SA News

13 December 2023

President Ramaphosa to apply for leave to appeal Zulu monarch court decision

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to apply for leave to appeal Zulu monarch court decision

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to apply for leave to appeal a North Gauteng High Court decision to set aside the President’s official recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the King of the Zulu nation.

This according to a short statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday.

The judgement was handed down on Monday.

“Following a study of the judgement, the President will apply for leave to appeal against the judgement. During the course of these legal processes, His Majesty King Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne.

“The court further ordered the President to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of King Misuzulu,” the statement read.

President Ramaphosa officially handed over a certificate of recognition to AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini in October last year.

At the time, the President had already issued the certificate to His Majesty earlier in the year, and in accordance with a wish expressed by the Royal Family, he formally handed over the certificate at a ceremony held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

On Wednesday, the Presidency said the President had “noted” the judgement and called on the royal family to continue working for “unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu”.

“President Ramaphosa calls on all members of the Royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of His Majesty's subjects. It is vital that all due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions,” the statement read.

King Misuzulu ascended to the Zulu royal throne following the death – in 2021 – of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini.

A court challenge to the younger monarch’s ascension was launched thereafter in the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

That challenge was dismissed by the court which stated that there “is no genuine dispute as to the succession of Prince Misuzulu, as he is in terms of the customary law and customs the rightful heir to the throne”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 15:10

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13 December 2023

Crime Prevention Wardens granted peace officer status

Location: News

Crime Prevention Wardens granted peace officer status

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola has designated Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens (CPW) as peace officers.

The CPWs were launched earlier this year by the provincial government and are tasked with augmenting crime prevention efforts in Gauteng.

The wardens started reporting for duty in May following their graduation at a pass out parade addressed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Soshanguve.

The department said the Minister made the determination in terms of section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977.

“After conducting a thorough analysis of the applicable legal frameworks, it was determined that for the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens to exercise peace officer powers, they must assume the same legal status as Gauteng Provincial traffic officers. Provincial traffic officers currently carry out their duties within the ambit of their peace officer designation, supported by the necessary legal framework.

“The government is determined to take every possible measure to prevent crime and safeguard the well-being of our neighbourhoods. Minister Lamola having engaged both the Minister of Police [General Bheki Cele] and the Premier of Gauteng Province thanked all the stakeholders involved for their collaborative and constructive efforts,” the statement read.

Premier Lesufi welcomed the decision.

“This announcement finally clarifies the uncertainty over the status of the Crime Prevention Wardens. [It] affirms what we have said all along, that the CPWs are a legal, well-equipped provincial law enforcement body that collaborates with other law enforcement organisations in the province.

“They operate under the supervision of the other law enforcement agencies, i.e Gauteng Traffic and local authorities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:40

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13 December 2023

Nine traffic officers in hot water for corruption

Location: News

Nine traffic officers in hot water for corruption

Nine traffic officers have been arrested in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in a pre-festive season peak travel crackdown on fraud and corruption, said the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Wednesday.

This as two officers from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in Gauteng were arrested for soliciting a bribe of R1 500 from a taxi driver. During the encounter, the driver immediately alerted the RTMC’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and a successful sting operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of the officers.

The officers are set to appear in court today on corruption charges.

In another case, seven officers were arrested in Newcastle. The seven include five traffic officers employed by the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate and two officers from the Newcastle municipality.

They were arrested in a joint operation conducted by NTACU and the Hawks following complaints from members of the public regarding the conduct of traffic officers on the road. An undercover operation was conducted and the seven were arrested for fraud and corruption.

According to the RTMC, these incidents highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa, particularly within law enforcement agencies.

The NTACU continues to work tirelessly to root out corrupt officials and restore public trust in traffic law enforcement.

“It is important for citizens to report all corruption they witness or experience to ensure corrupt officials are brought to book,” said the RTMC.

It added that it has taken a firm stance against fraud and corruption and will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such activities without fear or favour.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 12:53

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13 December 2023

Support for democracy remains high in Africa – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Support for democracy remains high in Africa - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says democracy will continue to grow and thrive in Africa despite the challenges that the continent faces.

The President was speaking during the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) held in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.

The APRM is an institution of the African Union and serves as a platform for self-assessment, peer-learning, and experience sharing in democracy and good governance for countries that have acceded to it.

“As we celebrate 20 years since the founding of the APRM, we should acknowledge that, despite the setbacks, democracy indices in Africa are strong and resilient. Public support for democracy remains high across the continent.

“Africa has an active citizenry. Electorates are showing time and again their rejection of authoritarianism and other threats to democracy. In no small part, the APRM has contributed to strengthening and consolidating democracy across our continent.

“This is a clear demonstration that democracy lives and thrives in Africa. It is a firm rejection of the hopeless continent narrative that has prevailed for so long. We are proud of how far we have come, and we look to the future with optimism and hope.”

President Ramaphosa laid out some of the challenges that are besetting the continent and added that these test “our collective resolve to ensure the APRM remains relevant”.

“Over the past three years there have been a number of coups d’etat, attempted coups and other non-democratic transitions of power in Africa. A number of countries in Africa are beset by terrible and protracted conflicts, wars and violence causing devastating loss of human life, livelihoods that are disrupted and economic productivity that is destroyed.

“Elsewhere also on our continent we are also witnessing democratic gains being rolled back, fundamental rights and freedoms being curtailed, and the positions of already vulnerable groups on our continent worsening.

“These developments should trouble all of us. They are setbacks in our quest to realise…the Africa we want, one that is characterised by good governance, one that is underpinned by democracy, by respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. Never has the need been greater for a structure like the APRM,” he said.

Second Generation Country Review Report

The event also marked the launch of the South Africa Second Generation Country Review Report which gives insights into the progress made by the country in various areas.

President Ramaphosa said the report will serve as an “important knowledge base and provides a foundation for improving governance”.

“The report reflects South Africa’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, especially as we will soon be observing and celebrating 30 years of our own democracy. South Africa was the first country to be offered the opportunity to undertake self-assessment and to be peer reviewed on the respective thematic areas.

“I want to express my appreciation to Bishop Dinis Sengulane who led the external mission that visited South Africa in December 2021. Thanks also go to all national and continental structures as well as stakeholders who ensured the successful conclusion of the self-assessment and peer review process,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 10:32

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13 December 2023

Municipal debt a significant challenge, says Eskom

Location: News

Municipal debt a significant challenge, says Eskom

State-owned power utility, Eskom says the mounting debt by the City of Tshwane (CoT) and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) for bulk electricity supply is posing a “significant challenge”.

According to Eskom, the City of Tshwane owes it some R4.2 billion while Ekurhuleni is currently in arrears of some R146 million.

“The accumulating debt not only strains Eskom's financial stability but also threatens the reliability of electricity supply across the province. The impact on Eskom's financial stability is exacerbated by the City of Tshwane's accumulation of unpaid bills and Ekurhuleni Municipality's late payments, and it affects the residents and businesses that rely on a stable power supply.

“If left unaddressed, the situation could lead to service interruptions, hindering economic activities. Despite continuous efforts to address the inconsistent and late payments, the debt, specifically that of the CoT, continues to grow and hinders Eskom's ability to invest in essential infrastructure, maintenance, and the development of sustainable energy solutions,” the power utility said.

The electricity supplier urged municipalities to “prioritise settling current accounts and outstanding electricity payments”.

“Eskom remains committed to working with municipalities to find viable solutions and mitigate the potential repercussions of the mounting debt,” the power utility said.

Meanwhile, an Eskom Tutuka Power Station employee, Katlego Twala, has been sentenced to one-year imprisonment or to pay a fine of R10 000 wholly suspended for five years after he was found guilty of stealing five drums of hydraulic fluid oil.

Eskom acting General Manager for Security Botse Sikhwitshi said: “Eskom has a zero-tolerance stance on acts of dishonesty and views the conduct of the employee as unacceptable. We will continue working on flushing out the minority that cast a shadow on the organisation”.

According to Eskom, the incident occurred in October last year while earlier this year, a contractor at the power station was arrested for fraud and corruption – symbolising a crackdown on illegal activities at the power utility.

“Eskom welcomes the sanction by the court and would like to thank the South African Police Service (SAPS), its own internal investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority for the positive outcome.

“Eskom urges the public to report information regarding illegal electricity sales, fraud, the theft of coal, fuel oil, and diesel and all other electricity-related crimes to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22. Reporting can be done anonymously,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 10:02

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13 December 2023

Mashatile In Vietnam for second leg of Southeast Asia working visit

Location: News

Mashatile In Vietnam for second leg of Southeast Asia working visit

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam to begin the second leg of his first working visit to Southeast Asia.

The Deputy President, according to his Office, began his visit on Tuesday with a tour of the Mausoleum and home of the late leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh.

“The Deputy President laid a wreath at the Mausoleum and conveyed a message of support from the people and government of South Africa through the Mausoleum’s visitors’ book,” the statement read.

South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and to achieve national freedom.

The two countries also share common values such as the pursuit of multilateral cooperation, peace, and the progressive reform of the institutions of global governance to counter geopolitical inequalities.

South Africa and Vietnam also celebrate 30 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations this year.

In the course of the last 30 years, several bilateral legal instruments have been established in various areas of cooperation.

The nations operate an Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, aimed at facilitating cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“The Deputy President’s visit follows the visit to South Africa of the Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, in September this year, where she extended an invitation to the Deputy President to pay a reciprocal official visit to mark the 30-year milestone and further strengthen bilateral ties.”

As part of his duties in Vietnam, the Deputy President will hold official talks with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, meet Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and pay a courtesy call to the Vietnam President Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong.

“He will also meet with the CEOs of some of Vietnam’s largest companies that are looking either to invest in or source goods and services from South Africa. He will also interact with African ambassadors to Vietnam.”

The Deputy President is accompanied in Vietnam by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina; Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:50

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12 December 2023

Seeds for a better 2024 believe been sown – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Seeds for a better 2024 have been sown – President Ramaphosa

Although South Africa continues to face challenges from various quarters, the ground work for a better 2024 has been laid.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.

The President acknowledged that 2023 has been a testing year for the country – with intense load shedding, Transnet’s challenges and a sluggish economy being just some of the worst challenges faced.

“Our economy has been weighed down by international events, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability in the global economy. Like many across the world, South Africans have faced a substantial rise in the cost of our living. Our post-COVID recovery has been held back by continuing load shedding and inefficiency at our ports and railways.

“Yet, even in these circumstances, companies have continued to invest in our economy. At the fifth South Africa Investment Conference earlier this year, we surpassed our target for new investment commitments over five years. Our economy has grown, albeit too slowly and far below its potential. The number of people in employment has returned to pre-COVID levels, but jobs are still not being created fast enough to reduce levels of our unemployment,” he said.

President Ramaphosa conceded that the electricity crisis is “currently the main threat to our country’s progress”.

However, the work of the Energy Action Plan – launched in July 2022 – is beginning to show results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.

“While we experienced some of the worst load shedding ever in the first few months of the year, there has been a measurable and steady decline in the severity of load shedding over the last few months.

“Although electricity supply is still not stable, as we experienced in the last few weeks, the overall trend is towards less severe load shedding. Damaged units at the Kusile power station have been returned to service ahead of schedule and plant maintenance has received close attention.

“What gives us hope for even further improvements is the progress that has been made in bringing new electricity generation online. Regulatory reforms we have initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500 MW in the last year,” he said.

Tackling challenges

President Ramaphosa listed several interventions and measures that have been taken to address the country’s challenges including:

Government working closely with Transnet, industry and other social partners to relieve congestion at ports and increase the volumes of freight being carried on key rail corridors
Significant infrastructure projects in areas including social housing, road construction, rural bridges and dams which contribute to greater economic activity and provide much-needed infrastructure for economic growth and the needs of citizens
Undertaking reforms in other areas to improve the competitiveness of the economy in areas such as proceeding with the digital migration of broadcasting service to free up broadband spectrum and reduce the cost of data
The continuation of the special Social Relief of Distress grant introduced during COVID-19 which has kept millions of people out of poverty

On employment, President Ramaphosa said the Presidential Employment Stimulus has created work and livelihood opportunities for some 1.2 million people.

He added that breakthroughs have been made in combatting crime with governance improvements also recorded.

“The SAPS’ economic infrastructure task teams have made important breakthroughs and arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit hikes, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. We have recruited and trained thousands of new police personnel to further strengthen the fight against crime.

“We are implementing legislation to build a more professional, ethical and capable public service. There has been important progress in other areas, including towards the introduction of a National Health Insurance to ensure greater equity in the provision of health care,” he said.

The President said that while “times are still tough” much progress has been made but there is “still some way to go”.

“What is most important is that we have done much of the ground work needed to put our economy on a path of faster growth and job creation. By working together, by staying the course, we have used the last year to lay the basis for a better 2024.

“On Friday this week, we will mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup. Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.

“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:14

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12 December 2023

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

Location: News

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.

“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.

The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.

The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.

The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.

He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.

“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”

The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).

In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.

“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”

Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.

These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.

“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”

The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.

“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”

He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.

In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.

“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.

“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”

President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.

He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.

Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.

“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”

He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.

“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.

“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.

“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”

However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.

“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58

521 views

12 December 2023

Health Ombud releases findings on Zenizole Vena case

Location: News

Health Ombud releases findings on Zenizole Vena case

The Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on Tuesday released the findings of the investigation into the allegations of a patient denied provision of care at the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic in the Eastern Cape.

Mokoena said his office was requested by the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, to investigate potential negligence and suboptimal care at the clinic.

The complaint alleged that the clinic denied provision of healthcare to Zenizole Vena, a 15-year-old, which resulted in her death.

Vena had gone to the clinic, accompanied by an elderly woman, seeking healthcare after being sexually assaulted.

The investigation established that Vena was turned away by healthcare workers at the clinic and that she later died at the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre (MPSCSC) where she had sought assistance.

The allegation that Vena was denied provision of care at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic was substantiated and confirmed based on the information gathered during the investigation, said Mokoena.

It was also established that two nurses did not arrange transport to take both the elderly escort and the victim to MPSCSC or call the police to come to Motherwell NU11 clinic to take over the case.

The investigation further revealed additional findings, such as the failure of the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre to assist Vena upon her arrival at the charge office.

At the station, she was told to wait and was attended to her after she waited for one hour and 30 minutes. During this time, she experienced seizures and was foaming at the mouth. She was later found dead on the floor in the charge office.

“The investigation was conducted through analysis and triangulation of information and documentary evidence received from Motherwell NU 11 Clinic, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health (ECDoH), Nelson Mandela Bay District Health (NMBDH), onsite visits and interviews with relevant personnel,” Mokeona said.

Interviews were conducted with 13 witnesses between 28 February 2023 to 27 March 2023 by the investigation team from the Office of the Health Ombud.

“A further 10 interviews were conducted by the Ombud and the investigation team from 15 to 19 May 2023. This included eight witnesses, who were re-interviewed and they did not contradict themselves. Statements from three witnesses were also received from the Motherwell Police Station.

“It is important to mention that before the Office of the Health Ombud investigation, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health had conducted an internal investigation in November 2022 and shared their report with the Office of the Health Ombud,” Mokoena said.

He said it was quite disturbing that a basic human instinct to assist a person in distress, particularly a child, does not seem to exist within the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Motherwell Police Station.

“The allegation that Motherwell NU 11 Clinic failed to refer Ms Z Vena to the next level of care was substantiated and confirmed.

“Based on the evidence obtained, it can be concluded that Ms Z Vena was not attended to in a manner that is consistent with the nature and severity of her health condition at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic,” Mokoena said.

The complaint was lodged by the Democratic Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Health, Michéle Clarke, in September 2022 against the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.

In his remarks, Minister Phaahla said it is totally unacceptable for someone to be denied healthcare.

Recommendations include, among others, that the District Manager of the NMBDH should institute a disciplinary inquiry within one month against various personnel; the District Manager must, within two months, ensure that mentoring is provided to the healthcare workers to ensure that all the nurses are kept abreast of the new developments in the management of sexual assault cases; the District Manager of NMBDH and the Head of Department must, within six months, procure a service provider to install the Service/Notice Board at the Motherwell Clinic that indicates the health care services provided by the clinic and indication of working times at the clinic; the District Manager must within one month ensure the Standard Operating Procedure for the management of sexual assault cases is developed and in-service training is provided to the staff at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.

The report with findings and recommendations was handed over to Health Minister for further analysis. It can be found on www.healthombud.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 14:40

131 views

12 December 2023

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative