SA News

8 September 2023

SA observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Location: News

SA observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The Department of Health in collaboration with various local and international stakeholders will spend the month of September creating awareness of the impact of cancer in children and their families around the country.

According to the department, it has collaborated with the likes of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure children with childhood cancer in the country are diagnosed early for successful treatment.

September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related death past infancy in children and adolescents, the department said in a statement.

“Several barriers impede the early diagnosis and referral of the child with cancer to treatment centres. Myths and surrounding the cause of childhood cancer is a major barrier to families seeking medical care timeously.”

Meanwhile, the department has noted a lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown as drivers of the myths, fallacies and stigmas surrounding childhood cancer resulting in missed diagnoses or presentation with advanced disease, which negatively affects outcomes.

“We must educate our communities and primary healthcare workers that children do get cancer, can be treated, and cured.”

In high-income countries with 20% of the world’s children with cancer, the department said survival rates are more than 80% while the situation is different in low- and middle-income countries where survival is as low as 20% to 30%.

“Fortunately, children with cancer in South Africa have much better outcomes of between 55 to 60%.”

According to the Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Professor Gita Naidu, South Africa aligns with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (WHO-GICC).

The WHO-GICC aims to increase the survival of children and adolescents with cancer globally.

“We need to focus on early diagnosis, referral to specialised treatment centres, ensure access to diagnostics and therapeutics, and emphasise quality of life, supportive, long-term follow-up, and palliative care.”

The WHO-GICC, established in 2018, brings together stakeholders from around the world and across sectors with the joint goal of increasing the survival rate of children with cancer globally to at least 60% by 2030.

CureAll, a strategic and practical approach that involves centres of excellence and care with a sufficient and competent workforce to increase capacity to deliver services, guides the initiative.

The approach also focuses on universal health coverage that ensures access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and technologies.

It also looks at research and innovation that generate evidence-based solutions for local contexts and the empowerment of patients, families, and communities through education, awareness, and advocacy.

CHOC CEO, Hedley Lewis, calls on South Africans to unite and work together to achieve the WHO’s target to ensure at least 60% survival in low- and middle-income countries and to reduce suffering of all children with cancer by 2030 worldwide.

The Medical Officer responsible for non-communicable diseases at the WHO, Dr Kibachio Joseph Mwangi, reckons that the current partnership with the WHO-GICC can lead to improved outcomes for children with cancer by focusing on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by evidence-based therapy.

The department stresses the importance of the St Siluan warning signs of childhood cancer, which can be accessed at https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:31

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8 September 2023

HPCSA addresses backlog of South African foreign-qualified board exams

Location: News

HPCSA addresses backlog of South African foreign-qualified board exams

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) says it empathises with and fully understands the frustration and dissatisfaction among the South African foreign-qualified medical doctors whose registration with the council has been delayed due to administrative challenges.

“The training received by all foreign-qualified medical practitioners is subject to review to measure compliance and equivalence to the prescribed minimum South African requirements.

“This is to establish whether the qualifications meet the evaluation criteria and allow applicants to practice their profession in the country,” the HPCSA explained on Thursday.

A group of jobless doctors, who studied overseas, marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday to raise their grievances about their inability to write their board exams so that they can start practising, News24 reported.

The HPCSA has since explained that the review process considers various elements. This includes the curriculum content, duration of the studies and the recognition of the institution from which training was received by the local regulator and responsible ministry in that particular country.

“Should the review process find that the training was neither equivalent nor satisfactory, registration with the council is denied since a foreign qualification on its own does not guarantee automatic registration.”

The council said an external service provider manages the Medical Board Examinations on behalf of the Medical and Dental Board (MDB).

“Previously, this was conducted by Sefako Makgatho University (SMU) whose contract subsequently expired, following several extensions.

“The HPCSA had already started a supply chain management process to seek a replacement service provider, with initial bids advertised in March 2022. Unfortunately, only one bidder responded but did not meet the supply chain requirements.”

The statement said another closed bid was advertised to all the universities in July 2022, the same institution was the sole respondent and once again did not meet the requirements.

“As a result, a deviation from normal procurement processes was sought to enable negotiations with the same institution to provide guidance and ensure that requirements are met. This process took longer than anticipated but is now nearing completion.”

To address the registration backlog of foreign-qualified medical doctors, the HPCSA said it was still preparing to conduct both theory and practical board examinations before the end of the year.

The HPCSA has committed to exploring a more efficient and effective approach to medical examinations after consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the universities with Medical School facilities, which will be submitted to the Medical and Dental Board and council for final ratification.

“I would like to apologise to the affected practitioners and assure them that we are working tirelessly to ensure a speedy and permanent solution for all, said HPCSA Registrar, Dr Magome Masike. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:59

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8 September 2023

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Location: News

Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on social partners to work with government to deal with the country’s pressing issues, especially unemployment and climate change.

The Deputy President took to the podium at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 28th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said intensified economic setbacks, resulting in high unemployment and loss of jobs.

He also spoke about the current condition of the labour market, which he believes is indicative of the legacy of apartheid.

“We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates, particularly among Africans,” he told the delegates.

He welcomed the decline in the unemployment rate to 32.6% in the second quarter of this year, this is down from 32.9% in the first quarter.

“The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such as job losses in manufacturing remain.

“In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.”

Through collective efforts, one purpose and shared values, he said, they hold the power to determine the trajectory of South Africa.

The Deputy President cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who has called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.

He noted that NEDLAC has historically sought to collaborate about the big policy choices that face the country.

“However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners with respect to the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.

“We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.”

Meanwhile, he said the Presidency and Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with government to focus on energy, logistics and crime.

“It has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth.”

He also urged social compacts to avoid being mere “talk shops”.

“NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.”

Climate change

He also touched on the impact of climate change whether it is the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, high temperatures in Upington or poor air quality in Mpumalanga.

“[This makes] it impossible to cultivate fields… climate change is here.”

“Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future.”

He believes it will only be through partnerships that they can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms.

“If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations.”

In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.

“The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:42

393 views

8 September 2023

Go Bokke!

Location: News

Go Bokke!

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has wished the three-time world champions, the Springboks, well as they participate in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” Kodwa said.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup begins on Friday, with the Springboks playing their first game on Sunday against Scotland. The World Cup fixtures runs from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October.

“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.

“The current Springboks represent this country's diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances,” the Minister said.

He made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.

Earlier this week, SuperSport announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.

“This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels. This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.

“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” the Minister said.

MultiChoice and the SABC reached an agreement on the matter on Thursday.

“Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.

“I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find ourselves in this situation before major sporting events,” Kodwa said.

School Sport Indaba

The Minister announced that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a School Sports Indaba next Thursday and Friday.

“The aim of this Indaba is to establish a national sports programme for South Africa that is benchmarked against the world's most effective school sports programmes.

“One of the priorities of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is grassroots sports development. The School Sports Indaba will go a long way towards strengthening our focus grassroots sports development through early identification and nurturing of sporting talent.

“The Sports Indaba will see over 30 organisations, as well as teacher unions, sports federations, international bodies and governments gather to exchange and come up with a blueprint for South African schools sport,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 12:08

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8 September 2023

Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption

Location: News

Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption

Two Hawks officials at the rank of a Sergeant and Captain will appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning, 8 September 2023 for allegations of corruption.

This comes after the Mthatha-based Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks arrested them during an undercover operation on Thursday, 7 September 2023.

“It is alleged that on 31 July 2023, a complainant received a call from the suspect who introduced himself as a Hawks official at the rank of a Captain in Gauteng wanting to meet them because the Department of Labour had opened a case against his company.”

The following month, it is said that the accuser allegedly received another call from the same official demanding R400 000 which the complainant reportedly indicated not to have.

“The complainant further indicated that on 5 September 2023, he received another call from the very same official securing their meeting in Mthatha to bring an amount of R50 000 for the docket to be destroyed and thus close the case.”

The complainant reported the matter to the Hawks and an undercover operation was conducted wherein the suspects were arrested immediately after the transaction.

“An amount of R10 000 was found in their possession. The duo will appear in Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning.”

The Eastern Cape Hawks Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya expressed his satisfaction with the swift response of the joint operation.

“Such conduct by our own bring the name of the Hawks into disrepute,” he said, adding that the Hawks will continue to act without favour, fear or prejudice. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:15

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8 September 2023

Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40

Location: News

Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 9 September 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Forty under 40 SA Awards, taking place at Houghton Hotel, Gauteng.

The Forty under 40 SA Awards celebrate and honour the nation’s most influential, accomplished, and inspiring South Africans under 40, across various sectors.

This year more than 350 nominations were received and the final 40 of these will be hailed as the most influential for their achievements in their respective areas.

The awards are hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, together with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with Xodus Communications.

The awards will be preceded by the Champion Summit, which is an interactive gathering that aims to empower and equip young leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to drive positive change in their communities.

“The summit promises to bring inspiring interactions, engaging workshops, and panel discussions, which will foster an environment for the exchange of ideas and personal development,” the Deputy President’s Office said.

During his address, Deputy President Mashatile will highlight how government has placed the education and training of young people at the top of its agenda as one of the most crucial enabling factors for economic emancipation. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:22

109 views

8 September 2023

Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete

Location: News

Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete

Minister of Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga will officially open the multi-million rand N4 Montrose Interchange in Mpumalanga on Friday.

“Construction of the Montrose Interchange is now completed and temporarily being used by traffic to service the entire community traversing through between Middleburg and Mbombela as well as the cross-border traffic leading to the neighbouring state, Mozambique through the Maputo Port of Entry,” the Department of Transport said on Thursday.

The department, through the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Trans African Concessions (TRAC), completed the upgrading of the N4/Montrose/Schoemanskloof Interchange in August 2023 as part of the Maputo Corridor Development initiative.

“Work on the interchange included the construction of four new interchange ramps and the widening of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge from two to five lanes.

“Two new arch bridges supported by adjacent rock cut faces have also been constructed to cross the existing Elands Valley section to accommodate two new ramps with Five 25-m-high masts illuminated at the interchange, increasing visibility and road safety,” the department said.

The interchange has already created over 350 jobs and provided subcontracting opportunities for at least ten local companies.

Chikunga will officially open this key economic corridor interchange joined by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, the SANRAL Board of Directors, CEOs of Transport Department roads entities, TRAC CEO, traditional leadership and community members in the Mpumalanga province. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:15

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7 September 2023

Master Offices services to recede digital

Location: News

Master Offices services to go digital

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) is expected to officially launch the Masters’ Deceased Estates Online Registration System in October.

In a webinar to inform the public about the new online service, Advocate Kanyane Mathibe, Chief Director for Strategy and Policy in the Office of the Chief Master said the system seeks to enable the Masters’ offices to serve clients in a quicker manner and reduce queues.

“We then embarked on a journey to develop an online deceased estates registration system that cuts the time in half that you can now register or report estates in the comfort of your home or in your office without having to interact with the Masters’ Office except in the lodgement of an original will where you would still need to lodge the original will after which the letter of authority would be granted.

“Further to that, we then allowed other features to be developed including an online appointment booking system where you would be able to book an appointment with the master in your jurisdiction at a specific time and you will be attended to either by an estate controller, a legally trained professional or an assistant master…depending on the complexity of the matter,” Mathibe said.

She explained that the office had received a number of complaints about services at the Master’s Office and this, coupled with other factors, prompted the move towards an online service.

“We have had challenges. Some…would have submitted complaints about the challenges that you’re experiencing with the Masters’ Office. We’ve got long queues. We’ve got more clients than we have the capacity to handle in our offices. We’ve seen increased customer complaints over the year, two years or so with the slow response of our systems, the high likelihood of fraud where letters of authority are being manipulated through fraudulent activities.

“Repeat walk ins where you come into the Master’s Office, you do not have the right documents, we send you back and you still have to come back. In some instances, misplacing or losing client documents where then duplicate files would have to be created. And we’ve been plagued by load shedding…that interrupts our services in offices where back up power has not been installed,” she said.

Mathibe added that a new letter of authority will be put in place in order to cut out incidents where letters of authority or executorship were fraudulently obtained through falsifying signatures.

“We now have a QR Code…that is embedded in a letter of authority. So the new letter of authority…it’s got an embedded QR code where you can then verify the authenticity of the letter of authority or the letter of executorship by a master,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 09:34

534 views

7 September 2023

Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman passes away

Location: News

Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman passes away

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of The Baobab.

President Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to Wendy Ackerman, children, Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, Jonathan and the extended family.

Ackerman, who passed away at the age of 92, was awarded the Order of The Baobab in 2014 for his commitment to uplifting the lives of South Africans by providing scholarships to young people and conducting socially responsible retail business.

Ackerman was one of the first retailers to fight on behalf of the South African consumers against the apartheid state’s monopoly on basic goods.

He drastically reduced the cost of essentials such as bread, milk and chicken. He also spoke against the inclusion of value-added tax (VAT) on basic food lines, a course that they fought and won on behalf of the poor.

He was one of the first executives to promote black South Africans to senior positions and to acknowledge black trade unions. This was at the period when such unions were banned from operating in the country.

He also abolished race classification on the company’s human resources payroll.

Since the 1970s, the Ackerman Family Trust has supported hundreds of young people to become graduates across a broad range of professions.

“We mourn with the Ackerman family as they bid farewell to a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose name resounded as comfortably in millions of households around the country,” President Ramaphosa said.

“Raymond Ackerman was an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur who placed people first and stood up to the injustices and discrimination which the apartheid regime sought to outsource to the business sector,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 11:49

551 views

7 September 2023

Dlamini Zuma launches women assembly in KZN

Location: News

Dlamini Zuma launches women assembly in KZN

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongi Sithole-Moloi have launched the provincial Women Economic Assembly (WECONA).

WECONA is a catalyst platform for women owned/managed/led businesses/enterprises, anchored on collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society.

It is an ongoing initiative aimed at encouraging women to be economically active with the objective of bringing together the private sector, government and civil society to drive change in the economic landscape.

“Throughout the continent, women entrepreneurs are not just business leaders; they are role models. Through mentorship programs, training workshops, and community initiatives, they are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring that the legacy of women in business continues to thrive,” Dlamini Zuma said on Thursday in Durban.

The provincial assembly is aligned with the Pillar 5 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide that calls for “the need to create more economic opportunities for women who are vulnerable to abuse due to poverty, unemployment and social inequality.”

“Through WECONA, there have been transformational conversations with the industry associations and representatives to establish procurement targets to ensure [that] women-owned businesses have increased levels of participation within business value chains by advocating for the implementation of 40% preferential public procurement for women - owned businesses.

“These dialogues have led to the implementation of game-changing initiatives in several sectors, including the financial industry and automotive sectors,” the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 14:27

378 views

7 September 2023

President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to embark on a working visit to India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend.

“President Ramaphosa will during the summit participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed One Earth, One Family and One Future. The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

“South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world. South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The theme for this year’s summit, held under the Presidency of India, is “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

“The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely; Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth; Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure; Building Digital Public Infrastructure; Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony; Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and; Creating a More Inclusive World.

“The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

“The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption,” the Presidency said.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor will support the President on the working visit. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 15:03

340 views

7 September 2023

Coalition govts should prioritise people, service delivery – Mashatile

Location: News

Coalition govts should prioritise people, service delivery - Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says coalition governments should prioritise the people, service delivery and good governance.

He was speaking in Parliament on Thursday where he was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues related to government’s efforts to implement rapid response interventions in municipalities and plans to tackle crime.

The Deputy President said the state has faced a number of challenges at the local government level where there are coalitions.

“By defining the rules, procedures, and potential sanctions that would apply to political parties and independent councillors who govern together, we will ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in our political system,” said the Deputy President.

He said they were incorporating a framework which prioritises the people, service delivery, and good governance.

The Presidency convened a national dialogue in August, led by Deputy President Mashatile, to discuss creating a framework to prevent the instability caused by coalition governments.

“The political parties at the summit … agreed that they want to go back to their constituencies to consult once more, and they are going to come back and give us feedback. And then we will be able to finalise the document.”

He announced that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is the only political party that has already responded so far.

“We are awaiting other parties to do the same and then we'll finalise the document. So it’s a very comprehensive approach, because we're not doing it ad hoc. We're doing it for the future and to be able to ensure stable government throughout the country,” he explained, adding that legislation will follow.

Currently, South Africa has about 81 hung municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 15:30

137 views

7 September 2023

Government must maximise spend on education – Nzimande

Location: News

Government must maximise spend on education - Nzimande

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says as government continues to spend a large share of its national budget on education, the challenge is to maximise the impact of this progressive investment.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) in Durban on Thursday.

He said the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated Post-School Education and Training.

“Our department of Higher Education and Training has the single largest number of entities of all the national government departments, with over 110,” Nzimande said.

South Africa’s PSET sector is one of the biggest in Africa with highly developed institutions that feature in the global arena of international education, training, research, technology development and innovation.

“We also have the single largest research infrastructure and systems on the African continent. Our National Plan for Post-School Education and Training is a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.

“It is framed within the broader goals and priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), which foregrounds the national efforts to address the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. It is an overarching instrument and a blueprint for guiding planning in our PSET sector.

“It aligns and integrates the work that is already underway and provides a policy framework for major transformative changes government wants to bring about across the PSET system and its nexus with society and the economy,” the minister said.

Nzimande explained that the National Plan for Post School Education and Training has six goals which are the drivers for the system.

“We are bringing together institutions and traditions that have different histories and investments and propose ways of making them work together towards common goals.

“We are consolidating and building on those aspects of the system that are working well whilst also streamlining a wide range of policies, plans, and strategies currently in existence that impact on the system without reducing its diversity,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande said his department has developed an articulation Policy for the Post-School Education and Training System of South Africa in 2017.

“The policy was established to create an enabling environment to ensure that articulation occurs within and between NQF sub-frameworks, institutions work together to develop learning and work pathways and support to students as they follow their individual learning and work pathways,” the Minister said.

Nzimande added that his department conducted a comprehensive evaluation study on the implementation of the National Qualification Framework Act on how articulation was implemented by both TVET colleges and universities.

“The baseline study was also conducted to determine how articulation was practiced within and between higher education institutions. The study has identified a number of challenges in how articulation works across the entire PSET system.

“The major challenge still remains to optimise articulation pathways between universities, TVET colleges and CET colleges and without cul-de-sacs in the system. We must also fund and properly resource articulation,” Nzimande said.

The NPPSET sets out a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.

Having already been approved by the Minister, the NPPSET is being implemented by the department and may be viewed in conjunction with its enablers and or by-products which are the development of the Master Skills Plan, Student Funding Model, inclusive of the ‘missing middle’ and the implementation of the Labour Market Intelligence programme.

This launch provides an opportunity for the department to bring on board all stakeholders that are key in the broader implementation of the plan thereby ensuring effective implementation geared towards the realisation of the envisaged goals of the National Development Plan and other relevant policies to 2030 and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 14:36

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7 September 2023

President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Amy Thornton

Location: News

President Ramaphosa mourns the passing of Amy Thornton

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of veteran activist and esteemed member of the Order of Luthuli, Amy Thornton.

The President, in a statement, said his thoughts are with the family, friends and comrades of the late activist who was born in Cape Town in 1932.

Thornton was honoured in 2016 with the National Order of Luthuli for her excellent contribution and unflinching commitment to the struggle for liberation and equality for all South Africans and her commendable bravery in the face of an oppressive regime.

As a 16-year-old, Amy Thornton worked with the then Communist Party of South Africa to campaign against the National Party in the 1948 election which resulted in the legislated enforcement of apartheid.

In 1950, she joined the Modern Youth Society (MYS), a progressive youth movement involving mainly university students. Through MYS, Thornton was involved in night school literacy classes for African workers in the Cape Town docks.

When the Congress of Democrats (COD) was formed in 1952, she was appointed secretary of the Joint Congress Committee (involving the COD, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Indian Congress and the Coloured Peoples’ Congress).

She represented the MYS as part of the South African delegation to the World Federation of Democratic Youth, held in Bucharest, Romania in 1953.

In the same year, she was recruited to join the underground SACP. She was active in pamphleteering against the Group Areas Act and the Bantu Education Act. She was also involved in study classes in informal settlements around Cape Town (Blouvlei and Elsies River).

In 1955, Thornton was a delegate from Cape Town to the Congress of the People. However, she was part of the delegation that was stopped by the police in Beaufort West and detained over the weekend, so she was unable to make it to Kliptown.

From the start of the Treason Trial in 1956, she served on the Treason Trial Support Committee. She did voluntary work for the Guardian newspaper (and its successors, as each successive title was banned in turn). She did research for the publication and managed the editorial work.

In 1959 she was banned for the first time initially for two years, but this was extended several times. She eventually served 14 years under banning orders and lost her job as a nursery school teacher.

In 1976 she began to work part-time for the Food and Canning Workers’ Union.

In 1981, she was a founding member and deputy chairperson of the United Women’s Organisation, which later became one of the key organisations in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

In 1983 she was appointed as a patron of the UDF and was among those detained during the two states of emergency.

Thornton was also a member of the Cape Town ANC regional leadership and served on the National Coordinating Committee for the Return of Exiles between 1990 and 1993.

“Amy Thornton lived a life of principled resistance, bravery and perseverance so that we could live in freedom today. She was one of many white South Africans who sustained the non-racial character of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.

“Her contribution and the risks she took on also disproved the often stated claim that white South Africans didn’t know what was unfolding in the country or that they had no agency to change policy or conditions in the country.

“Amy Thornton served our nation with great courage and tireless energy. May her soul now rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 12:03

223 views

7 September 2023

International Month for Deaf People

Location: News

International Month for Deaf People

By GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa

In September 1951, hundreds of people from around the world met in Rome, Italy to discuss challenges faced by people with disabilities, and in particular deaf people. They demanded equal opportunities for deaf people around the world and full inclusion in communities.

They established the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to champion the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

This year marks 72 years since the first World Deaf Congress was held where the WFD was established. In commemoration of this milestone, September is observed as the International Month for Deaf People to promote awareness of the rights of deaf persons around the world.

The month is also used to bring to the fore challenges faced by deaf people. It aims to promote understanding of the deaf community and encourage people to take steps to be more inclusive and celebrate diversity. This includes learning sign language so that we can communicate with the deaf community.

South Africa joins the international community in commemorating this important month and honours the contributions of deaf people in the development of our country. This year’s commemoration comes less than two months since President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the South African Sign Language Bill, which recognises the South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language.

The signing into law was a historic moment and an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. It promotes inclusivity and substantive equality as well as prevents unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability, as enshrined in the Constitution.

This milestone also builds on the achievements we have made since 1994 to ensure that the Deaf community’s equal rights are realised as enshrined in our Constitution. In 2007 for instance, South Africa signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in 2013 Cabinet adopted the country’s first report to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In 2012, the Department of Basic Education commissioned a curriculum management team to compile a sign language curriculum and just over two years later offered a standardised SASL curriculum to Deaf learners up to matric level. In addition, in 2022 South Africa developed the first bilingual South African Sign Language Dictionary which is available as an App on smartphones to provide a standardised SASL lexical terminology.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the South African Sign Language Bill into law, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of the official recognition of this language. He said: “Having sign language recognised as an official language will address access to education, economic and other social opportunities as well as public participation. People with hearing impairments will be able to also access more services, public information and a host other opportunities.”

The law will not only promote and protect the rights of sign language users but will facilitate the provision of sign language interpreters and education in sign language.

The signing into law of sign language as an official language will also have a positive impact on the social and economic development of the deaf community, as well as on their access to information and services.

This official recognition follows an intensive and extensive public consultation process, which is in line with the country’s founding democratic principle to take into account people’s opinions and their input towards building a better life for all.

By signing this Bill into law, South Africa becomes the 41st country in the world and the 4th in Africa that has recognised sign language as an official language.

It also means that national government institutions will need to review their language policies to include SASL as an official language. All government departments are now obliged to make provisions for South African Sign Language interpreters as well as train civil servants, particularly front-line workers on basic SASL.

While the language has long been part of curriculum in our schools, preparations are underway to ensure it is available as a second additional language. This will mean that learning and taking the language as an additional language is not restricted for learners with special needs.

We call on all South Africans to learn our new 12th official language. By doing so we can create an inclusive society that creates space for everyone to thrive and enjoy the gains of our democracy.

*Nomonde Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Janine
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 11:41

98 views

7 September 2023

DIRCO Deputy Minister concludes visit to Ethiopia

Location: News

DIRCO Deputy Minister concludes visit to Ethiopia

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, has concluded his visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Deputy Minister was participating in the Validation Workshop of the Principles and Guidelines of the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections.

The General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) has mandated the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to implement resolutions and guidelines for safeguarding electoral integrity in the digital age as well as producing strategies for combating digital disinformation.

The IEC is supported by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) through the African Renaissance Fund.

The Deputy Minister delivered a speech on Tuesday affirming South Africa’s support for the principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in elections in Africa.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister said: “It is important for governments and electoral management bodies to take advantage of these digital and social media to inform and capacitate our youth, given that our continent has a youthful populace”.

Botes told delegates that digital and social media can also be harnessed to reach various sectors of society, including those in rural areas, as well as those living with disabilities to ensure that no one is left behind.

However, he said necessary infrastructure should be put in place for countries to be able to take full advantage of these technological developments.

“In addition to the information and communication infrastructure, there is a need for the appropriate legislative and regulatory system to be put in place that would facilitate access to information and the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and association, in line with the various constitutions in place across our continent, as well as the attendant responsibilities that go with the exercise of such rights,” he added.

It is envisaged that following the Validation Workshop, the AAEA General Assembly, alongside the Annual Election Management Bodies Forum to be organised by the AU Commission in Benin, in November 2023, will adopt the Principles, and Guidelines on the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 10:31

169 views

7 September 2023

Assets of alleged illegal mining kingpins frozen

Location: News

Assets of alleged illegal mining kingpins frozen

The Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks Priority Crimes Specialised Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation have secured preservation orders to freeze assets “which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold” in Gauteng.

The frozen assets include 51 vehicles and seven properties with a value of more than R16 million.

“The orders were to preserve various properties belonging to Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Bongani Khumalo, Dumisani Moyo [and his company] Kesitaal Pty Ltd, Nhlanhla Magwaca, Neo Duba, Tsepo Dube, Itumeleng Magagane, Gloria Magagane Mlambo, Nhlanhla Mathebula, Manuel Nhamucho and Thabiso Sechele, which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Khutsong and Carletonville.

“This emanates from a criminal investigation by the DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] that resulted in six accused being arrested, who are alleged to be illegal mining kingpins. All the accused are remanded in custody, however Moyo was granted bail after he appealed at the high court. Some of the properties belong to four of the accused,” the NPA said in a statement.

The criminal case in this regard is expected to be heard in court on Thursday, 7 April. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 09:49

59 views

7 September 2023

Mashatile to outline government plans for municipalities, tackling crime

Location: News

Mashatile to outline government plans for municipalities, tackling crime

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will today brief members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues related to government efforts to implement rapid response interventions in municipalities and plans to tackle crime.

“As part of his delegated responsibilities, Deputy President Mashatile has been leading the implementation of rapid response interventions on service delivery, trouble-shooting service delivery hotspots, and monitoring the implementation of the District Development Model, which is an integrated planning model that government has adopted to fast-tracking service delivery,” said the Presidency in a statement.

Following the successful National Dialogue on Coalitions convened by the Deputy President, which took place in August at the University of the Western Cape, he will also brief members of the NCOP on emerging proposals aimed at stabilising coalitions within municipalities.

“In light of the persisting levels of violent crime in the country, Deputy President Mashatile will apprise members on government’s rapid response plans to tackle crime.”

He is also expected to update members of the NCOP on the country’s commitment and continued efforts to play a key role in the realisation of peace and stability in the region and the continent. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 08:50

67 views

6 September 2023

At least five injured in Braamfontein fire

Location: News

At least five injured in Braamfontein fire

An explosion from a gas pipeline in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, has left at least five people injured, while a truck and a building close to the Nelson Mandela Bridge caught fire.

According to a statement released on the City of Johannesburg’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda explained that the incident occurred while maintenance was being carried out on an Egoli Gas pipeline.

“The explosion is confirmed to be a gas explosion from an Egoli Gas pipeline that was undergoing maintenance.

“Following the Bree Street incident, the City has placed pressure on eGoli and other service providers to test and maintain their systems to prevent future accidents and minimise the risk to leaks and explosions. Sadly, this explosion occurred during the course of such maintenance.

“Residents in the area are advised that they may experience a strong gas scent and mustn’t be concerned as the gas is being released into the atmosphere and poses no risk to health and life,” Gwamanda said.

Since July, at least two major incidents have rocked the area, namely, a methane gas pipeline explosion at Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street, which killed one person and caused serious infrastructure damage, and last week’s Usindiso Building fire, which claimed at least 74 lives.

Gwamanda warned residents to stay clear of disaster areas for their own safety.

“We must, however, also decry a growing tendency where people converge around a scene of disaster, taking pictures and videos, as opposed to evacuating and moving away from such scenes. The Boksburg explosion must be a lesson that scenes of disaster must be cleared immediately by all,” said Gwamanda.

In a statement, Egoli Gas confirmed that the pipeline belongs to it and said the fire was “contained within 15 minutes”.

The company said it has been working closely with the City of Johannesburg since the Lillian Ngoyi Street explosion in July “to make the city safe”.

“This involves exposing sections of pipeline and sleeving to ensure integrity of the network. This process of making the city safe is being rolled out in phases, following the explosion in Bree Street in July and possible damages to the Egoli infrastructure due to that incident.

“A root cause analysis will be concluded and agreement has been reached with the executive team of Johannesburg that JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] and EMS [Emergency Medical Services] will be informed of future work to assist with the management of traffic and public movement in areas where work is planned,” Egoli gas concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:37

552 views

6 September 2023

Postbank experiencing technical glitch

Location: News

Postbank experiencing technical glitch

The Postbank has advised South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries that it is experiencing intermittent technical issues which are affecting some beneficiaries’ ability to withdraw their funds from ATMs and retailers.

The technical challenges also affect some SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 withdrawals within the retailers.

SASSA grants beneficiaries are assured that Postbank’s technical teams are working around the clock to resolve the issue.

“Postbank deeply understands the inconvenience and challenges that this technical issue poses to our valued SASSA grants customers. We apologise unreservedly to all our customers. Postbank will advise as soon as the technical issue is resolved,” Postbank said in a statement.

Postbank said social grants payments transactions via SASSA Gold Cards within the Post Office branches are processing normally and not affected by the issue. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:46

775 views

6 September 2023

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

Location: News

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

With a total of R3.3 billion invested in the South African economy in the last two years, Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa aims to build the largest container production plant in the continent.

Ardagh is one of the companies that heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for more investment into the South African economy.

Their staggered investment kicked off in May 2022 with a R1.5 billion set aside for the expansion of its facility in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. A further R1.8 billion was added later for expansion at the same facility.

Ardagh Glass Packing Africa exists after it took over the company, Consol, which had been in existence since 1944.

The company is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates four modern glass production facilities. These are in Bellville, Clayville, Nigel and Wadeville and are producing around five billion glass containers per annum.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Paul Curnow, says demand for sustainable packaging in Africa is growing strongly, supported by factors such as rising income levels and growing sustainability awareness.

He said Ardagh is committed to investing in its people and its asset base to serve this strong demand growth over the near term.

“The expansions have also been designed with the environment in mind. They provide significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits, representing another important step in Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa’s journey to decarbonise the glass production process and to reduce emissions in the communities in which it operates,” Curnow said.

He adds that the expansion projects together are expected to create around 300 direct jobs and significant ancillary supply-chain expenditure in local communities.

The company also estimates that at least five indirect jobs are created for every direct job, indicating a much larger impact in job creation. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:59

234 views

6 September 2023

Facelift for land ports of entry

Location: News

Facelift for land ports of entry

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says officials are committed to making the country's border posts safer, less porous and more efficient in the facilitation and easing of trade, as well as the legitimate movement of people.

“The South African government is committed to putting in the latest infrastructure and relevant technology in its efforts to modernise and upgrade our ports to be on par with the current global best practices on border management,” Motsoaledi said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Motsoaledi said the main objective of upgrading border posts is to make it easier for law-abiding people and companies to easily enter and exit South Africa through the borders, while the illicit movement of persons and goods is nipped in the bud.

“It has taken a while for us to get to this point. I would like to commend my team consisting of officials from the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, The Presidency’s Infrastructure SA, National Treasury, SARS, the DBSA’s Infrastructure Fund, and the transactional advisors, Bowmans and Ernst & Young, for their hard work in getting us to this point,” Motsoaledi said.

He said South Africa’s ports of entry were designed during the apartheid era, with the primary objective of tightened security, while neglecting the effective facilitation of regional and international trade.

“Since the advent of democracy, there has been an exponential increase in the number of people moving between South Africa and the countries in the region. The volume of regional and international trade has similarly increased.

“As a result, our land ports of entry are very congested and that continues to stifle trade, instead of enabling it. If you want to understand what we are talking about, just take a visit to the Lebombo Border Post between SA and Mozambique, where you will see trucks lining up for kilometres, bumper to bumper, for hours on end, on the N4 Corridor,” Motsoaledi said.

He said this is because mining companies in the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga took a decision to use the Maputo Port for their exports and no longer Richards Bay Harbour.

“Given the current narrow design of the port, this has led to congestion. The announcement we are making today will make sure that what is happening there, will become history (sic),” the Minister said.

Improvements to boost continental trade

Motsoaledi said SA has 72 ports of entry, 53 of which are land, 11 are international airports and eight are seaports -- all of which are now operated by the Border Management Authority.

“Of the 53 land ports of entry, we have now earmarked six of our largest and busiest, by traffic volume, for redevelopment in order to address the congestion. The outcome of the redevelopment of these ports of entry will be used as a blueprint in the long-term for all other South Africa’s land ports of entry.

“The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said in order to ensure that ongoing operations at each of the designated Ports of Entry are not interrupted, construction will be undertaken in phases.

“During construction, the project is expected to create in the order of 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry,” he said.

The six ports of entry earmarked for upgrading or redevelopment are:

• Beitbridge - Zimbabwe

• Lebombo - Mozambique

• Maseru Bridge – Lesotho

• Ficksburg - Lesotho

• Kopfontein - Botswana

• Oshoek - Eswatini

The redeveloped ports of entry will result in:

• Efficient cross-border management of the movement of people, goods and services.

• Improved administration of persons entering and leaving the Republic.

• Better regional economic integration, and enhanced support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

• Improved revenue collection and addressing leakages caused by the illegal movement of goods and illicit financial flows.

• Protecting local industry from harmful imports and exports.

• Effective migration management including curbing illegal migration. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:10

405 views

6 September 2023

Cele briefs on KZN political killings

Location: News

Cele briefs on KZN political killings

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Political Killings in KwaZulu-Natal has urged political parties to strengthen their internal mechanisms in order to defuse inter- and intra-tensions and instability, which may escalate and lead to political attacks and killings.

Addressing media on Wednesday following the committee’s meeting in Durban, Police Minister and IMC chairperson, Bheki Cele, said as the country gets closer to the National General Elections next year, efforts are being solidified to boost the work of the IMC, as well as investigations.

“In enhancing the work of the task team, the IMC has resolved that there will be dedicated courts to speedily prosecute these matters,” Cele said.

The IMC -- which consists of the Ministers of State Security Agency, Defence, Justice and Correctional Services and Police -- remains committed to encouraging political tolerance by individuals and parties, whether before, during or after the election period.

Cele said through the integrated work of the task team, the IMC is committed to arresting those who use violence to settle political scores.

The task team includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) - supported by the State Security Agency and Correctional Services, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, and KZN Community Safety and Liaison MEC.

Progress on cases

Giving the latest developments around the investigation of politically linked violence in KZN, Cele said since 4 July 2018, a total of 321 cases have been investigated.

Cele said the cases under scrutiny by the team include 155 cases of murder; 51 attempted murder, 77 intimidation, 12 cases of conspiracy to commit murder and 26 other ad hoc cases.

“So far, the work of the task team has resulted in the arrest of 348 suspects, who have already been charged on 233 cases. Sixty-two suspects have been convicted, while 155 are going through the court processes. Seventeen arrested suspects have since died during the court processes,” Cele said.

Cele noted that firearms are the most used weapon in the majority of the attacks on councillors, office bearers and municipal officials.

He said the team has recovered 46 firearms from suspects, which are linked through ballistics to multiple political murder cases before the task team.

In a continuous effort to reduce political killings and at same time, reduce the proliferation of firearms within the province of KwaZulu-Natal and country at large, Cele said the task team is also investigating parallel cases that are not related to the task team’s mandate but are linked with politically related cases with similar suspects and ballistic analysis.

He said 85 such cases have so far been registered, and efforts to rid the streets of illegal firearms do not end here.

Over and above these parallel cases, Cele said the team continues to conduct intelligence driven operations, targeting unlicensed firearms, which has resulted in 86 cases being registered in this regard.

“The task team is conducting intelligence driven operations targeting the possession of unlicensed firearms, which has resulted in 172 cases. Over 250 unlicensed firearms have been taken off the streets through police operations,” the Minister said.

Region stabilisation

Cele said since the implementation of an integrated multi-disciplinary investigation approach, eight of the province's 11 regions have since stabilised.

However, he said, the eThekwini Metropolitan remains an area of concern, and the focus is now on the region to bring much needed stability.

“The IMC is encouraged that interventions are in place to deal with all forms of politically related crimes, proactively and reactively in the eThekwini and in the Zululand District.”

Political killings

The investigations of the political killings revealed that the most affected political parties are the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and National Freedom Party (NFP), with 52 murder cases of councillors, including 31 councillors from the ANC, 14 from the IFP, and four from the NFP.

“While 52 councillors have been gunned down since 2011 to date, alarmingly 103 officials working within municipalities as political office bearers and officials in political offices were killed.

“Causative factors for these crimes are linked to intra-political conflicts, with a few cases linked to other motives, such as taxi violence, domestic related issues, business competition and traditional leadership competition, as well as family feuds.

“Murder cases that were reported before the 2016 and 2021 Local Government Elections were mainly as a result of fighting over councillors’ positions; where candidate councillors were eliminated.

“The majority of the murder cases reported after the 2016 and 2021 Local Government Elections were associated with infighting within structures and municipalities over positions,” Cele said.

High profile cases

Sentences handed down in high-profile cases include:
•   Mfanafuthi Zulu (notorious hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total 10 years imprisonment for the murder of ANC Member Bongani Mhlongo.
•   Kingdom Phoswa (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 18 years imprisonment for the murder of ANC Ward Councillor Njabulo Dlamini.
•   Bongekile Ngcwaba and Thuthukani Mzolo: found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each for the murder of ANC Ward Councillor Kheyelethu Mngcwaba.
•   Ntsazane Mthetiswa, Gutshana Zwelandile, Mcobhoti Aphelile and Ntsethe Bonasile (ANC members): found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment (25 years each) for the murder of EFF member Sbusiso Mbhobo.
•   Mxolisi Mzokhona Gcabashe (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 28 years for the murder of ANC Councillor Minenhle Mkhize.
•   Nkosinathi Mantengu (land grabber): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 36 years imprisonment for the murder of IFP member Philangenkosi Nkundlane and his son Bongani (on three counts).
•   Thanda Chamane (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 42 years imprisonment for the murder of IFP Councillor Mfazo Nzuza (on three counts).

– SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 14:51

83 views

6 September 2023

KZN youth-owned businesses to benefit from R90m fund

Location: News

KZN youth-owned businesses to benefit from R90m fund

Fifty-nine youth-owned businesses are set to benefit from the R90 million KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund.

Announcing the youth businesses approved for funding during a ceremony held in Durban on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the event marks an important milestone in government’s quest to push back the frontiers of the stubbornly high rate of youth unemployment in the province.

She said moment marks the fulfilment of a pledge made during the State of the Province Address earlier this year, which was delivered under the theme, ‘Taking Decisive Action in the time of Renewal and Hope as we Rebuild a Better, Prosperous, and Resilient KwaZulu-Natal’.

The Youth Fund was established by the Office of the Premier in 2018 as part of government’s concerted efforts to crank up youth development and empowerment in the province.

According to the fund structure, 90% of the fund received by each beneficiary is channelled to buy equipment in order to lower their cost of business, while 10% is for working capital.

Dube-Ncube said during the first phase, R60 million was disbursed to 51 youth-owned businesses. In the current phase, which was opened in July 2021, a total of 4 016 applications were received for funding.

“Of those applications, 2 854 were disqualified for various compliance and other reasons while 1 162 were processed by the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund, an entity of government that is responsible for the disbursement process and management of the Youth Fund.

“A further rigorous evaluation process was undertaken, and 352 applications were shortlisted for the due diligence stage. Ultimately, site visits were conducted, which resulted in the 59 [businesses] that are today the recipients of the funding. The funding ranges from R200 000 to R2 million,” Dube-Ncube explained.

The Premier said youth-owned businesses that benefited from the current window operate in various strategic sectors, including water security, transport and logistics, farming technology, the digital economy, automotive and maritime industries.

“We could not have asked for a better present to mark the close of Women’s Month, as evidenced by the fact that 42% of the approved applicants are women. This is a significant improvement, if we consider that only 15% women applicants had benefitted previously.

“Our goal, moving forward, is to ensure at least a 50-50 access between men-owned and women-owned businesses,” the Premier said.

The Premier said they are encouraged by the fact that there is adequate geographic spread in terms of the distribution of beneficiaries as they come from across all the districts in the province.

She said the provincial government is decisively addressing the divide between urban and rural, the poor and affluent. They believe that all people must benefit equally from government’s interventions.

The Premier noted that the fund also approved businesses that are owned and managed by unemployed graduates and youths from professional sectors, including medical, engineering and accounting disciplines.

The Premier also announced that the new window (for R100 million funding) will be opened soon. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:04

51 views