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South Africa
Blooming Good: How a Desert Garden Is Saving Endangered Plants
The Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden is a lifeline for plants species endemic to the region
President congratulates President-Elect Duma of Botswana
President congratulates President-Elect Duma of Botswana
President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his warm congratulations to His Excellency President-Elect Duma Boko and the government and people of the Republic of Botswana on the success of the recently concluded elections.
During his telephone call with President-Elect Boko, President Ramaphosa once again commended the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition on its success in the election under the leadership of President-Elect Boko.
According to media reports the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won the elections in a landslide victory as the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had been in power since independence in 1966, won only four parliamentary seats as of Friday afternoon.
Elections in Botswana were held on 30 October 2024.
President Ramaphosa welcomed the immediate establishment of transitional plans between the outgoing administration was led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the incoming administration of President Boko.
“The success of the elections in our sister nation and the seamless transition that is already underway affirms the demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent. As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations," President Ramaphosa said on Saturday. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 09:19
251 views
Police arrest 225 illegal miners in the North West
Police arrest 225 illegal miners in the North West
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya has welcomed the arrests of 225 illegal miners in the North West province.
The arrests were made when the illegal miners resurfaced from underground in Orkney, as a result of starvation and dehydration.
“These 225 illegal miners are part of others believed to be hundreds if not a thousand illegal miners who are stuck underground with no food, water and necessities because the Vala Umgodi teams,” said the police.
The teams are led by the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who are “blocking routes used to deliver food and necessities to these illegal miners.”
“Just earlier this week, SAPS and members of the SANDF blocked communities in and around these abandoned mining shifts in Orkney from delivering food parcels, water and necessities to these illegal miners,” the police said.
The act of stamping the authority of the state eventually forced these illegal miners to resurface.
“This operation is ongoing, and the SAPS and the SANDF are still monitoring these old abandoned mine shafts as more and more illegal miners resurface,” the SAPS said on Saturday.
Sibiya said Operation Vala Umgodi is yielding positive results across the country.
“We are closely monitoring the situation that is unfolding in the North West province, we are not backing down until all those illegal miners resurface and are arrested. Since its inception in December 2023 to date, more than 13 691 suspects have been arrested in the seven provinces that are hotspots for illegal mining.
"We have seized R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million through Operation Vala Umgodi,” said the Lieutenant General.
The majority of those that have been arrested are inclusive of South Africans, Mozambicans, and Basotho nationals. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:23
180 views
Call to champion disability rights
Call to champion disability rights
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for a disability-inclusive society that upholds a better quality of life and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
This call marks the beginning of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which is observed from 3 November to 3 December 2024.
“This month provides an important platform to champion disability rights and to work toward a South Africa where dignity and equality are universal. Whether disabled or able-bodied, all individuals must be empowered to contribute toward an inclusive society,” the Minister said on Saturday.
DRAM is taking place under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
This month-long campaign underscores the universality, interdependence, and fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for the full enjoyment of these rights without discrimination.
It aims to drive awareness, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across South Africa.
“Aligned with the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Framework, which seeks to address current socio-economic challenges, DRAM2024 serves as a bridge uniting South Africans to build a disability-inclusive, barrier-free society.
“It envisions a South Africa where persons with disabilities actively contribute to socio-economic empowerment within their communities.
“Government also urges all members of society to participate in the significant process of domesticating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, facilitated by the South African Law Reform Commission. This process will contribute to the development of the Disability Rights Bill,” the DWYPD said.
The purpose of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:51
100 views
Mpumalanga High Court to open for business
Mpumalanga High Court to open for business
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) has advised the public that the Mpumalanga High Court will be open for business on Monday.
The Mpumalanga High Court was recently closed after an inspection by the Department of Labour and the subsequent findings that highlighted health and safety issues with the building.
On Saturday, the DOJ&CD met with the Departments of Employment and Labour (DEL), Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) to determine a course of action in response to issues identified during a recent inspection of the Mpumalanga High Court conducted by DEL.
The prohibition notice was issued on 30 October 2024.
“Following representation made by the departments in relation to the areas identified to be addressed, it was resolved that the prohibition notice shall be suspended for a period of seven working days commencing on Monday, 04 November 2024.
“The suspension of the implementation of the prohibition notice will provide an opportunity for the department to address the issues raised in the prohibition notice,” DOJ&CD said.
The concerns raised by DEL relate to the following specific three areas:
• Ensuring proper ventilation.
• Provision of a report confirming the integrity of the structure.
• Provision of the occupancy certificate.
The departments provided extensive feedback to DEL on matters relating to the prohibition notice and progress thereof.
“It is on the basis of the above that the extension was granted. The department remains committed to resolve the issues raised by DEL including ensuring the safety of staff, judiciary and members of the public.
“The discussions are still ongoing between the parties including the exchange of expert and technical reports to find a long-term solution to matters that were raised. During the suspension period, the department wishes to advise the public that the court will remain open on Monday, 04 November 2024,” DOJ&CD said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 11:12
71 views
Eskom saves R13.7 billion on diesel
Eskom saves R13.7 billion on diesel
Due to load shedding being suspended for over seven months, Eskom’s diesel savings have reached R13.7 billion year-on-year.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom said load shedding has remained suspended for over seven months (219 consecutive days) since 26 March 2024.
“Investments in the Generation Recovery Plan have been instrumental in maintaining a stable power supply across South Africa, driving efficiencies, and achieving R13.7 billion in year-on-year diesel savings.
“On Monday, 28 October 2024, Eskom achieved a significant milestone in operational efficiency, moving closer to its goal of a 70% Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by end March 2025.
“This achievement is marked by a reduction in unplanned outages, which are measured by the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) and Other Capacity Loss Factors (OCLF), to 7 299MW. The last time Eskom reached a comparable UCLF milestone was four years ago,” the power utility said.
This achievement follows Eskom’s recent milestone of delivering the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years, reaching Day 206 of loadshedding suspension on Saturday, 19 October 2024.
“The reduction in unplanned outages means that more generation capacity is available to meet the country’s electricity demand. Additionally, it provides Eskom with the necessary capacity to conduct more planned maintenance activities, which are crucial for further improving the reliability and stability of the generation fleet,” Eskom said.
Eskom’s EAF increased to an average of 65 % over the past week and 63.1% year-to-date, with top-performing stations — including Grootvlei, Camden, Medupi, Lethabo, and peaking facilities — achieving over 70% EAF.
Five other power stations recorded EAFs above 60%.
“By Monday evening, an additional 4 030MW is expected to return online, with six units on cold reserve this weekend to manage supply and demand balance,” Eskom said.
In August, Eskom shared its Summer Outlook for the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, predicting a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer due to structural generation improvements. This outlook remains unchanged.
Illegal connections
While load shedding remains suspended, Eskom continues to face network overloading issues in certain local areas due to illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorised network operations, theft of network equipment, and purchasing electricity from unlicensed vendors.
“To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading which can lead to load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections, as this can negatively impact the entire local community. It is also essential for customers to ensure they purchase electricity only from authorised vendors,” the power utility said.
Eskom urged the public to help protect the integrity of the power network by reporting any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
Meter updates
In addition, as the 24 November 2024 deadline approaches, Eskom has reminded customers to update their pre-paid meters to avoid them expiring and losing electricity.
READ | Eskom calls on prepaid customers to update meters before 24 November deadline
The simple, DIY process involves buying credit tokens from authorised vendors. Customers will receive two 20-digit codes to enter into their meters for the update. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 11:40
1 view
GCIS to brings services closer to communities
GCIS to brings services closer to communities
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host its annual Government Exhibition Day (GED) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The exhibition day will bring government services closer to communities.
“The Government Exhibition Day is a continuation of the commitment by government to ensure that critical information regarding government services and their provision is accessible to all citizens,” the GCIS said on Saturday.
The event, which will take place on Wednesday, 06 November in Umgababa, highlights the work of Thusong Service Centres, which are a one-stop-shop for government services as a means to centralise service provision for communities that are far flung.
It will take place at the Umnini Thusong Centre from 9: 30 am.
At the GED, relationships with community members will be strengthened by facilitating face-to-face conversations and delivery of essential services that include:
• Department of Home Affairs: Assistance with ID issuance, birth certificate registration and other identity-related services.
• Department of Labour: Consultation on labour related matters.
• SASSA: Registration for grants, including social grants and enquiries on grants-in-aid.
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:32
14 views
Committee welcomes prevention of R3.47 billion in financial losses
Committee welcomes prevention of R3.47 billion in financial losses
The Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (AG) has welcomed the recovery and prevention of the R3.47 billion in financial losses by the Office of the Auditor General (AGSA) through the Material Irregularities (MIs) process.
This as the committee received a briefing from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) on its integrated annual report for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The AG has recovered R1.55 billion in financial losses; R1.14 billion in financial losses in the process of recovery and has prevented the financial loss of R0.78 billion for government departments, municipalities and entities.
“These successes show the importance of the execution of the new powers of the AG obtained through the amended Public Audit Act. In the year under review, the AG identified 626 MIs on non-compliance and suspected fraud,” the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General Wouter Wynand Wessels said on Friday.
This resulted in 500 MIs on material financial loss, 51 MIs on substantial harm to the general public, 66 MIs on substantial harm to public sector institutions and 9 MIs on misuse on material public resource.
An MI is any non-compliance with legislation, fraud, theft or breach of fiduciary duty that could result in a material financial loss, misuse of public funds or substantial harm to a public sector institution or the public.
The amended Public Audit Act introduced the concept of MIs and expanded the powers of the AG to refer the MIs to relevant bodies for investigation if the accounting officer or authority does not take appropriate action to address them.
“The committee welcomes the AGSA's culture shift strategy. This entails plotting auditees not only according to mere compliance, but also focusing on service delivery performance. This shows that 23% of government departments and entities and 45% of municipalities are currently doing harm, while 40% of departments and entities and 43% of municipalities are not doing the basics.
“The committee commends the AG for receiving a clean audit opinion for the year under review. A functional office of the AG is important as it results in a positive shift towards accountability and public sector performance,” Wessels said.-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:09
55 views
Man sentenced to life in prison for raping relative
Man sentenced to life in prison for raping relative
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Giyani Regional Court to a 31-year-old man for raping his 10-year-old relative.
The court heard that the victim's mother left her daughter with her cousin whilst going to a local shop.
“The mother returned from the shop and found her daughter naked. Upon questioning her, she told her that the accused took her (daughter) to his bedroom… forcefully put his private part into her mouth and thereafter raped her.
“The matter was immediately reported to the police and a case of rape was registered and transferred to Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigations,” the SAPS said on Saturday.
The case docket was allocated to Detective Sergeant Maropeng Mashapa. The accused was traced and successfully arrested.
The accused was sentenced on Thursday for raping his cousin at Phikela village in Giyani on 13 November 2020.
Subsequent to police investigations, the accused was found guilty of all charges against him and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape.
"We commend the investigating officer for tirelessly working on the case and all other role players who participated, for the job well done," said Lieutenant General Hadebe. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 09:41
33 views
Deputy Minister Letsike addresses Village Economy Indaba
Deputy Minister Letsike addresses Village Economy Indaba
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Letsike, says more than 60% of jobs and 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the African continent comes from the agricultural sector which is rooted in the rural areas.
“This presents an opportunity for boundless growth through the potential that is inherent in the rural economy and for expansion to industries that ordinarily have not proliferated in rural areas,” Letsike said.
Speaking at the Village Economy Indaba ceremony held in the North West province, Letsike said over half of the population resides in rural regions, yet these areas often face higher poverty rates, lower access to basic services and limited economic opportunities.
“This divide is not only a matter of geography, it concerns social justice, economic necessity, and national progress.”
Letsike said rural areas in South Africa hold an enormous but often overlooked potential for lifting people out of poverty.
“When we invest in rural economies, we create jobs and boost incomes in areas where they are needed most. Imagine empowering smallholder farmers with access to better technology, training, and markets.
“Not only could they increase their production, but they could also improve their livelihoods, leading to better education, healthcare, and overall well-being for their families and communities,” Letsike said on Friday.
The Deputy Minister said it was reported that about 75% of food produced on the continent is from small farms of less than 20 hectares, while 80% of the 51 million farms on the continent have an area less than two hectares.
“Developing rural economies helps curb urban migration. Every year, thousands of people leave rural areas, hoping for better opportunities in the big cities.
“By creating viable economic opportunities in rural areas, through initiatives such as The Village Economy Indaba whether in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, or small-scale manufacturing, we can reduce the strain on our cities while enhancing quality of life in the countryside,” the Deputy Minister said.
Letsike said vulnerable groups such as women, youth, LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender or intersex), persons and persons with disabilities are the hardest hit by climate change.
“Therefore, renewable energy projects, like solar and wind farms in areas such as the Northern and Eastern Cape, to eco-tourism in Limpopo and the Western Cape, rural South Africa holds immense potential for green growth and sustainability, particularly as we engage the Just Energy Transition.
“By focusing on sustainable practices, we can preserve our environment for future generations while creating jobs today.
“Many of us who have a rural background will understand that even our indigenous agricultural practices such as companion planting have been proven to promote soil health and maximise production on small pieces of land and it is still used by many farmers in rural areas,” Letsike said. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 14:03
55 views
Deputy President participates in Soweto Marathon
Deputy President participates in Soweto Marathon
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is today participating in the African Bank Soweto Marathon.
Sunday’s race has an estimated 25 000 participants in various race categories.
“The Deputy President will participate in the 10km category, whereas the Soweto Marathon has other categories such as the main marathon (42km) and half marathon (21km). He will later take part in the prize-giving ceremony at the close of the marathon,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The marathon is taking place at the NASREC Precinct.
In addition to the Deputy President taking part in the race, the men and women in blue are also partaking in the marathon.
“SAPS Gauteng has 123 members from stations and units across the province who are participating in The People’s Race. SAPS encourages members to partake in sports to stay physically fit and mentally alert in the commission of their duties,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in post on social media platform, X. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 09:21
48 views
President Ramaphosa Congratulates President-Elect Duma Boko of Botswana During Telephone Call
Today, 2 November 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone call with President-Elect Duma Boko and offered his warm congratulations to His Excellency and the government and people of the Republic of Botswana on the success of the recently concluded elections.
President Ramaphosa once again commended the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition on its success in the election under the leadership of President-Elect Boko. President Ramaphosa welcomed the immediate establishment of transitional plans between the outgoing administration was led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the incoming administration of President Boko.
“The success of the elections in our sister nation and the seamless transition that is already underway affirms the demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent.
As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations", said President Ramaphosa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (Ti̇Ka) Provides Equipment Support to Stellenbosch University in South Africa
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided equipment to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, which continues its educational and research activities in South Africa.
TİKA provided equipment support to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, ranked among the world's top 200 universities in plant and animal sciences.
Through this project, a centrifuge machine, water purification system, spectrophotometer, plant growth chamber and lyophilizer were provided to support the cultivation of plants under controlled conditions, DNA analysis and the preservation of plants and extracts as required.
South Africa is home to 9,000 endemic plant species
South Africa hosts approximately 9,000 plant species, the majority of which are endemic. These plants, integral to the development of traditional medicine, have been used by local communities for medicinal purposes over centuries.
However, during the apartheid era the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 restricted this usage. Following the repeal of this law in 1994, academic research surged, allowing many native plants to be widely adopted in medicine and cosmetics.
Stellenbosch University is now dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge into academic research. To support this, TİKA provided the university with equipment to study the reactions of local plants to different production conditions, determine optimal cultivation and storage methods and conduct DNA-level analyses.
Handover ceremony organized
The handover ceremony was attended by Yonca Sunel, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Cape Town; Abdulkadir Abukan, TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria; Vim de Villiers, Rector of Stellenbosch University; Sibusiso Moyo, Vice Rector; as well as academics and students.
During the ceremony, Rector de Villiers expressed gratitude to TİKA for its contributions. Vice Rector Moyo emphasized the significance of international cooperation in enhancing the university's research capacity and provided information about the partnerships with universities in Türkiye.
Consul General Sunel noted that this program marked her first official visit since her appointment and expressed her pleasure in collaborating with the esteemed institutions of South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
President Ramaphosa Concludes Engagement With Limpopo Executive
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a productive session with the Limpopo Provincial Government Executive Council. The President expressed confidence in the economic growth potential that lies within the province that can unlock more opportunities for the people of Limpopo.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on the immediate actions that we can take together as national and provincial governments to bring significant changes to the province of Limpopo that will impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Limpopo remains a fertile ground upon which we can sow South Africa's growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa further said there are areas of infrastructure development that will continue to be at the centre of the agenda of his cabinet, like water provision and roads, until significant progress has been registered and the lives of people of Limpopo are changed for the better.
The meeting agreed on the urgent support from National Departments, in the areas of Energy and Electricity, Land Reform, Water and Sanitation, Transport, COGTA and Public Works and Infrastructure to assist the province accelerate catalytically projects that will deliver sustainable growth. The inter-governmental framework will prioritise projects that require immediate action whilst allowing those that require long-term planning to be mapped accordingly.
President Ramaphosa appreciated the understanding of the residents' plight and the vision for the province reflected in the presentation delivered by the Premier and the provincial executive.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Council indaba to zero-in on climate resilient build environment
Council indaba to zero-in on climate resilient build environment
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is on track to convene its second Built Environment Climate Change Indaba (BECCI) next week.
“The CBE’s 2024 BECCI is centred on building a climate-resilient built environment for South Africa while acknowledging and incorporating the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the entire construction lifecycle, and processes and legislations of national, provincial and local government,” said the council in a statement on Thursday.
The CBE is public entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and is a regulatory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act 43 of 2000 (the CBE Act) that coordinates six councils for the built environment professions including architecture and engineering.
The two-day indaba is set to be held in the Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal next Thursday and Friday.
This, as KwaZulu-Natal has experienced adverse weather in recent years.
“These natural disasters are worsened by poor drainage and building standards, especially in low-income areas. There was significant damage to over 13 000 homes, disrupted water supply, impassable roads, and destroyed bridges. Additionally, the recent snowfall in KwaZulu-Natal… underscores the growing severity and unpredictability of South Africa's weather patterns.
“The snow and icy conditions led to the closure of the N3 highway between Gauteng and KZN, stranding numerous travellers, which highlights the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure amid extreme climate events, necessitating urgent policy and planning responses.”
READ | Condolences to family of victim affected by freezing weather conditions
The indaba will be held under the theme: “Co-creation of spaces and places that respond to just transition.”
The council said the indaba will together stakeholders from the engineering and the built environment sector, disaster management and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) to co-create sustainable, resilient, and equitable spaces that address climate change and socio-economic disparities.
“The Indaba is particularly critical in the context of the CBE’s mandate to transform the built environment, promote sustainable development, and contribute to inclusive socio-economic growth.”
The BECCI will bring together stakeholders from the engineering and the built environment sector under one roof to discuss and enhance climate resilience in South Africa’s built environment “by fostering collaboration to generate new knowledge and insight geared towards reducing and mitigating the impact of climate change in the sector.”
The outcomes and resolutions from the BECCI 2024 are expected to feed into the operations and functions of the CBE’s and its stakeholders on numerous levels. Furthermore, the BECCI will aim at addressing climate change related challenges facing the South African Built Environment and vulnerable communities at large.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, among others, are expected to attend the indaba. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 09:30
233 views
President Ramaphosa Appoints Members of Special Tribunal
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Tribunal President and Judges of the Special Tribunal which has a statutory mandate to recover public funds syphoned from the fiscus through corruption, fraud and illicit money flows.
President Ramaphosa has made these appointments in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunal Act of 1996 and following consultation with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
The President has appointed Judge Margaret Victor as Tribunal President with effect from today, Friday, 1 November 2024, for a period of three years.
The President has also appointed the following additional judges for a period of three years starting today, Friday, 1 November 2024:
(i) Judge Thandi Victoria Norman, of the Eastern Cape Divisron of the High Court;
(ii) Judge David Makhoba, of the Gauteng Division of the High Court;
(iii) Judge Brian A Mashile, of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court;
(iv) Judge Andre Henry Petersen, of the North West Division of the High Court; and
(v) Judge Chantel Moira Jennifer Fortuin, of the Western Cape Division of the High Court
Special tribunals differ from ordinary civil proceedings which are adversarial in nature.
The Special Tribunal adopts a more flexible and expeditious approach to legal actions. Its proceedings are inquisitorial in nature and characterised by extensive pre-trial investigations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Maintenance defaulters’ days are numbered, warns Minister
Maintenance defaulters' days are numbered, warns Minister
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane says the days of those who have been shirking their responsibilities and not paying maintenance are numbered.
“We are indeed coming for them,” said Simelane, who was speaking at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Maintenance Online Listing of Defaulters held in Johannesburg on Friday.
She said the signing was historic, as it heralded a new era in the quest to ensure that maintenance defaulters have no place to hide.
“There is no doubt that the failure to pay maintenance has a negative impact on the best interests of our children and it also undermines the child’s right to be maintained.
“The Constitution protects and provides in section 28(2)... that ‘a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.’
“Section 15(3)(a) of the Maintenance Act creates an obligation on both parents to support their children proportionately in accordance with their financial means.
“However, and notwithstanding this provision, many parents still fail to support their children and this failure negatively impacts on the children’s rights to maintenance, which includes the provision of food, accommodation, education, health and clothes,” the Minister said.
She said a person who fails to make a particular payment, in accordance with a maintenance order, is guilty of a criminal offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine or to imprisonment.
“Parents are therefore fully entitled to lay a criminal charge against a person who is obliged to pay maintenance in terms of a court order if he/she fails to stick to the terms of the order. Although this step will likely result in a person’s arrest, it will not necessarily result in receiving payment.
“Judging by the numbers of the long queues at the maintenance service centres, it is crystal clear that the enforcement of maintenance payments is a highly problematic area. Often, people liable to pay maintenance either refuse or simply neglect to fulfil their obligation.
“South Africa’s commitment to child welfare is embedded in our laws, and our obligations, as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stand as a testament to this. We are duty-bound to take every measure necessary to ensure that the maintenance for children is not only an ideal but a reality,” Simelane said.
The Minister said the signing of the memorandum signalled government’s dedication to protecting and empowering the future generation.
Simelane explained that the Maintenance Online Listing Project, which is the subject of the memorandum of understanding, will create a structured, transparent framework where maintenance obligations are tracked, enforced and integrated within our financial systems.
“The strength of this project lies in the powerful partnership between the public and private sectors. The Department of Justice, the Social Justice Foundation and the Consumer Profile Bureau have come together to drive this initiative forward.
“Each partner brings a unique strength: legal oversight, community engagement, and data-driven solutions, ensuring that this initiative reaches every corner of our nation and stands as a model of efficiency and accountability,” the Minister said.
The Minister further explained that the project was not merely a tool for enforcement, but it was also a commitment to fairness.
“This approach is not just punitive in nature but serves as a fair reminder that support for our children is non-negotiable,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:02
191 views
Gauteng Health MEC laments poor Ekurhuleni spaza food safety standards
Gauteng Health MEC laments poor Ekurhuleni spaza food safety standards
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has lamented the lack of food safety standards at some of the local spaza shops in Ekurhuleni townships.
The MEC, together with City of Ekurhuleni officials and local councillors, conducted a food safety blitz in the area following the recent spate of deaths and children falling ill after eating snacks from local spaza shops across the country.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced this week that forensic tests unveiled those six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called Terbufos.
The children aged between six and nine had allegedly eaten snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop that officials concluded was contaminated by this lethal pesticide.
READ | Death of six Soweto children linked to Terbufos
According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, who was part of the interdepartmental team that visited spaza shops on Friday, the initiative aims to educate the public about food safety and monitoring compliance with food safety standards by local businesses and protecting public health.
Some of the things confiscated at one of the shops illegally occupying municipal land in Alra Park include spices and snacks and expired sour milk and meat.
“Some of the foods are on the floor and not on the shelves. We’re going to close the shop to ensure they follow the right processes and channels. But this place mustn’t be open again for illegal trading even if it means the municipality has to demolish it,” she stressed.
The MEC said she would also rope in the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) team after it was discovered they were also selling “wrong” medication.
“These spaza shop owners aren’t compliant and the building itself, they’re using municipal land and that’s why we are closing it,” she said while speaking outside the shop with journalists.
Last week, the National Department of Health rebuffed claims that government is neglecting the issue of children dying from suspected food poisoning.
However, government said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is currently treating the recent spate of deaths as a national security threat.
“These increasing incidents in black communities have led to an unfortunate and unsubstantiated perception that authorities are turning a blind eye to this crisis and seem not to care about what’s happening to citizens.
“Contrary to these beliefs and perceptions, this is what various authorities have been engaged in,” a statement from the department read.
READ | Food poisoning incidents treated as national security threat
The Health Minister has now involved the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) to assist in these cases.
Meanwhile, the inspectors from the department are also working with the teams selected from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Agriculture and the National Consumer Commission (NCC), under NICD’s direct supervision. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 13:09
178 views
President calls for enhanced collaboration between national and provincial governments
President calls for enhanced collaboration between national and provincial governments
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between national and provincial governments, urging ministers to engage more directly and consistently with their provincial counterparts.
The President was addressing a meeting between the National Executive and the Limpopo Executive Council, led by Premier Phophi Ramathuba, at the Polokwane Municipality Council Chamber in Limpopo on Friday.
President Ramaphosa described today’s meeting as significant, marking the start of a programme by the National Executive to visit all the provinces in the coming months and to engage directly with their leadership.
The President outlined the significance of the meeting as the first high-level bilateral engagement between the National Executive and provinces under the 7th Administration and the Government of National Unity (GNU).
President Ramaphosa highlighted the necessity for such interactions to ensure that both spheres of government can effectively coordinate their efforts and address local needs.
“As we strive for greater alignment between the developmental priorities of national and provincial governments, there is a need for Ministers to engage more directly and regularly with their provincial counterparts.
“On the one hand, this enables the National Executive to have better line of sight of provincial programmes. On the other hand, it enables provincial executive councils to better align their developmental roadmap with national plans,” the President said.
The President reiterated the constitutional mandate for cooperation among different spheres of government, stressing that effective governance must be transparent, accountable, and coherent in serving the people of South Africa.
“Section 41 of the Constitution outlines the obligation of different spheres of Government to cooperate with one another, assist one another, coordinate with one another and consult on matters of common interest.
“The spheres of government are to do so, while respecting the scope of their respective powers and functions,” the President said.
He called for a focus on overcoming structural challenges that hinder investment and job creation in the provinces.
The GNU, the President said, has identified a set of key priorities for the term of its administration, which includes driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State.
He underscored the vital role provinces play in achieving these goals, particularly through the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
“Our collective focus now is on marshalling the necessary will and resources to finalise and implement the Medium-Term Development Plan. Driving economic growth that is inclusive and transformational is at the centre of our national agenda.
“Provinces have a critical role to play in this effort. Improving service delivery, accelerating job creation and growing provincial economies are as much a priority for provinces as they are for national government.
“What will be critical in the coming months is a razor-sharp focus on the actions that we all need to take to enable provinces to leverage their respective endowments – be they avocados, minerals or citrus fruit – to ensure that that endowment is more effectively used for economic growth,” the President said.
The discussion also highlighted the need for provinces to leverage their unique resources such as agriculture, minerals, and tourism to stimulate economic growth.
President Ramaphosa noted the under-utilisation of arable land and the potential for improved tourism infrastructure as areas needing urgent attention.
Some provinces are extracting large amounts of minerals from the soil, but are not moving to another level. They need to start looking at the second level to beneficiate those minerals.
“We need to move beyond diagnosis of problems. We need to look at how to overcome the obstacles to provincial endowments being successfully used for development,” he said.
Premier Ramathuba and the provincial leadership were urged to identify obstacles to growth and to collaborate with ministers to formulate actionable strategies.
President Ramaphosa pointed out that ongoing structural reforms in sectors, such as electricity and water management, are critical to unlocking provincial potential.
This engagement is intended to open channels of communication and foster a collaborative spirit, with the aim of ensuring that Limpopo and other provinces align their economic development plans with the national vision.
Limpopo perfectly positioned to lead in a number of key sectors
The President said this first engagement between the National Executive and the Limpopo Executive Council must set the tone and agenda for future cooperation.
“We have to set our collective sights on what must be done to ensure provinces' economic development plans align with the broader national economic vision.
“Limpopo is perfectly positioned to lead the country in a number of key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, freight and logistics, and also mineral resources. The province is set to play a major role in the green economy transition.
“Limpopo possesses a number of critical energy transition minerals, including platinum, and has been designated as a site for the proposed Hydrogen Valley. We are pleased with the work already underway in this regard,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa added that Limpopo, by way of geographical positioning, is South Africa’s gateway to the continent.
He said the province is well positioned to strengthen South Africa’s links to the rest of the African continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President called for innovative solutions and clear timelines to realise the full potential of provincial economies and improve the lives of citizens.
As government prepares for further engagements across the country, the focus remains on creating a capable and accessible governance framework that prioritises the needs of South Africans.
From here, President Ramaphosa will go to KwaZulu-Natal next week and then to other provinces.
“Our plan is to go to each province over the course of one year. We engage with provinces on an ongoing basis through MinMEC [Minister and Members of Executive Council] meetings and other forums, and we engage with people through izimbizo. This is the government that we want to make more capable and accessible to the people,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 13:26
150 views
dtic calls for comments on draft amended Consumer Protection Act
dtic calls for comments on draft amended Consumer Protection Act
The Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) has called on all stakeholders and interested parties to submit comments on the draft amended Regulations 4 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA 68 of 2008).
Regulations 4 of the CPA provides mechanisms to block unwanted direct marketing communication.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, published the amended Regulations in the Government Gazette on 28 October 2024, giving interested parties 45 days to submit their comments.
South African consumers are constantly exposed to intrusive marketing, and this has significantly increased over the years.
With the Opt-Out Registry, direct marketers must be registered and should ensure that when contacting any consumer for direct marketing that they do not contact any consumer that has registered a pre-emptive block on the Opt-Out Registry.
All interested parties, including direct marketers, legal experts, industry associations, and interested citizens are encouraged to submit their comments by no later than 15 January 2025.
Written comments should be submitted to the dtic for the attention of Mr Sibusiso Sasayi, Private Bag X 84, Pretoria, 0001, or by email to: SSasayi@thedtic.gov.za.
The draft amended Regulations can be accessed here: https://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/NCC-Gazette.pdf - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:12
72 views
Payments at all magistrates courts to be suspended for system upgrade
Payments at all magistrates courts to be suspended for system upgrade
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has announced that the provision of payment services at all magistrates’ courts in the country will be temporarily suspended with effect from 13:30 on Friday, 01 November 2024.
The suspension is due to the upgrading of the payments system.
The service will only resume on Monday, 04 November 2024.
“The department apologises for any inconvenience which would be suffered during the period of system upgrade and reiterates its commitment to bring access to justice services,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:22
75 views
Government accelerating land reform and redistribution
Government accelerating land reform and redistribution
Accelerating land reform remains the key priority of government, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President announced in Parliament on Thursday that in the past five years alone, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, through the relevant departments and State organs, redistributed 305 990 hectares of land.
This includes 127 525 hectares allocated to women, 111 071 hectares to youth, and 2 781 hectares to people with disability between 2019 and 2024.
Meanwhile, he said about 2.3 million people have benefitted from land restitution, where a total of R25 billion was spent on the restitution of 3 972 331 hectares.
In addition, R22.5 billion has been spent on financial compensation for those beneficiaries who opted to receive financial compensation instead of the land being transferred.
The Deputy President was responding to a question from a Member of Parliament from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party who had asked about his role in leading government efforts to fast-track land reform and coordinating programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support.
The MP asked whether the Deputy President intended to facilitate the introduction of a Bill by the government to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to give effect to expropriation without compensation instead of expropriation with nil compensation.
“Regarding the matter of the introduction of a Bill to amend Section 25 of the Constitution, this is a matter that falls within the structures of Parliament.
“Honourable Members would remember that the sixth Parliament established the Joint Constitutional Review Committee, which conducted public hearings in all the provinces of South Africa to get public inputs on the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution.”
The country’s second-in-command said this process culminated in the development of a Bill that was aimed at amending Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for expropriation of land without compensation.
“However, the National Assembly could not pass this Bill since its support could not meet the required two-thirds majority vote for the 18th Amendment of the Constitution.”
He told MPs that the current constitutional framework provides for the expropriation of property subject to just and equitable compensation.
“To this end, Parliament has passed the Expropriation Bill which has been sent to the President for assent. The Bill provides for the expropriation of property for a public purpose or in the public interest and matters connected therewith.”
He assured Parliament that the agenda of accelerating land reform and land restitution will continue.
“However, we are certain that once the President has completed his consultation process, and assented the Bill into an act, government will be in a better position to accelerate the pace of land reform, land restitution and sustainable development that will benefit all the people of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 09:51
160 views
President Ramaphosa assents to Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill
President Ramaphosa assents to Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially assented to the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill, a key piece of legislation aimed at accelerating petroleum exploration and development with participation by black South Africans, as part of the nation’s social and economic advancement.
The Presidency said in a statement that the Bill ensures petroleum resources are developed responsibly, provides fair access, and promotes sustainable growth.
It also allows for active involvement from government and black South Africans in building up the country’s petroleum sector.
“The legislation acknowledges that South Africa’s petroleum resources belong to the nation and that the state is the custodian of these non-renewable natural resources which must contribute to South Africa’s social and economic development,” The Presidency said.
As part of advancing industrialisation and manufacturing diversity, the law provides for local content as a development strategy to enable skills development, local recruitment and national participation through supply of goods and services.
The Bill reaffirms the state’s commitment to regulatory certainty and to guaranteeing security of tenure in respect of petroleum rights.
The Bill separates petroleum provisions from minerals provisions as currently provided for in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
“This separation is necessary from a policy and administrative perspective to ensure matters in the petroleum and minerals industries are addressed on the basis of their distinctive features, to bring about stability and security to investors, especially in the upstream petroleum sector,” the Presidency said.
The law sets out the functions of the South African Agency for Promotion of Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation, which include receiving and evaluating applications for reconnaissance permits, petroleum rights and retention permits, and making recommendations to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Reconnaissance refers to any operation carried out for or in connection with the search for petroleum by geological, geophysical and photo geological surveys. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 11:34
18 views