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Mchunu reaffirms commitment to deliver quality water services

Location: News

Mchunu reaffirms commitment to deliver quality water services

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to continue efforts to ensure that citizens receive quality water services.

This comes as the department released the 2023 full Blue Drop and No Drop reports on drinking water quality, provision and wastewater management in the country.

The reports were released simultaneously with the awards for the best performing municipalities ceremony held on Tuesday to recognise the top-performing Water Services Authorities (WSAs) of 2023.

The Blue Drop Report evaluated all 958 water supply systems (WSSs) across 144 water services authorities. The evaluations considered factors such as infrastructure conditions, maintenance, operation, treatment processes, and staff expertise.

The No Drop Report focused on water losses and non-revenue water in all municipalities in the country.

The reports revealed a decline in drinking water quality and an increase in non-revenue water since the last reports issued in 2014.

Decline in water supply systems 

According to the Blue Drop Report, only 26 water supply systems were able to achieve scores above 95% and qualified for the prestigious Blue Drop Certification. This is an overall decline from 2014, where 44 WSSs were awarded Blue Drop status. 

The report revealed that the number of water supply systems in a critical state of performance increased from 174 in 2014 to 277 in 2023, indicating a significant decline in excellence between 2014 and 2023.

Drinking water systems in the major metropolitan areas were found to be generally performing well in terms of the Blue Drop key performance areas, with Gauteng having the highest percentage of drinking water systems with excellent or good performance (62%), followed by the Western Cape (50%).

In Gauteng, three municipalities have received National Blue Drop Certification.

These include Meyerton water supply system (provided by Rand Water Bulk Water Service) in Midvaal Local Municipality; Ekurhuleni water supply systems (provided by Rand Water Bulk Service), and the Greater Johannesburg water supply system (provided by Rand Water Bulk water supply systems).

“The water supply disruptions, which have been experienced in Gauteng in recent months, are caused by the demand for treated water occasionally exceeding the available supply of treated water,” Mchunu said.

The Northern Cape has the highest percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance (87%), and this has deteriorated from 48% in 2014. 

In the Free State, the percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance has also deteriorated markedly between 2014 (31%) and 2023 (59%).

Based on water quality tests carried out by municipalities during the 2021/2022 municipal financial year, the report showed that 54% of water supply systems achieved excellent or good microbiological water quality compliance, while 46% achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance. 

While only 5% of water supply systems achieved poor or bad microbiological water quality compliance in 2014, the report noted a generally good drinking water quality in the major metropolitan areas.

The Blue Drop assessment further found that 85% of drinking water systems were in an average or better infrastructure condition. It noted that Gauteng has the lowest shortfalls of qualified staff, while the Northern Cape has the highest shortfalls of qualified staff.

Increase in non-revenue water 

The 2023 No Drop assessment found that the national non-revenue water (NRW) increased from 37% in 2014 to 47% in 2023. The international average for non-revenue water is 30%.

The report attributed this to physical losses, including water leaking out of pipes above or underground, poorly functioning or non-existent water meters, illegal connections, and poor billing and revenue collection. 

Four WSAs scored more than 90% and qualified for the prestigious No Drop Certification.

In order to reduce non-revenue water, Mchunu said municipalities need to improve the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure; repair leaks; improve metering, billing, revenue collection and debtor management; improve pressure management, and engage in community education and awareness, among other measures.

Mchunu said the department is working collaboratively with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, including the Municipal Infrastructure Agency, Department of Human Settlements and National Treasury to address the findings of the Drop reports, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (SDG6) by 2030.

“Action plans have been developed to address the key findings in the worst performing municipalities. These action plans include the provision of grants worth more than R20 billion per annum to municipalities, technical and engineering support and assistance, capacity building and training, and financial management advice and support,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 10:23

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Mashatile calls on leaders to rededicate themselves to Madiba’s vision

Location: News

Mashatile calls on leaders to rededicate themselves to Madiba's vision

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has taken time in Parliament to honour former President Nelson Mandela and called on leaders to recommit themselves to the former statesman's vision of providing a better life for all South Africans.  

“Today we stand on the shoulders of a great giant, former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who left us exactly on this day 10 years ago in 2013. 

“On an occasion such this, we recall his wisdom and tenacity in fighting the apartheid system and dedication to building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society,” Mashatile said on Tuesday. 

The country’s second-in-command was delivering the annual address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town, which was  sitting for its last session of 2023.  

“We do not only recall but rededicate ourselves to the vision of our founding President - that of building a better life for all. 

“It is, therefore, a great honour to deliver the last annual address to the National Council of Provinces, for the sixth administration, despite it being my first annual address.” 

Mashatile told Parliamentarians that the end of the sixth administration provides an opportunity to reflect and contemplate the future of governance in South Africa. 

The Deputy President's speech focused on accelerating the provision of social services, safety, and the advancement of economic reforms for economic recovery in the people's interest. 

“As the theme suggests, the current situation requires immediate prioritisation and acceleration of providing essential social services, ensuring individual safety, and implementing comprehensive economic reforms for a swift recovery.” 

Mashatile believes the measures are crucial for a sustainable and prosperous future through social policy transformation. 

“We cannot talk about the progress we have made in shaping the future of our people if we do not reflect on where we come from as a nation.

“We can unequivocally state that South Africa is in a much better place now than it was 29 years ago.”

Citing the 2022 Census Report, the Deputy President said government has made significant inroads in undoing the legacy of decades of apartheid spatial planning and its consequences on the lives and livelihoods of South Africans. 

“We have accelerated the provision of social services over the past few years by investing in education, healthcare, housing, water and sanitation, among other things.

“Although this is expected as standard practice, the progress achieved in recent years indicates that efforts to ensure adequate access to social services have been accelerated,” he added. 

He also emphasised the role of Parliament, especially the role of delegates in the NCOP, which is constitutionally mandated to ensure that the interests of communities. 

“Using these mechanisms, the Executive can intervene and quickly respond to identified service delivery hotspots through targeted Service Delivery Improvement Plans. 

“The National Council of Provinces further uniquely promotes the principles of Cooperative Government and Intergovernmental Relations.” 

Mashatile is of the view that Parliament has done very well in processing priority legislative proposals, considering interruptions caused by the July 2021 unrests, the burning of the National Assembly, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On 29 March 2023, the Deputy President said the Cabinet approved 42 Bills in the 2023 Legislative Programme, while 22 Bills have already been introduced to Parliament as of 25 November 2023. 

 As of 30 November 2023, there were 17 Bills before NCOP Committees. 

“We remain optimistic that all of these critical Bills will have been passed by the end of this administration.” 

He also called on all stakeholders, including business, civil society, inside and outside NEDLAC, and more importantly, political parties, to take advantage of Parliamentary processes. 

These include public hearings, petitions, written proposals, and other consultative forums to deposit their views, complaints, and progressive proposals that will contribute to the seamless processing of legislative proposals. 

“Delays in passing of critical Bills affect the provision of basic services.” 

The Deputy President said the sixth administration is also committed to transforming the economy along a developmental growth path to create decent jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 08:00

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Government departments urged to pay suppliers on time

Location: News

Government departments urged to pay suppliers on time

Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says out of 40 national government departments, only 15 have fully complied with the policy on timeous payment of service providers.

Gxoyiya on Tuesday addressed media in Pretoria on the PSC’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: ‘The Pulse of the Public Service’.

According to the PSC, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by the national and provincial departments amounts to 117 158, with the rand value of R11.1 billion.  This represents a regression of 12% when compared with the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national and provincial departments during the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to 104 937 invoices, with the rand value of R8.6 billion.

Gxoyiya encouraged the departments that are compliant to maintain their performance and continue to pay all legitimate invoices from suppliers within 30 days, as required by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its related prescripts.

“The rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year amounted to R1.2 billion, and this indicates a regression of 126% when compared to the rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to R530 million,” said Gxoyiya.

The most common reasons provided by both the national and provincial departments for the late or non-payment of invoices are interruptions caused by poor internal controls, internal capacity, and budget constraints.

“North West provincial departments reported the second highest invoices paid after 30 days, amounting to 12 988 invoices, with the rand value of R880 million during the same period.

“In contrast, Eastern Cape provincial departments reported the highest number of invoices older than 30 days amounting to 25 789, with the rand value of R2.3 billion at the end of June 2023,” Gxoyiya said.

According to the PSC, the main contributing departments towards late or non-payment of invoices at national level are the Departments of Home Affairs; Correctional Services; Defence; Military Veterans; South African Police Service; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Transport; Water and Sanitation; Public Works and Infrastructure; Health, and Tourism.

Gxoyiya advocated for transparency in dealing with public finances.

“Transparency is subtly intertwined with accountability... Transparency is pivotal to democracy and accountability, as well as upholding the principles of responsiveness and efficiency.

“In many ways, democracy is government by explanation because in an open and democratic society, government should be accountable for its actions and decisions, which should be informed by rational considerations that are explicable to those affected by them,” Gxoyiya said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 13:34

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‘Tis the sea-sun for outdoor adventures on the KZN South Coast

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KZN South Coast is: Destination…summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy from the sea to the sky! “Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, and we’re so fortunate …

Read more‘Tis the sea-sun for outdoor adventures on the KZN South Coast

Local government should be covered by fulltime beat reporters

Location: News

Local government should be covered by fulltime beat reporters

Local government is an important sphere of government and should be covered by fulltime beat reporters in newsrooms, writes Lakela Kaunda.

Local government is regarded as the most important sphere of government as it is closest to the people. It delivers basic services that people require daily, such as water, electricity, good roads, refuse removal and cutting grass on the verges of roads. It is also at the local government level that people experience the work of government directly. A citizen or resident may never see a Minister until the end of a government term, but they are likely to know the local mayor or councillor.

The local government sphere also bears responsibility for promoting local economic development and to provide a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive and create jobs in the respective municipalities. A dysfunctional or distressed municipality becomes a threat to social cohesion and to economic growth and development. It also becomes an obstacle to the achievement of the apex goal of building a better life for all, especially the poor and the working class, as promised by President Nelson Mandela in 1994.

There are 257 municipalities in South Africa, made up of eight metropolitan, 44 districts and 205 local municipalities.  Essentially, given the country’s wall-to-wall local government system, everyone stays in a ward and every business enterprise is located in a ward. Due to the importance of local government, its work should be reported on consistently and continuously by the media. This should not be done only when there is a crisis, a scandal or major reports of corruption or maladministration in a particular municipality. Consistent reporting on municipal council meetings, analysing council budgets and expenditure, scrutinising and monitoring the delivery of services and infrastructure and covering ward committee meetings contributes to deepening democracy in the country as it promotes oversight and accountability and enhances the media’s watchdog role.

I undertook a research study of the role of mainstream commercial newspapers in deepening democracy in local government, for my public affairs doctoral thesis at Tshwane University of Technology. The study investigated the editorial policies and practices of newspapers and the model used for the coverage of local government, especially whether they had employed fulltime reporters or beat reporters to cover the sphere on an ongoing basis. Beat reporting is the practice of assigning special subjects to reporters for them to exclusively focus on, for example crime, sports, business, politics, or environmental affairs.

The study established that the press contributed meaningfully to deepening democracy through performing a watchdog role exposing corruption, maladministration or service delivery failures. However, this contribution was limited by the fact that local government was not prioritised as a special subject like politics, business or sports. Most newspapers do not have reporters that cover local government exclusively and assign general or political reporters on an ad-hoc basis. The study recommended a new model, the Media Watchdog and Development Model, which elevates local government to a special subject with fulltime reporters. The model also integrates the commercial liberal ideological outlook with the development communication paradigm. This means that the media would not ignore developmental stories such as the need for a bridge or road that would improve the lives of the people in a certain community. They would run such a story alongside a breaking news story which would boost newspaper sales and suit the commercial imperatives.

The beat reporting system is advantageous as it enables follow ups and staying with the story monitoring developments. When a building goes on fire in central Johannesburg every media house descends on the premises. After a few days or even less, the media would have relocated to other stories.  A municipal reporter will stay with the story and provide updates on what has happened to the victims and survivors and whether all the deceased were identified as well as their names. They would scrutinise the discussions in council and subcommittees and keep track of the work being done by relevant municipal departments to eliminate the problem of dangerous and hijacked buildings in the city. The media would therefore play the watchdog and oversight role in a more systematic and institutionalised manner.

The study was also encouraged by the difficulties facing the local government sphere. Marked progress has been made in the transformation of local government and the delivery of services since the dawn of democracy in 1994. This has been outlined in the various studies including the Statistics SA’s 2022 Population Count Census result as released in October 2023 (Statistics SA, 2023 link). The Census indicated that access to basic services had generally shown an upward trend from 2001 to 2022. Over 80% of households in the country had access to piped water, either inside their dwellings or inside their yards. The results also recorded an improvement in refuse removal. There was an increase in households whose refuse was removed at least once a week by a local authority/private service from 52,1% in Census 1996 to 66,3% in Census 2022. Electricity access has also expanded with more than 90% of households having access to electricity for lighting. This is a marked increase from the 58% recorded in 1996.

However, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) releases annual audit reports which indicate poor governance, financial management and administration by municipalities, the point at which the services must be delivered. In the 2019/20 local government audit report, the AGSA announced that only 27 municipalities obtained clean audit outcomes, with only 28% being able to submit quality financial statements for audit purposes. The 2021/22 Municipal Audit Report described the local government sphere as characterised by accountability and service delivery failures, poor governance, weak institutional capacity and instability.

Municipal beat reporting is not only about bad news. It is also about reporting on positive developments in communities such as sporting and education achievements, entrepreneurial activities or work that build communities and which encourages community participation in improving the quality of life. In this way, the poor would not only feature in newspapers when there are violent protests in their residential areas or when they are victims of disasters.  A key benefit for journalism is that local government beat reporting would develop a corps of expert reporters who understand the intricacies of local government, which is a highly legislated and regulated sphere.

An obstacle to beat journalism for local government could be the commercial constraints facing print media. The business model has changed. Scores of readers are migrating online and obtain their stories and updates from social media sources. Online giants such as Facebook or Google also provide stiff competition and grab the advertising spend.  The effect of COVID-19 on the print media was also severe as newspapers faced both an advertising and circulation decrease which led to the closure of some newspapers and magazines as well as job losses. The South African National Editors Forum produced a report on the impact of COVID-19 on the media which outlines the devastation.

Commercial constraints notwithstanding, nothing can take the place of having informed journalists who focus on a particular beat and develop sources and expertise in a particular field. This is currently the case for the sports, politics and business beats. Local government should be elevated to the same level.

*Dr Lakela Kaunda is a former newspaper editor and government communication executive and is currently a deputy director-general in a national government department.

This article was published by Politicsweb on 1 December 2023.

 

 

Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 09:49

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Mchunu checks progress on Sekhukhune water projects

Location: News

Mchunu checks progress on Sekhukhune water projects

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says he is concerned over delays in the implementation of water infrastructure projects, which are meant to benefit the community of Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo. 

Mchunu on Friday met with Sekhukhune District Executive Mayor Minah Bahula, including the leadership of Lebalelo Water Users Association (WUA), and traditional leaders in the district.

Mchunu and his Deputy David Mahlobo visited the district on Friday to assess progress made in the Olifants Management Model Programme (OMM).

The Minister highlighted the Moutse Water Supply Scheme, which is going to address the long-standing water supply challenges in Moutse (under Elias Motsoaledi Municipality), as well as the Olifants Management Model Programme (OMM) by the Lebalelo Water Users Association.

Mchunu said this will address water challenges in the entire Sekhukhune District.

The OMM programme is a R27 billion infrastructure development project that was launched in October last year at Ga-Malekana, Burgersfort. The project is a 50/50 public-private partnership between the Department of Water and Sanitation and Lebalelo WUA.  

“The OMM programme includes the Olifants River Water Resources Development Project (ORWRDP), which will construct, operate and maintain defined bulk water infrastructure from Flag Boshielo and De Hoop Dams.

“The project will also expand to include potable water infrastructure provisioning to about 52 000 households (250 000 people) in Sekhukhune District and Mogalakwena Local Municipality,” Mchunu said. 

Mchunu also called for the establishment of a steering committee for the project to develop catch-up plans and interim measures to be taken to ensure water augmentation. 

Regarding Moutse Bulk Water Supply, the Minister called for the finalisation of the project, which is 97% complete. 

“There are long-completed sections of the project, and the remaining ones should be completed to expedite water supply to Moutse communities and the surrounding areas,” Mchunu said.

The Moutse Bulk Water Project will also be augmented by the cross-boundary Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Project, which abstracts water from Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga. It will supply water to 21 villages under Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, as well as eight villages in Moutse-East in Limpopo.

Findings on R143 million drought relief project

During his engagement with the Moutse community, Mchunu gave feedback on the investigation he commissioned around the R143 million drought relief project, which was meant to address water supply challenges in Moutse, with Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) as the implementing agent.  
 
Mchunu said the findings revealed that LNW appointed AES Consulting CC in 2020 for the development and refurbishment of boreholes, and installation of 2 000 x 5 000L water tanks on a turnkey basis. 

“The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had also investigated the procurement processes that were followed to appoint service providers for this project and no irregularities were noted. It was found that the service providers were appointed through an open tender process.

“However, the department’s forensic investigations established that the delivery of water to communities was infrequent and this results in communities procuring water from community-based water sellers. Some of the water tanks have been stolen and there is no accountability over the remaining water tanks,” the Minister said.

The forensic investigation also included the joint engagement between LNW, as the implementing agent, and Sekhukhune District Municipality. 

“Both the institutions were encouraged to account for their individual responsibilities in the project by ensuring consistent water supply to the communities by water tankers at regular intervals. Sekhukhune District Municipality should also monitor the supply of water to communities by the drivers, and keep adequate documentation,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:03

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Our position to tackle climate action must leave no one behind – President 

Location: News

Our plan to tackle climate action must leave no one behind – President 

As the country grapples with an energy crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has used the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, known as COP28, to emphasise that the nation's transition towards equitable energy will align closely with South Africa’s developmental objectives.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said in pursuing a measured, realistic and sustainable transition towards a low-carbon economy and society, the foremost priority is to secure the future of all South Africans and that no one is left behind. 

“As a country in the midst of an energy crisis, we were clear at COP28 that the pace of our just energy transition will be guided by our developmental priorities. Our JET Implementation Plan makes it clear that we can take effective action against climate change while pursuing energy security for all our people.

“Even as we confront several challenges, we are clear about the path we must take to tackle climate change and protect our country from its effects,” the President said.

The President attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference where important decisions taken so far will affect the future of the planet.

He said the discussions at COP28 have significant implications for South Africa and its people.

The President added that the impact of climate change is a measurable reality in South Africa, with poor, rural communities in particular bearing the brunt.

The overriding message the country took to COP28 is that climate commitments will be implemented in a manner that both addresses the current energy crisis and strengthens efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment. 

The country’s JET Implementation Plan focuses on expanding investment in transmission networks, investment in new energy vehicles and harnessing the potential of the green hydrogen economy. 
 
“Decarbonising our energy sector has become even more urgent in the face of carbon border taxes and other measures being taken by developed economies in the name of fighting climate change.

“These measures are going to hurt many countries with developing economies, making their exports less competitive and making them bear the economic burden of climate action. It is for these reasons that the South African delegation to COP28 spoke out against these unilateral actions,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the country already has sustainable, measurable and science-driven programmes in place to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. These include a successful renewable energy procurement programme, biodiversity and conservation management, air quality management, as well as successful natural resource management programmes such as Working on Fire, Working for the Coast and Working for Water. 

“But if we are to implement these and the other actions outlined in the JET Investment Plan we – like all other developing economies – will require massive financial support from those countries whose development has been the primary cause of climate change.

“The countries that have contributed most to global warming must support those countries that now bear the brunt of its effects,” the President said.

South Africa expressed its concern that developed economies are still not meeting their obligations to support developing countries with the finance, technology and capacity building needed for effective climate actions. 

He said the funding that has been channelled through entities like the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund has been negligible. 

“The operationalisation at COP28 of a fund to help vulnerable countries with loss and damage caused by climate change is a step in the right direction, but it will need substantial funding if it is to fulfil its purpose.

“For the transition to lower carbon economies to be just, affected communities cannot live on promises. Workers and communities currently dependent on coal and other fossil fuel industries need viable alternative livelihoods,” the President said. 

The plan, which he announced at COP27 last year, outlines the path towards reducing the carbon emissions of the energy sector, which is the largest contributor towards South Africa’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan focuses on investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development and municipal electricity distribution.

“It emphasises that this transition must be underpinned by engagement and in partnership with workers, communities, business and civil society. Importantly, the plan also includes interventions to support affected communities, notably in Mpumalanga, where most of our country’s coal-fired power stations are located,” he said.

While in Dubai, the President visited the South Africa pavilion where he was shown a striking artwork called the Umlibo tapestry which was made by a group of rural women from Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:22

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Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023

On Monday, 04 December, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will host the 28th session of the African commission on agricultural statistics at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.

On Tuesday, 05 December, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will release the Drop Reports on drinking water quality, provision and waste water management in the country.

On Wednesday, 06 December, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters will officially launch the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility project and hand over business equipment to over 70 beneficiaries who are operating around Mangaung, Free State.

On Thursday, 07 December, the Presidential District Development Model Oversight Imbizo will be taking place in the Matjhabeng Municipality in the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province.

Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:09

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

Location: News

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it is implementing a comprehensive plan including longer border post operating times and more boots on the ground for its festive season operations.

This according to the BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.

He said the BMA expects at least six million people to move through South Africa’s borders during the festive season.

Masiapato said the BMA has engaged with South Africa’s six immediate neighbouring countries on the “synchronisation of processes and other work modalities” including working hours.

“While some of our busiest ports already operate on a 24-hour basis, the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has already approved our request to extend the operating hours on other identified critical ports on certain dates that we agreed with our immediate neighbouring countries,” he said.

The following working hours will now be operational at ports of entry:

  • Grobler’s Bridge to Botswana: 6am to midnight on 15, 16, 22 and 23 December
  • Swartkopfontein to Botswana: 6am to 8pm from 14 to 17 December, 22 to 24 December, 2 to 4 January as well as 13 and 15 January
  • Kosi Bay to Mozambique: 6am to 6pm from 14 December to 14 January
  • Mahamba to Swaziland: 7am to midnight on 15, 23, 24 December
  • Jeppes Reef to Swaziland: 7am to 10pm from 22 December to 2 January
  • Mananga to Swaziland: 7am to 8pm from 18 to 23 December
  • Sanipass to Lesotho: 6am to 8pm on 15, 16 December as well as 21 to 24 December
  • Caledonspoort:  6am to midnight 15, 16 and 23 December and 2 January. On 22 December, the port will operate for 24 hours.
  • Van Rooyensgate: 6am to midnight on 15, 16 and 24 December as well as 8 January. It will operate for 24 hours on 23 December and 2 January
  • Monontsa Pass: 7am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January
  • Pekabridge: 8am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January

“In addition, we will be deploying about 380 additional personnel at the selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support during this period. There are also a number of senior members from the Border Technical Committee (BTC) who have been allocated individual ports for their visitation during the identified critical dates to provide support to the operational teams on the ground,” he said.

Load shedding

Masiapato said additional infrastructure has also been sought including generators to mitigate the effects of load shedding on operations.

“After engagement with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), they will be providing additional infrastructure such as temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, Jojo tankers for the provision of water to the travellers at the identified critical land ports.

“In addition, generators with the appropriate un-interrupted power system are well serviced ready to provide required energy during instances of load shedding. We have also deployed additional IT support teams to various ports to immediately address any kind of system glitches experienced on the ground,” Masiapato said.

Illegal activities

He emphasised that the BMA will also be keeping a close eye on any illegal activity.

“We would also be focusing on curbing illegal movement of persons and goods with specific focus on cross-border organised criminal elements and other general crimes perpetrated in the ports of entry and border law enforcement area.

“We have put all measures in place to detect and confiscate narcotics, contraband, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We therefore want to urge all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality as they will be detected, arrested, declared undesirable, and then deported. 

“On the corridors leading to our land ports of entry, we would like to urge all drivers to desist from disregarding existing traffic laws, including instructions from the traffic officers on the ground as that has the potential to cause traffic jams which poses serious challenges of traffic flow towards our ports entry. Drivers are encouraged to accordingly follow the que and in no time, they would be assisted,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:21

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SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Location: News

SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has commended the Cuban government for its continued solidarity with the people of South Africa, particularly in the field of water and sanitation.

“The unwavering support that we receive from the Cuban government has been amazing and we will forever be grateful for their commitment in ensuring that South Africa is developed into a better state and achieve a great life for its people,” Mahlobo said.

He was speaking during the 7th South Africa-Cuba High Level Panel meeting with Cuba’s Institute of National Hydraulic Resources first Vice President, Bladimir Matos Moya, and a contingent of Cuban engineers deployed to South Africa as part of a long-standing cooperation between the two states.

During the meeting held in Pretoria this week, South Africa and Cuba reviewed the existing cooperation agreement between the two States in the areas of geo-hydrology and engineering services. 

The two also committed to continue working together and strengthening the existing relations.

“The expertise from Cuban engineers has assisted our country and our department a great deal in improving our technical capacity to manage our water infrastructure,” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister commended the experienced engineers from Cuba for imparting their vast knowledge into up-and-coming engineers at the department.

The department has a Learning Academy which is tasked with unearthing young engineers to bridge the skills gap in the water sector. 

“We offer bursaries and then absorb young engineers upon completion of their studies, and we capacitate to acquire the required skills in many ways. This is where the expertise of Cuban engineers come in, to equip our newly graduated engineers to become better,” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that water security is dependent on how the country manages its infrastructure and water resources, saying this can be achieved through cooperation with like-minded and developed countries.

The current cooperation agreement between the two States, which was entered into in 2020, is set to lapse in 2025 and upon which, a new agreement is expected to be entered into until 2030.

Mahlobo said the 25 engineers assisting South Africa have been involved in electrical and mechanical operations and maintenance of pump stations and systems, dams, reservoirs associated with the electricity generation, mining industries and food production. 

“They have also been assisting with hydraulic and civil engineering work in regional bulk infrastructure project, control of expenses associated with infrastructure development in municipalities, drought relief programs, [including] COVID-19 projects and approval of water use licence applications. They have also involved in the development of Emergency Preparedness Plans for all dams according to the established regulations,” Mahlobo said. 

The two States have agreed to begin the process of reviewing the cooperation going forward and to expand to other areas of cooperation, which includes infrastructure investment and planning, development of green energy including the development of hydropower, climate change and its impact on infrastructure and national disaster management. 

The projects that the Cuban engineers have been involved in include, among others:
• Conditional assessment of Standerton water supply conduction, treatment, and disposal to the environment of the wastewater, Lekwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality;
• Technical audit of the hydraulic system of the Vaal basin in Johannesburg;
• Technical support and monitoring of the execution of RBIP projects;
• Upgrade of Maviljan Waste Water Treatment Works, Bushbuckridge; 
• Upgrade of Eerstehoek Water Supply phases 1 and 2 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality;
• Upgrade of Bulk pipeline for Empuluzi Methula Water Scheme phase 5, 6, 7 Albert  Luthuli Local Municipality; and
• Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme for Breyten (Cluster 2 phases 1 2 Msukaligwa Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:24

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Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

Location: News

Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

With 14 days left before the start of the festive season peak travel period in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on freight and public transport operators to ensure their drivers are fit and healthy to be on the road.

“This is also an opportune time for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with relevant legislation. Vehicle licence discs must be renewed and defects such as cracked windows, worn out wipers, smooth tyres and brakes must be fixed,” the RTMC said on Friday.

To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za where they can opt for their discs to be delivered to their doorstep.

“Tyre bursts and slippery wet surfaces account for 2.5% and 2.4% respectively as contributory factors to fatal road collisions thus highlighting the importance of having properly functioning brakes and tyres in vehicles.

“With rainfall predicted on some of the traveling days, it is important to fit proper wipers and functioning lights to ensure visibility on the road. Drivers should opt to travel during the day instead of at night where possible, as visibility is drastically reduced when it’s dark,” the RTMC said.

Motorists are further advised to ensure they always carry a valid driving licence card. Driving without a valid driving licence card is an infringement and is punishable by law.

Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended operational hours to renew their driving licences at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).

RTMC DLTCs centres are open seven days a week between 7am – 9pm.

“With chronic lifestyle diseases reportedly on the increase, it is pivotal for freight and public transport operators to ensure that their drivers are allowed to undergo medical tests and those on treatment receive their medication before embarking on long distance travel.

“Drivers of private vehicles are also urged to ensure that they are in a fit and healthy state before embarking on long distance travel. Drivers must have sufficient sleep before travel and have access to fresh water during trips to avoid dehydration,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:35

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12 Reasons Why the KZN South Coast is a Top Beach Destination in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Summer is on the doorstep and the holidays are beckoning! Now is the time to start planning that year-end, family holiday and where better to relax and cool off than the KZN South Coast? “Our tourism establishments are geared up and ready to welcome our many holiday visitors to the KZN South Coast this festive …

Read more12 Reasons Why the KZN South Coast is a Top Beach Destination in South Africa

Mchunu to assess Sekhukhune water infrastructure projects

Location: News

Mchunu to assess Sekhukhune water infrastructure projects

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu will on Friday visit the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo to assess progress on water infrastructure projects in the district.

During the visit, Mchunu and Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, together with Sekhukhune District Municipality Mayor, Minah Bahula, will meet with the Lebalelo Water Users Association (LWUA) to assess progress on the Olifants Management Model (OMM) programme.

The R27 billion OMM programme is an infrastructure development project launched in October last year at Ga-Malekana in Burgersfort.

The programme is undertaken by the Department of Water and Sanitation, in partnership with LWUA, to address water supply challenges in communities in Limpopo. 

“The programme is meant to fast-track potable and bulk raw water infrastructure development to ensure that communities, including mining and agriculture sectors, and other companies in Sekhukhune District, Polokwane and Mogalakwena Local Municipalities, have sustainable water provision by 2030,” the department said. 

During the visit, Mchunu will also give feedback on the investigation he commissioned around the R143 million drought relief project set aside in 2020 to address water supply challenges at Moutse in Elias Motsolaledi Local Municipality by Lepelle Northern Water, as the implementing agent.  

The Minister will also engage with members of the community at an event scheduled to take place at Philadelphia Sports Grounds, Dennilton. 

Water reticulation for Mopani District villages

Meanwhile, the department said it is working with Mopani District Municipality in Limpopo to increase the level of services from communal taps to yard connections for the reticulation of water in 55 villages within the district. 

“The 24 villages will be fully reticulated by January 2024, while Phase 2 of the 31 villages (out of 55 villages) will start in the 2024-2025 financial year,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 10:59

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AG reports overall improved audit outcomes

Location: News

AG reports overall improved audit outcomes

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), Tsakani Maluleke, has reported an overall improvement in the national and provincial government audit outcomes.

Tabling the 2022-23 general report for national and provincial departments, entities and legislatures in Parliament on Wednesday, the AG said the outcomes reflect an overall improvement over the term of the current administration, now in its fourth year.

However, she pointed out that there are still weaknesses in planning, monitoring and reporting on service delivery; challenges in infrastructure management, and increasing pressure on the fiscus due to a lack of prudence in spending.

“Over the administration’s term, we have seen some encouraging signs of improvement in the ability of national and provincial government to transparently report on their finances and performance, and to comply with key legislation.

“However, those auditees with the greatest impact on the lives of South Africans and on government finances, which we refer to as ‘high-impact auditees’, are lagging behind on financial and performance management disciplines. This is placing further pressure on government finances,” Maluleke said.

She said these high-impact auditees comprise departments, public entities and State-owned entities that are collectively responsible for 85% (R2.64 trillion) of the expenditure budget.

They contribute to delivering health services, skills development and employment, infrastructure development, safety and security, water and sanitation, energy, and environmental and financial sustainability.

“Overall, the audit outcomes of both departments and public entities improved and more auditees improved their audit outcomes each year of the administrative term than regressed. In 2022-23, the net improvement was 37 auditees (9%) – the biggest movement over the four-year period. Provincial government showed a net improvement of 44 (27%) and national government a net improvement of 34 (15%),” the AG said.

Clean audits

The AG noted that the number of clean audits continues to increase every year due to significant effort and commitment by the leadership, officials and governance structures of these institutions.

“A clean audit is not always an indicator of good service delivery. However, a clean audit positions an auditee to transparently communicate to citizens on whether and when their needs will be met through accurate records, which also enables informed decisions by the different role-players in the accountability ecosystem.

“We have seen that auditees with institutionalised controls and systems to plan, measure, monitor and account for their finances and performance, and to stay within the rules, often also have a solid foundation for service delivery to the people of South Africa,” Maluleke said.

She re-emphasised the importance of a clean audit, which shows that an auditee’s financial statements and performance report give a transparent and credible account of its finances and its performance against the targets that had been set.

It also means that the auditee had complied with the important legislation that applies to financial and performance management.

The 147 auditees (35%) that achieved clean audits in 2022-23 managed 16% of the R3.10 trillion expenditure budget in national and provincial government.

In addition, the 162 auditees (39%) that received unqualified audit opinions with findings managed 48% of the budget.

“It is commendable that these auditees that make up 74% of the auditee population are able to publish credible financial statements, which is a positive development that must be encouraged. This augurs well for accountability,” the AG said.

She also commended the 53 auditees (36%) that have managed to retain their clean audit status over the administrative term through practices such as institutionalising and monitoring key controls (including preventative controls), and by having all role players in the accountability ecosystem committed to fulfilling their monitoring, governance and oversight roles.

She further acknowledged the 37 auditees that are very close to obtaining a clean audit, and only need to address one finding on either the quality of their financial statements or on their performance reporting.

“Some of these auditees have been working towards this goal for many years and we encourage them to persevere in overcoming the last hurdle. If they manage to do so, we expect to see an increase in the number of clean audits for 2023-24. This will set a strong foundation from which the next administration can build when its term starts in 2024-25,” Maluleke said.

Disclaimed and adverse outcomes

Overall, the number of auditees with disclaimed audit opinions decreased.

Maluleke cautioned that if any of the 31 auditees with outstanding audits also receive disclaimed opinions, the improvement in this area will be less significant, but should still be acknowledged.

Nine of these audits were subsequently finalised, with an additional two auditees receiving disclaimed audit opinions.

Maluleke reported an increase in adverse audit opinions due to three public entities moving from a disclaimed opinion last year to an adverse opinion in 2022-23. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 12:16

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Husqvarna’s Versatile TF 545DE Diesel Tiller – The Small Farmer’s “Swiss Army Knife” Solution

Location: MyPR

For small farmers, keeping production costs as low as possible isn’t just a financial strategy, it’s a survival tactic. With profit margins that are often as narrow as a furrow, every Rand conserved is a victory won – so innovations that save time and money are a massive plus. Husqvarna is passionate about land care …

Read moreHusqvarna’s Versatile TF 545DE Diesel Tiller – The Small Farmer’s “Swiss Army Knife” Solution

Delay in delivery of infrastructure projects affects service delivery

Location: News

Delay in delivery of infrastructure projects affects service delivery

The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) Tsakani Maluleke says all too often infrastructure delivery projects which have been delayed, are costing more than what was initially planned or are of poor quality.

In the 2022-23 financial year, the AGSA audited 137 infrastructure projects, focusing on critical infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, housing, roads and railways, water infrastructure, and government buildings such as police stations.

“Our audit work incorporated numerous site visits by our multi-disciplinary audit teams, who applied their expertise to inspect project progress and quality. We reported findings on 112 (82%) of the projects that we visited. There are also delays in newly built infrastructure,” Maluleke said.

She said when auditees, especially high-impact auditees, do not properly manage their performance, finances and infrastructure; it directly affects the delivery of key government programmes that are intended to improve the lives of South Africans and to alleviate hardships stemming from tough economic conditions and poverty.

“Wasted money and resources means reduced funding for service delivery programmes and, eventually, a greater burden on taxpayers,” the AG said.

She made these remarks in Parliament on Wednesday, while tabling the 2022-23 general report for national and provincial departments, their entities and legislatures.

Maintenance of government properties

Maluleke noted that many government properties are in a poor condition because of the sector’s reactive approach to maintenance.

“Most maintenance work is only done in response to emergency requests and little time or budget is spent on preventative maintenance,” the AG said.

The public works sector is responsible for maintaining government properties, including health facilities, police stations and buildings that accommodate departments.

She said government officials and the public continue to use properties that are in poor condition, which lowers the effectiveness of the working environment and puts the safety of officials and the public at risk.

“There are currently 2 394 unoccupied government properties, most of which have not been maintained and are in a bad state. Even though these properties are not used, costs such as property rates and taxes still need to be paid.

“When there are not enough fit-for-use properties available to departments, the Property Management Trading Entity needs to enter into lease agreements – which could have been avoided if properties had been properly maintained,” Maluleke said.

The AG further cautioned that such lease agreements are often costly to government because of high annual increases and higher-than-average market rates being paid.

She attributed the failures in delivering, maintaining and safeguarding infrastructure to four matters that need urgent attention:

  • Inadequate coordination and collaboration, and deliverables not being synchronised in the ecosystem (e.g. between implementing agents and other departments).
  • Failure to conduct proper needs assessments and feasibility studies; or conducting them but not using them as a base to implement the infrastructure projects.
  • Lack of accountability – the terms of construction contracts are not used to hold contractors and professional service providers (consultants and implementing agents) accountable when they do not perform.
  • Inadequate monitoring and enforcement by infrastructure-related regulatory bodies such as the Construction Industry Development Board and the National Home Builders Registration Council, particularly relating to repeat offenders that cause delayed projects across sectors.

Audit outcomes of service delivery auditees and key public entities

The AG said the 193 high-impact auditees generally have poorer audit outcomes than other auditees and struggle with performance, financial and infrastructure management.

These high-impact auditees comprise departments, public entities and state-owned entities that are collectively responsible for 85% (R2.64 trillion) of the expenditure budget.

They contribute to delivering health services, skills development and employment, infrastructure development, safety and security, water and sanitation, energy, and environmental and financial sustainability.

“Auditees from this group also account for 48% of all outstanding audits and 65% of all modified audit opinions; in other words, qualified, adverse and disclaimed opinions. In total, 139 of the 193 high-impact auditees were required to report on their performance in 2022-23,” she said.

Those excluded were the 50 technical and vocational education and training colleges, the Property Management Trading Entity, Water Trading Entity and Commission on Restitution of Land Rights, whose performance is reported in the performance reports of their parent departments.

“We raised material findings on the reported performance information of 127 (42%) of these auditees, as well as material findings on compliance with key legislation at 76% of the 178 auditees with completed audits.”

Call for improvement in service delivery

The AG has called for improved service delivery enabled by capable, cooperative, accountable and responsive institutions delivering on their mandates.

“At a time of economic hardship in which the public’s demands for service delivery and accountability are increasing, there is an expectation that national and provincial government will do everything in their power to get the most value from every rand spent and to manage every aspect of their finances with diligence and care.

“This is, however, not what we have seen at some departments and public entities during our audits. Improved service delivery and the responsible use of the limited funds available will only be possible when we have capable, cooperative, accountable and responsive institutions that deliver on their mandates.”

She urged all roleplayers in the accountability ecosystem, particularly those with direct control over service delivery, to work deliberately and with urgency towards achieving a culture of accountability, transparency, integrity and improved service delivery for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 12:26

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Read moreDelay in delivery of infrastructure projects affects service delivery