MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for SA News

SA News

Youth called to seize job opportunities through Presidential initiatives

Location: News

Youth called to seize job opportunities through Presidential initiatives

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has urged young people to take advantage of job opportunities available through government initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment. 

Mhlauli made this call during a site visit to Afrika Tikkun Services in Salt River, Cape Town, on Tuesday. 

Afrika Tikkun Services is an organisation that is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), through the Jobs Boost Programme.

Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance model being piloted in South Africa. It is an outcomes fund that works with implementing partners to secure sustainable, quality jobs for unemployed, excluded youth. 

The programme is the largest youth employment outcomes fund in the world, and a major innovation in the South African government’s effort to confront the chronic youth unemployment problem. Jobs Boost was initiated by the Presidency, as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

Mhlauli’s visit at Afrika Tikkun Service, aimed to assess the progress and impact of the initiative on young participants. She expressed satisfaction with the program’s implementation, particularly its focus on ensuring young people's transition into sustainable employment.

“This morning, we are at Afrika Tikkun, which is one of the partners through the Jobs Boost Program, which is part of the Presidential Employment Youth Intervention. We came to assess the progress of this particular program, as well as the impact on young people,” she said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the facility offers a structured approach to preparing young people for the job market, including a recruitment phase, job readiness training, and eventual job placement. 

The Deputy Minister was particularly pleased to learn that the first cohort of participants has already been successfully placed in jobs.

“The facility is really, quite inspiring. We interacted with young people who are part of various phases of the program, including from recruitment phase, where they are taken into the program and the various levels, including job readiness programs as well, where you get them ready for job placement. And one of the reports we also received is that the first cohort has already been placed,” Mhlauli said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the young people are not just being trained, they are being placed in sustainable jobs for a period of at least six months. 

“When we speak as government about addressing youth unemployment, we are speaking not just about training young people, but also speaking about how we get those young people into sustainable jobs for a period of a minimum of six months. 

“So far, we are quite happy with this cohort, and one of the things that we have discussed with the team is that they will come back and discuss with the management of the facility on areas that they believe can be improved, as we go forward and upscale into the next cohort, going forward into 2026,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Mhlauli also commended the enthusiasm of the participants and noted the high number of young women benefiting from the program. She added that this is encouraging as it addresses the gender disparities in youth unemployment. 

“There's much excitement, much enthusiasm from the young people, and we are very happy to see that most of them actually are young women. In particular, most of the classes are filled with young women, which shows that we are also not just looking at youth unemployment, but particularly the unemployment rate of young women, which are obviously most adversely affected by the crises of unemployment. 

“All in all, we are quite happy about the progress we have seen, and obviously the impact that is quite visible in the lives of young people,” she said.

Encouraging broader participation, she urged young people to explore opportunities on the SAYouth.mobi platform, a zero-rated government website that provides information on employment, training, CV writing, and business planning.

“We call on young people to make use of these opportunities, and the quickest way to do that is to go onto the SAYouth.mobi website. It is a zero-rated website where you'll find all of the information about the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, as well as other initiatives such as the YES Program. 

“It is one of the platforms that government has created for young people to be able to access these opportunities. So, we really do encourage young people to go onto that website its zero-rated meaning that you don't need any data to get onto the website,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The Chief Operating Officer at Afrika Tikkun, Marian Claite, also reflected on the significance of the visit, emphasising the collaborative efforts between Afrika Tikkun and the Presidency.

“Today we met with the Deputy Minister Mhlauli from the President's office, and it was to discuss one of our projects that we are working on called Job Boost. And it was a very constructive conversation that we had. We discussed from the enrolment of our candidates to the training of our candidates, and where we are because we are now at the placement phase. 

“We discussed our challenges and the collaboration of the relationship, how it would look as this was a pilot, how it would look next year, and what complexion we would like it to take,” she said. 

Claite added that they have given some suggestions on their side on what they would like to see included in the program, as well as what is working well for them. 

“At the end of the day, I think it is our mandate, and it's all of our wish that all 1,375 candidates that Afrika Tikkun Services has been tasked with training will be placed in meaningful employment opportunities,” Claite said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 22:11

236 views
Read moreYouth called to seize job opportunities through Presidential initiatives

Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Location: News

Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo has been granted R5 000 bail, following his arrest for alleged corruption. 

Bongo (47) made a brief appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after his arrest in the morning of the same day.

Bongo is accused of offering a bribe to evidence leader in Parliament’s Eskom inquiry, Ntuthuzelo Vanara, in 2017, and also contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).

He is being re-tried after he was acquitted by former Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, who dismissed the charges against Bong in 2021.

However, the matter went back to the court after Supreme Court of Appeal Judge John Smith, appealed the decision, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh, granting the retrial. 

"It is reported that during September to October 2017, the accused approached a member of the then Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to allegedly arrange a meeting to prevent the next sitting, where Eskom board was to account. 

"Eventually, the suspect secured the meeting wherein he indicated that the Portfolio Committee sitting with the Eskom board cannot proceed as planned and indicated that was possible if the member named his price," National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said on Tuesday.

Bongo is expected to reappear in court on 4 March 2025.

The accused, a former member of the National Assembly, was sworn in as a Member of the Executive and Cabinet, and the Minister of State Security, a position he occupied until 28 May 2024. 

All MP’s are bound by the Code of Ethics, and all other ethical and other obligations and duties arising from the Constitution, the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, No. 4 of 2004, and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”). 

Lebeya vowed that the Directorate will continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice. 

He also commended the investigating team and encouraged the prosecution team to ensure the South African citizenry receive the deserved justice due to them. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:41

86 views
Read moreFormer State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Sustainability of community media is of vital importance – Morolong

Location: News

Sustainability of community media is of vital importance - Morolong

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.

Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday. 

The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media's contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.

“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said. 

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.

He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.

“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said. 

However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.

“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance. 

“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said. 

Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable. 

He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs. 

“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said. 

Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.

“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.

“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 06:08

26 views
Read moreSustainability of community media is of vital importance – Morolong

President to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

Location: News

President to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

In just a few hours, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) which will provide a country roadmap charting the way forward for the country in what one could call a mixed bag of domestic and global circumstances.

Thursday night will mark the first SONA to be delivered under the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU) following the outcomes of the historic 29 May 2024 elections.

And while the faces of government Ministers has changed with every administration, the SONA, held every year since the dawn of democratic South Africa in 1994, continues to hold strong and is a reflection of democracy in action, no matter who is in the driver’s seat of the sitting government of the day.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an important fixture in the nation’s journey forward and provides the President with an opportunity to hold perhaps the year’s “biggest family meeting,” outlining the key plans and programmes of the year ahead. The address also affords the President the chance to look into the rearview mirror to assess the journey traversed to date.

As the President fine-tunes his notes before delivering the speech in an environment that changes by the second, government is cognisant that in every family unit, every member has a role to play in ensuring and preserving the family name and that it has to do so by ensuring the provision of services and responding to challenges facing the South African family.

This as government continues to respond to the challenges of poverty, inequality, unemployment and illegal mining among others.
“As much as we have made progress, we have to do much more to overcome the challenges that confront our nation. We need to work with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs,” the President said in his New Year’s Eve message to the nation in December 2024.

In that address, he called on the nation to look at the year 2025 with hope.

“As a people, our unity, determination and resilience has seen us through hard times. Just as this has been a year of great change, we look to the next year with great hope,” he said at the time.

And while our South African family is by no means perfect, there are valid reasons not to be glum about the future.

G20

At tomorrow night’s joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, the President is expected to speak on the country’s hosting of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in November, making the country the first do so on the African continent. This as the nation assumed the Presidency of the grouping on 1 December 2024 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

Having taken over the baton from Brazil, South Africa's G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency and follows the admission of the African Union (AU) as the second permanent African member. 

The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. The hosting of the Summit is expected to help accelerate the performance of the economy.

The economy

President Ramaphosa is likely to also reflect on the performance of the economy in an environment where the rising cost of living has many on edge. However, the prospects of South Africa’s purse strings are predicted to improve with the country in 2024 having achieved its first primary budget surplus in 15 years.

A recent economic and financial assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed that the country’s economic growth prospects are poised to recover in 2025 following a lacklustre economic performance for the past two years.

Last month, the fund published the findings of its Article IV Consultation with South Africa, which was held in November 2024. 
According to the IMF, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output growth is expected to accelerate from an estimated 0.8 % in 2024 to 1.5 % in 2025 driven by improved electricity generation, monetary policy easing, and a return of investor and consumer confidence post the elections.

The IMF acknowledged progress in banking-resolution and safety-net reforms and praised macro-prudential measures to bolster capital buffers. However, it also raised concerns on the rising public debt and the challenges South Africa faces to meet climate goals.

The ongoing electricity and logistics reforms aimed at alleviating critical supply constraints were also welcomed. National Treasury noted that the fund’s concerns are aligned with government’s response to addressing immediate and long-term economic challenges.

“The National Treasury is committed to implementing reforms that will enhance inclusive economic growth, achieve a sustainable public debt level, further repair and strengthen network industries, and strengthen state capacity to support economic activity.”
In its 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in October, Treasury estimated economic growth to increase from 1.1 % in 2024 to 1.7% in 2025.

It attributed the gains in the economy to household consumption gradually increasing, supported by rising purchasing power, employment recovery and wealth gains.

The current focus of South Africa’s reform agenda includes the stabilisation of the electricity grid, enhancing the efficacy of freight and ports operations, implementing e-Visas, as well as prioritising the advancement of targeted industries to enhance the business climate and promoting equitable growth. 

Legislation

In the past year, government has passed laws that aim to improve lives as well as respond to pressing challenges.

In January this year, the President signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which sets out how organs of State may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons.  
The new legislation repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975, aligns expropriation processes with the Constitution and marks the culmination of a five-year process of public consultation and Parliamentary deliberation. 

“The Bill assented to by President Ramaphosa outlines how expropriation can be done and on what basis. This law will assist all organs of State - local, provincial and national authorities - to expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons,” the Presidency said. 

Section 25 of the Constitution recognises expropriation as an essential mechanism for the state to acquire someone’s property for a public purpose or in the public interest, subject to just and equitable compensation being paid.

The law has drawn criticism from the United States of America with South Africa saying it looks “forward to engaging” with US President Donald Trump’s administration on bilateral relations and other issues.

The Presidency said the legislation is not a confiscation instrument.

“The recently adopted Expropriation Act is not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the constitution. 
“South Africa, like the United States of America and other countries, has always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners."

Among other laws passed is the Employment Equity Amendment Act, which is aimed at reducing the regulatory burden for small employers to allow them to focus on job creation, which came into effect on 1 January 2025.  

President Ramaphosa signed last year, the proclamation notice giving effect to the start date of implementation of the Employment Equity (EE) Amendment Act, No. 4 of 2022. 

In terms of the notice gazetted on 28 November 2024, small businesses that employ less than 50 employees are no longer bound to comply with Chapter III of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (EEA) - for example in relation to the submission of their EE reports starting from the 2025 EE Reporting period. 

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the regulatory flexibility will enable small businesses to now focus on growing their businesses and create jobs.

In addition, in December, the President announced his intention to sign a Presidential Proclamation that will bring the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act into operation, immediately. 

The BELA Bill was passed by the 6th democratic Parliament on 26 October 2023 after which the first citizen assented to the Bill on 13 September 2024.

President Ramaphosa said the BELA Act is vital to the transformation of the country’s education system and is an important part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable in line with the precepts of the Constitution.

The Act amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

Community safety 

In a move to ensure the safety of citizens, the South African Police Service (SAPS) trained and deployed over 20 000 new constables in various units across the country in the past three years.

In addition, operations like Operation Shanela continues to make strides since its inception in May 2023. Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, high visibility patrols and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Operation Vala Umgodi which is aimed at combating illegal mining also continues to make strides.

At the release of the Quarterly Crime Statistics in November 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced that the SAPS had recorded a downward trend in some categories of crime, including murder, robbery and carjacking.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the 17 community-reported serious crimes showed an overall decline of 5.1%. Specifically, contact crime decreased by 3%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%. 

“Focusing on contact crime, the statistics indicate that murder decreased by 5.8%, sexual offenses by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8.8%. Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively,” he said at the time.

Load shedding 

While the country suffered a bout of Stage 3 load shedding recently, November 2024 marked the longest stretch of no-load shedding in five years.

Eskom marked the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years, with load shedding suspended for more than 240 consecutive days at the time which was followed by 300 days of no-load shedding on 21 January 2025.

The power utility’s performance has been on a steady upward trajectory since the implementation of the Energy Action Plan introduced by President Ramaphosa in July 2022, as well as the implementation of the power utility’s own Generation Recovery Plan.

ICJ case

South Africa in 2024 continued its work on the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza (South Africa v. Israel) matter.

This as it said that it had no regrets about becoming the first country to file a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to end its “deadly and relentless genocidal bombardment” of Gaza.  

In October 2024, it formally filed its Memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)  marking a significant step in the ongoing legal action, which aims to hold Israel accountable under international law.

The action taken by South Africa since December 2023, culminating in the filing of the Memorial, has generated overwhelming national and international interest. 

In his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) in July last year, the President appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds.

“We would like all of us as South Africans to behave like ‘weaver birds’. Weavers are among the most gregarious birds in that they build complex structures together and cooperate. 

"Despite all the challenges, despite our differences, despite all the headwinds, as South Africans we are called upon to remain firmly committed to pursue the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion,” he said at the time.

As the larger South African family, let us gather around our television and radio sets to hear what the President has to say.
The SONA will get underway at 7pm on Thursday, 6 February 2025. -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:15

44 views
Read morePresident to deliver first SONA of the seventh administration 

Ex-NLC official fails in bid to overturn interdict on pension payout

Location: News

Ex-NLC official fails in bid to overturn interdict on pension payout

The Special Tribunal has dismissed, with costs, former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Chief Risk Officer Marubini Ramatsekisa’s application to overturn a ruling interdicting the payout of his R1.7 million pension fund benefit.

The interdict was obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in December 2023, following an investigation into Ramatsekisa’s alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme that cost the NLC approximately R4 million.

“The SIU’s investigation into NLC’s affairs found that Ramatsekisa was a key player and willing facilitator of an elaborate scheme to defraud the commission through proactive funding. 

“The SIU uncovered evidence linking Ramatsekisa to losses of approximately R4 million suffered by the NLC. The SIU intends to institute civil proceedings against Ramatsekisa to recover damages suffered by NLC because of his conduct,” the SIU said in a statement.

Underhanded dealings

According to the corruption busting unit, in February 2019, Ramatsekisa prepared a proposal for funding and “recommended that the acting chief operating officer approve pro-active funding of approximately R4 million to conduct a study that will assist in developing the Khoi-San language”.

“Three weeks later, three people acquired and became directors of a dormant shelf company named Zibsicraft NPC. From the documents in the SIU’s possession, Zibsicraft NPC then applied to the NLC for grant funding. 

“The application was not stamped, so the client liaison officer never processed it. The application was dated 25 March 2019, ten days after they had acquired the company.

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

More than half of the grant money was allegedly siphoned off for the benefit of then NLC Board Chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda. 

“The SIU found that of the R4 million, R2.2 million allegedly went towards purchasing property for a church named the Higher Grace Christ Redeemer Church. The former NLC Board Chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda, and his wife, Mrs Tshilidzi Rachel Nevhutanda, represented the church in the offer to purchase it.

“[Ramatsekisa] resigned from the NLC after the lottery commission instituted disciplinary proceedings against him to allegedly avoid accountability. Immediately after he resigned, Ramatsekisa wrote to his pension fund administrator that he intended to withdraw his pension benefits, prompting the SIU to seek an interdict swiftly,” the SIU explained. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 11:50

330 views
Read moreEx-NLC official fails in bid to overturn interdict on pension payout

SASSA warns of scam 

Location: News

SASSA warns of scam 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned senior citizens who are 75 years and above, including people living with disabilities, to be aware of a scam circulating on social media claiming that they will get an additional R500 allocated payment to them.

SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, said that access to social grant-in-aid is not a stand-alone social grant. If an individual is living on a social grant but can’t look after themselves, they can get an additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of them.

Ngubeni said the agency in Mpumalanga is currently educating the public and clientele at large about the benefits of the grant-in-aid.

“The applicant must be in receipt of an Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant or a War Veteran’s Grant, and require regular attendance by another person owing to his/her physical or mental disabilities; must not be cared for in an institution that receives subsidy from the State.

“[The applicant] must undergo a medical or functional assessment confirming disability; provide clinical information or a referral form confirming disability; must provide a referral form duly completed by a treatment facility or practitioner if previously rejected on medical grounds,” Ngubeni explained in a statement on Tuesday.

Ngubeni urged all SASSA beneficiaries to use the official platforms to access accurate information.

“If the beneficiary is not sure about the correct information, contact SASSA on various platforms provided to enquire. Beneficiaries are also warned not to share their personal details and always be vigilant of those posing as SASSA officials and call the police.

“SASSA has provided the clientele and beneficiaries with info on how to contact SASSA and on how to apply online, or visit SASSA's nearest offices,” Ngubeni said.

Beneficiaries can contact the toll free number 0800 60 10 11during working days/hours and email GrantsEnquiriesMP@sassa.gov.za . 

•    How do you know if you qualify?
Those who qualify for the aid must already be getting a disability grant, war veteran’s grant or grant for older people and not be able to look after themselves owing to physical or mental disability. These individuals must therefore need full-time care from someone else an not be cared for in an institution that receives a subsidy from government for care or housing.

•    How much will you get?

You will get R530 per month.
•    How will you be paid?

The SASSA will pay the grant to you through cash at a specific pay point on a particular day, electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) or an institution acting as administrator of the grant (e.g. welfare organisation).
The grant will be paid together with your social grant.

If individuals are unable to collect the money themselves, they can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 12:06

250 views
Read moreSASSA warns of scam 

Petrol, diesel and other fuels to increase from tomorrow

Location: News

Petrol, diesel and other fuels to increase from tomorrow

Consumers will need to dig deeper into their pockets this month as all grades of petrol, diesel, paraffin, and LP gas are expected to increase, starting tomorrow.

This is according to an announcement by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) on Tuesday.

The price adjustments for fuel, paraffin and gas for February are as follows:

  • Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 82c increase.
  • Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): 82c increase.
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R1.05 increase.
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R1.01 increase.
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 97c increase.
  • Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: R1.29 increase.
  • Maximum LPGas Retail Price: 42c increase.

The increase means a litre of petrol 95 ULP, which currently costs R21.59 a litre in Gauteng, will now cost R22.41 as of Wednesday.

The department explained that the increases result from several local and international factors.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 72.78 US Dollars (USD) to 77.41 USD during the period under review. On the other hand, supply was affected by OPEC+ decision to delay production increase until April 2025 as well as new sanctions against Russia and Iran which could further constrain supply and result in higher freight rates.

“The average international petroleum product prices followed the increasing trend of crude oil while the prices of LPG increased because of higher freight cost amid the cold winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 46.06 c/l, 66.26 c/l and 58.64 cents per litre (c/l) respectively.

“The Rand depreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.11 to 18.73 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 36.85 c/l, 39.58 c/l and 38.61 cents per litre (c/l) respectively,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 12:24

414 views
Read morePetrol, diesel and other fuels to increase from tomorrow

Parole for Alison Botha’s attackers cancelled

Location: News

Parole for Alison Botha’s attackers cancelled

The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has cancelled parole for Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger, the convicted attackers of Alison Botha. 

Botha survived an attack in 1994 by du Toit and Kruger, after they raped her and subsequently stabbed her multiple times. 

“This decision follows thorough evaluation and consultation of legal opinions. This decision was made in accordance with the Correctional Services Act, which empowers the Minister to cancel parole for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.

“The Minister's primary consideration is the imperative of protecting and securing the community, particularly in instances where acts of violence against women and children have been committed,” the Ministry of Correctional Services said on Tuesday.

Both individuals have been reincarcerated and will remain in custody. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 13:19

336 views
Read moreParole for Alison Botha’s attackers cancelled

SA’s apples regain market access to Thailand

Location: News

SA’s apples regain market access to Thailand

South Africa is set to resume the exportation of fresh apples to the Kingdom of Thailand, marking a significant achievement for the agricultural sector.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the reopening of the market on Tuesday, following its closure for almost 16 years.

The closure of the market, which started in January 2008 to December 2024, was due to the changes in Thailand’s import requirements.

“Apples are one of the most important deciduous fruits grown in South Africa, taking into consideration its foreign exchange earnings and employment creation. The South African apple industry is export oriented with approximately half of the apples produced being absorbed by the export market,” Steenhuisen said.

According to Hortgro, South African apple exports have surged by 40% over the past decade, which was largely driven by exports to the Far East and Asia and currently account for about 35% of all South African apple exports.

Hortgro is an industry body representing the fruit production and export sector in South Africa, specifically focused on tree fruit production.

The industry serves as a platform for producers of apples, pears, and stone fruit, and it works to support the interests of these growers, particularly in terms of market access, export opportunities, and industry development.

Steenhuisen highlighted that in 2023, a total of 32 397 workers were employed on the farms, with 129 590 dependants benefiting.

“Increased production to meet export demand can lead to more jobs, especially in labour-intensive sectors like fruit and vegetables, as well as provide for more opportunities in agro-processing, packaging and logistics,” Steenhuisen said.

Requirements for apples exported to Thailand

In line with the newly agreed-upon import conditions, all apples exported from South Africa to Thailand must meet specific phytosanitary standards, guaranteeing that the fruit is free from quarantine pests of concern to the Thai authorities.

Commercial orchards, packhouses or export establishments wishing to export apples to the Kingdom of Thailand must be registered, and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

In addition to registration, the registered orchards must implement stringent agricultural practices. These include effective integrated pest management (IPM) systems and strict orchard sanitation measures.

These protocols are designed to maintain the health of the fruit and ensure that it is free from pests and diseases that could affect both the local and international markets.

The final phytosanitary import conditions for the export of fresh apples from SA to the Kingdom of Thailand have been published and can be accessed on the DALRRD website: https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/images/Branches/AgricProducHealthFoodSafety/PlantProductionHealth/PlantHealth/export-from-sa/import-requirements-for-apples-from-south-africa-to-thailand.pdf - SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:15

470 views
Read moreSA’s apples regain market access to Thailand

Expanding digital access for learners

Location: News

Expanding digital access for learners

As part of ongoing efforts to expand digital access, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has launched a state-of-the-art Cyber Lab with 40 laptops and modern infrastructure designed to enhance digital learning, in Cape Town.

“Bridging the digital divide is not just about providing technology -  it’s about ensuring that young people have the skills and opportunities to use it effectively. This Cyber Lab ensures that learners from these communities are not left behind but are equipped to thrive in a digital future,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), marks a significant step in expanding digital access for learners from Lansdowne, Khayelitsha, Langa, Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Nyanga.

A key element of this initiative is the broadband connectivity provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government, reinforcing the power of cooperative governance in expanding digital access and transforming education.

To ensure lasting impact, the initiative includes a structured digital literacy program for both teachers and students. 

This training will equip learners with essential digital skills, including coding, website design, and other Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) capabilities - unlocking opportunities in software development, e-commerce, and the broader digital economy.

“By investing in both infrastructure and digital literacy - including coding, website design, and other high-demand digital skills - we are laying the foundation for more inclusive economic participation and future job opportunities in the tech sector.

“But this is not just about individual success. It is about uplifting communities. We want to see learners use these skills to help small businesses build a digital presence, support community initiatives, and create solutions that drive local development. Digital transformation must be inclusive, and it starts here - with young people using technology to shape a better future for themselves and those around them,” the Minister said.

This project aligns with the department’s commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have meaningful internet access by 2029. It also supports the department’s goal of equipping citizens with the digital skills necessary to participate in the digital economy. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:15

593 views
Read moreExpanding digital access for learners

Deputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Location: News

Deputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on South Africans to tune into radio stations, TV channels and social media platforms to hear the President's address on Thursday at 7pm.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver SONA before a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament on Thursday at 7pm at the City Hall, Cape Town.  

The 2025 SONA is the first of the seventh administration and will be held under the theme: “A nation that works, for all”. 

Speaking to SAnews, Morolong said this is an important SONA because the President will address the nation in the aftermath of an election that resulted in the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), since no political party garnered enough support to govern alone. 

"This SONA will outline the three priorities and strategic direction of the GNU which are to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

“It is important that ordinary South Africans tune in and watch the President and hear him deliver the plans of government that he leads as the Head of State. We look forward to a SONA that will not just bring hope to an ordinary south African who is jobless but that will also stimulate business to continue to play their role as partners in development,” Morolong said. 

The President is expected to set out the country’s game plan for the year ahead and how together, everyone can partner with government to take the nation forward.

He will address the key priorities of the current administration - including building an ethical, capable, and developmental state, fostering an inclusive economy, and reducing the high cost of living. 

According to Morolong, the address will not only reflect on past achievements but also provide a roadmap for future governance.

“We are hoping that the President will inter alia speak about the achievements of the current government. During SONA, the President often underscores the need to build on past successes, and this year’s address will be no different. His reflections are going to be quite important because they are a call for action as they will guide our government on the most intricate matters of service delivery,” he said. 

Morolong emphasised the importance of young South Africans, particularly the unemployed, tuning in to the address. 

“It is crucial for a young person who is at home and unemployed to listen to what the government intends to do to stimulate economic growth and enhance their chances of employability. 

“This is a platform where the President takes the entire country into his confidence regarding government programmes, plans, and achievements,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa is expected to focus on economic growth, job creation, and reducing the high cost of living. 

“The President will reflect on what the GNU has been able to achieve since its establishment and outline future plans aimed at making tangible improvements in the lives of all South Africans,” Morolong stated. 

As the nation awaits President Ramaphosa’s address, South Africans are encouraged to watch and engage with the policies and priorities that will define the country’s trajectory in the coming years.

This address holds added significance as it occurs during the commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy that South Africa is celebrating and it coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. 

The annual address gives the nation an opportunity to reflect on how far the country has come and recommits each person to working together to build the country everyone envisioned at the start of democracy. 

In the address, President Ramaphosa will set out government’s key policy direction for the seventh administration and deliverables for the year ahead. President Ramaphosa will reflect on the social and economic strides over the last year in building a nation that works for everyone.

Government’s notable achievements include strong partnerships in key areas, far reaching reforms to change the structure of the economy, growing optimism across the society and advances in building a more inclusive future.  – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:50

192 views
Read moreDeputy Minister Morolong urges South Africans to watch SONA

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

Location: News

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called for collaboration between the private and public sectors to create a meaningful future for the country’s children and to bridge the digital divide.

The Deputy Minister made the call during the government’s back-to-school programme in Cape Town, Western Cape, on Tuesday. 

Following his speech, the Deputy Minister toured special needs schools that benefited from MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative. 

The MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative, a joint effort between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), aims to provide digital devices and educational content to schools in South Africa.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the private sector’s role in fostering development and investing in youth, underlining its crucial contribution to Africa’s economy.

“I’m happy you are not limiting your responsibilities just to providing goods and services and this is an indication of what government can do working with the private sector and to an extent, society,” he said.

He also praised MTN for its significant contributions to the education sector and expressed his appreciation for both the learners and teachers.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of education as a powerful catalyst for change and expressed gratitude for initiatives that improve lives and society.

He visited the Jan Kriel School in Kuils River and Rusthof LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) School in Onverwacht, which both benefited from the colourful computer labs donated by MTN.

The 88-year-old Jan Kriel School is dedicated to teaching and training learners with special educational needs. 

Jan Kriel School Principal, Gerrit Odendaal, stated that the school’s new laboratory has transformed the institution. 

He believes that technology is essential for helping learners gain independence, which is a crucial skill for their development.

“When they leave school, the teacher stays behind and mommy and daddy won’t always be there. But they will have a smartphone, a laptop, a device or some technology that they can take with them.” 

He said the computer lab, equipped with 28 laptops, an interactive whiteboard, and printers, has transformed this school after it previously had an outdated computer room that was not suitable for children with special needs.

Keyboards have now been adapted to be colourful and include special trackpads to support learners whose motor skills are still developing.

“You should have seen their faces the day they walked into that lab for the first time. They are now looking forward to their computer lessons. They ask, ‘Ma’am when is the next period?’ They’re excited to learn and that makes learning and teaching fun,” Odendaal told SAnews. 

Western Cape MTN General Manager, Noluthando Pama, stated that the company believes everyone deserves the benefits of a digitally connected life through the internet.

“We as MTN, our vision, the thing that gets us to wake up every day is to ensure that we’re providing connectivity to communities that don’t have connectivity. So, we chose this school because we also believe that special needs, are very much in need of this digitally connected world.” 

According to Pama, the labs not only make learning enjoyable but also enhance cognitive abilities.

“As a brand, seeing the fruits of all the work we’re doing, it’s very heartwarming.”   

They have also equipped the school with a network mast, allowing for faster and higher-quality connectivity.

She stated that MTN strongly advocates for a public-private partnership in the country.

“That’s when you can truly have an impact on economic growth. What GNU [Government of National Unity] is also doing and bringing the different political parties and vastly so, engaging business on forums such as BUSA [Business Unity South Africa]. 

“You’re seeing a deliberate partnership of MTN and government to benefit children and the community and we love that as MTN we’re not there to ask customers to buy data and airtime from us but we’re investing in their communities and giving their kids digitally enabled tools.” 

She believes that without partnerships with the private sector, it would be difficult for the government to make progress in curbing unemployment.

“The budget of government is limited and of course, the private sector companies have a bit of room to play with,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 16:42

32 views
Read moreGovernment calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

Municipalities face challenges but they ‘can be fixed’ – Deputy President Mashatile

Location: News

Municipalities face challenges but they 'can be fixed' - Deputy President Mashatile

South African municipalities may be grappling with challenges, but they are "fixable", according to Deputy President, Paul Mashatile 

Mashatile made the remarks when he was delivering the keynote address at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Executive Committee Lekgotla, in Cape Town, on Tuesday afternoon.

South African municipalities are grappling with several challenges, including the inability to pay for bulk water and electricity supply, deteriorating infrastructure, service delivery issues, and poor governance.

However, Mashatile insists that, despite these challenges, coordinated efforts from all sectors can revive local government. 

“I believe that our municipalities can be fixed. We just need more concerted efforts in the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework, which applies to the National, Provincial, Local Government, and SOEs (State Owned Entities). The Framework focus on accelerating service delivery, addressing poor performance and the skills gap in the public service.

“Professionalisation is critical to ensuring that government is capable of delivering essential services to its citizens,” Mashatile told the lekgotla.

The Deputy President emphasized that intergovernmental integration is crucial for local government to turn the corner and achieve progress.

“Intergovernmental integration is critical for promoting collaboration, coordination, and communication across different levels of government. Through coordinating our efforts and resources, we can solve the complex difficulties that our communities face and, ultimately, provide better services to our residents.

“Together, we can streamline processes and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve greater impact. It is through this collaborative approach that we can unlock innovative solutions and drive sustainable development across our nation,” he said.

Mashatile highlighted government interventions aimed at “fixing” local government, including:

  • Harmonising planning and budgeting as part of adopting the District Development Model.
  • Implementing a Public-Private Partnership model in water supply with the National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that the current water crisis facing several communities is resolved
  • The Minister of COGTA has proposed a one-stop solution to resolve the interlinked financial challenges between municipalities, water boards, and other stakeholders.

Coalition councils

Following the 2021 Local Government Elections, about 70 municipalities required coalitions to form governments as no single political party gained a majority.

The Deputy President acknowledged that although this is necessary, some of these municipalities have been plagued by instability and dysfunction.

“[In] practice, coalition governments have been unstable and are often terminated before the end of their term of office. Instability in local government coalitions has contributed to severe inefficiencies and service delivery challenges. 

“Coalition arrangements have compromised the ability of municipalities to adopt policies, pass budgets, adopt by-laws, and make senior management appointments,” he said.

However, growing instability in ‘hung’ municipalities, led to a government-convened National Dialogue on Coalition Governments.

The results of the dialogue was the development of a Framework for Coalitions in Local Government by SALGA.

“We have since used this framework as part of our source documents, amongst others, to develop a discussion document during the National Dialogue on Coalition governments, I convened in August 2023 at the University of the Western Cape.

“To this end, with the assistance of the Dullah Omar Institute and MISTRA (Mapungubwe Institute For Strategic Reflection), we have been able to develop a Coalitions Framework for South Africa. 

“This framework has been handed over to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), as a basis for the development of the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024 [Coalitions Bill] by CoGTA, which will be submitted for Cabinet approval and introduction to Parliament this year,” he revealed.

Working together

The Deputy President also implored the lekgotla to work with government to ensure that local government improves its responsiveness to communities.

“[It] is important that SALGA and all three spheres of government collaborate in order to find solutions to service delivery challenges.

“Let us harness the power of intergovernmental integration to build a more responsive, effective, and inclusive system of governance that truly serves the needs of our people,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:35

70 views
Read moreMunicipalities face challenges but they ‘can be fixed’ – Deputy President Mashatile

Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion

Location: News

Lesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion

The South African government says it is confident that the maintenance work at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel in Clarens, in the Free State, will be completed within its scheduled six-month timeframe. 

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, conducted an oversight visit to the Ash River Outfall in Clarens over the weekend to assess the progress of the maintenance of the LHWP tunnel. 

The Minister and Deputy Minister were joined by Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Deputy Minister, Seiso Mohai; Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae; Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Saki Mokoena, and the Executive Mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, Conny Msibi.

The maintenance and refurbishment of the 37-kilometre water tunnel has been ongoing since its closure on 31 October 2024. Repair work on the South African side is being carried out by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), while the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) oversees the maintenance work on the Lesotho side, focusing on the transfer tunnels at the Muela Hydro power station.

The repair work included mechanical, electrical, civil, and general works, as well as the repair of waterway steel lining to protect tunnel corrosion. The primary construction work currently underway on the South African side is the painting of the tunnel’s inner side.

While progress has been steady on the South African side, Majodina noted a slight delay in the maintenance work undertaken by LHDA. 

However, their work indicates that they are on track to complete the work by 28 March 2025.

Majodina expressed satisfaction with the progress on the South African side, acknowledging the challenges faced by their counterparts in Lesotho, but reaffirming their commitment to meet the 31 March deadline.

“I am satisfied that the maintenance work has advanced very well on the South African side, and I know that our counterparts in Lesotho are doing everything they can to ensure that we meet the deadline set for 31 March. We know that the contractors here appointed by TCTA to conduct the maintenance work are within the schedule.

“They have done an exceptional job even in difficult situations of rain and mist, which interfered with their work. However, they have pulled through and I would like to extent my gratitude to the work that they have done up to date,” Majodina said.

The Minister also visited the Clarens Water Treatment Works, which is undergoing an upgrade to increase its capacity from 1 to 4 megalitres of water per day. The upgrade will ensure a consistent water supply to Clarens and surrounding areas.

The supply of raw water from Townlands storage dam in Dihlabeng Municipality, which abstracts water from the Little Caledon River (a tributary to Caledon River) and is filled with water from the LHWP tunnel.

However, the dam levels have deteriorated due to the tunnel closure and exacerbated by a high-water demand over the festive season.

However, the Department of Water and Sanitation, through its Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), has availed funds for the refurbishment of boreholes to the local municipalities of Dihlabeng and Mafube and Nketoana, to ensure consistent supply of water to the high lying areas of Kgubetswana (Clarens), Mamafubedu (Petrus Steyn), Petsana (Reitz), and Namahadi (Frankfort). The boreholes ensured that there is sustainable water supply to the communities. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:08

255 views
Read moreLesotho Highlands Water Project on track for completion

Public Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Location: News

Public Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has reiterated government's stance on the Expropriation Act, stressing that no one in South Africa will "have their land confiscated".

“The Expropriation Act sets out a clear legal framework under which expropriation may take place, always with due process and court oversight,” Macpherson said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Monday, Macpherson said land grabs will never be allowed when the law is applied.

“...Section 25 of the Constitution enshrines property rights in the highest law of our country,” Macpherson said. 

He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) will always put the interests of South Africa first.

“This government is committed to working with international partners, not against them, [and] to ensure investor confidence remains strong. 

“...I am also committed to ensuring that [this Act] is constitutional and that there will be no arbitrary land grabs by the State in South Africa.

“Property rights are not only about protecting investments but also about ensuring that the rule of law is upheld in all sectors of society.

“It has been proven globally that infrastructure investment is one of the most effective ways to drive a country’s economic expansion and job growth. 

“Countries that have prioritised strategic infrastructure development have seen direct increases in GDP, stronger industrial output, and greater employment opportunities. As the Government of National Unity, we have made this a priority,” Macpherson said.

On Monday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa – through a statement issued by The Presidency – said the South African government is looking forward to engaging with its US counterparts on the matter.

“We look forward to engaging with the Trump administration over our land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest. We are certain that out of those engagements, we will share a better and common understanding over these matters,” the Presidency said.

Furthermore, the Presidency emphasised that the Act is “not a confiscation instrument, but a constitutionally mandated legal process that ensures public access to land in an equitable and just manner as guided by the Constitution”. 

The Expropriation Act states that property may not be expropriated arbitrarily or for a purpose other than a public purpose or in the public interest.

The Expropriation Act, which underwent a five-year public consultation process, was deliberated in Parliament, and is in line with the South African Constitution.

The Act repeals the Expropriation Act of 1975 and allows for the State to expropriate land in the public interest – subject to just and equitable compensation.  – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 11:02

302 views
Read morePublic Works Minister weighs in on Expropriation Act

Deputy Minister Mhlauli motivates learners at Intshukumo Secondary School

Location: News

Deputy Minister Mhlauli motivates learners at Intshukumo Secondary School

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has visited Intshukumo Secondary School in Gugulethu, as part of the government's Back to School programme, aimed at inspiring and motivating learners to achieve academic success. 

Addressing Grade 11 and 12 learners, Deputy Minister Mhlauli emphasised the importance of education in transforming communities and urged the learners to dedicate themselves to their studies. 

She was accompanied by Gift of the Givers and Cape Town City FC, which is a Premier Soccer League (PSL) team, both of whom partnered with the government to support and encourage the learners.

Gift of the Givers is a South African humanitarian aid organization known for its rapid disaster response and relief efforts. Founded in 1992 by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the organization provides emergency aid, food, water, medical assistance, and other essential services to communities affected by disasters, conflict, and poverty - both in South Africa and internationally.

“We are here with our partners, Gift of the Givers, which does amazing work within our communities, as well as Cape Town city FC to motivate the learners and to ensure that we help them on their journey towards achieving a 100% pass rate. Last year, the school achieved a 76% pass rate, and with our continued support, we are hopeful that we can reach the 100% mark,” said Mhlauli.

She encouraged the students to remain disciplined and focused throughout the year, emphasising the impact that education can have on their future and the broader community.

“Sacrifice this year alone and tell yourself that you are going to make sure you get the results you need to progress in life. Whether you aim to attend a higher education institution, secure a good job, or start your own business, education is the key to changing the story of our communities, homes and schools," she added.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that through partnerships with organisations like Gift of the Givers and Cape Town City FC, the learners would receive the necessary support to help them succeed.

"By dedicating just two extra hours each day to studying and listening to your teachers, I promise you that this school will achieve a 100% pass rate. Sacrifice this year alone; its only through us and the education we acquire that we can change the lives of our parents, cousins and our entire families,” she said. 

The Back to School programme continues to engage schools across the country, reinforcing the government's commitment to improving education outcomes and ensuring a brighter future for South Africa’s youth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 11:17

58 views
Read moreDeputy Minister Mhlauli motivates learners at Intshukumo Secondary School

President signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

Location: News

President signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed four new proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality and Greater North Transport.

Ithala Development Finance Corporation

Proclamation 243 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Ithala Development Finance Corporation situated in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on tendering for the supply, implementation, and maintenance of an integrated banking solution.

The probe will determine if contract payments adhered to national treasury guidelines were irregular, wasteful, or led to financial losses for the department or state. 

The SIU will also investigate any unlawful conduct by Ithala employees or officials that may have resulted in improper benefits.

“Furthermore, the investigation will assess whether fraudulent actions occurred, identify any resultant losses or damages, and examine any irregular or unlawful behaviour by Ithala employees or other entities.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2017 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2017 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” said the SIU.

Greater Kokstad Local Municipality

Proclamation 244 of 2025 directs the SIU to probe two tenders by the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. These tenders are:

  • For the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences for three years.
  • For the appointment of a service provider to supply customer care and IT service desk solutions. 

The SIU said the probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury. 

This includes the municipality or the state’s unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure. 

The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated. 

The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2022 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2022 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality

Proclamation 243 of 2025 mandates the SIU to investigate serious maladministration in the affairs of Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality in Limpopo Province regarding procuring and contracting for goods, works or services for six contracts. The contracts under investigation are:

  • Tender relating to professional services for the closure and rehabilitation plan of the old dumping site in Zone A.
  • The award of contracts in or about August 2015 for the electrification of Rakgoatha Village Extension, Mapatjakeng Village Extension and Motserereng Village Extension.
  • The award of a contract in or about June 2016 for upgrading the access road from Units S to Q.
  • The award of a contract in or about June 2016 for constructing the Madisha Ditoro small access bridge and upgrading internal streets and stormwater drains (phase 1) in Rakgoatha.
  • The award of a contract in or about April 2016 for tarring 9 km of internal streets in Rockville and Unit S, Lebowakgomo.

The contract was awarded in or about December 2013 for refurbishing the Lebowakgomo Civic Centre.

  • The contract was awarded in or about December 2013 for refurbishing the Lebowakgomo Civic Centre.

Greater North Transport

Proclamation 246 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption in eight contracts and maladministration in six contracts at the Greater North Transport (GNT) in Limpopo Province. 

The SIU will investigate the allegations of corruption of board members, officials or employees of the GNT or contractors, suppliers or service providers for the following tenders:

  • Appointment of Raletjena Technologies and Trading (Pty) Ltd.
  • extension of a contract between the GNT and Group 4 Security (Fidelity Cash Management) (Pty) Ltd.
  • Appointment of Scania South Africa (Pty) Ltd to provide repair and maintenance services to the GNT.
  • Procurement of 150 busses from Mercedes Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Procurement of 87 80-seater busses from MAN Truck and Bus South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
  • Appointment of BB Truck and Tractor Services (Pty) Ltd to provide repair and maintenance services to the GNT.
  • Procurement of legal services.
  • Procurement of a fleet management system.

Furthermore, the SIU will also probe allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the GNT and any losses or prejudice suffered by the GNT or the State as a result of such maladministration concerning:

  • Fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the GNT as a result of interest payments made to Africa Oil (Pty) Ltd;
  • A settlement agreement concluded with Umvuzo Energy (Pty) Ltd
  • The mismanagement of diesel supplies.
  • The failure to collect the debt that was due and owing to the GNT
  • An agreement was entered into between the GNT and emerging bus operators.

The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to national treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state. 

Furthermore, the SIU will seek to establish if there was unlawful or improper conduct by the department employees, officials, agents, and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others.

The investigation will also at whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by the department or the state, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the department or any other person or entity.

The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2002 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2002 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU said it was committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:12

42 views
Read morePresident signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

Have your say on permanent desalination plant

Location: News

Have your say on permanent desalination plant

The City of Cape Town is calling on the public to comment on the proposal to implement and operate the city’s first permanent desalination plant in Paarden Eiland.

Desalination is a scientific process of removing salts from sea water, then processing it further to make it suitable and safe for human consumption.

“In the face of climate change, unpredictable rainfall and a growing population, this proposed plant forms part of the city’s various water augmentation projects in the city's New Water Programme (NWP) and Water Strategy, which aims to diversify drinking water supply resources and build a resilient future supply.

“The planned permanent desalination plant is expected to produce between 50 and 70 million litres of water per day. Overall, the Water Strategy aims to increase the city’s water supply by an additional 300 million litres from diversified sources,” city’s Member of Mayoral Committee, Zahid Badroodien, said in a statement on Monday.

Badroodien emphasised the importance of providing the public with a fair opportunity to share their thoughtful and informed input on these issues.

“We encourage residents and stakeholders to submit their comments by 3 March 2025. All feedback will be incorporated in the final, completed feasibility study report, which will be made available to the community for comments before it is submitted to council for their consideration,” Badroodien said.

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend information sessions on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 at 6pm – 8pm at the Council Chambers, 6th Floor, Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, or virtually via Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/4ghqlDY.

The information session will also be held on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 at 6pm – 8pm at the Auditorium, Milnerton Library, Pienaar Road, Milnerton, Cape Town, or via Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/40OcMXV.

Information desalination plant can also be obtained from the council resolution and report, desalination booklet, and the water Outlook Report

For more information and general enquires, email: public.participation@capetown.gov.za or call 0800 212 176

Comments can be submitted by 3 March 2025 on Email: public.participation@capetown.gov.za, or www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate.

Written comments can also be delivered to your sub-council office: https://bit.ly/3CUlnKW - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:46

79 views
Read moreHave your say on permanent desalination plant

Eskom appoints lead independent director

Location: News

Eskom appoints lead independent director

Eskom has appointed Leslie Mkhabela as its new Lead Independent Director to strengthen governance at the power utility.

Mkhabela initially joined Eskom as a non-executive board member in October 2022 – an appointment made by then, and late Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan.

Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati explained that Mkhabela will remain in the post for the rest of his term as a board member.

“In our quest to strengthen governance and leave behind an organisation with structures that have the necessary robust checks and balances, the Board deemed it necessary to appoint Mr Mkhabela as a Lead Independent Director. 

“We are happy that Mkhabela has accepted this important role, which he will occupy for the remainder of his term as an Eskom Board member. He has consistently demonstrated decisive, ethical, and inclusive leadership,” Nyati said.

According to Eskom website, Mkhabela boasts more than “24 years of experience practising as an attorney in South Africa”.

“He has provided advice on a variety of complex matters and transactions to the firm’s vast client base, which comprises public and private companies, industry regulators, high-net-worth individuals, and eminent persons. 

“Mkhabela has been recognised by Best Lawyers in the Dispute Resolution category. Leslie is an attorney with experience in regulated industries, providing legal opinions and general legal advice, litigation and arbitration in commercial disputes, judicial reviews, and constitutional and administrative law,” Eskom said.

Mkhabela’s appointment comes after the appointment of Dr Candice Hartley as Chief People Officer, and Rivoningo Mnisi as Group Executive: Renewables last month. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 09:47

37 views
Read moreEskom appoints lead independent director

Parliament’s Presiding Officers to outline preparations for SONA

Location: News

Parliament’s Presiding Officers to outline preparations for SONA

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will on Wednesday provide an update on Parliament’s preparations for the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

SONA is a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, convened by the President in accordance with Section 42(5) of the Constitution.

It is a significant occasion that brings together all three arms of the state under one roof.

The 2025 SONA is scheduled for Thursday, 6 February, at 19:00 at Cape Town City Hall. 

This will be the first SONA of the seventh administration. 

During the media briefing, the Presiding Officers will outline the state of readiness, provide updates on the preparations and explain how the event's programme will unfold. 

SONA provides President Cyril Ramaphosa with an opportunity to speak to the nation on the general state of South Africa; to reflect on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within the domestic and global contexts, to account to the nation on the work of Government and to set out government’s program of action. 

Traditionally, the President makes key government announcements during this important joint sitting of Parliament. 

SONA usually takes place during February and is presided over by the Speaker and/or the Chairperson of the Council, by arrangement between them. During the week following the SONA, a debate of approximately two days is held on the SONA. 

The President is then given an opportunity to reply to the debate on the third day and to close the debate. The SONA is one of the major general debates of the parliamentary year. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:58

24 views
Read moreParliament’s Presiding Officers to outline preparations for SONA

NW government commends arrests of police linked in illegal mining kingpin escape

Location: News

NW government commends arrests of police linked in illegal mining kingpin escape

The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management in the North West Provincial Legislature, has commended the arrest of four police officers implicated in aiding the escape of alleged illegal mining kingpin, Neo James Tsoaeli, known as “Tiger.”

Tiger allegedly escaped from the police custody in mid-January, after resurfacing from the mine shaft 11 at Stilfontein, in the North West.

The arrest of four police officers follows extensive investigations and tracing operations to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.

In a statement issued on Saturday, committee chairperson, Freddy Sonakile, commended the arrest of four police officers.

While noting the arrest as a step in the right direction, Sonakile warned this is far from enough to ensure full accountability and justice.

“The committee requests the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to argue for the harshest possible sentence against these officers to set a strong precedent and deter further misconduct within law enforcement. Additionally, to explore additional charges beyond defeating the ends of justice, ensuring that the officers face the full might of the law for their role in this criminal act.

“Furthermore, internal disciplinary proceedings must be expedited to ensure that these officers are swiftly removed from the police service. If found guilty, they must face the strongest possible sanctions, as law enforcement cannot afford to retain individuals who actively undermine the justice system, and enable organised crime,” Sonakile said.

Sonakile added that the arrests of the officers, do not resolve the larger issue, as Tiger remains at large.

“Until he is recaptured and held accountable, the core of this crisis remains unresolved. The committee demands full transparency from law enforcement on the ongoing search efforts and expects a clear strategy to ensure his swift arrest.

“It is deeply troubling that at a time when Operation Vala Umgodi is making strides in combating illegal mining, corrupt elements within the police force are actively working against these efforts” Sonakile said.

He said the committee remains resolute in its plan to convene all key stakeholders to address the systemic failures exposed by this Stilfontein saga—including the influx of undocumented foreign nationals, weak intelligence operations, and the failure to enforce proper mine closure regulations.

“The North West cannot afford a compromised police force that enables criminals to operate with impunity. The committee will continue to push for greater police accountability, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all those involved in this criminal network,” Sonakile said.

Briefing the media on Sunday, National Commissioner of South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said the arrested police have been removed from Operation Vala Umgodi, and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway.

Masemola announced that more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein are still in police custody.

He said 121 illegal miners, including 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, as well as one Congolese and Malawian, have already been deported. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 12:31

328 views
Read moreNW government commends arrests of police linked in illegal mining kingpin escape

Africa must assert minerals advantage – Minister Mantashe

Location: News

Africa must assert minerals advantage - Minister Mantashe

Africa must “assert its advantage” in order to benefit from the booming demand for industrially valuable minerals in which the continent is abundantly rich.

This according to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who delivered the keynote address at the 31st Investing in Africa Mining Indaba, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

“[There] is evidence that the African continent hosts significant reserves of industrially important minerals, such as manganese, copper, coal, nickel, cobalt, titanium, vanadium, lithium and rare earth minerals. 

“With the growing demand for these minerals, Africa needs to assert its advantage and take charge of the growing demand,” Mantashe said.

He insisted that with all the mineral endowments that Africa possess, it should take the opportunity to grow to become one of the most developed continents.

“The truth of the matter is that Africa is the world’s richest mining jurisdiction, possessing at least 90% of the world’s chromium and platinum, 40% of the world’s gold, and the largest reserves of the world’s cobalt, vanadium, manganese and uranium. 

“Despite having these abundant mineral resources, Africa remains poor and this must change. 

“There is no other point in time that will be more opportune for Africa to take control of its development, while still pursuing our strategic partnerships with the rest of the world,” Mantashe said.

Local perspective

Turning to South Africa, Mantashe noted that while the country holds 37% of the world’s manganese ore reserves, only 2% is processed locally.

This, he added, is being looked into by government.

“In [recognition] of this reality and the fact that a lot of value is derived in the processing of these resources, we will this year intensify our engagements with the manganese producers and investors to invest in local beneficiation and thereby add value to these minerals. 

“We are mindful that for local beneficiation to succeed, we need to guarantee consistent, reliable, and affordable electricity supply. Despite the recent setback, I can assure you that now that we have reached over nine months with no electricity interruptions, government is working on measures to reduce administered prices and in so doing, reduce the cost of doing business in South Africa,” he said.

Mantashe outlined government’s plans to turn South Africa into an exploration hub.

“We are… alive to the fact that there can be no mining or beneficiation without exploration; hence, our steadfastness to reignite exploration investment and in so doing, turn South Africa into an exploration site. 

“Our efforts in this regard are beginning to take shape, as evidenced by progress made since we launched the country’s exploration fund during the last mining indaba. 

“We are buoyed by the fact that of the eight beneficiaries to receive funding from the first funding call, at least three of the projects are 100% black-female-owned, whereas all other beneficiaries are more than 50% black-owned,” he said.

Furthermore, some 20 projects are expected to receive funding to the tune of R67 million as part of government’s artisanal and small-scale mining fund.

Mining licensing

The Minister assured investors and mining companies that South Africa’s commitment to putting in place a new mining licensing system is well underway.

“The department and the PMG Consortium are currently finalising the design and configuration phase which is at the heart of the new system. This phase covers all aspects of mining regulations value chain including, inter alia, the client management functionality, rights application submission and processing, and the rights application tracking functionality

“This phase of the project is anticipated to be completed in the next few weeks, and will, thereafter, be followed by the testing and deployment of the new system into the department’s ICT system,” he said.

While that work is underway, the backlog in prospecting and mining applications is also being attended to, with at least 114 mining rights, 982 prospecting rights, and 385 mining permits and ancillaries processed and finalised.

On the international stage and with South Africa being the first African country to hold the Group of 20 (G20) Presidency, Mantashe had this to say to African countries: “With this being the very first time that an African economy leads the G20 for a full one-year term, let us leverage on this opportunity to shape a new era of the African mining industry that meaningfully contributes to the socioeconomic development of our continent, and in building the Africa we want.”  – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 12:45

279 views
Read moreAfrica must assert minerals advantage – Minister Mantashe

Langa residents outline expectations ahead of President Ramaphosa’s SONA

Location: News

Langa residents outline expectations ahead of President Ramaphosa’s SONA

As South Africa prepares for the highly-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, residents of Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township, have voiced their expectations. 

Most of the community members said they hope President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the pressing issues affecting their community. From economic opportunities to service delivery, residents have highlighted key areas they believe government should prioritise to improve their daily lives. 

Many have expressed concerns over rising unemployment, inadequate housing and crime, which they say have hindered progress in their area.

Vuyolwethu Siyaka told SAnews that crime remains a major concern in Langa, so he would like there to be more visible policing and effective crime prevention strategies. 

The 21-year-old expressed that many residents feel unsafe in their own homes due to high levels of gang-related violence and drug abuse in the community.

“I would like to tell President Ramaphosa about the crime situation in our communities and what happens at our local SAPS [South African Police Service]. We ask that government equips our local police station so it can provide more services and employ more officers who can efficiently deal with criminals and keep communities safe,” he said. 

Sanele Sifile, 19, advocated for better opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“We want the President to help kids from poor backgrounds get access to quality education and employment opportunities after completing school. At the moment, the high youth unemployment rate is a major concern, and it often pushes young people toward crime,” he told SAnews. 

Anelisiwe Thembisa, from Bennie Street in Langa, said her burning issue was the allocation of budget for the housing projects in her area. 

“We've been waiting since 2019 for the second phase of the housing project. Phase 1, the Nkandla Housing Project, was completed but Phase 2 has yet to begin. While we've heard that a budget has been allocated, there has been no visible progress. We would appreciate it if the President could address this in his SONA speech and provide clarity on the delays. We will be happy if we can get answers about this issue,” she said. 

Thozama Rhenqe, a pensioner, told SAnews that her expectations for the seventh administration were very high. 

“Our expectations for this administration are high, but my main concern is the SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant for pensioners. As a pensioner, I hope the President increases the grant to R3 000,” she said. 

Meanwhile 85-year-old pensioner, Nomalungelo Peter, expressed her concerns about the pensioners' grant, saying it is too little to cover essential expenses like rent, electricity and municipal rates. 

“I would like President Ramaphosa to speak about the grant for pensioners. It is little because we are renting, paying for electricity, including municipal rates, and sometimes they just estimate, even when you are not home and utilising the services, yet you still have to pay. You can be on holiday, however, they will still add charges for collecting waste. 

“Another one is the issue of housing. I don’t have a house of my own. I have been living in the house I am currently situated at for more than 65 years, but I don’t own it. If the President could increase the grant and assist with housing, it would make a big difference in our lives,” Peter said. 

SAnews also spoke to a local artist, Banzi Tema, who hopes the President will address the challenges faced by creatives. He expressed that many artists struggle financially and die in poverty. 

“Hopefully the President can address the issue of how we look after our creatives because some of them are dying paupers. While government has taken some steps. It is not enough. 

“There is some funding that has been allocated to creatives but there is a lot of red tape, mostly people who are supposed to get the money do not get it, so if the President can include this is his speech, it would make a significant difference,” he said. 

As the nation awaits President Ramaphosa’s SONA, the voices of Langa residents reflect the pressing issues faced by many South Africans, who are looking to the President for decisive action that will bring meaningful change to their communities. 

President Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday at 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:14

234 views
Read moreLanga residents outline expectations ahead of President Ramaphosa’s SONA

Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Location: News

Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Washington Street in Langa, Cape Town, bustled with activity as the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities on Monday.

Gazebos, banners, buses and cars lined the streets, as various government departments provided services to the community.

The Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre and the Langa Civic Hall were filled with hundreds of community members. 

Some walked, while others took taxis, all eager for essential services, such as applying for identity documents (IDs).

Young people lined up at the Employment and Labour Department’s mobile bus to register on the job seekers' database.

The outreach activities aim to involve all South Africans in the SONA, which will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm. 

This will be the President’s first SONA as the Head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the seventh administration.

Some of the participants were the City of Cape Town officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Western Cape Department of Social Development, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the Human Rights Commission, Postbank, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA).

Acting Director of Public Employment Services, Nokulunga Zazaza, expressed satisfaction in connecting with the community, especially in registering unemployed youth on their database.

The team also offered career counselling to help equip the youth with job hunting and interview skills.

“We also have a programme where we go around to engage with employers and opportunity providers to check if there are opportunities available in their organisation. If they do, they give us the requirements and registration credentials, and we’ll use those to match it with the unemployed who meet the criteria,” she explained. 

Although there are Labour Centres located throughout the province, Zazaza stressed that her department aims to connect more closely with local communities. 

She expressed a desire for people to secure permanent employment, as most of the companies that reach out to them mostly offer temporary contracts and training services.

“We always want as many people as possible to find employment because our target is unemployed persons, as our department’s focus is employment and labour. We want to do anything that will assist with unemployment.”

Research Officer for the Human Rights Commission, Advocate Tammy Carter, told SAnews that many individuals she encountered in communities were unaware of their rights, even though the country boasts one of the best constitutions in the world.

“One of the primary functions, in terms of the Constitution for the Human Rights Commission, is to promote human rights and human rights culture. 

“If people don’t even know their rights, how are they going to even assert those rights? 

“For us, it’s important to be invited to events like this, so that we can educate people about their rights.” 

She said Chapter 9 bodies had been created to support democracy by being enforcers of human rights.

Most of the people she has been attending to have been raising issues about education, access to water and sanitation, environmental concerns such as littering, which seems to be a big deal in Langa, and access to services such as SASSA and Home Affairs. 

“People in Langa have to travel to Athlone to access these services and it costs them a lot of money,” Carter said, adding that was important for the Chapter 9 institutions to come together to help these communities. 

Customer Care Assistant from the  Western Social Development Department, Siphosihle Qingana, said together with his colleague, he has been providing information about their services since this morning. 

These include childcare protection programmes, support for the elderly, substance abuse assistance, and registration of non-profit organisations (NPOs).

“People need help or advice about child protection. Some children don’t have birth certificates. Other people were seeking funding for their NPOs and asking about registering NPOs,” Qingana told SAnews. 

Ministries and departments will continue to hold various public engagement activities for the remainder of the week. 

According to the GCIS, these events aim to encourage South Africans to familiarise themselves with the content of SONA, enabling them to contribute to discussions and proposals for economic growth and development. 

South Africans are encouraged to tune it and participate in this important national milestone. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:16

119 views
Read moreLanga township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town