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12 January 2025

Severe thunderstorms expected over parts of the country

Location: News

Severe thunderstorms expected over parts of the country

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather alerts for severe thunderstorms that are likely to affect parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for the three provinces that is valid from 9 am until 11 pm on Sunday.

The warning could lead to the flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas. It could also lead to traffic disruptions and damage to property and infrastructure.

“Tropical moisture is drawn in north of the country which will subsequently aid in the development of thunderstorms today, whereas there are areas that are already precipitating. This will result in adverse weather conditions over Mpumalanga as well as the southern parts of Limpopo.

“Due to the recent rains, there has been an increase in soil moisture, thus increase the vulnerability across the province,” the weather service said in a post on social media platform, X.

It further added that a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms has also been issued for most parts of Limpopo.

The impact of the warning includes localised flooding of susceptible low-lying areas and bridges, the possibility of the closure of low-lying roads and dirt roads, and poor driving conditions due to the pooling of water on roads and reduced visibility.

READ | SAWS issues heavy rain warning

-SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 01/12/2025 - 10:29

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10 January 2025

Hendricks commends engagement on sustainable food security

Location: News

Hendricks commends engagement on sustainable food security

Social Development Deputy Minister, Ganief Hendricks, has expressed his satisfaction at the success of the stakeholder engagement on sustainable livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.

The inaugural engagement, held in Pietermaritzburg, in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders from all three spheres of government, including local councillors, representatives from the national department, business leaders and members of the public.

The event marked a major step in fostering collaboration between government, business and communities to ensure that South Africa’s food security and poverty eradication goals are met effectively.

It was aimed at informing the community about the role of the department’s directorate and the ways it can assist those it serves.

In his address, Hendricks emphasised the importance of food security, underscoring the goal that “no child should ever go to bed hungry”.

Hendricks stressed the need for stakeholders to work together, not just to alleviate poverty, but to completely eradicate it - especially food poverty.

“The community-based initiatives and collaborative efforts play a critical role in ensuring the success of these objectives.”

Officials from both the national and provincial department in attendance committed to the visions outlined by the Deputy Minister, which reinforces shared determination to fight food insecurity, poverty, and to support sustainable livelihoods across the country.

The engagement concluded with an in-loco inspection of a farming blueprint in Hardingdale, Msunduzi.

The blueprint, which showcases a successful model for food security, poverty eradication, and sustainable livelihoods, is being presented as a model that other communities can adopt and replicate for their benefit. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 11:32

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10 January 2025

Meeting held to resolve Ditsobotla water and electricity challenges

Location: News

Meeting held to resolve Ditsobotla water and electricity challenges

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to resolve challenges at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

The department made the commitment during a meeting with the Ditsobotla Local Municipality and the Ditsobotla Service Association (DSA) to discuss challenges confronting the municipality.

This follows electricity outages in Lichtenburg and complaints of water shortages for prolonged periods in other areas, leading to protest action by residents.

CoGTA Head of Department (HOD), Dr Ben Bole, convened the meeting on Thursday to address the critical issues and identify lasting solutions to the municipality’s challenges.

Bole said partnerships between the provincial government, municipality and various stakeholders are key to addressing challenges of service delivery across the municipalities in general, particularly in Ditsobotla.

As part of improving good governance and recovering efficient financial systems, Bole said the department will continue its partnership with the Provincial Treasury to intervene and enable Ditsobotla Municipality to function better.

The meeting considered avenues of collaboration between all stakeholders, including the provision of the needed technical expertise to unlock service delivery challenges.

“The department believes collaboration with stakeholders in Ditsobotla may develop a concrete, sustainable and efficient solution to long-standing infrastructure problems faced in the municipality, particularly electricity and water systems.

“We are committed to working together with all relevant stakeholders towards a lasting solution that will transform the service delivery landscape and improve the quality of life for the residents of Ditsobotla,” Bole said.

During the meeting, Ditsobotla Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane, urged the residents to remain calm while they resolve the electricity issues.

Bojosinyane reported that the municipality has since managed to restore power to certain parts of Lichtenburg, while some areas are still outstanding and receiving attention.

Bojosinyane said the service provider is still on site and attending to power issues. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:32

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10 January 2025

SAWS issues heavy rain warning

Location: News

SAWS issues heavy rain warning

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts of the country, which may result in heavy downpours and lead to flooding.

In an alert issued on Thursday, the SAWS warned that isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, with damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours expected over the western parts of the province.

“Severe thunderstorms are expected over the western parts, which may be accompanied by large amounts of small hail, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, and heavy downpours, which may lead to localised impacts.

“Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are [also] expected over the eastern areas, but widespread over the escarpments of Mpumalanga on Saturday. The showers will be isolated along the south coast on Friday,” SAWS explained.

Motorists are encouraged to ensure clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the occurrence of heavy rain, “even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances”.

“Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property. It is strongly advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads,” SAWS said.

To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised to:
•    Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
•    Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
•    Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

– SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 14:00

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10 January 2025

Deputy President delivers eulogy at former Minister’s funeral

Location: News

Deputy President delivers eulogy at former Minister's funeral

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the late democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, as a “distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people”.

The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at Bengu’s funeral service held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

Bengu passed away in December at the age of 90 and was afforded a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

“Today we gather to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, a renowned revolutionary, an intellectual of his time. As a country, we have lost a distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people.

“Professor Bengu has played a key role in shaping education and other social policies contributing to the transformation of the sector and most importantly, reversing the legacy of Apartheid education,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Bengu played a key role in the transformation of South Africa’s education sector following the attainment of democracy and played a role in the transition of higher education in the country.

The Deputy President highlighted this as part of Bengu’s legacy.

“His skills, knowledge and contribution to various sectors of educations showed that he possessed the capacity to revolutionise education by dismantling the dreadful legacies of Apartheid.
“Thirty years later, our education outcomes are still improving – a testament to the profound impact of this icon. As part of President [Nelson] Mandela’s cabinet, he introduced many key pieces of legislation that shaped our education system.

“Among these are the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the policy recommendations of the National Commission on Higher Education which served as a guide for the government’s efforts to reconstruct and transform the apartheid higher education system,” Deputy President Mashatile explained.

The former Minister advocated for understanding the “connection between education and development”.

“We must continue to address challenges related to access to better education. An educated society has better prospects for a better future and breaking the shackles of poverty and injustices.

“Educated populations correspond with national economic growth and both directly and indirectly increase economic productivity.”

Beyond 30 years of freedom

The Deputy President said that as the country now moves beyond 30 years since the attainment of freedom and democracy, government was “going to invest in the speed of policy execution and implementation”.

“This is to ensure that the critical transformation policy contributions made by Professor Bengu are not undermined and that we continue to drive the change that we are pursuing in this sector.

“Our task is to ensure that the state, institutions of higher education, and the private sector will expand the ten growth sectors, which include finance, manufacturing, agriculture, business, and services, amongst others.

“Our goal is to create much-needed employment while also ensuring that many young people, women, and the most disadvantaged individuals have meaningful participation in the economy. We have also agreed that emerging from the 2024 elections, we are going to focus on growing an inclusive economy and reducing the cost of living,” he said.

Furthermore, Mashatile added, government is actively “investing in the building of a developmental, capable, and ethical state that has the capacity to transform society and redirect development to resolve the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality”.

The Deputy President passed his final condolences to the Bengu family on behalf of the government of South Africa.

“As we accompany our leader and brother to his final resting place, may we always remember how Professor Sibusiso Bengu's political efforts have been vital in furthering our democratic values and socio-economic development.

“His passion to promote equality and fairness has had a long-lasting influence on our society, and this should inspire us. To this day many South Africans, are still benefiting from his immense contribution, and for this we are grateful.

“Once more, on behalf of the government, let me extend our deepest condolences to Mama Funeka, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Bengu family.”

The Deputy President called on society to follow Bengu’s example and “strive for excellence in everything we do”.

“Let his example guide us and his spirit, inspire us to make a positive impact in our country,” he said.

Proceedings at the funeral included ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:11

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10 January 2025

Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate

Location: News

Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for swift justice following the alleged rape of an 18-year-old male customary initiate in Centani, in the Eastern Cape.

The incident comes in the wake of a rise in initiate deaths, with the toll now at 28, predominantly reported in the Amathole, Chris Hani, and Alfred Nzo districts.

“This heinous incident shines a light on the scourge of gender-based violence that continues to destroy our communities,” Hlabisa said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister called on parents and community members to take an active role in the customary initiation process, emphasising the need to protect children and preserve the sanctity of this traditional practice.

READ | Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates

In December 2024, Minister Hlabisa conducted an emergency oversight visit to the Eastern Cape, expressing grave concern over the management of initiation schools.

During the visit, he urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the safety and well-being of initiates and improving the operational management of initiation schools.

Against this backdrop, the Minister has called on the justice system to expedite the trial and ensure that the suspect faces the full consequences of his actions.

“Any form of abuse against initiates is intolerable. Perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Further stakeholder engagements on initiation processes are planned for early 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to achieve “zero deaths” during upcoming initiation seasons.

“The Ministry of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] remains committed to safeguarding the cultural heritage of initiation while ensuring the safety and dignity of all initiates. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:50

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10 January 2025

North West on high alert amid heavy rains

Location: News

North West on high alert amid heavy rains

The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC), working together with Municipal Disaster Centres, remains on high alert for incidents of disaster across the province.

This follows heavy rainfall that affected many parts of the province and damaged infrastructure and properties.

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, said the disaster management teams are on the ground conducting a needs and impact assessment.

The province experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days and largely affecting district municipalities, including Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema.

Molapisi said formal and informal houses were damaged by the heavy rains, as well as municipal infrastructure such as culverts, roads and bridges.

“Kromkuil bridge in Moretele has collapsed and scores of houses in the Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Ditsobotla, Ratlou and Mahikeng Local Municipalities were flooded. Roofs of houses at Mokgola in Ramotshere Moiloa and Ledig in Moses Kotane were blown away.

“Mud houses in Moshwaneng in the Ratlou Local Municipality were affected and face the possibility of collapsing. Public amenities such as hospitals, clinics and schools were also not spared. Lehurutshe Hospital and Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig and General Delarey in Lichtenburg are some of the hospitals which were affected,” Molapisi said.

The Bogosi Clinic and Primary School in Moretele were water-logged and mop-up operations are underway to bring all affected facilities back to full operation.

Upon receiving reports on disaster incidents, Molapisi directed coordination on the ground to assist affected residents and communities across the province.

“The provincial preparedness and response contingency plan have been developed and are being implemented. Various sector departments and municipalities have been briefed and activated in line with their roles and responsibilities, and they use their own resources to respond to emergencies/disasters incidents.

“The National Department of Human Settlement provided Temporary Residential Units (TRU’s) for damaged houses in the province. The affected departments will reprioritise their budget to address the pressure created by the flood disaster incidents” Molapisi explained.

The MEC added that the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has profiled affected families and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants were provided.

The Al-IMAAD and Gift of the Givers organisations have provided humanitarian relief in some affected areas, including Ditsobotla.

The humanitarian relief includes hygiene packs, blankets, food parcels and mattresses. The Red Cross donated 100 blankets to the Bojanala District Disaster Management Centre.

Molapisi said the blocked drainage system caused flooding in most of the areas in the province.

The MEC has since directed sector departments and municipalities to budget for proactive disaster management activities to avert some of the disaster incidents.

“As part of the long-term intervention, municipalities must on an on-going basis maintain road infrastructures and storm water drainage systems to reduce flooding. The Department of Public Works and Roads, in collaboration with municipalities will repair damaged roads, bridges and culverts, and the Department of Human Settlements will repair all affected RDP houses.

“Municipalities must incorporate disaster risk reduction into development planning, and they must also develop bylaws and their enforcement strategy thereof,” Molapisi said.

The MEC reassured that the department and PDMC will continue to coordinate sectors to ensure safer and disaster-resilient communities in the province.

“The department is also working with South African Weather Service (SAWS) for issuance of severe weather early warnings to role-players and communities. SAWS predicts that the province will still experience above-normal rainfall throughout the autumn season,” Molapisi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 10:46

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10 January 2025

Tributes continue for artists Doc Shebeleza and Winnie Khumalo

Location: News

Tributes continue for artists Doc Shebeleza and Winnie Khumalo

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie has described the passing of legendary Kwaito artist Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane as a “significant loss for South Africa and the entire music industry”.

Bogopane passed away on Thursday at the age of 51.

“On behalf of the Ministry, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless fans whose lives he touched. South Africa has lost not only a music legend but a compassionate soul whose contributions to our cultural heritage and community upliftment will not be forgotten.

“His music, laughter and legacy will continue to resonate in our hearts. Rest in power, Victor "Doc Shebeleza" Bogopane,” the Minister said in a statement on Thursday.

Born in 1973 in Soweto, Doc Shebeleza grew up in a family that valued cultural expression. From an early age, he was exposed to diverse musical influences, from kwaito to traditional South African music, which would later shape his artistic journey.

In 1995, he released his debut album, Shebeleza, which featured the iconic hit “Ghets Ghetsa”. This success was followed by the album “S'kumfete”, which included another hit track of the same name.

According to the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture Bogopane cemented his legacy with three more albums: Tiger (1997), Ebumnandini (2000), and Jiva Yoyo (2001).

“In recognition of his contributions to the genre, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards. His influence extended beyond his own work, as illustrated by rapper Cassper Nyovest’s tribute song Doc Shebeleza, which celebrated his lifestyle and impact.

“Doc Shebeleza later collaborated with Cassper on the song ‘Monate’ showcasing mutual respect and admiration between generations of artists,” said the Ministry.

Following his retirement from the music industry, Doc Shebeleza dedicated himself to philanthropy and founded the non-profit organisation AMAHA (African Musicians Against HIV/AIDS), which focused on social initiatives for the underprivileged.

“Through AMAHA, he contributed to building hundreds of homes for those in need, distributed wheelchairs, and worked tirelessly alongside other legendary artists to uplift communities. His passion for helping others remained central to his life’s work until his untimely passing. In recent years, Doc Shebeleza faced health challenges, having been hospitalised twice last year until his tragic passing on Thursday 9 January.”

READ | Condolences for family of Kwaito legend, Doc Shebeleza

Winnie Khumalo

Bogopane’s passing follows the death of Afropop musician, Winnie Khumalo.

Earlier in the week, the Minister expressed sadness at the passing of Khumalo also at the age of 51.

“It is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Winnie Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025 at the age of 51. Her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry,” said the Minister at the time.

Born on 20 July 1973 in Soweto, Khumalo was raised by her grandmother in a time of vibrant cultural life.

At the tender age of 15, Winnie released her debut album, “Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina”, produced by the renowned Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this with another album, “Dlamini”, setting the stage for a prolific music career that spanned decades.

In the 1990s, she recorded the gospel album “Izono Zami”, produced by Pastor Langa Dube, and collaborated with iconic artists and groups such as the late Brenda Fassie, Brothers of Peace, Bongo Maffin, DJ Cleo, and Zonke Dikana.

The Minister described her “not only a talented lead vocalist but a formidable backing vocalist, enriching the work of those she collaborated with”.

After a seven-year hiatus, she returned with the electrifying album “Live My Life”, which became an instant classic. The title track, “I Just Wanna Live My Life”, dominated music charts, earning gold certification with over 25 000 copies sold and 50 000 mobile downloads.

“The song’s success saw her nominated for prestigious awards such as the Channel O Music Awards and the South African Music Awards, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.”

Her later albums reflected her personal growth and resilience. Tracks like “Woman” and “Impilo” showcased her ability to channel life’s challenges into powerful and relatable music, said the Ministry. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 10:02

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10 January 2025

NICD calls for calm amidst reported HMPV cases in China

Location: News

NICD calls for calm amidst reported HMPV cases in China

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued a statement assuring the public that there is no need to panic about the reported cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

“This commonly occurring virus causes respiratory illness and is in the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV is detected all year round in South Africa as one of the regular seasonal respiratory viruses,” said the NICD, a division of the National Laboratory Service.

The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, much like RSV and influenza.

HMPV is mostly associated with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and possibly a fever. In most cases, these symptoms resolve within a few days.

In some instances, HMPV may also cause infection in the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis/bronchiolitis or pneumonia).

“HMPV is typically detected less commonly among patients presenting for care with respiratory illness compared to influenza or RSV, but this can vary depending on the time of year.

“People who are at risk of the virus are infants who are under six months of age (specifically those who are born prematurely), older people, people with comorbidities such as chronic lung and heart disease, those with conditions that affect the immune system (such as HIV), and people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing severe illness,” said the NICD.

It said, as with most respiratory viral illnesses, there was no specific treatment for HMPV.

Treatment of mild illness would include symptomatic relief, such as rest, medicines for pain and fever. People should also remain at home while ill to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Should symptoms not resolve within 3 to 5 days or become severe (difficulty breathing, fever not settling), people should seek care at a clinic or general practitioner.

More severe illnesses would be managed supportively with admission to the hospital for monitoring, supplementary oxygen and fluids as needed.

The NICD said vaccines for HMPV are in the late stages of development.

“There is also a combination vaccine (for HMPV and RSV) in development. These will likely be available in the next few years.”

The NICD has robust surveillance systems across South Africa, which will be able to detect an increase in respiratory pathogen circulation, and their laboratory has the capability to test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

“Many private laboratories in South Africa can also test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses. In addition, in August 2024, multidisciplinary and multilevel stakeholders convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in a tabletop simulation exercise to test and refine the draft National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Plan.

“Simulation exercises are essential for countries to test and validate their preparedness and response mechanisms for public health emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 10:06

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10 January 2025

Condolences for family of Kwaito legend, Doc Shebeleza

Location: News

Condolences for family of Kwaito legend, Doc Shebeleza

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed “deep sadness” at the passing of Kwaito legend and pioneer Victor ‘Doc Shebeleza’ Bogopane.

The beloved musician passed away at the age of 51 on Thursday.

“Gauteng is deeply saddened by the passing of Doc Shebeleza, especially as his death follows closely after that of fellow artist, Winnie Khumalo. Shebeleza’s influence on the Kwaito genre was profound and will continue to inspire both emerging and seasoned artists.

“We will also remember him for his charitable work in supporting and assisting artists through his organization, AMAHA. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bogopane family, friends, and all those who enjoyed his music. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Chiloane said.

Bogopane rose to fame in the 1990s following the release of his debut album “S’kumfete” which included hit songs including Ebumnandini.

He was also part of the Kwaito group, Amaskumfete. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 09:31

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9 January 2025

Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Finance notes GPG shortfall reports

Location: News

Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Finance notes GPG shortfall reports

The Gauteng Legislature Portfolio Committee on Finance says it will continue to closely monitor spending in provincial departments following reports that the provincial government is facing a R6 billion shortfall by June this year.

Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, has subsequently rebuffed those reports.

“[The] committee notes the rebuttal of the article in the form of a media statement issued by Gauteng MEC for Finance, Mr. Lebogang Maile, dated 07 January 2025.

“The committee will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns of departments and entities, and conduct oversight to ensure that the Gauteng Provincial Departments exercise fiscal discipline,” a statement read.

Furthermore, the committee explained that it bears a mandate to carry out oversight to “ensure that there is prudence and accountability in relation to utilisation of government resources”.

“The committee does this in conjunction with the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, which it oversees. In turn, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, despite being overseen by the Portfolio Committee, is a strategic partner in oversight, as the former monitors expenditure in Gauteng Provincial Government departments.

“Over time, Gauteng Provincial Treasury has provided the Portfolio Committee with expenditure trends of the Gauteng Provincial Government and where necessary, provided expert advice on how expenditure anomalies should be addressed to ascertain that provincial departments do not exceed their allocated budgets,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:05

241 views

9 January 2025

Deputy President to deliver eulogy at former Minister Bengu’s funeral

Location: News

Deputy President to deliver eulogy at former Minister Bengu's funeral

Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiso Bengu.

Bengu passed away on 30 December at the age of 90 and has been afforded a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
“As the first Minister of Education in a democratic South Africa, Prof Bengu played a pivotal role in the transformation of a deeply flawed and unequal education system of the apartheid era.

“To this day, ordinary South Africans still benefit from the immense contribution of Prof Bengu, through the Education Act, which mainly addresses issues around the transformation of the sector and the provision of developmental and empowerment opportunities for all South Africans,” the Presidency said in a statement.

READ | Special Official Funeral to honour SA's first democratic Education Minister Sibusiso Bengu

The funeral service will be held on Friday at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 13:03

63 views

9 January 2025

Mayor mourns five-year-old killed in Manenberg gang shooting

Location: News

Mayor mourns five-year-old killed in Manenberg gang shooting

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city mourns five-year-old Ameer Abrahams, who was shot and killed during a gang-related shooting in Manenberg, while on the way to a local tuckshop with his father on Monday.

“The city is today in mourning, together with the Abrahams family, following the passing of five-year-old Ameer. We feel the extreme pain as parents ourselves, and we stand with the family in demanding justice for this young life lost in such horrific circumstances,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement on Thursday.

Two other women reportedly sustained injuries in the same shooting.

Hill-Lewis has commended the swift action of the police, which led to the arrest of three suspects.

The Mayor said the city continues to offer its full support in the pursuit of justice for these shootings.

Member of Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, JP Smith said the city would continue to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU) has passed on information received from Manenberg residents.

“The city stands ready to assist SAPS whenever requested for investigations into gang, gun, and drug crime through our investments in safety technologies, such as gunshot detection in the Manenberg area and others, CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and eye-in-the-sky aerial surveillance,” Smith said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:30

18 views

9 January 2025

Call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence

Location: News

Call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence

The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has reiterated her call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Chikunga’s call comes after another brutal murder of a woman by her boyfriend.

Aged 25, Shana Balie’s lifeless body was found in her boyfriend’s home in Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, on 26 December 2024.

Her family last saw her on Christmas Day.

It is alleged that Balie was beaten to death by her boyfriend, Jonathan Gewindt. Her lifeless body was found by the police buried in the backyard, where her boyfriend was renting.

Gewindt has since confessed to the killing and is expected to appear in Blue Downs Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Chikunga has strongly condemned Balie’s brutal murder.

Chikunga said the persistence of GBVF reflects deeply ingrained societal norms and structures that perpetuate male dominance, and reinforce misogyny, gender hierarchies and power imbalances within families and communities.

“This leads to female subordination and systemic inequalities that lead to violence against women and girls.”

The Minister maintained that addressing cultural and legal dimensions, is essential for fostering a just and equitable society in which gender norms do not perpetuate violence and inequality.

"We must act decisively to address not only the immediate instances of GBVF but also the structural, cultural, and systemic factors that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Our efforts must be centred on empowering women and fostering a society free from all forms of gender-based violence,” she said.

Despite the government's policy commitment to end GBVF, Chikunga said South Africa continues to experience the scourge and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) which stems from GBVF.

“The persistently high rates of GBVF victimisation and perpetration, despite existing legislative frameworks and policies, suggest the need for a comprehensive approach that does not only address the immediate instances of violence, but also includes a focus on women and girls to tackle the underlying structural and systemic factors that trap them in these circumstances,” Chikunga said.

The Minister is expected to visit the Balie family home on Thursday, to reaffirm her commitment to ensuring justice is served for the victim, and to provide further reassurance to the grieving family. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 11:47

47 views

9 January 2025

A Booming Continent Needs a New Payment Infrastructure

Location: Business

Africa is an exciting, vibrant and creative place to do business. But make no mistake, it has its challenges. Currency devaluation, political instability, and service disruptions are endemic. Africa is not for sissies, as the saying goes.

In navigating those challenges, relationships matter. It's not so much about throwing money at a problem, it's about investing time, building trust, meeting with partners and regulators, and understanding each other's needs.

Africa offers an enormous upside for those prepared to make this time investment. The continent's population is set to reach 2.5 billion (http://apo-opa.co/3W7Kp4w) by 2050, and Africa's people are embracing digital technology, as the World Bank (http://apo-opa.co/3Waln4F) confirms. They are leveraging digital connectivity to improve their lives, educate themselves, send remittances, and start small enterprises. There is value in investing in that level of human development.

The payments opportunity

Running through this African growth trajectory is a particular business thread: payments (http://apo-opa.co/3WawLxk). There are opportunities for anyone who can simplify, rationalise and standardise payments for the continent's dynamic financial economy.

An organisation in just such a position is MultiChoice (www.Multichoice.com/), the leading pan-African video entertainment provider for almost 40 years. In building a pay-TV network across the continent, with up to 23.5 million (http://apo-opa.co/3WawOJw) customers across 50+ markets, and 100 million+ monthly viewers, MultiChoice also built relationships across the continent to collect payments, for DStv, GOtv, and Showmax – potentially the only large enterprise to need such enormous breadth.

The Group has converted the opportunity that this represents, partnering with global venture-capital firm General Catalyst and payments company Rapyd to launch Moment (http://apo-opa.co/4ad1H5N), which aims to be the broadest, deepest payment network across Africa.

Launching with Showmax and DStv as initial clients, Moment started processing payments for parts of the group in January 2024. By November 2024 MultiChoice was already collecting around 35% of its revenue through Moment rails, and those numbers are rising quickly. Services to other enterprises were rolled out in August.

Moment already collects and disburses across 44 African countries, accepting 200+ local payment methods – spanning in-person payments at over 1 million store and agent locations, mobile money, credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets.

Enabling consumers and businesses to move from cash to digital, Moment and its network offers users access to better financial opportunities, lower prices, higher quality goods and services, and full access to the digitally enabled economy.

Expanding the ecosystem

To access the initial target market of large enterprises that will benefit from the reach, breadth, and high performance needed by MultiChoice, Moment has built out a fully cloud-native infrastructure. The platform can deliver on the high daily and weekly loads needed for one of the largest billing bases on the continent, and also smoothly deal with the potential for network outages, power cuts, and other disruptions.

In order to ensure businesses have access to the daily cash flow they need, Moment has built a robust financial reconciliation and settlement system capable of automating and simplifying the daily reconciliation process for enterprises and enabling them to spend tight staffing budgets efficiently, while getting fast, accurate financial reporting and access to their receivables.

To help these enterprise customers expand their customer bases, Moment opens up the largest mass-market suite of payment channels through its network, enabling businesses to fully tap into the mass market's buying power for the first time with a single API connection – providing access to more than a million in-person payment locations across spaza shops, modern retail locations, and a host of online payment options tuned to the needs of each local market.

To ensure that Moment's clients and the market are ready for the future, Moment is building a “coalition” around real-time payments, to educate consumers on the benefits of PayShap and other real-time payment methods that can significantly reduce cost and increase payment speed. DStv and Moment launched PayShap payments in South Africa as the first “consumer to business” real-time payment option built on South Africa's RPP payments system. Moment has developed partnerships with similar systems in the SADC countries and Nigeria to expand real-time payments as the market evolves.

Simplifying the process

One of the reasons MultiChoice first looked at the payments space was precisely because it is a complex environment, characterised by multiple service agreements, commission rates and exchange rates. It made sense to try to simplify the payments landscape, for everyone's benefit.

Africa is a challenging territory, but Africans are agile and innovative. Trends and new solutions emerge constantly. Any platform entering this space must recognise that there isn't one answer; there are many. By partnering with MultiChoice, Moment has built out technology with the flexibility to configure the right solution for each market.

The upsides of building for the challenging scale of MultiChoice as a launch client are significant – other enterprises Moment is working with have built unwieldy daily financial operations to manage their own complexity. Anecdotally, one merchant maintains a staff of 75 people doing reconciliations for their business – operations that can be automated and streamlined leveraging the Moment platform. Moment presents a vast opportunity in simplifying that process, automating it, while enabling customers to focus on their core business and customer relationships.

Africa is the largest single opportunity in the world. As our population booms over the next 20 years, many new business foundations will need to be laid across the continent – especially in the area of payments.

Payments are the lifeblood of Africa's economy. Enabling them efficiently and cost-effectively, across the continent, ensures Africa performs to its full potential. Through the partnership with MultiChoice, Moment is well positioned to be at the core of this transformation for decades to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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9 January 2025

Public called to enter Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition

Location: News

Public called to enter Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on members of the public to take part in the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition, which is aimed at communicating matters of water action in creative ways.

The South African National Committee (SANC) for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), in collaboration with the DWS, launched the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition on 27 September 2024.

SANC members include the DWS, the Water Research Commission (WRC), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), University of South Africa (UNISA), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), among others.

The department said the competition seeks to raise awareness on the intertwined relationship between water and the various dimensions of culture, value, education and the natural sciences, as well as demonstrate how citizens, communities and education could effectively support the sustainable use and management of water, among others.

“It is also aimed at activating youth involvement in communicating matters of water action in creative ways; contribute to joint actions in the water action agenda, and to demonstrate how citizens, communities and education could effectively support the sustainable use and management of water,” the department said in a statement.

The department highlighted that the competition targets citizens from all walks of life with a keen interest on water matters, including citizen science organisations, related civil society groups, as well as visual artists and photographers.

Participants are encouraged to explore and submit photo stories aligned with five themes, including Water and Citizen Science; Water and Partnerships; Water and Education; Water and Culture, as well as Water and Communities.

“The competition is open to South African individuals aged 18 and above. Participants should submit minimum of three photographs that tell a cohesive story on one of the five themes, along with title, overall story of 200-500 words, names of the author(s), photograph location in South Africa,” the department explained.

Entries for the competition is open and can be accessed on the UNESCO website https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/UNESCO/cspi.aspx.

The deadline for submission is 26 March 2025. The winners will be announced in April 2025 and receive an award from DWS and SANC-IHP.

“[The] winning entries will gain visibility through local and international UNESCO IHP platforms, where the top 15 pieces will be featured in an exhibition during the launch of the Photo Story Book in June 2025,” the department said.

The department urged participants to familiarise themselves with the submission rules when entering the competition. Anyone with inquiries or struggling with their submission may direct their queries to ihp50photostory@dws.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:40

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9 January 2025

Call for caution on the roads

Location: News

Call for caution on the roads

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has called for caution on the roads amid persistent rain.

“The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is appealing to residents and motorists to be cautious during the persistent and disruptive rains expected over the next few days. The department would also wish to warn road users of possible flash floods, to avoid crossing flooded bridges and low-lying bridges,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

This comes after a warning by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) that disruptive rainfall, leading to localised flooding, damage to road infrastructure in low-lying areas and bridges, is expected in the province over the next few days.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has called on motorists, bikers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution when driving or walking in rainy conditions.

“We urge you to be extra vigilant and careful during these conditions to prevent injuries and loss of lives,” said Diale-Tlabela.

READ | Call to exercise extreme caution on the roads

The MEC cautioned that motorists must remain alert, at all times, particularly when driving under rainy conditions.

“She also called for collaboration with stakeholders, all road users to embrace safe practices by adhering to speed limits, staying alert, and ensuring roadworthiness of their vehicles. This, she added, will go a long way in creating safer roads for everyone,” said the department.

As a precautionary measure, the department’s emergency road maintenance teams1 are on stand-by and keeping a close eye on developments to assist with disaster management services in the event of damage or excessive flooding on provincial or municipal roads. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:59

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9 January 2025

DTIC notes ArcelorMittal South Africa’s decision

Location: News

DTIC notes ArcelorMittal South Africa’s decision

The steel industry is critical in the reconstruction and recovery plan for the South African economy, particularly the manufacturing, mining, construction, engineering, and transportation sectors, said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

In a statement responding to ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) announcement to wind down its longs steel business at its Newcastle plant, the department said the steel industry is important to the sectors that are at the centre of the industrialisation, localisation and beneficiation programmes of government.

“The department notes with serious concern the announcement by ArcelorMittal South Africa to wind down its longs steel business at its Newcastle plant. In fulfilment of its mandate to work with the private sector in growing the local economy the dtic remains committed to working with AMSA to find a workable and lasting situation,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

During the course of 2024, AMSA had reached out to various government departments and state-owned entities with requests for different concessions for their business. Having taken heed of these requests, the Minister of the dtic took the decision to form a comprehensive and coordinated approach to resolving the issues raised by AMSA.

“In doing so, the Minister set up a technical working group made up of the relevant stakeholders including the dtic and AMSA, the departments of Electricity and Energy, Transport, as well as Eskom, Transnet and private sector stakeholders.”

The department said the working group held regular engagements up until and well into December 2024.

“This work has been noted in the statement released by AMSA. It has always been, and continues to be the intention of government to continue these engagements until a workable resolution to the problems faced by AMSA and the steel industry is reached,” said the department.

In a press statement on Monday, AMSA said it had taken the decision to wind down the longs business.

“This comes after sustained challenges, including weak economic growth, high logistics and energy costs, and an influx of low-cost steel imports, particularly from China. Persistent high logistics and energy costs, combined with insufficient policy interventions (especially those policy decisions made some time ago (namely, the Price Preference System [PPS] and export scrap tax) relating to the substantial subsidisation of scrap-based steelmaking operations to the detriment of the Newcastle Works - which beneficiates South African-sourced raw materials), have left the longs business unsustainable. Despite extensive consultations with government and stakeholders to find viable solutions to sustain the longs business, progress was insufficient to avert the wind down,” said AMSA.

In its statement on Wednesday, the dtic said that while the immediate task will be on addressing structural issues affecting AMSA’s longs steel business, the broader focus should also be on addressing productivity improvements and supply chain efficiencies, investments in low-carbon technologies, competitiveness and regaining the market share.

“It is also important that public and private sector’ entities and companies commit themselves to procure locally manufactured steel products in their projects. Undoubtedly, such a commitment will contribute positively to aggregate demand, job creation and economic growth in South Africa,” it said.

“AMSA will now transition the longs business into care and maintenance. Steel production is anticipated to cease by late January 2025, with the wind-down of the remaining production processes completed in Q1 2025,” said AMSA.

This wind down decision will directly affect operations constituting Newcastle (in KwaZulu-Natal) and Vereeniging Works (in Gauteng) and AMRAS (the rail and structural subsidiary).

Newcastle’s coke-making operations will continue, though scaled back to reflect reduced demand. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:46

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9 January 2025

eThekwini bans fishing activities in Umngeni Estuary

Location: News

eThekwini bans fishing activities in Umngeni Estuary

The eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has announced the prohibition of recreational and fishing activities from the Umngeni Estuary to the Blue Lagoon non-bathing beach.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the municipality said the decision was in accordance with the Coastal Compliance Notice, issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

This follows severe sewage discharge near the mouth of the Umngeni River.

The directive by DFFE is in line with Section 59(1) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act no. 24 of 2008.

The city said it was conducting an extensive investigation to trace the source of the discharge of sewage effluent along the Umngeni Estuary.

“Once the investigation is complete, the city will undertake repairs to any damaged infrastructure that may have resulted in the discharge of untreated effluent into the Umngeni Estuary,” the municipality said.

According to the municipality, the key contributing factors to pollution and E. coli, particularly affecting estuaries and beaches, are due to the relentless theft and vandalism of the city’s sewer infrastructure, as well as illegal connections into the sewer system.

“The city is making every effort to attend to all infrastructural defects that may pose a risk to the environment and urges the public to report vandalism and the theft of infrastructure to police, so that perpetrators are apprehended,” the municipality said.

The municipality has urged fishermen to adhere to the fishing restriction at the Umngeni Estuary and Blue Lagoon “until further notice while the investigation is underway.” – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:41

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8 January 2025

City of Tshwane declares Hammanskraal water safe for consumption

Location: News

City of Tshwane declares Hammanskraal water safe for consumption

The City of Tshwane Metro Municipality has announced that water supplied from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant to Hammanskraal is safe for consumption.

This comes after the completion of Phase 1 of the water treatment project.

The areas which fall under the first phase and have access to the clean water include Wards 49, 73, 74 and 75, which encompass Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (also referred to as Steve Bikoville), and Babelegi Industrial.

The completion of Phase 1 of the project follows extensive testing conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation, City of Tshwane, and Magalies Water, which confirmed that the water is now meeting all the required health standards for consumption.

In a statement posted on social media, X, on Wednesday, Tshwane Municipality Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, explained that “extensive testing” was done before laboratory tests confirmed that “the water now meets all the required health standards for consumption”.

This comes after a process of purging the reticulation system, which was previously supplied by Temba Water Works, using clean water sourced from the new Klipdrift Package Plant.

Moya noted that the purpose of the prolonged purging process and accompanying inspections was to ensure that the system is fully rehabilitated, disinfected and safe.

“The successful delivery of services to Hammanskraal forms part of long-term projects by the city and the national government to ensure that the quality of water provided to this community meets the constitutional obligations enjoyed by many citizens in the country,” Moya said.

Moya said the Magalies Water Klipdrift package project consists of “four phases estimated to be completed in mid-2025”.

“With the completion of each stage, more areas in Hammanskraal will benefit. This will be complemented by upgrades to Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) being conducted by the city. The combination of these two projects will allow communities to benefit from a reliable and clean water supply,” the Mayor said.

Rooiwal WWTP tender first stage of investigation completed

Meanwhile, Moya reported that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has this week confirmed that the first stage of its investigation into the Rooiwal WWTP tender has been completed.

She said this has resulted in criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority and disciplinary referrals to the City of Tshwane.

“The mayoral executive welcomes the news of the completion of the first part of the investigation and is awaiting formal communication from the Special Investigating Unit to the city. We look forward to receiving the report and acting on its recommendations.

“Addressing the injustice of the failure to provide potable water to the residents of Hammanskraal must include consequence management for the failures and corruption of the initial project. The completion of the first part of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit brings us one step closer to ensuring accountability,” Moya said.

The Mayor also acknowledged the residents of Hammanskraal for their patience and committed to addressing other challenges plaguing the area.

“We thank residents for their patience during the process of ensuring the safety of the water and will continue to work with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation, to successfully deliver the future phases of the project,” Moya said.

For more than a decade, the community of Hammanskraal has suffered from a lack of clean, and constant water supply.

This led to the death of 32 people due to an outbreak of cholera in the area in 2023.

This prompted a visit to the area by President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he apologised to the residents. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 12:28

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8 January 2025

Condolences for families of 18 who died in KZN accident

Location: News

Condolences for families of 18 who died in KZN accident

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy and the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have sent messages of heartfelt condolences and support to the families of the bereaved and injured following a major crash that resulted in the loss of 18 lives and one person sustaining serious injuries.

The crash occurred on Monday at approximately 20:30 on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Reports received thus far indicate that a truck, a minibus and a light motor vehicle were involved in a multiple vehicle crash that resulted in 18 fatalities (13 adults and 5 children) and one baby seriously injured. The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage and will be subject to an investigation,” the Department of Transport said on Tuesday.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has dispatched a team of crash reconstruction experts and investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the crash.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have wished the injured a speedy recovery to good health.

"Our hearts and our prayers are with all the families, the loved ones and friends of the deceased and injured during this period of deep grief. We also wish a speedy return to good health to all who sustained injuries during this sad and tragic occurrence,” Creecy said.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have reiterated their call to motorists and all road users for heightened vigilance on the roads, emphasising the call and the appeal that road users must always take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others on the roads.

The Ministry of Transport reminds all road users of the following important road safety tips:

Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
Buckle up at all times.
Adhere to the speed limit.
Exercise extra caution when driving in inclement weather and maintain a safe following distance.
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
Avoid using cell phones while driving.
Take regular breaks when driving long distances.
Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections.
Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.

- SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 08:41

186 views

8 January 2025

JMPD arrests more than 800 for speeding, driving under the influence

Location: News

JMPD arrests more than 800 for speeding, driving under the influence

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has arrested more than 800 motorists between 1 December 2024 and 5 January 2025 for driving under the influence (DUI) and excessive speeding.

Of those arrested, 512 were arrested for DUI and 364 were arrested by the department’s high-speed unit for speeding.

In a statement, the JMPD said it was carrying out road safety operations across the city as part of efforts to “combat lawlessness, enhance road safety, and address the alarming rate of serious and fatal accidents”.

“These arrests serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with these offences. Driving under the influence and excessive speeding can lead to the loss of life, severe injuries, and legal repercussions, including fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of driving licences.

“Additionally, accidents can have devastating emotional and psychological impacts on victims, their families, and the broader community,” the statement read.

The metro police explained the dangers of speeding and driving while intoxicated.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol poses significant dangers not only to the driver but also to other road users. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and diminished coordination greatly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

“Excessive speeding is equally as dangerous. It drastically reduces a driver’s ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, significantly increasing the severity of potential crashes,” the statement said.

The JMPD said it is ramping up its operations as the festive season draws to a close.

“The JMPD will continue its intensified operations, focusing on high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-searches, and targeted enforcement in high-risk areas, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the community.

“The JMPD urges all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritise road safety,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 08:56

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8 January 2025

Preliminary probe sheds light on Van Reenen’s Pass horror crash

Location: News

Preliminary probe sheds light on Van Reenen’s Pass horror crash

The preliminary investigation into the horrific accident involving a truck and minibus at the N3 Van Reenen's Pass on Monday has revealed that the minibus taxi lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with a truck head-on.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the initial stages of the investigation revealed that the truck driver was driving from Johannesburg towards Durban, whilst the minibus taxi was traveling from Durban towards Johannesburg.

“At the time of the collision, the truck was driving in the [right] lane southbound, whilst the minibus was driving in the [right] lane northbound. From the video footage obtained during this initial stage of the investigation, it is very clear that the minibus lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with the truck head-on,” Duma said.

While the cause of the minibus losing control is unknown at this stage, Duma said they "strongly suspect" that the accident was due to heavy rainfall, speed, vehicle defect, or driver negligence.

He said the second phase of the investigation will focus on speed as the cause of the accident.

Duma also confirmed that a total of 17 people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, not 18 as initially reported. Only one passenger, a baby girl, survived, and is currently being treated in hospital.

“Based on the initial stages of the investigation, a taxi affiliated to Uncedo Taxi Association was travelling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg. Seven men, three women, three boys and four girls [were killed in the crash].

“I requested the HoD (Head of Department) and the entire team to visit the brave little girl in hospital. We are comforted by the fact that she is recovering, [and] we thank health professionals for ensuring the provision of quality healthcare,” Duma said.

Duma has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

“At this stage, we wish to indicate that according to the owner of the minibus taxi, the families of the deceased have been identified and notified. Arrangements are being made by the owner and Uncedo Taxi Association for family members to travel to Ladysmith to identify their loved ones,” the MEC said.

Truck driver’s identity uncovered

The investigation has also discovered the identity of the truck driver – a 37-year-old Zimbabwean national.

“The truck belongs to Pangolin Logistics. We remain concerned about the fact that the driver of the trucking company contacted the owner of Pangolin Logistics before disappearing.

“We are asking ourselves many questions, [such as] who assisted him in disappearing from such a remote area at night?” Duma said.

Duma commended the dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, including Emergency Rescue Services, and other key personnel who responded swiftly, as part of the rescue and cleaning up operation. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 12:45

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