship programmes provide funding for young scientists and professionals of the highest calibre to receive postdoctoral research training and international exposure to strengthen their research profiles and career advancement.

These are individuals who have completed their doctoral degree studies and are working towards developing their careers as academic researchers.

Currently, the NRF-funded postdoctoral fellows receive non-taxable stipends ranging between R200 000 and R255 000 annually and an annual R50 000 research grant.

The new adjustments will move non-taxable stipends to R320 000 per annum while keeping research grants at R50 000.

“Continuing postdoctoral fellowships that started in 2023 and are in their second or third year of funding will still utilise the old values and their original conditions of grant will still apply.”

The implementation of the new Department of Science and Innovation-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding policy in 2023 resulted in a significant increase in the funding value of honours, masters and doctoral students to R180 735, R202 004 and R223 273 at the full cost of study, respectively.

“The postdoctoral fellowships grants remained stagnant at the same time. This informed the NRF’s review of its postdoctoral fellowship values. The adjustment of grant values is intended to make postdoctoral fellowships competitive and increase their uptake, particularly by South African citizens.”

NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the agency supports postdoctoral fellowships to promote research and research capacity development in all fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).

“The NRF recognises the importance of these fellowships which are aimed at providing a comprehensive training, development and mentorship programme for the establishment of an independent researcher involved in engaged research.

“We trust that the increased values of the FISS postdoctoral fellowships and grant holder-linked will make an added contribution in increasing the number and quality of postdoctoral research fellows in South Africa in all fields of research.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 11:48

290 views

19 December 2023

Reduce food waste this Christmas

Location: News

Reduce food waste this Christmas

With the holiday season often being a time of abundance and indulgence, the City of Cape Town has urged residents to join in the effort to reduce food waste during the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

Member of Mayoral Committee for Urban Waste Management, Grant Twigg, warned that food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates the effects of climate change.

“When food is wasted, not only are valuable resources such as water, energy and land wasted, but when leftovers and scraps end up in landfill, they produce a potent greenhouse gas that can accelerate climate change.

“The city encourages residents to practice careful planning when it comes to their holiday meals. Smart shopping and thoughtful meal preparation can help avoid overstocking and excess consumption,” Twigg said.

Tips to reduce food waste during the holiday season:
• Plan meals and shopping lists: Plan your meals in advance and create a detailed shopping list. This way, you can avoid overbuying and ensure you only purchase what you need.
• Buy locally and seasonally: Support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation by choosing locally-grown and seasonal produce.
• Proper storage: Store food correctly to extend its shelf life. Ensure refrigerated items are kept at the appropriate temperature and use the first-in, first-out method when organising your pantry.
• Be mindful of your fridge/freezer capacity, when stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, to minimise unnecessary spoiling of unused vegetables,
• Portion control: Be mindful of how much food you cook and serve. Start with smaller portions and allow guests to serve themselves second helpings if desired. This will minimise leftovers and reduce waste.
• Be creative with re-using leftover food: There are options to make leftovers into new and exciting dishes to enjoy, rather than just throwing them out.
• Composting: Consider composting at home. Composting food scraps not only reduces landfill waste but also creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish plants and gardens.

Twigg reminded businesses to come up with alternative plans to landfill, when disposing of organic waste.

Since the adoption of the amended Integrated Waste Management By-Law in 2009, every business in Cape Town has been required to develop integrated waste management plans (IWMP) to cover all aspects of waste management. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 12:22

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19 December 2023

Durban beaches safe for swimming

Location: News

Durban beaches safe for swimming

As thousands of holidaymakers are expected to descend on Durban shores for the festive season, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has assured visitors and residents that the city’s beaches are safe for swimming.

Kaunda gave his assurance as he officially reopened the iconic uMhlanga Rocks Whalebone Pier to much fanfare and public applause, just in time for the bumper festive season in Durban.

Kaunda said the results conducted jointly with the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) revealed an improvement of the beach water quality.

“The city’s results sampled on 12 December, as part of its weekly routine testing, have also revealed that of the 23 bathing beaches, 20 beaches are e-coli compliant with acceptable standards for swimming and other water recreational use.

“The safety of residents and visitors remains a priority and with constant testing, we want to assure holidaymakers and residents of their safety. These results confirm an improvement in our beach water quality, as most are compliant with excellent and acceptable standards for swimming and other recreational use,” Kaunda said.

The Mayor said the city has a team of expert scientists that are hard at work testing the water quality at the municipal ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

Kaunda emphasised that the municipality is transparent with the results, which are shared publicly.

“If there are poor results, the pollution team immediately traces the source so that remedial work is done to stop the pollution,” he said.

The city also conducts re-sampling to ensure the quality of beach water so that an informed decision is made whether or not to close a particular beach.

Kaunda said the city will continue joint sampling with an independent organisation, including the IWWT and Adopt-A-River, whose samples are tested by Talbot.

“The city does daily monitoring of all 23 bathing beaches to make an informed decision. However, for joint sampling, only selected beaches are tested, and some of which are non-bathing.

“Beaches that have poor water quality are closed and the public is informed when the water at beaches has been tested and if they are safe for swimming. This routine weekly testing is continuing and conducted across all the city’s 23 bathing beaches,” Kaunda explained.

The beaches that are open include uShaka, Addington, Point, North, Bay of Plenty, Wedge, Battery, South, Country Club, Thekwini, Laguna, uMhlanga Main, uMdloti Main, Bronze, Westbrook, uMgababa, Toti Main, Reunion, Warner and Brighton.

The beaches that are closed include Pipeline, Winkelespruit and Anstey’s.

Thirty-four swimming pools are open, and these include the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool, which was reopened recently after it was closed due to infrastructural challenges.

Kaunda also announced that the repairs at the popular Children Amusement Centre swimming pool, which is along the beachfront, are expected to be completed soon.

He said 65 beach guides will be stationed across the various city beaches to aid visitors and an additional 160 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed to beaches.

“This attests to the fact that the city is ready to host a safe and memorable festive season for the anticipated 792 410 visitors expected to flock to Durban,” Kaunda said.

Increased police visibility

On safety measures, Kaunda said the city has beefed up its staff complement as well as increased police visibility at tourism precincts and along the beachfront.

“Further bolstering these efforts is that all Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the inner city are operational. Law enforcement will also be out in full force, with about 168 contract security personnel employed for the duration of the festive season and the 62 new metro police vehicles will patrol the streets,” Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:30

210 views

19 December 2023

Closing date for draft SA Petroleum Company Bill public comments extended

Location: News

Closing date for draft SA Petroleum Company Bill public comments extended

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has extended the closing date for comments on the draft South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill.

The draft Bill was published in the Government Gazette in November and comments are expected to now close on 15 January.

According to the DMRE, the Bill is aimed at establishing the SANPC, ensuring proper governance, as well as to “consolidate and transfer assets of the company in line with the relevant legislation, with the Minister [of Mineral Resources and Energy] as the sole shareholder of the company”.

“The SANPC will be the State’s energy champion and facilitator of energy infrastructure across the energy value chain. Its functions will include, but not limited to, managing the State’s exploration and production rights, interest acquired and exercised in terms of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, and ensure that petroleum resources are developed in a sustainable manner to the best interest of the people of South Africa.

“The Bill outlines various aspects that will ensure proper functioning of the company, which include cooperative governance, functions of the board, and funding of the company, amongst others,” the DMRE said.

The draft SANPC Bill can be accessed online at https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202311/49711gon4062.pdf.

Comments on the draft bill can be sent electronically to representations@dmre.gov.za or by post to 70 Mentjies Street, Sunnyside, 0001 or Private Bag X59, Arcadia, 0007.

During a post-Cabinet media briefing on 20 November, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni explained that the SANPC Bill “gives effect to the Cabinet decision to merge PetroSA, the South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund”.

“The Bill makes provisions for the establishment of a State-owned company that will ensure South Africa participates meaningfully in oil and gas development. It will also guarantee the country’s security of energy supply to support economic development and growth.

“The SANPC will oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country’s petroleum resources and this will contribute to development and job creation,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:38

122 views

18 December 2023

N West Premier condemns fatal shooting of nine people in Rustenburg

Location: News

N West Premier condemns fatal shooting of nine people in Rustenburg

North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has condemned the fatal shooting of nine people on Saturday at Popo Molefe informal settlement, near Rustenburg, in the North West.

According to police, a group of individuals were sitting at the house of one of the injured people when a group of assailants opened fire on them.

Eight people died instantly, while the ninth victim was certified dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Meanwhile, the attack left eight people injured.

“We are extremely shocked and outraged at the mass killing of nine people at Popo Molefe informal settlement. We condemn the shooting of these people and send our condolences to the families, relatives and friends of victims of this hideous crime. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Maape.

Maape has since applauded the police for moving with speed in assembling a team of experienced and skilled officers to investigate the matter.

“I have all the confidence that the SAPS, under the stewardship of General Sello Kwena, will do everything in their power to follow all leads in investigating this matter. The perpetrators of these repugnant acts must be brought to book,” the Premier said.

Kwena has assured that justice will be served.

“The Provincial Commissioner strongly condemned this horrific and pointless incident and indicated that the police will work around the clock to ensure that justice is served. He also urged the community to remain calm and allow the police to do the investigations,” said provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 09:42

627 views