Millions spent but seven years later this sports complex is still incomplete
Residents say the Kokstad complex is built in a wetland and “doomed”
Water
Mchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges
Mchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu continues to engage with the City of Johannesburg on measures to ensure water supply sustainability.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said a meeting was convened this week, where a detailed presentation was made by Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services Management, Dr Risimati Mathye.
The meeting was attended by the city’s Acting Executive Mayor Loyiso Masuku, Joburg Water and the Rand Water Board, amongst others.
Mathye said the city's total average water supply/volume is 1 686 097 kilo litres per day and supplies a population of 5 866 550.
“Notwithstanding its Blue Drop score of 98.1% in 2023, the City of Johannesburg loses 46.1% of the water supplied to it by Rand Water,” Mathye said.
Other challenges noted include an increase in the frequency of water main bursts, the reduction of water storage capacity due to leaking and isolation of reservoirs, and water theft via illegal connections in informal settlements, among others.
Mchunu said the persistent water supply challenges in Johannesburg are of great concern and negatively reflect on all the stakeholders in the sector.
“It requires us to continue engaging on measures to completely address them. The projects required are seemingly easily identifiable, but there are funding constraints that we need to address and resolve," the Minister said.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for 18 March 2024.
Working visit to Greater Kokstad
Meanwhile, Mchunu will on Friday embark on a working visit to Greater Kokstad in the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to assess the status of water and sanitation.
The department said during the visit, Mchunu will hand over the contractor for the raising of the Kempsdale Dam Wall and the construction of a pump station, which is envisaged to augment water supply capacity in areas including Kokstad Town, Kokstad C-Max Prison, Shayamoya and Bhongweni.
“Approximately 69 146 people are expected to benefit upon the completion of this project,” the department said in a statement.
After the handing over of the contractor, Mchunu will hold a meeting with various stakeholders and the community of Kokstad to solicit their views, concerns and comments on the state of water and sanitation provision in the area.
The community engagement will be held at Bhongweni Youth Centre in Kokstad.
The Minister will be accompanied by Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor Zamo Nxumalo, as well as local municipality mayors and traditional authorities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:55
753 views
SA requests ICJ to act to prevent famine in Gaza
SA requests ICJ to act to prevent famine in Gaza
South Africa has urgently asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to enforce additional emergency measures against Israel to prevent a famine in the Gaza strip.
A statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday detailed that South Africa approached the ICJ with an urgent application for the provisional measures the court ordered on 26 January 2024 to be strengthened.
According to the Presidency, the urgent application has been necessitated by widespread starvation in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of at least 15 children in the past week alone, with the actual numbers believed to be much higher.
It added that the United Nations (UN) experts have warned that the number of deaths will increase exponentially unless military activities are halted and the blockade is lifted.
“The situation is urgent. South Africa has no choice but to approach the Court for the strengthening of the Provisional Measures in place to try prevent full-scale famine, starvation and disease in the Gaza Strip, which experts predict may result in more than 85 000 deaths in the next six months, if nothing is done,” the statement read.
South Africa’s move comes on the back of warnings by the UN General Assembly, and an unprecedented number of UN bodies and human rights experts that have recognised that the only way to avert such a catastrophe is by an immediate cessation of hostilities to enable full and effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
“Time is running out for the Palestinians. It is already too late for the 30 000 people who have lost their lives in Gaza since the start of the conflict. The world has an obligation to do whatever can be done immediately to stop further suffering and loss of life. The threat of all-out famine has now materialised.
“The Court needs to act now to stop the imminent tragedy by immediately and effectively ensuring that the rights it has found are threatened under the Genocide Convention are protected. The people of Gaza cannot wait,” the statement read.
Details of the request
In its application, South Africa has officially called for the indication or modification of several provisional measures related to the ongoing conflict.
The requested actions include an immediate cessation of all fighting and hostilities, the prompt release of hostages and detainees, and the compliance of all parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide with their obligations.
Additionally, South Africa urged the parties to refrain from any actions that may undermine the rights of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from genocide and related prohibited acts.
The State of Israel is specifically called upon to take swift and effective measures, including suspending military operations in Gaza, lifting the blockade, and revoking any hindrances to Palestinians' access to humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, Israel is required to provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid, addressing issues like famine and adverse living conditions in Gaza. This entails ensuring access to food, water, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene, sanitation, and medical assistance.
Lastly, the state of Israel must submit an open report to the Court within one month detailing the actions taken to implement all ordered provisional measures up to the present date.
ICJ order
On 29 December 2023, South Africa approached the ICJ, as a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention’), seeking an order to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the Palestinian people who, along with all other distinct national, racial and ethnical groups, are protected by that Convention.
On 26 January 2024, the Court ruled that South Africa’s claim met the standard of plausibility and, on the request of South Africa, ordered Israel inter alia, to take action to prevent and punish genocide, incitement to genocide, and to enable the immediate and effective provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to besieged Gaza.
READ | President welcomes ICJ ruling
These ‘Provisional Measures’ were issued by the Court to prevent irreparable and irreversible harm to the rights of Palestinians pending the Court’s final decision on the case.
“Regrettably, Israel has not complied with the Court’s binding order, but has instead escalated its genocidal acts against the Palestinian people. On 15 February 2024, following a letter to the Court from South Africa in response to Israel’s threatened assault on Rafah, the Court reminded Israel that ‘the perilous situation [in Rafah] demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated’ by it on 26 January 2024, which included Israel’s obligation to ensure ‘the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’,” the statement said.
South Africa added that Israel’s ongoing failure to “immediately and effectively implement the Court’s Order and comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, as well as its contempt for the Court, is manifest”.
“As a result, the dire situation of Palestinians in Gaza that gave rise to that Order has worsened in all respects. The world has watched in horror as over two million people in Gaza face famine.”
South Africa further highlighted that under the Genocide Convention, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians including through mass starvation and destruction of food systems amounts to genocide. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:22
596 views
Communities have their say at Imbizo
Communities have their say at Imbizo
Many a community member attended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Thursday.
Themed: "Leave No One Behind,” the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they have about conditions in the district or province.
Some community members told SAnews that they have been waiting for this day to come to interact directly with the President and his Cabinet.
Today's imbizo allows President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders in government to assess progress made and to be briefed on challenges associated with the improvement of service delivery since the President’s previous imbizo held in Carolina in May 2022.
Many felt municipal officials do not escalate their concerns to higher offices.
“We want the President to hear our problems and concerns directly from us,” said Japhter Maseko from Emalahleni.
This as the imbizo is currently underway at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium.
“We want to have access to clean water. We have been having problems with the provision of water and that the state of our roads is bad. We want government to supply us with clean water and proper roads,” said Maseko.
Sinethemba Mgabadeli from Siyabuswa echoed Maseko’s sentiments.
“Sometimes we go for days without water. If given an opportunity to speak to the President, I’ll tell him to fire ….officials who do not care about people’s lives,” he said.
Nkululeko Skhosana from Malelane said government must urgently attend to their concerns.
“Our lives are miserable without proper services. Water is our main concern. We sometimes go for days without water. In some instances, we are forced to buy water from the shops to survive,” he said.
Skhosana also expressed concern about the high rate of unemployment.
“We send our children to school and when they finish studying, there are no jobs. No one wants to employ them. We are appealing to government to create jobs for our children,” he said.
The Presidential Imbizo is, among others, attended by traditional leaders, politicians and municipal officials.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, who are assisting in responding to concerns raised by community members.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo forms part of a holistic government service delivery and monitoring programme, using an integrated, district-based approach to address community needs.
It serves as an important platform for transparent and constructive exchanges between communities and government.
Since inception in March 2022, the izimbizo have empowered millions of South Africans to directly engage with the President, contributing to policy discussions and acknowledging government efforts to better serve the people.
READ | Government services on hand at Mpumalanga Imbizo
READ | President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital
– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:17
454 views
Water is being sold illegally in eThekwini
Desperate households resort to paying for water from unmarked trucks
South Africa requests International Court of Justice to urgently act to prevent famine in Gaza genocide
South Africa requests International Court of Justice to urgently act to prevent famine in Gaza genocide.
South Africa has on 6 March 2024, approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with an urgent application for the provisional measures the court ordered on 26 January 2024, to be strengthened to prevent a catastrophic famine in the Gaza Strip.
The urgent application has been necessitated by widespread starvation in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of at least 15 children in the past week alone, with the actual numbers believed to be much higher. United Nations experts warn that the number of deaths will increase exponentially unless military activities are halted and the blockade is lifted.
South Africa has therefore requested the indication and/or modification of the following provisional measures:
All participants in the conflict must ensure that all fighting and hostilities come to an immediate halt, and that all hostages and detainees are released immediately.
All Parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide must, forthwith, take all measures necessary to comply with all of their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
All Parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide must, forthwith, refrain from any action, and in particular any armed action or support thereof, which might prejudice the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts, or any other rights in respect of whatever judgment the Court may render in the case, or which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.
The State of Israel shall take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address famine and starvation and the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, by:
(a) immediately suspending its military operations in Gaza
(b) lifting its blockade of Gaza
(c) rescinding all other existing measures and practices that directly or indirectly have the effect of obstructing the access of Palestinians in Gaza to humanitarian assistance and basic services; and
(d) ensuring the provision of adequate and sufficient food, water, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, alongside medical assistance, including medical supplies and support.
The State of Israel shall submit an open report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to all provisional measures ordered by the Court to date, within one month as from the date of this Order.
On 29 December 2023, South Africa approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention'), seeking an order to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the Palestinian people who, along with all other distinct national, racial and ethnical groups, are protected by that Convention.
On 26 January 2024, the Court ruled that South Africa's claim met the standard of plausibility and, on the request of South Africa, ordered Israel inter alia, to take action to prevent and punish genocide, incitement to genocide, and to enable the immediate and effective provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to besieged Gaza.
These ‘Provisional Measures' were issued by the Court to prevent irreparable and irreversible harm to the rights of Palestinians pending the Court's final decision on the case.
Regrettably, Israel has not complied with the Court's binding Order, but has instead escalated its genocidal acts against the Palestinian people. On 15 February 2024, following a letter to the Court from South Africa in response to Israel's threatened assault on Rafah, the Court reminded Israel that “the perilous situation [in Rafah] demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated” by it on 26 January 2024, which included Israel's obligation to ensure ‘the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip'.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
KZN South Coast extends its rural tourism with launch of the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience
While the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is renowned for its Blue Flag beaches and world-class dive sites, the enchanting hinterland is home to incredible natural beauty and adventure. South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) continues to extend these rural tourism offerings with the launch of the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience on 1 March 2024. …
The nutrition your body needs for peak performance at different ages
There’s a reason a person in their 40s doesn’t have the same amount of energy as they did in their 20s, or why they can’t eat like they did as a teenager. Bodies constantly change with age, and with each new phase of life, there are changing requirements for the body to maintain optimum health. …
New Limpopo clinic has no running water
Municipality says Department of Health never applied for a connection
Firefighters battled to extinguish fatal factory fire because Verulam has no water
Three bodies have been recovered, one person is missing
High festive tourism numbers on KZN South Coast are a good sign for Easter
In the past few years, Ugu District has attracted a significant number of tourists during the festive season – and according to local establishments, the 2023 figures indicate a similar pattern. This bodes well for the KZN South Coast with the Easter holidays around the corner! “The occupancy rates are a very positive indicator of …
Error 017 on Your Prepaid Water Meter: What It Means and How to Fix It
Having water flow freely is essential, and a prepaid water meter with an error code can be frustrating. If you’re facing “Error 017” on your water meter display, don’t panic! This article explains what this error signifies, how to potentially fix it, and where to find more information about prepaid water meter error codes. Understanding …
KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike
KZN government engages businesses amid municipal strike
The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has assured the business community in eThekwini that the provincial government is dealing accordingly with the strike by eThekwini Municipality workers.
READ | eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
Dube-Ncube and eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda met with the business community, led by the KZN Growth Coalition, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and individual businesses to brief them on government’s interventions to deal with the strike which started on 27 February 2024.
The meeting comes after a meeting held between the provincial government and the municipality to devise practical solutions to protect infrastructure and citizens from what the province has called “clear sabotage”.
Highlighting the progress made to deal with the situation, Dube-Ncube said a technical task team, including officials from all spheres of government, has been established to implement coordinated interventions by the relevant departments.
To address the challenge of intimidation and attacks on non-striking workers, Dube-Ncube said the Metro Police and private security have been sourced to escort staff to service delivery points, including the clearing of roads, electricity faults, water leaks, burst pipes and refuse removal.
“Both the municipal and provincial law enforcement agencies are on high alert and will act without any fear on the acts of impunity. We are confident that this intervention will allow staff to respond to reservoirs overflowing or running empty, valves being closed, burst pipes and water leaks.
“As part of the business continuity plan, the municipality has made provision for some key employees to work remotely. Contractors have also been engaged to do some work, such as refuse collection and attending to water and electricity faults,” Dube-Ncube said.
A team has also been set up to analyse all video footage of the destruction of property, including the abuse of State vehicles that were in the hands of municipality officials who participated in the illegal strike.
The Premier said this process is well underway, warning that “culprits are being identified through internal processes and they will be arrested soon”.
She said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has provided a four-person team to fast-track the disciplinary action of those who would be found to have been involved in untoward behaviour.
“The eThekwini leadership will meet with the leadership of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) to explain to them that no amount of grievances should result in destruction of infrastructure and denying citizens their rights to basic services.
“Importantly, those who are involved in this anarchy will be liable for litigation for damages. Our legal units have been tasked to analyse that area,” Dube-Ncube said.
The municipality has further engaged the Department of Water and Sanitation, COGTA and Umgeni-Uthukela Water to provide technical assistance and additional water tankers.
Through Operation Sukuma Sakhe, the Premier said all field workers have been activated in the province to conduct clean-up operations throughout the city, as part of Operation Mbo (an integrated service delivery events within a particular area to ensure services are delivered to many community members at the same time).
On the strike, Dube-Ncube said the municipality has not received a memorandum of grievances or petition from SAMWU, apart from the Ekurhuleni Municipality pay scale, which was submitted to the Office of the City Manager on 27 February 2024.
“Based on the information submitted, it would seem that SAMWU is demanding pay parity to that of Ekurhuleni Municipality and/or implementation of Category 10 pay scales. The matter regarding the implementation of the Wage Curve is still under negotiation at national level, as it is a national competence,’’ Dube-Ncube said.
The municipality has since obtained an urgent interdict in the Labour Court, which prohibits the striking employees from intimidating, harassing, assaulting, threatening or perpetuating acts of violence against employees, service providers or those accessing offices or workstations.
“We want to emphasise that all spheres of government are working together to resolve this challenge and we are in discussion with the national government to support the city and province through the provision of intelligence services and deployment of additional police officers in key hotspots to enhance safety and security capacity,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 14:33
442 views
Joburg residents march over water outages and unreliable electricity
The protesters say they are also fed up with illegal rubbish dumping and potholes in their streets
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
The eThekwini Municipality has obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees, including the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) members, who are taking part in the ongoing illegal and unprotected industrial action.
The interdict prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the city's activities, services and operations.
In a joint media briefing held on Monday to update the public on the ongoing strike, which started on 27 February 2024, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube issued a firm warning that lawlessness will not be allowed to prevail.
Dube-Ncube noted that while one of the rights in the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practice; right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union and the right to strike, the Constitution is also clear on the limitations of rights.
“It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said the violent nature of the strike has resulted in essential municipal services being severely impacted, as some employees are fearing for their lives after seeing their colleagues being attacked and infrastructure being vandalised.
She said the strike action came at a time when the municipality was making progress in repairing the infrastructure that was damaged by the consecutive severe disasters over the past five years, including COVID-19, July 2021 civil unrest, 2022 and 2023 floods.
Noting some of the damage caused by the strike, the Premier said there has been continued intimidation and attacks on non-striking employees, resulting in the city’s failure to respond to faults and restore basic services, including water, refuse collection and electricity in the entire city.
“Access to primary healthcare services has also been hampered by the intimidation of health workers in various municipal-run health facilities, putting the lives of ordinary citizens in danger. In the case where the public cannot access the city’s health facilities, we are redirecting them to the provincial clinics.
“We have observed with great concern the attacks of city employees at service delivery sites. Some have been shot while attending to service delivery complaints and a number of water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, including vehicles, have been damaged or completely destroyed,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier condemned the cruel actions inflicted by strikers on patients and ordinary citizens, which has seen blockages of access to State buildings, including several clinics, potentially endangering the lives of innocent patients.
Dube-Ncube warned that the provincial government will no longer tolerate the atmosphere of fear, trespassing on premises and forceful removal of staff from their work posts, denial of patients' rights to gain access to healthcare facilities, including vandalism of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity.
“Communities who have been without water and electricity for several days are bearing the brunt of this unlawful strike action. Scenes witnessed over the past few days are pure criminality, economic sabotage and tantamount to treason.
“Government is extremely concerned and upset about the violence accompanied by intimidation and extensive damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The municipality is currently conducting an assessment on the impact and financial implications of the strike,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:45
48 views
Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River
Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River
The Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, have established a Technical Task Team to identify interventions with clear outcomes to manage the clearing of alien invasive plants at the Vaal River.
This follows public concerns relating to the use of the chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.
In a joint statement, the departments said the task team, led by the Directors-General of the two departments and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water, have identified immediate short- and long-term interventions with clear outcomes to manage the situation.
The immediate short-term interventions identified by the task team include the revision of the integrated control approach, which will assess the use of an herbicide that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
In the medium-term, compliance and enforcement interventions will be intensified against the sources of pollution that are driving this situation, while the long-term interventions include the review of the Vaal River Catchment Strategy relating to invasive alien aquatic species, in order to implement a strategy that will holistically address the situation.
“Lastly, the refurbishment of the Rietspruit, Sebokeng and Leeukuil Wastewater Treatment Works will be fast-tracked to reduce pollution that is also contributing to the high eutrophication of the Vaal River System.
“Multiple control strategies deployed simultaneously (biological, chemical and manual removal of alien invasives) are currently under investigation by the task team since a sustainable solution is required to manage the situation,” the departments said.
The spraying of glyphosate over water hyacinth choking up the Vaal River has been stopped due to safety concerns. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:18
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SA commemorates World Obesity Day
SA commemorates World Obesity Day
As the country joins the global community to mark World Obesity Day, the Department of Health has urged people to engage in regular physical activity and follow a balanced eating plan.
World Obesity Day is aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of obesity root causes and actions needed to address them, and tackling the associated stigma.
Obesity has become one of the biggest health crises faced by people today around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, claiming at least 2.8 million lives annually, while 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity in 2022.
“Evidence shows that interventions (such as improved diet and physical activity) introduced to tackle obesity have the potential benefits to reduce the incidence of NCDs and its burden on healthcare spending, individuals and their families.
“The Department of Health urges people to engage in regular physical activity; drink [sufficient] water; serve the correct amount of food to avoid overeating; limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and fat, and snack on fresh vegetables and fruits instead of salty snacks or sugary treats,” the department said in a statement.
The department highlighted that the rise in obesity poses a serious challenge to public health worldwide, with South Africa being amongst the countries with the highest overweight and obesity rates.
According to the 2016 national survey, 68% of women and 31% of men are either overweight or obese, while 13% of children under the age of 5 are overweight.
In terms of obesity, at least 41% of women have obesity, with 20% of them falling in the severe obesity category. In contrast, only 11% of men have obesity. The prevalence of obesity among women rose from 27% in 1998 to 41% in 2016. There was very little change in obesity amongst men, with only a 2% increase during the same period.
“These worrying figures underscore the need for effective prevention interventions to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles and setting nutrition standards for food and beverages provided in places like Early Child Development Centres, schools, community nutrition development centres and other feeding programmes,” the department said.
The department said the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among people contributes to the onset of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and cancer, which are currently the biggest threats to health and development among populations.
Women with obesity are at increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, induced labour, and are less likely to initiate breastfeeding. On the other hand, obese men are at a higher risk of developing cancers of the colon, rectum and erectile dysfunction.
“The words obesity and overweight are often confused and used interchangeably. However, these are two related health conditions with slightly different meanings. Overweight is when a body mass index (a value derived from the mass and height of a person) is greater than or equal to 25, whereas obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30,” the department explained.
The department said while many people exercise day and night to keep fit and healthy, it is important to know the 80/20 rule for weight loss, which emphasises that nutrition contributes 80% and routine exercise contributes only 20% when it comes to losing weight.
“This means that as long as you don’t make healthier food choices, physical activities will do less to reduce obesity.
“The department urges employers to support efforts by government and other stakeholders by creating healthy and productive working environments for employees as part of health and wellness programmes.
“This includes establishing wellness centres and serving healthier food menus in their canteens,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:54
653 views
Rubber crumb bitumen – where Mathe Group’s recycled rubber hits the road.
The use of large amounts of recycled rubber crumb for the manufacture of road surfaces and related products is propelling South Africa towards a circular economy. Waste products are usefully used to address key infrastructure needs, says Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group The company recycles approximately 1 000 …
Large Prize Pool Announced For Rip Curl Surf Events At Port Alfred Easter Festival
Port Alfred – The prizes have been announced for the two RIP CURL Tournaments, the Rip Curl GromSearch and the Rip Curl Cup, both presented by the Royal St Andrews Hotel. Both events will take place at East Beach in Port Alfred over the Easter Weekend during the Port Alfred Easter Festival. There will be a …
Policy to improve water, sanitation services on privately-owned land
Policy to improve water, sanitation services on privately-owned land
Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has launched a landmark policy aimed at improving the delivery of water and sanitation services on privately-owned land.
The launch took place on Friday at Cool Air Sport Grounds in Dalton under the uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The launch was part of activities planned for National Water Month, which is observed annually in March.
READ | DWS kick-starts National Water Month
The Water and Sanitation Services on Privately Owned Land Policy was propelled by a court case in 2019, which sought to enforce the provision of basic services to farm dwellers and others who reside on privately-owned land in different parts of the country.
Following this, the department developed a policy, which underwent extensive nationwide consultative processes for 90 days from December 2022 to March 2023. It was subsequently approved by Cabinet on 29 November 2023 for implementation.
Addressing hundreds of farm dwellers attending the policy launch held collaboratively with uMngeni-uThukela Water, the Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA), uMgungundlovu District and uMshwati Municipality, Mchunu reiterated the department’s commitment to ensure equitable provision of water and sanitation services.
“The purpose of the policy is to outline government’s intentions regarding water and sanitation services provision to residents living on privately-owned land.
“It establishes a framework for enhancing water and sanitation services provision in such areas, with specific strategies to be developed at provincial, district and local municipal levels. We are not here to just say we are launching the policy and then leave it there.
“We have measures put in place to ensure the effective and successful implementation of this policy, working collaboratively with other sister departments, civil society organisations and all spheres of government,” he said.
A comprehensive status quo analysis has been done by uMgungundlovu District Municipality in response to the 2019 court judgment.
Thus far, four boreholes in uMngeni, two in iMpendle, one in uMshwathi, nine in Mkhambathini and two in Richmond have been developed to ensure access to clean water.
A total of 231 basic sanitation facilities have been provided within the uMngungundlovu District Municipality.
Added to this, uMsunduzi Local Municipality has started with the planning process and has conducted a census of all farms under their jurisdiction needing clean water and safe sanitation services. This will enable them to allocate resources and start with the implementation of the policy.
Mchunu emphasised the commitment to implement the policy nationwide, not only in KwaZulu-Natal.
“As much as the policy is being launched under the uMgungundlovu District, its implementation will cover all corners of South Africa. We are calling upon all stakeholders to avail their resources and work alongside the department to ensure the full implementation of the policy.
“This policy is not just a document, but a programme of action to provide basic services to people living on privately-owned land,” Mchunu said.
The launch of the policy marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the Department of Water and Sanitation and the sector as a whole.
It is a commitment to a shared future where communities thrive, the environment flourishes, and every individual experiences the dignity that comes with access to basic water supply and sanitation services.
The launch provided residents, stakeholders and duty-bearers with a comprehensive understanding of the policy's key features and benefits, which includes improved access to reliable and safe water sources, enhanced service delivery and increased transparency and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 11:45
111 views
2024 a critical milestone in South Africa’s history
2024 a critical milestone in South Africa's history
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, says the year 2024 represents a critical milestone in the country’s history, as it reflects and celebrates 30 years of the democratic dispensation.
“Part of this journey of reflection requires that we critically engage in the performance of the State and society more broadly in responding to the pressing developmental needs of our people,” said the Minister on Friday.
Ramokgopa was addressing the National Planning Commission’s Strategic Lekgotla, which was convened under the theme, 'National Planning Commission (NPC): Taking the NDP Forward'.
Ramokgopa said along the journey of building a democratic society, South Africans have been empowered with key development plans and programmes, including the Freedom Charter of 1955; the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) of 1994; the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996; the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) of 1996; the National Development Plan (NDP) of 2012, and the Medium Term Strategic Frameworks under each administration, amongst others.
“Therefore, we are convinced and have evidence to prove that South Africa today is completely different from the South Africa we inherited in 1994,” Ramokgopa said.
She said the road to democracy is one characterised by years of struggle, resistance, resilience and unity under a common agenda for the liberation of South Africans.
“We must never find ourselves trivialising the hard-earned gains of our young democracy. Instead, we must find ways collectively to defend and advance these gains for the Tintswalos and many before and after her.
“We must also look at the state of the 35 - 45 years population cohort, who are the cohort immediately before Tintswalos.
“This cohort would have benefitted from the youth focused development programmes rolled out by government in the last 30 years, and it would be valuable to assess their state of socio-economic wellbeing to assess the impact of these programmes,” Ramokgopa said.
As the country approaches the end of the 6th administration, the Minister said it must be able to interrogate, plan and develop mitigation strategies that are associated with a transition of this nature.
“South Africa today is faced with a political environment that is charged, and if not managed properly, it has the potential to diminish democratic gains.
“We also need to robustly engage in the disjuncture between local and national government, and its impact on the populace, particularly the poor and working class, in terms of the provision of basic services, including access to clean water,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 10:01
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Komani’s unusable R20-million “sport facility”
“What we got was nothing compared to what we were promised,” says resident
DWS kick-starts National Water Month
DWS kick-starts National Water Month
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will be embarking on advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month.
Today, the department kick-starts National Water Month, which is conceptualised along the annual commemoration of World Water Day.
World Water Day is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and is observed on 22 March.
The UN uses World Water Day to focus attention on the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, with the aim of aspiring nations to commit to long-term action.
This is to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030, while not impacting the environment.
World Water Day also brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
This year’s Water Day will be observed under the theme, 'Leveraging Water for Peace', which encourages communities and countries to use water as a tool for peace, when cooperating over this precious shared resource.
The theme also highlights that water can spark and intensify conflict when access is denied and usage unfairly shared.
The department said National Water Month will be used to reflect and deliver the department’s mandate in response to these challenges, with the strategies to avoid the projected deficit.
Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land
The ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately owned land, scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal, will be the highlight of this year’s National Water Month.
“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch this holistic policy with the intention of unifying and simplifying the provision and regulation of sustainable and equitable water services to residents living on privately-owned land,” the department said.
The month-long activities will also see Mchunu visiting Limpopo to assess progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which will benefit 24 villages.
This follows his commitment to accelerate the project through, among others, optimisation of the Giyani water treatment works to its original capacity and increase the project scope to ensure 55 villages benefit from the scheme. This is through funds allocated for reticulation and expanding access to yard connections.
To this end, the department said 24 villages are in various stages of construction and some of the villages will soon be receiving water in their taps.
“Minister Mchunu will also meet with his four counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to sign the amendment of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) by the four riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.
“The agreement signed in 2003, will be amended to formalise the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers to be the main policy and decision-making body on transboundary, water resource management issues in the Limpopo River Basin,” the department said.
The department has reiterated its call to all South Africans to make a difference by changing the way they use, drink and manage water in their respective lives.
“South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global annual average of 814mm. Thus, it has limited water availability, which is diminishing compared to other countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:58
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Mpumalanga Premier reflects on 30 years of freedom
Mpumalanga Premier reflects on 30 years of freedom
Despite the challenges faced by the country, government has made an undeniable mark in changing the lives of people for the better in the 30 years of freedom, says Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, Mtshweni-Tsipane reflected on the gains that government has made since the dawn of democracy.
“When we were elected to office in 1994, our population was a mere 3.3million people. Today, Mpumalanga is home to 5.1 million people.
“The gross domestic product (GDP), that is the value of goods and services produced in Mpumalanga, was R46 billion. Today, our economy has grown in leaps and bounds to more than R530 billion, 12 times bigger than what it was, becoming the fourth largest economy in the country,” the Premier said.
In 1996, there were around 627 000 people employed in the province. The economy now employs more than 1.25 million people.
The percentage of people living below the lower bound poverty line has improved drastically from 64% in 1996 to 49.5% in 2022.
“This is supplemented by the provision of a wider safety security net that includes the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, the Old Age Pension Grant, the Child Support Grant and the Care Dependency Grants, to name but a few examples," the Premier said.
Education, basic services
Mtshweni-Tsipane said there has been a "phenomenal" growth in access to education in the province, with the Statistics South Africa General Household Survey findings indicating that the percentage of seven to 17-year-olds attending school in Mpumalanga province stands at 98%.
“The throughput rate has improved from 46% in 2019 to 72% in 2023.
“Before 1994, thousands of children from poor families attended classes on an empty stomach. They had to endure traveling long distances to attend school. Today one million children in this province from poor backgrounds enjoy free hot meals served at their respective schools,” the Premier said.
Approximately 75 000 students are transported to school daily through the scholar transport programme.
Government has built six state-of-the-art boarding schools to restore the dignity and the plight of farm dweller children and improve the quality of education.
“Prior to 1994, teenage girls from poor background would miss school due to unaffordable sanitary towels. Today, government has restored the dignity of the girl child. A total of 96 077 girl children in quintile one schools are provided with sanitary towels," the Premier said.
In 1994, the province had no universities. There were only a few technical colleges.
“Today, Mpumalanga is home to four universities, which are the University of Mpumalanga, the Tshwane University of Technology, the Vaal University of Technology, and the University of South Africa. We are also home to two private universities, which are Eduvos and Regenesys.
“In 1994, there were 89 public libraries. Today, we have 123 fully equipped public libraries, translating to 34 newly built libraries in townships and rural villages,” the Premier said.
In 1994, only a few households had access to piped clean water and proper sanitation.
"Today, 87% of households in Mpumalanga have access to clean water and more than 93% have access to adequate sanitation. More than 94% of all residents in Mpumalanga have access to electricity," Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
Health
In 1994, the infant mortality rate in Mpumalanga was 80 per 1 000 live births. That figure stands at 11.2 per 1000 live births.
“Before the advent of our democracy, the life expectancy of our people in this province was hovering around 50 years and lower. Today, our people are living longer, with women averaging 65.8 years and men 60.7 years. We would like to see these figures rising to an average of 75 and 70 years respectively.
“One of the reasons our people are living longer and healthier is because our government has an extensive TB and HIV/AIDS treatment programmes, which have assisted in prolonging the lives of those affected,” the Premier said.
Land
In 1994, more than 85% of land in Mpumalanga was in the hands of the minority. Currently, about 1 767 370 hectares of land have been acquired and transferred to the hands of the previously disadvantaged through the land reform programmes of restitution and redistribution.
“Of this land, over 555 000 hectares of land has been restituted back to our people through communal property associations, benefitting in excess of 110 000 beneficiaries, which include women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“From our agricultural support programmes, like Masibuyele Esibayeni and Masibuyele eMasimini for emerging farmers, we are supporting farmers with livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, pig and chickens,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
Housing
The provincial government has built 236 395 low-cost houses for the most vulnerable.
“We have serviced 65 538 sites for the missing middle category, those who do not qualify for subsidised houses but also not qualifying for bank funded bonds. In total, this translates to 301 833 housing opportunities created.
“We have also issued 88 551 title deeds to the homeowners, guaranteeing their rights and the rights of their descendants to the ownership of such properties for life,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:11
564 views