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11 March 2025

Call for collaboration to boost infrastructure investment

Location: News

Call for collaboration to boost infrastructure investment

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for strong collaboration between government and business to scale up infrastructure investment and drive South Africa’s economic growth.

Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President highlighted the importance of structural reforms to address key constraints, such as energy supply and inefficiencies in freight and logistics.

“For South Africa to achieve the levels of economic growth it needs, it is essential that government and business work together to scale up investment in infrastructure.

“Government has committed to an ambitious infrastructure build programme. Infrastructure spend by government will encourage and enable greater private sector investment in sectors such as electricity generation, electricity distribution, rail rolling-stock, and water distribution,” the President said.

However, he stressed the distinction between public and private financial resources, particularly pension funds held by financial institutions. These funds, he noted, belong to workers and are intended for their retirement, making them private assets rather than State resources.

To facilitate infrastructure investment, the President said that government needs to provide these savers with a reasonable return and ensure that these funds are safeguarded.

In 2022, National Treasury amended Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act to allow for longer-term infrastructure investments by retirement funds. The changes introduced a definition of infrastructure and set a 45% upper limit for pension fund investments in infrastructure projects.

Further regulatory adjustments have been made to facilitate economic development, including separating the investment limits for hedge funds and private equity. The allocation for private equity assets has been increased from 10% to 15%, allowing for greater infrastructure investments.

In the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement of October 2024, the Minister of Finance announced work underway on mechanisms to complement the changes to Regulation 28 through the development of specific investment vehicles to simplify and incentivise institutional investors.

The President said details on these mechanisms will be published in the upcoming Budget, which is expected to be delivered on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:53
271 views

11 March 2025

Ekurhuleni bus accident claims 16 lives

Location: News

Ekurhuleni bus accident claims 16 lives

Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Planning, Andile Mngwevu, has extended condolences to the loved one of the victims of the road crash that claimed 16 lives this morning.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the crash involved a passenger bus owned by the City of Ekurhuleni and a light motor vehicle (LMV). The bus was carrying passengers from Katlehong to Pomona.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said preliminary reports suggest that both vehicles were travelling in the third lane (from the right) of the R21.

"It is alleged that the LMV suddenly applied brakes after missing the off-ramp exit lane.

"In an attempt to avoid a collision, the bus driver also braked and swerved, resulting in the bus losing control, rotating clockwise, overturning, and coming to a rest in the off-ramp lane, facing south," Zwane said.

The injured were transported to OR Tambo, Tembisa and Edenvale hospitals.

Official investigations are ongoing.

“We are at a loss for words. This is a devastating tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased, and our prayers are with those who are recovering in various hospitals around the area.

“The city’s thoughts are with the families, who expected their loved ones to return home later today. Our hearts are heavy,” Mngwevu said.

Mngwevu has, however, rejected claims that the bus was overloaded. He vowed that the city will leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the cause of the accident. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:54
135 views

11 March 2025

US remains a strategic and historic partner for SA

Location: News

US remains a strategic and historic partner for SA

Government will continue engaging with the United States of America administration and other stakeholders to address the mischaracterisation of South Africa, while also strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

The President was speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

“South Africa maintains its active engagement with the United States through political, diplomatic and economic channels.

“We have taken note of an Executive Order and recent statements by the current US administration about South Africa and aspects of our domestic and foreign policy. We have expressed concern about the mischaracterisation of the situation in South Africa, and certain [parts] of our laws and our foreign policy positions,” he said.

Last month, US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order – titled Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa – ordering, in the main, that as a result of the Expropriation Act, that the US shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa, and that the "United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation", among others.

At the time, the South African government said it remains committed to finding diplomatic solutions to any misunderstandings or disputes arising from the recently promulgated Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 and other policies.

Signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2025, 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.

At Tuesday’s session, the President highlighted that soon after the establishment of the Government of National Unity last year, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and the Minister and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition undertook official visits to Washington, D.C. for engagements with the administration, members of Congress, business and academia.

“Following the election of President Trump in November last year, I had a telephone call with the President-Elect to congratulate him on his election and to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening relations between our two countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

He also highlighted that Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool has recently been posted to Washington for his second stint as South Africa’s envoy to the United States.

Rasool is on the ground with his team, engaging with various stakeholders to underscore the importance of deepening economic, political, and cultural relations between these two historic partners. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 16:08
44 views

11 March 2025

Summit to boost small enterprise development in KZN

Location: News

Summit to boost small enterprise development in KZN

Business leaders, entrepreneurs and government officials in KwaZulu-Natal are currently engaging on critical issues impacting small enterprises across the province.

These role players are gathered at the 2025 Umyezane Summit, Conference and Awards, which is taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Addressing the opening of the summit on Monday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli emphasised the pivotal role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in driving economic transformation and creating jobs within the province.

“The growth of SMMEs is central to building a resilient and inclusive economy. Through initiatives like the Umyezane Summit, we aim to empower small businesses, strengthen township and rural economies, and ensure that historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs are given meaningful opportunities to thrive,” Ntuli said.

He highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by addressing barriers including crime, access to funding, and market opportunities.

The summit and accompanying awards reflect the provincial government’s vision of fostering a thriving, inclusive economy driven by small enterprises.

Ntuli assured entrepreneurs that KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to policy reforms, financial support, and capacity-building programmes that will position SMMEs as key drivers of economic growth.

EDTEA MEC Musa Zondi noted the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking economic opportunities for SMMEs.

“We must remove red tape, foster innovation and create sustainable pathways for small businesses to succeed in both local and global markets,” Zondi said.

The summit features panel discussions, policy dialogues, and networking sessions, where stakeholders engaged on topics including:

•    Crime and business security – Addressing the impact of crime on small businesses and strategies to enhance security.
•    Regulatory and policy compliance – Simplifying business registration and licensing processes.
•    Revitalising township and rural economies – Exploring innovative approaches to support businesses in historically underserved areas.
•    Access to funding and market opportunities – Strengthening financial support mechanisms for SMMEs.
•    The Black Industrialists Programme – Accelerating transformation by expanding support for Black-owned enterprises in key sectors.

Recognising excellence in entrepreneurship

During the award ceremony on Monday, Ntuli commended the recipients for their dedication and contribution to economic development, reaffirming government’s ongoing support for the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The awards celebrated outstanding entrepreneurs, who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal, including youth and women-owned businesses, rural enterprises, and emerging industrialists.

The summit ends today. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 12:30
178 views

11 March 2025

Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects

Through its high-density operation, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 14 165 suspects between Monday, 03 March 2025, and Sunday, 09 March 2025.

“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement.

All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.

During the period, the following arrests were made:

A total of 1 870 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, business and house robberies.
A total of 185 suspects were arrested for murder, the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (37).
A total of 154 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 72 more arrests than the previous week.
A total of 235 suspects were arrested for rape, 96 of these arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
A total of 1 513 suspects were arrested for assault GBH during this period.
A total of 166 drug dealers were arrested, the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape (43).
A total of 2 176 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, 650 more arrests than the previous week. The majority of these suspects were arrested in Western Cape (1 237).
A total of 105 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
Four suspects were arrested for human trafficking during this period.
A total of 525 drivers were arrested for drunk and driving in the past week.

Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:

A total of 155 firearms were confiscated in the past week, 48 more firearms confiscated than the previous week.
A total of 3 627 rounds of ammunition were confiscated; and
50 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.

On Friday, 07 March 2025, the National Commissioner for SAPS, General Fannie Masemola presided over a drug destruction process in which R340 million worth of drugs were destroyed, this included cocaine worth R220 million seized during police operations.

General Masemola commended the vigilance and commitment of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Crime Intelligence officers in the Western Cape following the arrest of two suspects at a storage facility in Bellville, Cape Town.

The arrest of the duo, a man and a woman, followed the discovery of 50 000 mandrax tablets and an arms cache including three AK47 rifles and twelve 9mm pistols amongst other firearms

Also, a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 04 March 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa.

Police arrested a 37-year-old suspect for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure; the suspect illegally connected electricity. The team also seized 41 Eskom transformers worth millions in lost revenue during multiple operations carried out in Winterveldt, Erasmia and Diepsloot, last week.

“The police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 14:37
49 views

11 March 2025

Basic Education surpasses 93% milestone in eradicating pit toilets

Location: News

Basic Education surpasses 93% milestone in eradicating pit toilets

The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative has successfully eradicated over 93% of identified pit toilets in public schools across the country.

This was revealed by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube in Parliament today, where senior officials from the department presented to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education the analysis, implications and effects of the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said this significant milestone marks a critical step toward ensuring that all learners have access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities.

“Despite the severe fiscal constraints facing the basic education sector, the department has remained resolute in its commitment to meeting the deadline set by President Cyril Ramaphosa to eradicate unsafe sanitation in schools by 31 March 2025.

“The progress made thus far reflects the collaborative efforts of national and provincial education departments, the private sector, and development partners who have played a crucial role in fast-tracking the delivery of safer toilets,” the department said.

While substantial strides have been made, the Minister announced that DBE will intensify efforts to ensure full compliance. She will conduct site visits in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, the two provinces most affected by the legacy of unsafe sanitation infrastructure.

The Minister’s visits will allow for first-hand monitoring of the final phase of implementation and direct engagement with communities, school leadership, and implementing agents to ensure that all remaining projects are completed as scheduled.

“The department acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed by budget constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and rising construction costs.

“However, the eradication of pit toilet infrastructure backlog remains a non-negotiable priority, and all efforts are being made to ensure that every learner in South Africa has access to safe and hygienic school sanitation,” the department said.

The department will continue to provide regular updates on progress, as the 31 March 2025 deadline approaches. It said it remains committed to transparency and accountability in delivering on this critical mandate. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 13:08
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11 March 2025

SA, India schools of government foster collaboration

Location: News

SA, India schools of government foster collaboration

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in capacity building, research, consultancy and knowledge sharing to enhance governance and public sector performance.

In a statement on Monday, the NSG said the partnership will enable both institutions to use their expertise in training, research, advisory services, and professional development to equip public servants with the necessary skills and competencies to drive national development.

The signing of the memorandum between the schools of government is also expected to strengthen capacity building towards public sector excellence.

The key areas of cooperation under the MoU include:
•    Capacity building and training programmes for public sector professionals.
•    Joint research initiatives to inform policy and governance best practices.
•    Advisory and consultancy services.
•    Knowledge sharing and networking platforms.
•    Exchange programmes.

Principal of the National School of Government, Professor Busani Ngcaweni, said partnerships are important for the institution.

“Partnerships are a key focus for the NSG, as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery and diversity, and allow access to expertise that we do not have. This collaboration with ASCI aligns with NSG’s mission to build a highly skilled and ethical public sector. We aim to strengthen governance and service delivery through joint research, training and advisory programmes,” he said.

Ngcaweni said the signing of the partnership marked the beginning of a strategic partnership that will enhance public sector capacity and capabilities, promote good governance, and facilitate international best practices in administration and management.

According to the NSG, the signing of the MoU is a milestone in the growing bilateral relations between South Africa and India.

These relations were forged during the struggle against apartheid, with India becoming one of the first countries in the world to impose sanctions against the apartheid regime, and bringing the issue of apartheid to the attention of the United Nations and other relevant international platforms. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 09:44
137 views

11 March 2025

Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay shines in global business services sector

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has emerged as the fastest growing region in South Africa for the global business services sector, following Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

This is according to data from the municipality's Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate.

NMBM Member of the Mayoral Committee for the EDTA, Bassie Kamana, on Monday said she was encouraged by the rapid growth of the global business services sector (call centre services) within the city.

In collaboration with Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), NMBM recently hosted a stakeholder engagement session in Newton Park, Gqeberha.

BPESA is a leading association that represents global business services and business process outsourcing companies in South Africa. The association’s key objectives include positioning South Africa as a prime destination for offshoring, driving local job creation, and promoting excellence in service delivery within the global business services sector.

BPESA partners with the private sector, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and municipalities to promote South Africa's capabilities, empower youth through training and job creation, and strengthen the industry’s ability to deliver high quality services.

The purpose of the engagement session was to create a collaborative platform for sector stakeholders to share experiences, review their growth since establishing operations in Nelson Mandela Bay, and explore future opportunities for expanding the industry within the region.

The session also highlighted the support available from government and its entities to further develop the sector.

Participants included representatives from the Coega Special Economic Zone, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the dtic, Harambe Youth Accelerator, and various global business services companies.

Prominent players in the industry that have already established operations in Nelson Mandela Bay include Discovery Health, ISON, Startek, Dastile Wealth Insure, Outworks and Teleperformance. Teleperformance, which opened its office in late 2024, has already created over 500 jobs for young people in the city.

Addressing the session, Kamana highlighted the growing investments in the sector, noting that over 3 000 jobs have been created for youth with secondary and tertiary education.

"Working with our partners to mobilise resources and create a conducive environment for Nelson Mandela Bay to be a destination of choice is starting to pay off. We can already see ourselves being a major player among the major three cities that are leading in this sector, [and] that alone is encouraging news.

“What encourages [me the] most is the fact that this sector is able to offer jobs to youth, an area that we as the metro we are working around the clock to come up with solutions to,” Kamana said.

Teleperformance Vice President, Leanne Felix, expressed optimism about the future growth of the industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, and even greater expansion in the next five years.

Felix acknowledged the partnership the company has with NMBM.

“This partnership makes it easier for us to mobilise resources and market the city and its talent. The international industry is beginning to show interest in the talent, commitment and skills base we have here in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We just need to do more in to showcase our capabilities as the Eastern Cape and open up about the support and incentives that are available to support the industry. When the demand came last year for the company to expand our operations from Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay became an obvious choice. The support we have received from the metro has been amazing,” Felix said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 09:44
203 views

11 March 2025

Call for urgent action to tackle water pollution

Location: News

Call for urgent action to tackle water pollution

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has called on stakeholders to join hands with the department and its entities in addressing water pollution.

This includes collaboration in the removal of invasive aquatic weeds, such as water hyacinth, which have become a significant threat in most of the country’s water resources.

Seitlholo recently conducted a two-day oversight visit at Blesbokspruit Wetlands near Springs, Ekurhuleni, and Jukskei River in Alexandrea, north of Johannesburg.

During the visit last week, Seitlholo inspected wastewater pumpstations at Olifanstfontein Water Care Works, which are managed by the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT). He also inspected Zandspruit Wastewater Treatment Works operated by the City of Johannesburg.

Blesbokspruit Wetlands is a Ramsar site (sites listed on the list of wetlands of international importance) in the Upper Vaal catchment along Blesbokspuit River, and it is one of the major tributaries to the Vaal River in Gauteng.

According to the department, the wetland is hugely infested by the growth of hyacinth, which covers up to approximately 12 kilometres.

Despite its removal by means of manual labour and biological control, led by the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) at Rhodes University, the department said the plant has spread and multiplied, resulting in the destruction of the ecosystem of the wetland.

The CBC uses bugs, Megamelus scutellaris, that feed on the seeds of the plant, eventually killing the plant.

While Seitlholo is resolute to see all the hyacinth at the wetland annihilated, he was conflicted to discover that the dried hyacinth is harvested and is used by an emerging business to make home decoration accessories, baskets, and charcoal briquettes.

“There is another dynamic that I have been exposed to, and this seems to have created local economic development in Ekurhuleni. However, the sustainability of the business needs to be explored further, and the control of the plant should also be taken into consideration. This is one plant that destroys the ecosystem, and our main priority is to have it removed,” Seitlholo said.

During an inspection at the Vaal River Barrage Reservoir, the Deputy Minister discovered how hyacinth has been controlled through a combination of community action, biological control, and chemical treatments.

The weed constituted about 400 hectares of the dam last year, but the remaining weeds are now standing at 12 hectares.

The oversight inspection continued to Alexandra and Bruma, where Jukskei River is also polluted.

However, the Deputy Minister commended the Alexandra community members who have rehabilitated the river by removing litter and debris.

The initiative has kept the water clean and free from pollution, and has also educated members of the community about the disadvantages of polluting the river.

“Water pollution is a crisis in this country, and it needs to be treated as such. We need this societal approach to tackle this problem, and we wish to see communities and stakeholders joining hands with the department to fight the scourge of water pollution and the eradication of invasive aquatic weeds.

“Society needs to understand that the value chain of water does not start at the water tap, but it rather starts at the rivers or wetlands. Polluted water has a direct impact on the quality of the final product -- potable water. Therefore, we need to take the issues of water pollution seriously because if our rivers are polluted and contaminated, it becomes costly for the entities that treat water in bulk,” Seitlholo said.

As the country commemorates Water Month, Seitlholo urged South Africans to ensure that water sources are protected and safe.

Seitlholo’s oversight also included a visit at East Basin Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Plant, managed by Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which treats polluted water coming from the oxidation of sulfide minerals exposed to water in abandoned mines within Ekurhuleni.

The minerals cause acidic and potentially toxic water, which significantly impacts water quality and ecosystems in the area.

An oversight inspection at Zandspuit wastewater pump station revealed that the plant malfunctions, and this results in over 30 million litres of raw sewage spillage into Jukskei River, ending up in Hartbeespoort Dam.

Despite the efforts by the City of Johannesburg to restore the pumpstation, the Deputy Minister said the Department of Water and Sanitation, through its Compliance and Enforcement Unit, will continue to monitor the pumpstation, and tackle the issues of failing municipal wastewater infrastructure, including mining industries and irrigation from agriculture, to ensure that they take responsibility through the polluter-pay-principle.

Seitlholo also emphasised that pollution of water resources remains a crisis in the country, with Gauteng as the epicentre of water pollution because it is the economic hub of the country.

He said the department will continue with efforts to stop pollution and get the required quality of water within the water courses. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 11:20
58 views

11 March 2025

Health Ombud reveals serious findings at Helen Joseph Hospital

Location: News

Health Ombud reveals serious findings at Helen Joseph Hospital

Inadequate infrastructure, doctors not arriving for duty, food shortages, insufficient security and poor corporate management -- these are some of the serious findings contained in reports compiled by the Office of the Health Ombud and the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC).

In September 2024, viral videos emerged featuring former radio host Thomas “London” Holmes, who was admitted at the hospital. In these videos, Holmes highlighted the alleged neglect and discourteous behaviour he experienced from hospital staff, as well as the overall poor conditions of the hospital.

His complaints ranged from alleged poor care, long waiting times, non-functional electrical plugs, a peeling ceiling, a broken water tap, apparent rudeness from some doctors, a stolen cellphone, a dead patient left in the ward for over four hours before being removed, and infrastructure disrepair.

Health Ombud, Professor Taole Resetselemang Mokoena, briefing media on Monday said that while investigators found the clinical care provided to Holmes to be adequate, the 58-year-old hospital faced several challenges.

The investigators, supported by the Executive Manager of Complaints Management and Mokoena, uncovered a shortage of clean linen caused by machine breakdowns at the Johannesburg Laundry, as well as widespread acts of vandalism and theft occurring at the hospital.

“There was no proper control of linen inventory, leading to shrinkages and linen shortages at the hospital.

“There were also food shortages due to invoice non-payment. Patients receive food from their families that may be inappropriate for the patient's medical condition, and surplus food may lead to infestations of flies and other pests,” the Health Ombud said.

The probe also uncovered systemic issues such as poor human resource (HR) management, lack of governance and inadequate infrastructure.

“The investigation established that there was theft of property, such as toilet equipment. While security guards were posted at all entrances, there was laxity regarding searching people and vehicles entering or leaving the hospital premises,” the Health Ombud said.

OHSC CEO, Dr Siphiwe Mndaweni, said her team also found that the infrastructure was outdated, with poor maintenance and inadequate cleanliness.

The hospital, according to Mndaweni, also faced intermittent water supply due to decaying pipes and infestations, untreated waste and ineffective waste management.

The OHSC also found that maintenance plans were not followed, with incidents affecting oxygen supply, vacuum systems, and other critical services.

Cleaning equipment, such as vacuum machines, were not serviced for over a year, and waste management practices were poor, with overflowing waste containers.

Mndaweni said the hospital’s leadership instability, with four Acting CEOs since 2019 and a dysfunctional board, exacerbated these problems.

The inspection team recommended immediate action to address these issues and improve hospital governance and accountability.

“The shortage of staff was reported in almost all the departments. This included nurses, mortuary attendants and cleaning staff.”

The OHSC CEO said it was even difficult to determine the vacancy rate because of poor record keeping.

“Helen Joseph Hospital doesn’t have a system to monitor renumerated work outside the public service and the management team admitted that they’re struggling with doctors that are not at work when they are supposed to be,” Mndaweni said.

Recommendations included refurbishing infrastructure, improving HR practices, and strengthening finance and supply chain management.

The Department of Health was urged to review staffing and leadership.

“All key positions at the hospital must be filled as soon as possible to ensure ongoing quality care and governance,” Mokoena said.

He also called for the prioritisation of key clinical posts in the neurology and dermatology units to ensure continuity of care within the Internal Medicine Department.

The Department of Health was recommended to review the establishment to align with the tertiary hospital function, and prioritise the CEO and senior clinical posts.

According to the Health Ombud, the hospital should prioritise infrastructure refurbishment and appoint ongoing maintenance committees.

Mokoena has also called on the Department of Health to develop and strengthen finance and supply chain management, segregate duties, and hire qualified personnel.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, received the reports and promised his department would address the issue. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 15:57
268 views

11 March 2025

Consumer rights to come under the spotlight

Location: News

Consumer rights to come under the spotlight

With World Consumer Rights Day to be commemorated this week, the need for educating consumers about their rights has come to the fore.

“The promotion of corporate responsibility and fair-trade principles will also take place. The outcomes of these discussions will help regulators to remain agile to protect consumers in this changing landscape,” said Deputy Commissioner at the National Consumer Commission (NCC), Thezi Mabuza.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Mabuza averred the need for all stakeholders within the consumer protection landscape to cooperate in the quest for the effective protection of consumers.

The briefing came as the NCC in partnership with the Competition Commission of South Africa, Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism and various regulatory bodies under the umbrella of the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF) are set to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD 2025). The day is commemorated annually on 15 March globally.

However, this year it will be celebrated on 14 March 2025.

To bring the message closer to home, in South Africa, the day is observed with the theme “Empowering Consumers, Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices."

Head of Education and Advocacy at the NCC, Poppy Kweyama, said the global event aims to boost awareness about consumer rights and push for fair trade practices in the marketplace.

“World Consumer Rights Day, first observed in 1983, has become a key event for promoting consumer awareness,” Kweyama said.

Kweyama said many consumers still fall victim to fraud, misinformation, unsafe products, and unethical business practices.
“In today's digital world, issues such as data privacy, online scams, misleading digital advertisements, and unfair pricing have added new dimensions to consumer protection. Each year brings different challenges in the consumer protection space. It has always been our view, as it is our mandate that no consumer should be subjected to unfair and unconscionable practices from unscrupulous suppliers.

“It is also our view that for a harmonised marketplace, we need to empower consumers while nudging suppliers into complying with various consumer laws,” she explained.

This year’s activities will include consumer education and business compliance inspections conducted by various regulators in the consumer space to enforce compliance.

In addition, a business breakfast will be held on Thursday,13 March, where various regulators will unpack topics such as competition concerns and safety in the food value chain.

“The breakfast is an opportunity for the Competition Commission to engage with business leaders in the area to gain insight into the concerns small-scale farmers, retailers, wholesalers, and large agri-businesses have including the barriers to entry and trade they may face,” head of Advocacy at the Competition Commission Andile Gwabeni said.

He said that the breakfast will also raise awareness of the findings of the Commission’s Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI).

Released in January, the inquiry began on 31 March 2023 and assessed the fresh produce value chain across three main themes, including the efficiency of the value chain, concentrating on fresh produce market facilities; market dynamics of key inputs and their impact on producers, and barriers to entry, expansion and participation.

The inquiry, in the main, focused on five fruits, namely: apples, citrus (notably oranges and soft citrus), bananas, pears and table grapes, along with six vegetables, including potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and spinach. These products are staples in South African households.

READ | Dtic Minister welcomes fresh produce market report

Mpumalanga Consumer Court and other activities

Also, as part of the activities leading to the commemoration, the Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Office will relaunch its provincial consumer court on 13 March 2025, the eighth in the country. This court will provide access to effective redress for consumers in the province.

This as the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has expressed delight at the relaunch the Mpumalanga Consumer Court.

“This court will be essential in ensuring a quick resolution to consumer complaints and the enforcement of consumer rights,” said Bonani Dube who is the Acting Director: Business Regulations and Governance at the provincial department.

Activities to commemorate the day on 14 March will include a breakfast with business leaders in Mbombela, site visits to automotive dealerships in the Mbombela area and the surrounding areas, as well as a seminar with students to raise awareness of consumer rights.

The day dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and promoting fair practices in the marketplace.

The NCC is a regulatory body in South Africa established under the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008. Its main function is to enforce consumer protection laws and provide redressal for consumer disputes.

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) seeks to promote a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services and for that purpose, establishes the national norms and standards relating to consumer protection.

The Act further seeks to provide for improved standards of consumer information, prohibit certain unfair marketing and business practices, promote responsible consumer behaviour and a consistent legislative and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions and agreements.

The Competition Commission is one of three independent statutory bodies established in terms of the Competition Act to regulate competition between firms in the market.

The NCC and the Competition Commission are agencies of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/10/2025 - 16:25
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