SA News

18 August 2023

No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth – DMRE

Location: News

No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth - DMRE

Government has no intention to formalise illegal mining in South Africa, which is wreaking havoc in some parts of the country, says the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Nqobile Khanyile.

“There’s no way that limited State resources could be spent trying to legalise illegal miners, who are armed to the teeth. This is a different illegal criminal activity,” the Director for Enforcement and Compliance at the DMRE said on Thursday.

However, the official said her department was not closing the door on small-scale miners, who want to be granted permits.

Khanyile announced the department has since received applications from over 101 artisanal miners.

According to Khanyile, the department also offers funding for those who want to purchase equipment and non-financial support.

Khanyile was speaking at a webinar on the impact and implications of illegal mining in South Africa, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

She said the issues of human trafficking and gang wars have also infiltrated illegal mining.

“It’s a dangerous environment and this is the reason why the police and the National Prosecuting Authority are playing an active role to assist us to deal with this issue and we highly appreciate the effort taken by them.”

Khanyile explained that the State is the custodian of all mineral resources, under the Minister of Mineral Resources, to ensure the economic benefit of the exploitation of minerals is equitably distributed to all South Africans.

She told the webinar’s attendees that South Africa is a mining jurisdiction with a history of exploitation of migrant labour, which dates back to apartheid.

However, she said the regulation of mining has since changed where the environmental dispensation is concerned, which came from legislation in 1991.

“This is the only time the South African government realised there’s a need for some environmental governance in the mining industry.”

However, Khanyile described illegal mining as a difficult and complex operation.

She reiterated that criminal syndicates, who are exploiting people and children, are driving illegal mining.

“Some of them [children] have been taken forcefully from neighbouring States. The unfortunate part is that once it’s a criminal activity, it doesn’t only compromise the health and the safety of the people who work in these operations, but it also compromises the safety of the environment.”

Khanyile also noted that it hampers the integrity of infrastructure.

“We have already seen the impact, where sections of the roads are [impacted]. Surface infrastructure gets to be damaged, and all of this has a catastrophic impact not only the livelihood but the economic growth of the country.

“At the State’s cost, such remedial measures will have to be managed and this will eventually have a catastrophic impact on the fiscus to try to fix the problem that is caused by illegal mining.”

Khanyile said the department will continue to condemn illegal mining in its strongest terms.

“Illegal mining does not take place only in abandoned mines. It also takes place in other areas, where there are no deposits of minerals.”

In addition, the department has also noted a trend for operational mines being invaded by criminals at a huge cost to spend on security.

“Some take place closer to human settlements and public infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, roads and electricity structures.

“The scourge of illegal mining should be a concern to the country and all South Africans.”

She also dispelled reports that zama zamas are only illegal foreigners.

“We have seen the statistics on people who have been arrested and pursued. While a greater majority are those who are undocumented and in the country illegally, there is a growing population of South Africans who are participating in these illegal operations.”

Khanyile believes that the State needs to address unemployment and poverty to fight the issues of illegal miners.

She also called on companies to rehabilitate and safeguard their old mine dumps and punish non-compliant businesses.

She said this requires cooperation between mining companies, departments and the community. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:55

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18 August 2023

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

Location: News

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.

According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.

The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.

Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.

Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.

Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.

“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.

The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.

While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.

“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”

Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.

“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”

Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.

Police killings

However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.

He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.

“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.

“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”

Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.

The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.

“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.

“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30

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18 August 2023

China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

Location: News

China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

The upcoming BRICS Summit will usher new steps towards expanding the membership of BRICS countries, says Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong.

Xiaodong confirmed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be attending the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, which will get underway next week.

The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies - Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.

He told the media that China was actively pushing for the strengthening of partnerships with other nations.

“As the world faces rising exclusiveness and protectionism, President Xi Jinping pointed out that BRICS is not an exclusive club or small circle, but a big family of good partners that is based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation.”

This is after, according to the ambassador, the BRICS leaders reached a consensus on the bloc’s expansion.

“The leaders supported discussions on the criteria and procedure for expansion.”

The ambassador said the international community voted in strong favour of BRICS cooperation, countries that have formally applied to join the five-country bloc.

“BRICS expansion has become the top trending issue at the moment. Expansion is key to enhancing [the] BRICS mechanism’s vitality. I believe that this year’s summit will witness a new and solid step on this front,” he stressed.

Cooperation

He also touched on BRICS cooperation, which he is of the view that this year’s summit will send signals for solidarity and its commitment to make the world a better place.

“Over the past 17 years, BRICS countries have focused on shared development. BRICS continues to advance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy and resources, as well as finance and monetary matters.”

In addition, they are looking to grow in other areas. These include supply chain, logistics, agriculture, food security, local settlement and cross-border payment, vaccines and public health.

“President Xi Jinping put forward four major goals of building an integrated big market, ensuring sound circulation and transport connectivity at all levels and strengthening cultural exchanges for BRICS.”

He told the media that the leaders would also draw a sharp focus on the youth and people with disabilities.

State Visit

According to a Presidency media advisory, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The ambassador said it would be his President’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years.

He described the visit as significant as China and South Africa celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year.

He told the guests that both countries had built a “comrade plus brothers special bond”.

The ambassador also reflected on the partnership that the two nations enjoy.

“China-South Africa ties have set a fine example for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.”

Xiaodong said under Presidents Xi and Ramaphosa, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has moved to greater heights.

“On the political front, the two countries have strong mutual respect and trust. We firmly support each other on issues of our respective core interest and major concerns.”

In addition, he said on the economic and trade front, the relationship is mutually beneficial.

During the State Visit, he said both Presidents would have wide-ranging and in-depth exchanges on China-South Africa and China-Africa relations, BRICS cooperation, and international and regional issues of common interest.

They are also expected to witness the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and hold a press briefing.
The two Heads of State will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.

“All eyes will be on how stronger BRICS cooperation, China-South Africa relations and China-Africa relations will continue to contribute to regional and global peace and development.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:36

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18 August 2023

Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims

Location: News

Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims

Government has paid more than R330 million in claims related to the Marikana tragedy.

This was revealed by Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani during a media briefing on Thursday.

Claims payments have been disbursed to claimants through their legal representatives, including the Wits Law Clinic, as well as the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI).

The tragedy occurred in 2011 at the North West town when police officials shot and killed some 34 miners during a labour-related strike at Lonmin Mine.

Some 78 others were injured, with a further 10 people – including law enforcement officials – dying in clashes before the tragedy.

“The Marikana incident of 16 August 2012 is a painful and significant and solemn chapter in our nation’s history. It is something that we cannot downplay because people are still impacted emotionally and it casts a sombre shadow over the tragic clash between striking miners and law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities.

“As a result of which, we, as government lawyers, are now seized with having to meet the lawful demands that have been lodged with us. These funds have served to address a spectrum of claims that relate to legal consideration stemming from the Marikana incident,” Pandelani said.

In relation to the 10 people who died in earlier clashes, Pandelani said that no claim has been laid against government.

“There is always a narrative of confining the fatalities to only 34 individuals. In our book, it’s actually 34 plus another 10 who are never accounted for. We also need to take that into account. In relation to the 10 who died before the other miners, we’ve got no claim that has been lodged against government.

“The other 10 people who died, there was no causation on the death itself that was attributable to government or the State. Their settlements might have been settled by other individuals,” Pandelani said.

Constitutional damages

Turning to the potential constitutional law damages that may be lodged against the state, Pandelani said the Solicitor-General’s office currently does not have the mandate to deal with those matters.

He said upon instruction to do so, “it is an issue that we are prepared to explore”.

“Where a new concept… is introduced, such as constitutional litigation, which was not existing at the time of incident, you find a situation where you are applying the law retrospectively. We need to get instructions from the South African Police Service and everybody else.

“We are having to deal with the… concept of constitutional litigation. Why was it not pleaded as and when the matters started? And as creatures of instruction, where do you then derive the powers to settle on an aspect using taxpayers’ money on an issue which has not been ventilated in court? Until and unless there are new developments and there is cogent argument that is presented before any court of law about any novel or new issue that arises out of the Marikana litigation, I think we have done enough.

“Remarkable strides have been realised in the strategic orchestration and harmonisation of the Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and due process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 08:59

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18 August 2023

African leaders engage on environmental matters

Location: News

African leaders engage on environmental matters

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has emphasised the importance of accelerating work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts.

This work must focus on delivering key mandates such as the operationalisation of the Global Goal on Adaptation; the Loss and Damage Fund; the Mitigation Work Programmes as well as the adoption of the modalities and scope for the Just Transition Work Programme.

Creecy made these remarks at the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that kicked off on Thursday.

The two-day session is providing a platform for strengthening Africa’s collective engagement in the global environmental agenda under the theme: “Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa.”

Ministers will consider a declaration and decisions prepared by senior officials during the expert segment on a number of issues including preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28).

They will also consider Africa’s participation in the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment and preparations for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) among other agenda items.

As part of the engagements, there will be a number of Ministerial dialogues including on climate finance and protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of plastic pollution in Africa.

“It is critical that the UNFCCC COP28 accelerates work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts,” the Minister said on Thursday.

She emphasised that Africa’s approach to climate change must be premised on the principle of equity and the recognition of Africa’s Right to Development.

She further noted the critical links between building low carbon, climate resilient societies and sustainable development necessary to address Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“South Africa looks forward to the inaugural African Climate Summit to be hosted in Kenya next month and the role this summit can play in the adoption of a well-coordinated Common African Position ahead of COP 28,” the Minister said.

Creecy will also take the opportunity to engage with fellow African Environment Ministers, to obtain their approach to the Global Stocktake, as requested by the COP 28 President.

Plastic pollution and pesticides

On the issue of Africa’s participation in the development of an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment, Creecy said South Africa remains deeply committed to the development of a comprehensive agreement to end plastic pollution.

In this regard, South Africa has shared the domestic experience of the Polluter Pays Principle and its usefulness in holding producers of plastic products accountable through the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations.

South Africa supports the establishment of a Global Alliance to encourage partnerships and actions on highly hazardous pesticides.

Furthermore, South Africa supports the need for transparency to be able to manage chemicals safety through amongst others labelling, the Global Harmonised System, strengthening customs control, and other relevant measures.

The AMCEN was created in 1985 to promote regional cooperation between African governments in addressing environmental challenges confronting the continent. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:26

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18 August 2023

Koeberg units expected to return in November

Location: News

Koeberg units expected to return in November

Eskom’s generation capacity is expected to receive a boost by some 1 860MW when units 1 and 2 at Koeberg Power Station return to commercial availability on November 3 and November 7.

The two units have been offline on a planned refuelling and maintenance outage since late last year.

The power utility said the maintenance project is to make the nuclear power station more efficient and add a further 27MW to the power station’s output.

“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced at the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.

“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.

Eskom explained its decision to apply to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for an extension to operate the power station for a further 20 years.

The power utility said the delay in returning the two units to service will not have an effect on its application.

“The conservative design of the station, the investment that Eskom has made in continuously improving safety standards, the rigorous maintenance, as well as the testing programme over its operating lifespan, give merit to Eskom’s decision to apply for the licence to operate the plant for an additional 20 years.

“The Koeberg units have operated safely and reliably for almost 40 years. The amendment of the operating licence will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape, which Unit 2 has safely continued to do with an excellent energy availability factor of 94.87%, while Unit 1 was on outage,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:30

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18 August 2023

Symposium to empower women in business

Location: News

Symposium to empower women in business

A symposium is to be held on Friday with the aim of providing women with equal access to business opportunities.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.

The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.

“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.

Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.

The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46

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17 August 2023

Deputy President to chair Human Resource Development Council meeting

Location: News

Deputy President to chair Human Resource Development Council meeting

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to chair the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) meeting at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.

The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 18 August.

The HRDC is a national multi-stakeholder advisory body, which includes representatives from government, labour, the private sector and civil society, led by the Deputy President.

“Its deliberations are carried over for implementation, through various measures and programmes aimed at achieving the strategic goals of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

In line with the council’s decision of strengthening the link and alignment between provincial councils and the HRDC at the national level, Deputy President Mashatile recently led the council to KwaZulu-Natal in May 2023.

The aim was to assess progress achieved by the province in implementing programmes and initiatives towards the attainment of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030.

As part of the resolutions of the fourth HRDC Summit, representatives of relevant social partners signed two social compacts.

These include ‘Building foundations for a transformed economy and society’ and ‘Building skills for a transformed economy and society’, while the third one will be signed on Friday in Kimberley.

Through this HRDC outreach led by the Deputy President, all the relevant partners have rallied behind the vision to invest in education and training, science and technology, geared to address the challenges of critical skills shortages and unemployment.

The meeting is expected to receive a presentation from the Northern Cape HRDC, which was recently relaunched and chaired by Premier Zamani Saul.

The presentation will provide an update on provincial efforts towards building the requisite skills required for economic development.

Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape and senior government officials, will accompany Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 15:44

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17 August 2023

Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Location: News

Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football.

This follows Banyana Banyana making history as the first senior South African national women or men’s football team to progress beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.

In addition, the SPAR Proteas fought gallantly as the host nation in the first ever Netball World Cup to take place on African soil.

Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women’s Month a memorable one.

“I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sports women,” he said on Thursday.

Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts.

In an effort to honour women in sport, Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams, respectively, to celebrate them for raising South Africa’s flag high.

“While government has supported efforts to boost women and youth sports development in the country, it cannot do it alone. All stakeholders must play a role in realising the aim to professionalise women’s football and netball.

“I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring the as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes,” the Minister said.

South African netball team Captain Bongi Msomi spoke of the challenges experienced by women in sport due to the lack of support and recognition.

“A couple of our players have had the opportunity to play oversees based on their hard work. We take way less than what we deserve as women in sport. It is a shame that we have to go on the court constantly and compete against professional athletes.

“There will always be a gap. It does not matter how much effort we put in. Professionalising women sports is a step we have to take and it has to come with speed,” Msomi said.

Due to Banyana Banyana playing for university teams, Vice-Captain Thembi Kgatlana said their competitors at the World Cup undermined them.

“They couldn’t believe that we didn’t have a professional league. They called us students because the majority of us play in the Hollywoodbets and universities. They undermined us but we had a fighting spirit, which led us to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on the past year, which has been challenging for her due to an injury and losing family members during the World cup, she emphasised that it was important for her to represent her country in the tournament.

“It was very difficult. I had not been with Banyana Banyana for a year because of my torn Achilles tendon that I got in July last year at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The first day I got to camp for the World Cup, I got a call to say my father’s aunt passed away.

“While I wanted to go home, I couldn’t because I was part of the team that was trying to sort out the issues that we had before the World Cup. The next morning, my great grandmother passed away.

“They gave me some time to be at home. Afterwards, I left for New Zealand and three days before the World Cup started, my aunt passed away because of womb cancer,” Kgatlana said.

While she was struggling with the news of her family members, Kgatlana ultimately decided to play in the tournament.

“Two days before the match with Italy, I missed training because I had a breakdown. It was very difficult but when I saw my teammates go to training and come back with smiles, I understood what was at stake, qualifying for the last 16. I got strength from my team. They prayed for me and supported me,” she said.

The Minister announced that his department’s infrastructure team will be hard at work at Cala Senior Secondary School and Mchawula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape, building netball courts.

“What set South Africa’s bid apart to host the 2023 Netball World Cup from the rest was its potential to build a legacy in the country. Government has contributed to this legacy by constructing up to 10 multipurpose sports courts in schools,” the Minister said.

These include schools in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some in the Northern Cape and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:31

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17 August 2023

Opportunities for women in housing

Location: News

Opportunities for women in housing

Promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women in the housing sector will come under the spotlight at the Human Settlements Women Indaba and Exhibition in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will this weekend host the Indaba and Exhibition to showcase and unlock socio-economic opportunities for women in the housing sector.

The two-day Indaba to be held from 19-20 August 2023 at Lucrecia Primary School in Roodepan, will focus on promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women, including access to market, finance and leveraging on innovative building technologies.

While women have been at the centre of housing delivery over the years, the department said, their full participation in the sector is still lacking.

The department said the gathering happens at a significant time as the nation commemorates Women’s Month and provides a platform for government to cast the spotlight on the transformation agenda for women in the sector through policy.

“The policy includes, among others, enforcing the allocation of 40% of government procurement spent to women-owned businesses, implementing skills development programmes for women and women-owned business, and supporting women to set up their businesses and gain experience through incubator and mentorship programmes,” the department said.

The Indaba will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment”.

The department said the outcomes of the Indaba are expected to be integrated into the new Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) starting in 2024 and ultimately, the National Development Plan (NDP). – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:10

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17 August 2023

Citizens urged to vaccinate amid confirmed case of COVID Eris variant in Gauteng

Location: News

Citizens urged to vaccinate amid confirmed case of COVID Eris variant in Gauteng

The National Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 “Eris” variant from a sample taken in Gauteng.

The department has since used this opportunity to remind citizens that they can still access life-saving vaccines at public healthcare facilities, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has indicated that the new variant presents a low risk to the public.

“This doesn’t mean we should lower our guard because the virus mutates, which means there is no guarantee that its low severity status will remain unchanged to become a higher risk,” the department said, calling on people, especially the elderly and those living with comorbidities, to get the jab.

WHO has now designated Eris, also known as EG.5, as a variant of interest (VOI), a subvariant of the Omicron lineage that originally emerged in November of 2021.

The organisation said there has been a steady increase in this variant’s prevalence, with over 7 000 sequences shared from 51 countries as of 7 August 2023.

EG.5 was first reported on 17 February 2023 and designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) on 19 July 2023.

The largest portion of EG.5 sequences, according to WHO, are from China, followed by the United States, Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

Globally, WHO said there has been a steady increase in the proportion of EG.5 reported.

However, based on the available evidence, the agency said the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level, aligning with the risk associated with XBB.1.16 and the other currently circulating variant of interests (VOIs).

“While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date.

“While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalisations, lower than previous waves, have been observed in countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, no associations have been made between these hospitalisations and EG.5.”

However, due to its growth advantage and immune escape characteristics, the organisation said EG.5 may cause a rise in case incidence and become dominant in some countries or even globally. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 13:21

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17 August 2023

NATJOINTS bold of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

NATJOINTS confident of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.

“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.

The 15th BRICS Summit will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg next week from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday on the safety and security plans in place for the hosting of the summit, Mosikili said NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, the summit will happen in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.

“A priority committee, comprising various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, routes, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili explained that the safety and security preparations for the summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” Mosikili said.

All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times and at all areas of deployment.

“Each and every member deployed has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity. It is on that note that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers,” she said.

Mosikili cautioned members of the public against committing any illegal acts, as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.

“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively, within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.

Securing the venue

Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law.

Leading up to the summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting the BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August.

This seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa.

Residents in the City of Johannesburg are advised that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre. Those operating businesses and those who reside near the Sandton Convention Centre are advised of the following road closures that enclose the venue:

From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 24:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023

• Corner Maude and West Streets

• Corner West Street and Alice Lane

• Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street

On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures from 15:00 to 24:00

• Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive

• Richards Drive traffic circle

• Johnnic and Lupton Street

• Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road

- SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:35

257 views

17 August 2023

SA loses icon ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval

Location: News

SA loses icon ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval

The passing of legendary ballet dancer and cultural icon Johaar Mosaval has been described as a “great loss” for South Africa’s cultural treasury by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mosaval, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 95.

During 1965, the trail blazer was appointed as the first black South African to be a senior principal dancer at the prestigious and world renowned Royal Ballet in England following his move to the country in 1951.

“Johaar Mosaval was an outstanding human being and creative who complemented his personal achievements with a deep interest in developing the communities in which he lived and performed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mosaval spent some 25 years performing all over the globe as a solo dancer and dancing for the Royal Ballet with a notable performance at the Royal Opera House in London during celebrations of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Upon his return to South Africa in 1976, he dedicated his time to teaching ballet – opening his own ballet studio in 1977 – and was appointed as the first black Inspector of Schools of Ballet under the then Administration of Coloured Affairs.

He resigned from that appointment in protest that he could only share his knowledge with a limited part of the population. Following that, his ballet studio was closed by the Apartheid government because it was open to all races.

“His life story is one that fills us at one level with pride and inspiration but which also reopens for us the inhumanity and hurt that apartheid inflicted on individuals and entire sectors of our society, including our cultural life and the performing arts.

“Under difficult conditions, Johaar Mosaval enjoyed and leveraged his life of celebrity to create a legacy of service to the people of Cape Town and our nation more broadly. May he rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:47

139 views

17 August 2023

Symposium to empowerment women in business

Location: News

Symposium to empowerment women in business

A symposium is will be held on Friday with the aim of providing women equal access to business opportunities.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46

109 views

17 August 2023

Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Location: News

Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has lifted the Section 63 intervention in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM).

Mchunu, together with the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, announced the closure of the department’s section 23 special intervention in the metro during a meeting with the NMBM Council.

Mchunu visited the province on 15 - 16 August 2023 to receive updates and progress reports on water intervention projects in the region.

The metro was placed under the Section 63 intervention early last year to avert Day Zero after facing a high risk of running out of water due to drought, which would have had a dire effect on livelihoods, jobs, the local economy and investment.

Section 63 (2)(B) of the Water Services Act of 1997, (read with section 139 of the Constitution), provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to intervene at municipal level and take full control of a service delivery programme in instances were Municipalities fail to provide water services as a basic human right.

Announcing the withdrawal of the intervention programme and exit of the department from the metro, Mchunu said he was satisfied with the progress made in the interventions in the metro to avert Day Zero through various short-, medium- and long-term projects to expand water supply.

However, Mchunu said the current water restrictions imposed on the metro when dams started drying up will remain as gazetted.

He said the municipality is expected, for the next 18 months, to report quarterly to the department on the business transformation progress, with particular focus on water conservation and demand management; improving the level of service, and the implementation of the business turnaround strategy to ensure resilience.

Mchunu lauded the municipality for the progress made in recovering from an imminent Day Zero and addressing all water leaks backlogs.

He further urged the metro to pay more attention to improving their demand and consumption, which has not reduced even during the drought season and "may threaten future water security".

“We hope that after our exit, the metro does not regress and is able to maintain the status quo with all the interventions that have been put in place,” Mchunu said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said, operations are in place to curb the scourge of vandalism. This includes collaboration with communities, security companies and the South African Police Service.

Van Niekerk said the interventions put in place include emergency water supply and expanding water supply through water tankering, and the new groundwater boreholes constructed and linked to distribution system.

Other interventions include upgrades to the Nooidgedacht Water Treatment Works (Low Level Scheme phase 3), which consist of increasing the supply of treated water from Gariep Dam to a total peak supply capacity of 210 megalitres per day, as well as the desalination of sea water as a long-term goal.

Kouga Municipality hailed for innovative and technological solutions

Meanwhile, Mchunu has hailed Kouga Local Municipality for finding innovative and technological solutions to ensure water security in the municipality.

Accompanied by Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, provincial government and local government officials, Mchunu’s working visit started at Jeffrey’s Bay Water Treatment Works in Kouga Municipality, to assess progress on the Drought Relief Project.

The municipality was declared a disaster area in 2016 following severe droughts since 2015. This was after dams, including Kouga, Impofu and Churchill, which supply water to the municipality, were not filling due to lack of rainfall, resulting in the municipality losing most of its water allocation from these dams.

As a response to the drought, the department allocated R57 million to Kouga Municipality from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to implement drought relief projects.

The municipality drilled nine more boreholes, followed by the construction of water treatment plants in Jeffrey's Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and Hankey.

The municipality has also constructed one of the biggest processing plants in Africa for water contaminated by iron and manganese within the Jeffrey’s Bay Plant to treat water from the boreholes and make it drinkable quality.

The municipality said these packages are completed and are currently working to treat water being pumped from the boreholes.

The four water treatment works will allow Kouga Municipality to supply up to 70% of its own average water consumption and rely on the metro for only 30%.

Mchunu said the forward thinking of Kouga is something that many other municipalities can learn from.

Williams implored leadership in the municipalities to address non-revenue water, improve billing systems, and he encouraged water users to pay for their use in order to keep the systems well functioning.

“We would like to thank the Minister for the intervention and support you are continuously providing to our municipalities. Now it is up to us keep these systems well maintained to ensure continuous services by ensuring that we bill all the users and collect revenue, which in turn will be used to service these water infrastructure and systems,” Williams said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 09:24

79 views

16 August 2023

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Location: News

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Efforts against the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms, are paying off with Gauteng police having recovered over 400 firearms and other ammunition in the past two weeks.

The recoveries said the South African Police Service (SAPS), are as a result of daily crime prevention actions conducted by police members and intelligence driven operations including the weekly Operation Shanela.

On Wednesday last week, members of the Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys Security and Blue Hawk Tactical, operationalised information regarding illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Primrose area.

The information led the team to four suspects who were found in possession of a rifle with ammunition and 13 bags of gold bearing soil.

All four suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of gold bearing material, including bribery as one of them tried to bribe the police for his freedom.

In another incident, still in the Ekurhuleni district, members of Putfontein recovered a firearm with a filed off serial number after they followed up on information. Two suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In the Johannesburg District, a team consisting of the Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad operationalised information about individuals planning a business robbery in the Diepkloof area.

The identified vehicle to be used by the suspects was spotted and stopped. Three occupants were inside and when searched, police discovered a revolver with a filed off serial number and ammunition.

The suspects were all arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the police also seized the vehicle which is suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.

The SAPS said most of the firearms are recovered during routine patrols, vehicle check points and during crime prevention operations conducted throughout the province.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears E(2) project for their prompt response to tip-offs and intelligence information given to them by community members.

"Recoveries of these firearms and ammunition is ascribed to partnership policing and these proves that together we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be," said Mawela. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:08

475 views

16 August 2023

Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Location: News

Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Police in Driekop, in the Sekhukhune District -- in collaboration with Mecklenburg, Burgersfort, Tubatse SAPS, as well as Public Order Policing (POPS) in Limpopo -- have apprehended three suspects, aged between 21 and 35, for alleged illegal mining.

The trio were nabbed on Tuesday morning at about 09:30am.

Police followed up on information about the suspects, who were conducting illegal mining activities on top of the mountain at Ga-Maroga village, under the Driekop policing precinct. They immediately rushed to the scene.

On their arrival, the police found a large number of people mining chrome. They then started to run in different directions, trying to evade being arrested.

Three males, consisting of two South Africans and one illegal immigrant, whose nationality will still going to be confirmed, were cornered and nabbed at the scene.

During the operation, the team managed to seize mining equipment. These include 12 wheelbarrows, 11 generators, six jack hammers, two grease pumps, a bundle of cables and a Bell TLB machine, with an estimated value of over R200 000.

The trio are expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate's Court soon on charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has vowed that the fight against illegal mining in the province will be strengthened to bring the perpetrators to book.

Police investigations are continuing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:39

488 views

16 August 2023

Call for swift investigation into pregnant woman’s murder

Location: News

Call for swift investigation into pregnant woman’s murder

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation after the brutal murder of a pregnant woman in Ehlanzeni in Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality.

Busisiwe Ngubo’s body was found just a kilometre away from her home on Monday morning.

It is alleged that the 35-year-old victim, who was pregnant with twins, was strangled and her lifeless body discarded on the roadside.

According to reports, Ngubo left her home after receiving a call from her police officer boyfriend. She had shared information with relatives and they were aware of her intentions to travel to hospital, as she was about to deliver.

"We demand nothing less than a rigorous pursuit of justice in this case. The individual responsible for this heinous act must be apprehended promptly and the full force of the law should be brought to bear on them," Khoza said.

In this moment of tragedy, Khoza emphasised the importance of eradicating violence against women, especially within intimate relationships.

"Our society cannot and will not tolerate such atrocities any longer. We stand united against these acts of violence and collectively strive for an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, can live without fear," Khoza said.

The MEC said the loss of Ngubo is a stark reminder of the pressing need to address gender-based violence (GBV), and to foster a culture of respect, equality and safety.

She urged society to come together to demand an end to such brutality.

"Let us honour the memory of Busisiwe Ngubo by working towards a society free from such horrors."

Khoza has sent her heartfelt condolences to the Ngubo family and the community of Ehlanzeni for their loss.

“Our thoughts are with the grieving family and friends during this trying period,” she said.

The MEC has since mobilised a team of social workers to provide psycho-social support to Ngubo’s family and help them navigate through this traumatic experience, and find some semblance of healing.

Condolences to Umhlathuzana accident victims’ families

Meanwhile, Khoza has extended her heartfelt condolences to the family members of the children who were killed in an accident while walking to school in Umhlathuzana, south of Durban.

According to the reports, the tragic incident occurred last week Friday when four boys were on their way to Umhlathuzana Primary School.

The tow truck lost control, resulting in a collision, claiming the lives of two boys and the driver. Another young life was also lost in the hospital, while one boy sustained moderate injuries and is currently receiving medical care.

"In this moment of profound sorrow, our hearts extend to the bereaved family and the entire Umhlathuzana community, as well as the affected school. We offer our sincerest condolences and stand united with the entire Umhlathuzana community as they navigate through this period of mourning.

"Our collective thoughts and prayers accompany the families, grappling with an unimaginable loss. It is paramount that decisive measures are undertaken to avert such heart-wrenching incidents and to ensure the safety of our children during their journeys to and from school," Khoza said.

A dedicated team of social workers has been dispatched to provide essential psycho-social support to both the affected families and learners. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 13:04

286 views

16 August 2023

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, and the Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is held under the theme, 'Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region'.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation today. President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Other activities of the Summit will include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:39

147 views

16 August 2023

Call to support women

Location: News

Call to support women

Former Deputy President, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, is convinced that there’s a special place in hell for women who do not support other women.

“I can tell you without fear of contradiction, there is a special place in hell for women who don’t support women!”

The bold assertion was recently received with chuckles, hand claps and no doubt a silent “Amen” from the participants attending a National School of Government (NSG) masterclass event.

The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems.

At a time when the country is commemorating Women’s Month, Mlambo-Ngcuka said sisterhood is an important ingredient in the empowerment of women.

She said that often women are the ones who leave other women behind in society.

“So we depend on you to make sure that you pay particular attention to women in society…. Your empowerment is an empowerment of the rest of the women. Sisterhood has to be one of your biggest and most important priorities,” she declared.

Mlambo-Ngcuka called on women in the public service to support “other women that you see in the streets and everywhere in the country that need support from you.”

She also stressed the importance of paying attention to the country’s younger women.

“It has to kill us when we hear that children in Grade 4 who are 10 years old cannot read… finding a plan to rescue that rests on you. This is where you show that you care about other women if we hear that girls in schools are getting pregnant … how do I use my advantage of being in the leadership of the public service to intervene in order to make sure that we address this?”

The former Deputy President was referring to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which has shown that many Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, something which government has committed to resolve.

Cabinet has called on South Africans to use Women’s Month which is commemorated annually in August, not only to honour women who fought for the country’s freedom, but also to play their part in building a society that supports women empowerment and guarantees the safety of women and children.

This year, Women’s Month is being commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women” to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid government.

The former chair of Parliament’s Public Service Committee reflected on working with the then Public Service and Administration Minister, Zola Skweyiya. The committee worked with the Minister in reconfiguring the new public service after following the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Gender representation

Government at the time came up with the Batho Pele policy of which September 2022 marked 25 years since South Africa adopted the Batho Pele (putting people first) Principles and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery.

Batho Pele is an inclusive concept that refers to all government policies, strategies and programmes aimed at transforming public service delivery.

She recalled how Skweyiya was “very emphatic” that the policy must reflect “equity in the system so that the citizen that is least served … who always falls between the cracks must feel thatgovernment sees them.

“And obviously women were high on that agenda. We wanted Batho Pele to address the issue of gender representation in the civil service but also the civil servant sensitivity about the gender discrimination of women in the society they are employed to serve,” she explained.

While women have gone on to attain much over the years, Mlambo-Ngcuka said the achievements of women must be celebrated and to “never forget the work that still awaits us.”

“Our work is not yet done - there is still much more that we still need to do,” said the former Executive Director of United Nations Women.

Mlambo-Ngcuka referred to the strides made by the SPAR Proteas netball women’s team and Banyana Banyana who made the country proud at their respective World Cup tournaments recently.

Mentorship

Having served the public service in various roles including that of Minister of Minerals and Energy, she stressed the sector’s importance saying it is the “backbone of government”. She highlighted that while women were continuing to break barriers, they should also mentor others.

“Because there is no point if we are breaking the glass ceiling for yourselves when you're not doing anything for the rest of society. We have to do these things simultaneously.”

“… So lifting as you climb has to be your mantra and the nice thing about mentorship is that it’s not hard, it has to come from here,” she said as she pointed towards her heart.

In his Women’s Day address, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged all sectors of society to advance and improve the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.

“We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives. As government, we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa,” he said.

While it is said that a woman’s work is never done, we all can lend a hand in ensuring that hell freezes over to advance the interests of all women. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:03

138 views

16 August 2023

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

Location: News

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

The New Development Bank (NDB) has successfully issued its debut ZAR bond in the South African bond market, becoming the highest rated issuer to issue in this market since 2015.

The bond, which was issued on Tuesday, was well supported, with over R2.5 billion in bids across both the three-and five-year tranches.

This allowed the NDB to exercise its option to upsize the trade from R1 billion to R1.5 billion. Ninety-four percent of bids were within or lower than price guidance, with the outcome representing the tightest spreads achieved by any non-government issuer in the South African Debt Capital Markets in 2023.

The orderbook was well diversified, with 71% of bids being allocated to institutional investors and the remainder taken up by local banks.

“The NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries to fund its robust portfolio of local currency loans. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and the successful outcome sets the benchmark for future issuances by NDB,” NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Maasdorp, said.

The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:35

219 views

16 August 2023

R400m tender fraud trial to open in May next year

Location: News

R400m tender fraud trial to begin in May next year

Four people are expected to have their day in court in May next year in a case related to tender fraud amounting to some R400 million.

The tender was awarded to airline SA Express by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) in 2014 and was subject to scrutiny at the State Capture Commission, which subsequently recommended a criminal probe into the matter.

In the dock in May 2024 will be former head of the provincial Department of Transport, Thabang Mohlokoleng; Tebogo Van Wyk, Nothando Dube and Sipho Phiri, together with companies, Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings and Lavao Estevao (PTY) Ltd.

The four face 34 charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, with charges of racketeering also expected to be added to the docket.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the charges stem from the provincial government’s 2014 bid to reintroduce commercial airlines to airports in Mmabatho and Pilanesberg on a subsidy of some R400 million.

“An amount of R183 million was then paid to SA Express between 2015 and 2017, for the services rendered by the ground management companies, which Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri are linked to. The State alleges that of the amount… R51 million was channelled irregularly through the charged companies,” he said.

Mathomane said the tender awarded to the airline was done without “following the proper supply chain management processes”.

“The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by the fourth accused. Mohlokoleng signed on behalf of the Department of Transport as the then Accounting Officer, in his capacity as the head of the department. The deal was allegedly riddled with procurement irregularities and monies were paid for services not rendered.

“The irregularities prejudiced the North West government of millions of Rands that could have been directed to service delivery,” Mamothame said.

Pre-trial conferencing is expected to commence in January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:52

50 views

16 August 2023

Hosting of BRICS Summit during Women’s Month commended

Location: News

Hosting of BRICS Summit during Women’s Month commended

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has commended the hosting of the BRICS Summit, which coincides with the National Women’s Month celebration in South Africa.

South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023.

The summit is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities, post the COVID-19 pandemic.

DWYPD Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, said although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality.

Maluleke said the hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for accelerated socio-economic opportunities, a “clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities”.

“This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department’s objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation,” Maluleke said.

Maluleke also noted that evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth.

“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector,” Maluleke said.

In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Director-General said, the department encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:55

109 views

16 August 2023

Road closures ahead of BRICS Summit

Location: News

Road closures ahead of BRICS Summit

With South Africa hosting the 15th Summit of BRICS nations next week, roads near the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg will be closed.

Motorists have been advised that the roads will be closed from this Sunday, 20 August 2023 until 26 August 2023.

The following roads will be closed:

Maude Street - one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street.
West Street - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
Alice Lane - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
5th Street - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.

“The community is requested to be aware of the impact to routes during the Summit and follow traffic updates when travelling around the Sandton Convention Centre. As can be expected, there will be significant security presence around the Sandton CBD for the duration of the summit,” the Gauteng Police Board Initiative said on Tuesday.

South Africa is hosting the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit that will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:23

80 views