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Government commends smooth start to elections
Government commends smooth start to elections
Government has commended the inspiring smooth start to the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
This as thousands of South Africans have already cast their votes in the elections, affirming the strength and vibrancy of our democracy.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General (DG), Nomonde Mnukwa noted a conspicuous and palpable sense of jubilation at voting stations across the country as citizens exercise their constitutional right in the seminal seventh national election.
“The dignity and patience with which voters are conducting themselves is a sign of our maturing democracy and we are confident that these elections will build on our history of free and fair elections” Mnukwa said.
READ | Smooth and steady start to 2024 elections
As the country celebrates 30 Years of Freedom, Mnukwa reiterated government’s call on all 27.7 million registered voters to heed the clarion call to vote so that democracy can be strengthened.
“This right to vote was never given for free and should never be taken for granted. Many women and men died and suffered for this right and the best way we can honour them is to show up and vote,” Mnukwa said.
She said the impressive early indication of a significant youth cohort turnout and their enthusiasm demonstrated on social media platforms, is a clear demonstration of a nation invested in a future which is underpinned by a collective sense of the civic responsibility and active participation that comes with democracy.
“Your vote is your power and allows you to choose who will represent the interests of your community. We should never forget that elections are our collective voice, and your vote has immense power to inspire a path that will lead to the growth of our country. This Election Day let your voice be heard and let your ‘X’ speak for you,” the Acting DG said.
Mnukwa reminded registered voters that voting stations and Home Affairs offices will remain open until 9pm and encouraged voters who have applied for IDs, or want to apply for Temporary Identification Certificates, to visit their local Home Affairs office to collect their documents, in order to cast their vote.
Mnukwa also urged South Africans to keep making their way to voting stations throughout the day to avoid bottlenecks near closing time.
“Elderly, pregnant, and sick voters are encouraged to approach electoral officers at their voting stations so that they can be ushered to the front of the queue. To avoid medical emergencies, voters joining queues are advised to take precautions such as drinking water to remain hydrated and should take their prescription medicines.
“Voters are advised to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves as the country is currently experiencing the annual influenza (flu) season. Preventative measures such as wearing of masks, hand washing with an alcohol-based sanitiser or practising social distancing are recommended,” Mnukwa said.
Respecting the right to vote
She further reminded employers, especially in the services and retail sector to allow their employees to exercise their democratic right to cast their votes today.
“Government is committed to ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election. Government, through the NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure], will act swiftly and decisively against those who would seek to disrupt elections.
“We call on everyone to respect the right to vote and warn those who aim to disrupt elections or intimidate voters, that they will face the full might of the law,” Mnukwa said.
Voters who are registered to vote can send an SMS with their ID number to 32810 or WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 to determine if they are on the IEC voter’s roll and locate the name of the voting station where they will cast their ballots. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 14:41
156 views
Voters talk about changes they want to see in SA
Voters talk about changes they want to see in SA
While government has made significant strides in improving the lives of South Africans since 1994, voters have expressed some of the changes that they would like to see in the country after the 2024 General Elections.
This is as eligible voters across the country are today exercising their right to vote in the country’s seventh democratic elections, which comes 30 years after South Africa held its first democratic election.
“We need to improve the quality of education. The country needs change the curriculum to be more skills based in order for the youth to have access to job opportunities or even start businesses. Creating more employment opportunities is key,” Sbongakonke Shelembe said.
The 41-year-old, who is voting in Pietermaritzburg today, called on government to focus on uprooting corruption in the public service.
“Focus should also be on running efficient municipalities to attract investment. The government also needs to control the influx of undocumented foreign nationals. Various town are run down because there is no proper zoning of businesses,” he said.
Kopano Moumakae, 22, expressed concern about inflation and high food prices.
“If we can control inflation [things would be better for citizens]. Food prices is something that I am very stressed about. I want to see investment into public infrastructure. I would like to see us using what we already have to create more opportunities for people that do not have jobs. Job creation and public infrastructure is something that speaks to me,” Kopano Moumakae said at a voting station in Montana, Pretoria.
Reflecting on the importance of voting, Moumakae said due to the history of the country, it was important for him to exercise his democratic right to vote.
Shelembe noted the myriad of challenges facing the country as his reason for voting.
“Voting is important because it presents an opportunity for one's voice to be heard,” he said.
Phumla Mugeri, a voter in Pretoria, spoke about the progress government has made to improve lives of ordinary South Africans.
“I have seen so many changes since 1994. I come from a rural area; we did not have roads, water and toilets but when you visit the area now you see significant improvements. I believe that in the 30 years of democracy many changes have occurred,” Mugeri said.
Voting is taking place from 7am until 9pm. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.
Overall, 70 political parties are contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52. In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 09:21
180 views
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SA records second case of mpox
SA records second case of mpox
The Department of Health has urged people experiencing suspected symptoms of mpox disease to visit their nearest healthcare provider for screening and testing to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
This is after the country recorded the second laboratory-confirmed case of mpox disease.
The new patient is a 39-year-old male who was admitted at Addington Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, without a travel history to countries and regions currently experiencing the disease outbreak.
The first case was logged in Gauteng when a 35-year-old man tested positive on 9 May 2024.
The infectious disease is caused by the monkeypox virus and has the potential to cause painful or itchy rash-like pimples or blisters and fever.
The department working closely with the province and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has activated contact tracing and case finding to identify and assess people in contact with the patient to prevent further transmission, especially at a household and community level.
“This will also assist to establish if the second case was in contact with the first case confirmed in Gauteng earlier this month.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a total of 466 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and three deaths from 22 countries were reported globally in March 2024.
According to the department, this illustrates that low-level transmission continues worldwide.
The most affected WHO regions include Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Western Pacific and South-East Asia.
“In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the highest number of confirmed positive cases, which represents just over a tenth of the suspected clinically compatible cases and deaths reported.”
Meanwhile, the department said stigma and discrimination may prolong a disease outbreak by stopping people from coming forward for information or seeking testing or care, which undermines public health efforts.
“We urge the public and communities to support those who test positive for mpox to take treatment and those with suspected symptoms to go for screening and testing instead of discriminating against them.”
Meanwhile, South Africa is currently experiencing the annual influenza (flu) season, which started in the week of 22 April 2024.
According to the department, several flu strains are circulating causing severe health complications in some patients.
“This has been confused with the COVID-19 variant which has been in circulation with a low level of transmissibility and severity.”
The most commonly detected and circulating flu is “swine flu” because it causes disease in pigs, followed by influenza B/Victoria and influenza A (H3N2).
The department said this was not unusual as swine flu has been circulating as one of the annual seasonal flu strains since 2010.
“Influenza A virus is more severe in adults. About 8% to 10% of patients hospitalised for pneumonia and 25% of patients with flu-like illness such as fever and cough will test positive for influenza during the flu season in South Africa.”
According to the NICD surveillance data, the numbers of flu cases and positivity rates are increasing rapidly, but the transmission and impact remain at a moderate level of activity for both outpatient and hospitalised cases.
“This means that while there is a lot of influenza circulating, it is still within the expected range for a normal influenza season. Influenza may cause severe illness leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, especially among those who are at risk of severe influenza illness or complications.”
High-risk groups include pregnant women, mothers six weeks after delivery, individuals living with HIV, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, the elderly and children under two years old.
“These groups of people are strongly encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine available freely at public health clinics or a cost from private healthcare providers and through pharmacies.”
Ideally, the vaccine should be administered before the start of the flu season because it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, but it is not too late for people to get it to protect themselves and their loved ones against these viruses.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, ventilation, and regular hand washing with water and soap or sanitiser can help to minimise the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 11:21
1221 views
Harnessing Innovation toward Africa’s Inclusive Growth.
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Unite for free, fair and peaceful elections – President Ramaphosa
Unite for free, fair and peaceful elections - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his weekly newsletter, called on South Africans to unite for free, fair and peaceful elections.
The National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on Wednesday with voting stations opening at 7am and closing at 9pm.
Some 27 million eligible South Africans have been registered to vote in this year’s elections.
“Holding free, fair and peaceful elections is a barometer of the good health of our democracy. As we cast our votes on Wednesday, let us, in the words of our Constitution, 'honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity'.”
“Let us hold another election that is peaceful, that is free, that is fair and that is a credit to all the elections we have held since 1994. Let it be that the ultimate winner of this election is South Africa, our democracy, and you, the South African people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President highlighted that since the dawn of democracy, elections have been held “without major incident” and expressed confidence that this year’s elections will also take place in the same vein.
“Once again, we have every confidence that this election will take place under conditions of peace, safety and tolerance, and that it will be free and fair.
“The integrity of our elections is testament to the high regard in which South Africans hold their hard-won right to vote. It is an affirmation that no matter what our political differences are, when it comes to safeguarding our democracy, we are prepared to put these differences aside for the common good,” President Ramaphosa said.
A look back
President Ramaphosa recalled how South Africa “was on the brink” on the eve of the first democratic elections in 1994 with “state-sponsored violence and the threat of a right-wing insurrection” contributing to a “sense of fear and uncertainty”.
“One newspaper carried a story at the time titled “South Africa hoarding as fear rises”. It described long supermarket queues of people stocking up on tinned foods, a rush to attend emigration seminars, panicked currency exchanges, and fearful callers to radio stations about sabotage of power plants and water supplies.
“We recall the courage of the political leadership at the time and their efforts to quell tensions. We recall the role of the leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party, the African National Congress and the National Party in signing a memorandum of agreement for reconciliation and peace just three days before the election.
“We recall these events to remind ourselves of what is required of us all as we head to the polls on Wednesday. We are required to continue to honour the sacrifices of our forebears by exercising their right to vote and to do so peacefully. We are required to respect the rights of others regardless of who they are voting for, and regardless of whether they are voting or not,” he said.
Despite all the doomsday fears at that time, the President said, “none of these fears materialised”.
“As South Africans we have rejected the politics of fear time and again, and we will continue to do so.
“For the past thirty years we have chosen the path of peace over violence, of reconciliation over hate, and of unity over divisions of race, ethnicity or tribe. The stability and integrity of our electoral system bears witness to this,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 10:05
71 views
Achievements and challenges: President reflects on sixth administration
Achievements and challenges: President reflects on sixth administration
As the term of the sixth administration draws to a close, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reflected on the achievements and challenges faced by government during this five year period.
South Africans are expected head to the polls in the National and Provincial Elections this week to elect leaders for the seventh administration.
In an address to the nation on Sunday, the President said that at the start of his term in office in 2019, South Africa “stood at a turning point”.
“We had endured a decade of corruption and state capture, of weak economic growth and the erosion of our public institutions. Today, we have put that era behind us. We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth.
“We have taken significant steps to reform our economy by implementing a number of reforms that affect various sectors of the economy. In tackling crime and corruption, we have introduced a number of initiatives and measures to reposition our criminal justice system.
“We have faced many challenges along the way, which have tested our resilience and our resolve. Yet, in each instance, we have confronted these challenges together. We have remained united. We have worked in partnership and in solidarity,” the President said.
State Capture and corruption
President Ramaphosa said that the nation brought state capture to an end.
“We dislodged the criminal networks that had stolen billions from our people, that had eroded our public institutions and that had undermined the rule of law. Together, we worked to rebuild our law enforcement agencies, our security services, our state-owned companies and a number of other public bodies.
“Through the work of institutions like the NPA’s [National Prosecuting Authority] Investigating Directorate, the Hawks and the SIU, several state capture and corruption cases have been brought to court and billions of Rands in stolen funds have been recovered,” he said.
To further strengthen the work of the NPA, President Ramaphosa has now signed into law the establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity.
“There is still much that we need to do to end corruption. However, as a country, we have sent a clear message to the corrupt that they can no longer expect to get away with their crimes with impunity and without consequence,” President Ramaphosa said.
COVID-19 pandemic
The President remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic, which swept across the world and pushed economies to their limits, was one of the defining moments of the last five years.
More than 100 000 South Africans died during the pandemic with some two million jobs lost.
“We introduced a massive package of social and economic support to protect vulnerable businesses, workers and households from the destructive effects of the pandemic. More than 5.7 million workers received wage support through the special UIF scheme.
“Through the introduction of the special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] grant, we provided relief to more than 11 million unemployed people at the height of the pandemic.
“Working together, we succeeded in administering more than 39 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Even during the worst moments of the pandemic, we endured and we overcame. This is how we are as South Africans. We confront even the greatest of challenges with determination and courage,” the President said.
Rebuilding the economy
President Ramaphosa said rebuilding the economy following the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by South Africans coming together “in social partnerships to drive investment, to build infrastructure and to remove the obstacles to inclusive growth”.
He highlighted that as a result, the economy has now returned to levels seen before the pandemic and “we have recovered the jobs lost to the pandemic”.
“Together, we supported Eskom’s efforts to improve the performance of its power stations. We enabled investment in new electricity generation capacity on a scale that is unprecedented in our history.
“Working with financial institutions, development agencies, business and professional associations, we revitalised investment in infrastructure. The value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion, including energy, water infrastructure and rural roads projects.
“Together, we mobilised more than R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments. This has led to the opening of new factories, mines, data centres and production lines.
“Working with private sector partners, we established the Youth Employment Service, which has created over 144 000 work experiences for young people. We have worked across government and with NGOs to implement the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created more than 1.9 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans,” he said.
Into the future
The President emphasised that the sixth administration and all of the work it has done is a springboard for building a better future.
“The last five years have been a time of rebuilding and recovery. It has been about working together not only to meet the challenges of the moment, but to put in place firm foundations for a better future.
“As this sixth administration draws to a close, and as we prepare for the seventh administration, let us build on the progress that we have made. At this moment in our path to renewal, we cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 19:50
209 views
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Pleasant weather conditions during elections week
Pleasant weather conditions during elections week
With South Africans going to the polls next week, weather conditions are expected to be sunny and cool over most parts of the country while many of the northern provinces can expect sunny and warm conditions.
“It is undoubtedly good news that no severe or extreme weather is anticipated in the lead up to, and including, Voting Day. It is also very encouraging that daytime weather conditions will remain pleasantly cool over the southern half of the country, while the northern provinces will be warm, but not particularly hot,” the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Thursday.
South Africans will be exercising their democratic right to vote next week Wednesday, 29 May 2024.
“The persistence of such mild, settled weather conditions is somewhat unusual for this time of year but will no doubt be welcomed by election officials as well as the public.
“Weather conditions in the period from Monday, 27 May to Wednesday, 29 May are likely to remain predominantly free of rain and clouds. Rainfall, if any, is expected to be light and very localised in nature,” the weather service said.
On Monday, 27 May 2024, the country could see a few light showers along the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal, while some early morning fog and drizzle patches can be expected along the eastern escarpment areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo on Tuesday, 28 May 2024.
“At this stage, Voting Day is expected to remain dry and rain-free. A cold front will indeed be moving closer to the Western Cape on Voting Day, however, current numeric weather prediction models (NWP) indicate that rainfall associated with the arrival of the cold front will only occur after Wednesday,” SAWS said.
The weather service has recommended that voters and election officials be cognisant of the outlook for predominantly sunny conditions for large parts of the country next week.
“Wide-brimmed hats, sunblock and sunglasses are therefore recommended, especially if voting queues result in voters standing in direct sunshine for extended periods. Moreover, it is a good idea to remember to drink water regularly, in order to avoid dehydration.
“It is also important to bear in mind that infants, small children as well as the elderly and infirm are highly prone to dehydration, especially when the weather is sunny, dry and warm, as will be the case on voting day, 29 May 2024,” SAWS said.
Next week’s weather in summary:
- Predicted weather conditions for Monday: Sunny and cool conditions are expected, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, with isolated showers over the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Predicted weather conditions for Tuesday: Fine and cool conditions are expected, but it will be warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape. There is a 30% chance of drizzle and showers expected along the escarpment of north-eastern areas.
- Predicted weather conditions for Wednesday: Warm in places over the northern areas of Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape, otherwise sunny and cool. It will be windy and gusty over the western interior, especially from mid-morning onwards. Blowing dust could locally reduce visibility over these areas and could also result in minor disruption and discomfort for voters at voting stations.
SAWS said it will continue to monitor any further weather developments and will issue subsequent warnings if any need arises. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:31
280 views
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Mchunu to unveil Pilanesberg water supply project
Mchunu to unveil Pilanesberg water supply project
Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Project will be unveiled in Chaneng in the Rustenburg Local Municipality on Friday.
The project will be unveiled by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, together with North West Premier, Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi, under the province’s Thuntsha Lerole Programme - a service delivery acceleration drive.
The water supply project is part of the “Operation Bulela Metsi” water services intervention programme set up by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the North West Provincial Government last year to accelerate water supply projects and enhance access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.
Phase 2 of the bulk water supply project includes a 30ML reservoir construction, which commenced on 30 November 2021, and the construction of the Mafenya pump station and pipeline to Tlhabane which commenced on 29 July 2022.
Both construction projects are expected to be completed on 30 May 2024.
“Rustenburg Local Municipality has been experiencing severe water challenges due to the influx of people seeking greener pastures in the mines.
“Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which runs from Mafenya village in Chaneng to Tlhabane, will provide relief through a basic sustainable, minimum supply of water to 63 238 households under the Royal Bafokeng Administration and Rustenburg Local Municipality,” the department said in a statement.
The project has already created 250 jobs for locals.
The unveiling of the project will be followed by a community engagement at Mafenya Primary School Sport Ground. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 13:01
245 views
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