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Fine weather conditions ahead for SONA

Location: News

Fine weather conditions ahead for SONA

With less than a day until President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town, attendees of the joint sitting of Parliament can expect fine weather conditions.

“We are expecting fine weather conditions with a minimum of 17°C and a maximum of 24°C. For the Western Cape, there will be a 30% chance of showers and rain along the south coast but it will be a fine day with no precipitation in Cape Town,” South African Weather Service (SAWS) Meteorologist and Forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela told SAnews on Wednesday.

The joint sitting will see attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, walking the red carpet ahead of the President’s speech.

Winds can be expected on the southerly to south easterly direction at between 10 and 20 kilometres per hour (km/h). If there are any gusts, this will be at about 60 km/h. 

Around the coastal areas between Cape Agulhas and Cape Columbine, there could be damaging winds and waves. These conditions could result in difficulty in navigation at sea.

The President will address the nation on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm, at the Cape Town City Hall.

SONA is convened by the President in terms of the Constitution to provide the nation with an update on government's commitments and programme of action for the new financial year. 

It is a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the NCOP. The President's address is the sole item on the agenda.

This will be the first SONA of the seventh administration. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:36

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Read moreFine weather conditions ahead for SONA

Learners encouraged to explore TVET colleges 

Location: News

Learners encouraged to explore TVET colleges 

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has encouraged learners to consider the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as a valuable and viable alternative for advancing their careers.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during an oversight visit to the post school education and training (PSET) institutions in the Western Cape this week.

Gondwe described the TVET colleges as crucial for job creation and youth skills development in the country.

The Deputy Minister visited the West Coast College Vredenburg Campus, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville Campus in Cape Town.

Gondwe’s visits aimed at assessing the state of readiness of higher education institutions across the country, ahead of the 2025 academic year.

During the visit at West Coast College, she encouraged learners to take pride in acquiring artisan skills as they offer great entrepreneurship opportunities.

“I am very encouraged by what I’m seeing at TVET colleges, I believe they are the future of this country. TVETs are producing artisans with much needed skills [and] also offer opportunities for learners to acquire future skills, such as robotics, AI [Artificial intelligence], and coding,” Gondwe said.

At the second part of the visit, students at CPUT expressed concerns about student residences and other facilities. The Deputy Minister directed the institution to work with the Student Representative Council (SRC), to speedily resolve the identified issues.

The Deputy Minister’s visit to the Western Cape, follows her recent visit to higher education institutions in the Free State where she visited Goldfields TVET College and the Central University of Technology (CUT), at the Welkom campus.

During the visits, the Deputy Minister has been accompanied by key senior officials from Higher Education and Training, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The Deputy Minister’s dedicated Help Desk has also formed part of the delegation, assisting with all higher education related queries on each visit.

The issue of funding and administrative challenges faced by the NSFAS was in the spotlight during the Free State leg of the visits.

“NSFAS needs to get its act together, in order to ensure that student allowances are paid on time with no delays. Delays cause serious challenges for learners; learners need allowances to eat and to buy hygiene products. This is important for their sense of wellbeing and dignity,” Gondwe said.

Gondwe embarked on the state of readiness visits following a plan of action, announced by Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane at the special meeting of the Post Education and Training sector held in January 2025, to establish the state of readiness for the 2025 academic year.

The Deputy Minister’s oversight is expected to continue in other provinces, with North West higher education institutions being the next on the list. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 14:56

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Read moreLearners encouraged to explore TVET colleges 

Nearly 2 000 guests expected to attend this year’s SONA

Location: News

Nearly 2 000 guests expected to attend this year’s SONA

Nearly 2 000 guests from various sectors are expected to flock to Cape Town to attend tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), during which President Cyril Ramaphosa will take the nation into his confidence.

These guests represent civil society, academia, as well as traditional, religious and cultural groups. 

“Public participation has always been a cornerstone of SONA, and this tradition will continue,” National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said on Wednesday. 

Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, were addressing a media briefing on Parliament’s preparations for the 2025 SONA.

The President will deliver the SONA to the nation at 7pm on Thursday night.

Didiza described SONA as a significant event in the country’s national calendar and crucial for shaping national discourse and establishing the tone for the year ahead.

During this event, the Head of State will reflect on various important national issues and outline the progress made on government’s commitments.

“As such, SONA signifies the highest level of the State’s accountability to the citizens by providing updates on government’s programmes, developments in legislation and policies, profiling targets and a programme of action for the new financial year.” 

According to Didiza, the R6 million event, set to take place at the Cape Town City Hall, is the result of months of careful preparation and coordination. 

Some of the dignitaries expected to attend include former Presidents and Deputy Presidents of the Republic, former Speakers of the National Assembly, former Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces, former Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly, the Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, the Queen of the Bapedi nation, and a member of the European Union who serves as the Chairperson of the delegation for relations with South Africa.

It has been confirmed that former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma will also attend.

To promote civic awareness and public engagement, Didiza announced that SONA will include a Junior Guard of Honour. 

This group will consist of 100 learners from four schools in the Western Cape, selected in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Education.

“The involvement of young learners is crucial in educating and exposing them to the workings, roles, and functions of state institutions, helping to shape them as the leaders of tomorrow,” Didiza said.

The event will also include a performance by the Wynberg Girls’ High School band alongside the official Parliament Choir. 

Tomorrow’s SONA will be followed by a two-day debate, with a reply from the President hosted at the Dome in the Nieuwmeester Parking Site.

The SONA proceedings will follow a full ceremonial format. This will include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and processions featuring provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.

Didiza clarified the difference between the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) that occurred last year, marking the beginning of the seventh administration.

“OPA occurs once every five years, after general elections, to announce medium and long-term plans. SONA is an annual address that specifies short-term priorities and provides insights on the progress of the long-term targets.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:07

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Read moreNearly 2 000 guests expected to attend this year’s SONA

Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Location: News

Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo has been granted R5 000 bail, following his arrest for alleged corruption. 

Bongo (47) made a brief appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after his arrest in the morning of the same day.

Bongo is accused of offering a bribe to evidence leader in Parliament’s Eskom inquiry, Ntuthuzelo Vanara, in 2017, and also contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).

He is being re-tried after he was acquitted by former Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, who dismissed the charges against Bong in 2021.

However, the matter went back to the court after Supreme Court of Appeal Judge John Smith, appealed the decision, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh, granting the retrial. 

"It is reported that during September to October 2017, the accused approached a member of the then Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to allegedly arrange a meeting to prevent the next sitting, where Eskom board was to account. 

"Eventually, the suspect secured the meeting wherein he indicated that the Portfolio Committee sitting with the Eskom board cannot proceed as planned and indicated that was possible if the member named his price," National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said on Tuesday.

Bongo is expected to reappear in court on 4 March 2025.

The accused, a former member of the National Assembly, was sworn in as a Member of the Executive and Cabinet, and the Minister of State Security, a position he occupied until 28 May 2024. 

All MP’s are bound by the Code of Ethics, and all other ethical and other obligations and duties arising from the Constitution, the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, No. 4 of 2004, and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”). 

Lebeya vowed that the Directorate will continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice. 

He also commended the investigating team and encouraged the prosecution team to ensure the South African citizenry receive the deserved justice due to them. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:41

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Read moreFormer State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Expanding digital access for learners

Location: News

Expanding digital access for learners

As part of ongoing efforts to expand digital access, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has launched a state-of-the-art Cyber Lab with 40 laptops and modern infrastructure designed to enhance digital learning, in Cape Town.

“Bridging the digital divide is not just about providing technology -  it’s about ensuring that young people have the skills and opportunities to use it effectively. This Cyber Lab ensures that learners from these communities are not left behind but are equipped to thrive in a digital future,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), marks a significant step in expanding digital access for learners from Lansdowne, Khayelitsha, Langa, Philippi, Mitchells Plain and Nyanga.

A key element of this initiative is the broadband connectivity provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government, reinforcing the power of cooperative governance in expanding digital access and transforming education.

To ensure lasting impact, the initiative includes a structured digital literacy program for both teachers and students. 

This training will equip learners with essential digital skills, including coding, website design, and other Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) capabilities - unlocking opportunities in software development, e-commerce, and the broader digital economy.

“By investing in both infrastructure and digital literacy - including coding, website design, and other high-demand digital skills - we are laying the foundation for more inclusive economic participation and future job opportunities in the tech sector.

“But this is not just about individual success. It is about uplifting communities. We want to see learners use these skills to help small businesses build a digital presence, support community initiatives, and create solutions that drive local development. Digital transformation must be inclusive, and it starts here - with young people using technology to shape a better future for themselves and those around them,” the Minister said.

This project aligns with the department’s commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have meaningful internet access by 2029. It also supports the department’s goal of equipping citizens with the digital skills necessary to participate in the digital economy. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:15

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Read moreExpanding digital access for learners

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

Location: News

Government calls on private sector to help bridge digital divide

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called for collaboration between the private and public sectors to create a meaningful future for the country’s children and to bridge the digital divide.

The Deputy Minister made the call during the government’s back-to-school programme in Cape Town, Western Cape, on Tuesday. 

Following his speech, the Deputy Minister toured special needs schools that benefited from MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative. 

The MTN’s Connecting Every Child initiative, a joint effort between the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), aims to provide digital devices and educational content to schools in South Africa.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the private sector’s role in fostering development and investing in youth, underlining its crucial contribution to Africa’s economy.

“I’m happy you are not limiting your responsibilities just to providing goods and services and this is an indication of what government can do working with the private sector and to an extent, society,” he said.

He also praised MTN for its significant contributions to the education sector and expressed his appreciation for both the learners and teachers.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of education as a powerful catalyst for change and expressed gratitude for initiatives that improve lives and society.

He visited the Jan Kriel School in Kuils River and Rusthof LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) School in Onverwacht, which both benefited from the colourful computer labs donated by MTN.

The 88-year-old Jan Kriel School is dedicated to teaching and training learners with special educational needs. 

Jan Kriel School Principal, Gerrit Odendaal, stated that the school’s new laboratory has transformed the institution. 

He believes that technology is essential for helping learners gain independence, which is a crucial skill for their development.

“When they leave school, the teacher stays behind and mommy and daddy won’t always be there. But they will have a smartphone, a laptop, a device or some technology that they can take with them.” 

He said the computer lab, equipped with 28 laptops, an interactive whiteboard, and printers, has transformed this school after it previously had an outdated computer room that was not suitable for children with special needs.

Keyboards have now been adapted to be colourful and include special trackpads to support learners whose motor skills are still developing.

“You should have seen their faces the day they walked into that lab for the first time. They are now looking forward to their computer lessons. They ask, ‘Ma’am when is the next period?’ They’re excited to learn and that makes learning and teaching fun,” Odendaal told SAnews. 

Western Cape MTN General Manager, Noluthando Pama, stated that the company believes everyone deserves the benefits of a digitally connected life through the internet.

“We as MTN, our vision, the thing that gets us to wake up every day is to ensure that we’re providing connectivity to communities that don’t have connectivity. So, we chose this school because we also believe that special needs, are very much in need of this digitally connected world.” 

According to Pama, the labs not only make learning enjoyable but also enhance cognitive abilities.

“As a brand, seeing the fruits of all the work we’re doing, it’s very heartwarming.”   

They have also equipped the school with a network mast, allowing for faster and higher-quality connectivity.

She stated that MTN strongly advocates for a public-private partnership in the country.

“That’s when you can truly have an impact on economic growth. What GNU [Government of National Unity] is also doing and bringing the different political parties and vastly so, engaging business on forums such as BUSA [Business Unity South Africa]. 

“You’re seeing a deliberate partnership of MTN and government to benefit children and the community and we love that as MTN we’re not there to ask customers to buy data and airtime from us but we’re investing in their communities and giving their kids digitally enabled tools.” 

She believes that without partnerships with the private sector, it would be difficult for the government to make progress in curbing unemployment.

“The budget of government is limited and of course, the private sector companies have a bit of room to play with,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 16:42

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Municipalities face challenges but they ‘can be fixed’ – Deputy President Mashatile

Location: News

Municipalities face challenges but they 'can be fixed' - Deputy President Mashatile

South African municipalities may be grappling with challenges, but they are "fixable", according to Deputy President, Paul Mashatile 

Mashatile made the remarks when he was delivering the keynote address at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Executive Committee Lekgotla, in Cape Town, on Tuesday afternoon.

South African municipalities are grappling with several challenges, including the inability to pay for bulk water and electricity supply, deteriorating infrastructure, service delivery issues, and poor governance.

However, Mashatile insists that, despite these challenges, coordinated efforts from all sectors can revive local government. 

“I believe that our municipalities can be fixed. We just need more concerted efforts in the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework, which applies to the National, Provincial, Local Government, and SOEs (State Owned Entities). The Framework focus on accelerating service delivery, addressing poor performance and the skills gap in the public service.

“Professionalisation is critical to ensuring that government is capable of delivering essential services to its citizens,” Mashatile told the lekgotla.

The Deputy President emphasized that intergovernmental integration is crucial for local government to turn the corner and achieve progress.

“Intergovernmental integration is critical for promoting collaboration, coordination, and communication across different levels of government. Through coordinating our efforts and resources, we can solve the complex difficulties that our communities face and, ultimately, provide better services to our residents.

“Together, we can streamline processes and leverage each other’s strengths to achieve greater impact. It is through this collaborative approach that we can unlock innovative solutions and drive sustainable development across our nation,” he said.

Mashatile highlighted government interventions aimed at “fixing” local government, including:

  • Harmonising planning and budgeting as part of adopting the District Development Model.
  • Implementing a Public-Private Partnership model in water supply with the National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that the current water crisis facing several communities is resolved
  • The Minister of COGTA has proposed a one-stop solution to resolve the interlinked financial challenges between municipalities, water boards, and other stakeholders.

Coalition councils

Following the 2021 Local Government Elections, about 70 municipalities required coalitions to form governments as no single political party gained a majority.

The Deputy President acknowledged that although this is necessary, some of these municipalities have been plagued by instability and dysfunction.

“[In] practice, coalition governments have been unstable and are often terminated before the end of their term of office. Instability in local government coalitions has contributed to severe inefficiencies and service delivery challenges. 

“Coalition arrangements have compromised the ability of municipalities to adopt policies, pass budgets, adopt by-laws, and make senior management appointments,” he said.

However, growing instability in ‘hung’ municipalities, led to a government-convened National Dialogue on Coalition Governments.

The results of the dialogue was the development of a Framework for Coalitions in Local Government by SALGA.

“We have since used this framework as part of our source documents, amongst others, to develop a discussion document during the National Dialogue on Coalition governments, I convened in August 2023 at the University of the Western Cape.

“To this end, with the assistance of the Dullah Omar Institute and MISTRA (Mapungubwe Institute For Strategic Reflection), we have been able to develop a Coalitions Framework for South Africa. 

“This framework has been handed over to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), as a basis for the development of the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2024 [Coalitions Bill] by CoGTA, which will be submitted for Cabinet approval and introduction to Parliament this year,” he revealed.

Working together

The Deputy President also implored the lekgotla to work with government to ensure that local government improves its responsiveness to communities.

“[It] is important that SALGA and all three spheres of government collaborate in order to find solutions to service delivery challenges.

“Let us harness the power of intergovernmental integration to build a more responsive, effective, and inclusive system of governance that truly serves the needs of our people,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 15:35

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Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Location: News

Langa township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Washington Street in Langa, Cape Town, bustled with activity as the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities on Monday.

Gazebos, banners, buses and cars lined the streets, as various government departments provided services to the community.

The Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre and the Langa Civic Hall were filled with hundreds of community members. 

Some walked, while others took taxis, all eager for essential services, such as applying for identity documents (IDs).

Young people lined up at the Employment and Labour Department’s mobile bus to register on the job seekers' database.

The outreach activities aim to involve all South Africans in the SONA, which will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm. 

This will be the President’s first SONA as the Head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the seventh administration.

Some of the participants were the City of Cape Town officials, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Western Cape Department of Social Development, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), the Human Rights Commission, Postbank, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA).

Acting Director of Public Employment Services, Nokulunga Zazaza, expressed satisfaction in connecting with the community, especially in registering unemployed youth on their database.

The team also offered career counselling to help equip the youth with job hunting and interview skills.

“We also have a programme where we go around to engage with employers and opportunity providers to check if there are opportunities available in their organisation. If they do, they give us the requirements and registration credentials, and we’ll use those to match it with the unemployed who meet the criteria,” she explained. 

Although there are Labour Centres located throughout the province, Zazaza stressed that her department aims to connect more closely with local communities. 

She expressed a desire for people to secure permanent employment, as most of the companies that reach out to them mostly offer temporary contracts and training services.

“We always want as many people as possible to find employment because our target is unemployed persons, as our department’s focus is employment and labour. We want to do anything that will assist with unemployment.”

Research Officer for the Human Rights Commission, Advocate Tammy Carter, told SAnews that many individuals she encountered in communities were unaware of their rights, even though the country boasts one of the best constitutions in the world.

“One of the primary functions, in terms of the Constitution for the Human Rights Commission, is to promote human rights and human rights culture. 

“If people don’t even know their rights, how are they going to even assert those rights? 

“For us, it’s important to be invited to events like this, so that we can educate people about their rights.” 

She said Chapter 9 bodies had been created to support democracy by being enforcers of human rights.

Most of the people she has been attending to have been raising issues about education, access to water and sanitation, environmental concerns such as littering, which seems to be a big deal in Langa, and access to services such as SASSA and Home Affairs. 

“People in Langa have to travel to Athlone to access these services and it costs them a lot of money,” Carter said, adding that was important for the Chapter 9 institutions to come together to help these communities. 

Customer Care Assistant from the  Western Social Development Department, Siphosihle Qingana, said together with his colleague, he has been providing information about their services since this morning. 

These include childcare protection programmes, support for the elderly, substance abuse assistance, and registration of non-profit organisations (NPOs).

“People need help or advice about child protection. Some children don’t have birth certificates. Other people were seeking funding for their NPOs and asking about registering NPOs,” Qingana told SAnews. 

Ministries and departments will continue to hold various public engagement activities for the remainder of the week. 

According to the GCIS, these events aim to encourage South Africans to familiarise themselves with the content of SONA, enabling them to contribute to discussions and proposals for economic growth and development. 

South Africans are encouraged to tune it and participate in this important national milestone. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:16

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Read moreLanga township residents receive government services ahead of SONA in Cape Town

Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025

Location: News

Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025

From 1 to 5 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, undertakes a G20 science, technology and innovation visit to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

On Monday, 3 February, the South African delegation, led by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, participates in the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba convened under theme: “Future-proofing African Mining, today!”.

On Monday, 3 February, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, oversees the commencement of the single dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive at Welizibuko Primary School in Klipspruit, Soweto.

From Monday, 3 February, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities from in the Western Cape province. 

  • Day One: Monday, 3 February 
    11h00: Service delivery outreach, Guga S’thebe Arts Centre.
     
  • Day Two: Tuesday, 4 February 
    15h30: Western Cape Community Media consultative session, Khayelitsha Thusong Service centre.
     
  • Day Three: Wednesday, 5 February
    13h00: Oversight visit to Mitchells Plain Thuthuzela Care centre
    15h00: Community Radio Simulcast Broadcast panel discussion, Mitchells Plain Labour Centre.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, will visit and handover digital migration equipment to a gender-based violence victims shelter in Western Cape, Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, together with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, will launch of the SITA STEM Cyberlab in Lansdowne.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, chaired by Mpho Khunou, will hold an oversight meeting with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, together North West Parks and Tourism Board, over delayed payment of salaries at the entity, and other concerning matters in different entities of the department.  

On Wednesday, 5 February, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, will host an Outreach Programme at the JL Zwane Memorial in Gugulethu - Western Cape Province - to share information on the department’s capacity and empowerment programmes with a view to encourage active and inclusive participation by the Youth, Women and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) who seek to advance their career or business in the tourism sector.

On Thursday, 6 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament. 

Matona
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:33

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025

Health Committee Concludes Provincial Public Hearings on Tobacco Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Health has concluded provincial public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) in Geroge, where it received mixed views on the Bill. The extensive public participation process has demonstrated the value of the involvement of the people in the law-making process.

“The intentions of the drafters of the Constitution were given true meaning through these public hearings, as every individual and organisation was given time to share their views, either in support or against the Bill. The committee is confident that the platform it has provided for the public to share their views is in line with the obligations made by the Constitution,” said Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Chairperson of the committee. To conclude the work initiated by the 6th Parliament, the committee held public hearings in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and one session each in Free State and Western Cape.

In George, the committee received mixed reviews for the Bill, with a majority of participants supporting the intentions and benefits of the Bill. They argued that the public health benefits entailed in the Bill far outweigh the suggested negative consequences advocated by those against the Bill.

Supporters argued that the prevalence of products, such as hookah pipes and vapes, are increasingly enticing young people and exposing them to harm. Furthermore, an argument was made that the purported role electronic delivery systems are said to play in giving up smoking are not backed up by tangible evidence. Supporters argued that these products instead encourage the youth to move on to harder and more harmful products.

Also, many said that the possible ill health caused by the consumption of tobacco products is their reason for supporting the Bill. The high cost incurred by the Department of Health to treat ailments arising from smoking tobacco, such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, is unsustainable, supporters of the Bill said, especially considering South Africa's other pressing priorities in a climate of reduced financial resources. As at the hearings in Trompsburg, young people argued that the passing of the Bill will set a clear message about protecting the future of the generations to follow.

Some participants argued that the regulatory mechanism provided by the Bill, such as the banning of advertising at the point of sale, plain packaging and graphic pictorials depicting the dangers of smoking, will reduce the numbers of those taking up smoking in the first place, giving young people a healthier start in life.

While the majority of participants supported the Bill, some people made a strong objection to the feared economic impact of the Bill and the potential threat of adding to the already high unemployment rate in the country.

Small-scale traders had concerns that the prohibition on the sale of single stick cigarettes will have a devastating impact to their livelihoods. They also argued that the ban on advertising at the point of sale will render their businesses inoperable, as they attract customers through the visible display of tobacco products.

Meanwhile, business owners within the vaping industry argued that the current Bill does little to address regulatory loopholes within the sector. They argued that vapes should be regulated under different legislative prescripts, as they are different from the tobacco products currently contained in the Bill.

There was a strong emphasis of the potential risk of the Bill, with many concerns that it will result in an increase in the market share of illicit cigarettes. Some participants argued that the current focus should be on irradicating the illicit market that has taken hold of the sector, especially after the Covid restrictions.

The committee will now schedule oral hearings in Cape Town for those individuals and organisations who previously indicated their desire to make presentations before the committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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SAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations

Location: News

SAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made 244 951 arrests during the festive season, as part of heightened crime-fighting operations aimed at safeguarding communities, holidaymakers, and tourists across the country.

The safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024, and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025.

“From the period 01 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 – a total of 9 908 accused were found guilty and convicted for various crimes, including murder, rape, armed robberies, house breaking and car hijacking,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday.

Masemola held a media briefing to provide an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations.

Masemola announced that a total of 2 198 illegal, and unlicensed firearms were seized and confiscated during operations. These include 1 731 handguns, 154 homemade guns, 211 rifles, and 102 shotguns. 

Masemola said the majority of firearms seized were confiscated in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. 

“Firearms remain a big problem in South Africa as most serious and violent crimes including murders were committed with the use of a firearm,” the National Commissioner said.

In this regard, 37 658 rounds of ammunition were also seized and 1 767 explosives that are mainly used in illegal mining activities and cash in transit armed robberies were also seized.

In addition, the police recovered R4 million in cash and seized 16 293 stolen cell phones, which were either taken during crimes or used in their commission, for further investigation and analysis.

Furthermore, a total of 960 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

During this period, more than two million patrols were conducted, with more than 4 600 roadblocks, 620 000 stop and searches, and more than two million persons were searched in the country.

“Further to that, over 78 000 licensed liquor premises compliance inspections were executed together with more than 12 000 compliance inspections at firearm dealers and private security premises. A total of 6 547 unlicensed liquor premises were shut down throughout the country during this period.

“Through our safer festive season operational concept, which is inclusive of Operation Shanela, we intensified our prevention and combatting strategies on nine focus areas with serious and violent crimes at the centre of attention. 

“From combatting and putting perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence-and Femicide (GBVF), Aggravated robberies, murders, rape and car hijacking in prison– we have been hard at work in asserting and reaffirming the authority of the state,” Masemola said.

The National Commissioner said the intelligence operatives, detectives, including visible policing members and forensic experts worked tirelessly in tracking, tracing and taking down wanted criminals.

“Through intelligence and collaboration with various units within the SAPS, identified crime threats were addressed through conventional methods to identify, neutralise, dislodge, dismantle and takedown organised crime syndicates.

“Crime intelligence continuously monitored various organised crime threats which include theft of motor vehicles, kidnappings for extortion, cash in transit armed robberies, critical infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft – to mention but a few of other key crime categories,” the National Commissioner said.

Gender-based Violence and Femicide 

Between October 2024 and December 2024, a total of 685 Gender-Based Violence and Femicide perpetrators, were convicted to time in prison.

Of these, 110 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to life in prison, 71 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 20 years and above in prison, 174 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 10 years and up to 19 years in prison, while 330 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to a year and up to nine years in prison.

“Our men and women in blue remain relentless in tracking, tracing, apprehending and prosecuting GBVF perpetrators,” Masemola said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:02

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Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime

Location: News

Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has made significant strides in tackling high-profile criminal cases, resulting in the arrest of over 1 400 suspects, who have since appeared in various courts across the country.

This achievement was highlighted during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, where the DPCI (the Hawks) National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, gave an update on the progress made in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

In the reporting period, a total of 1 452 suspects had been secured before various courts in the country, including 1 409 individuals and 43 corporate entities. Of these arrests, 451 were South Africans, while 958 were foreign nationals.

“These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, including fraud, theft, money laundering, cybercrime, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, other armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, State capture, illegal mining, counterfeit goods, tax-related offences, COVID-19-related offences, drug trafficking and trafficking in persons,” Lebeya said.

He said out of the 1 452 suspects, 1 172 were secured by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), while the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) secured 234, and the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) secured 46 suspects.

Lebeya shared the geographical distribution of arrests, which showed the highest number of the arrests were made in the North West, where 919 suspects were apprehended, followed by Gauteng with 116 arrests, KwaZulu-Natal with 106, Mpumalanga with 67, and the Western Cape with 57 suspects arrested.

Lebeya noted that the North West figures include 854 illegal mining cases that were allocated from Operation Vala Umgodi at Stilfontein, which added to 21 arrests from organised crime projects, known as Tarantula and Grumpyface operations. 

“During these arrests, 86 firearms and 3 617 rounds of ammunition were seized. Three clandestine drug laboratories, involving R37 713 500, were dismantled with four arrests,” Lebeya said.

The DPCI had secured 202 convictions during the same period, including 186 individuals and 16 corporate entities. Furthermore, 222 individuals (204 South Africans and 18 corporate entities), including those who were convicted before this quarter but not sentenced, were also sentenced.

Of the 204 convicts, 153 were South Africans, while 51 were foreign nationals.

“Most of these convictions and sentences were secured in the Gauteng province. Of these 222 sentenced convicts, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured 106, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 86 and Serious Corruption Investigation secured 30. 

"Let me hasten to say that the Directorate has secured 32 life imprisonment sentences during this quarter,” Lebeya said.

Freezing and forfeiture orders issued

To ensure that crime does not pay, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) has contributed towards the issuing of a combined 96 freezing and forfeiture orders, amounting to R55 210 753-43.

In addition, Lebeya said an amount of R2 022 773-09 has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA).

Digital forensics and ongoing investigations

Lebeya announced that the DPCI’s Digital Forensic Investigation Section has finalised the extraction and analysis of data evidence from 315 electronic devices.

The Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC) has also received a total of 362 reports from telephone service providers for analysis in support of investigations.

Lebeya said at the beginning of the third quarter, the Directorate was handling 18 264 dockets with a monetary value of R1 026 817 012 597-38.

Of these, 5 616 dockets worth R111 332 466 767-03 and involving 12 607 accused, were still pending in the courts, with 1 836 under investigation, awaiting decisions from the National Prosecuting Authority on whether to prosecute or otherwise.

The Lieutenant General highlighted that the total success achieved by the DPCI on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets stood at 1 770. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:25

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Winde hands over George building collapse report to the police

Location: News

Winde hands over George building collapse report to the police

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has officially handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) a report detailing the structural engineering findings of the George building collapse.

Winde handed over the report on Thursday to the province’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, and the lead investigator from SAPS, Captain Johan de Lange.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) commissioned an independent investigation into the building collapse in George on 6 May 2024. 

The incident, which occurred while the building was still under construction, resulted in the deaths of 34 people and serious injuries to many others. 

Twenty-eight people were rescued alive in a multi-stakeholder disaster operation.

“At the time, the Western Cape Government understood that the event would have repercussions for human lives and livelihoods, and that an investigation into its cause would be essential. 

“And so, while the multi-stakeholder operation was underway, the WCG secured the services of an independent structural engineering firm to conduct an investigation of the collapse site, simultaneous with the rescue operation,” the statement read. 

The WCG stated that the peer-reviewed final report of this firm was to ensure its integrity.

“This probe is one of several that were launched, with the SAPS being the lead body responsible for investigating an incident of this nature,” Winde said.

This means the report is now under the jurisdiction of the SAPS, which must take into account both the findings of this independent report and all other evidence available during the overall criminal investigation. 

The WCG believes the report’s technical findings will greatly aid the SAPS investigation in determining whether charges should be filed.

“Given the nature of the incident and the fact that 34 people tragically lost their lives, it is entirely possible that criminal proceedings may ensue.

“It is for this reason that the findings of the independent probe cannot be made public so that we do not in any way compromise the SAPS investigation and further possible proceedings,” the Premier explained.

The provincial government said the findings of the various agencies’ investigations must be consolidated to ensure an overall understanding of what transpired and to hold those responsible accountable. 

Winde has acknowledged the hard work of government staff, who, along with many other partners, worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped on the site. 

He thanked the independent team that came on board and concluded the investigation carefully and speedily. 

“There must be consequences for those responsible for this horrific tragedy. We have now handed over the report to the SAPS, who we have been assured are working tirelessly on this case, and we will continue to monitor this matter very closely.

“I will never forget being there when our teams recovered Gabriel Guambe alive from the site over 100 hours after its collapse. It is for him, for Delvin Safers, for their peers and friends who made it out alive, and for those who succumbed, and the families of the victims, that justice must be delivered,” Winde said. 

The provincial government said the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety Court Watching Brief Unit will closely monitor its progress. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 07:38

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Health Minister encourages adherence to ARV treatment

Location: News

Health Minister encourages adherence to ARV treatment

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has appealed to people on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to continue taking their medication amid reports that grant funding by the United States of America (USA) is under review.

The review of the grant funding is expected to affect the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme, which is aimed at supporting HIV prevention, care and treatment. The programme supports several countries, including South Africa, to achieve HIV epidemic control.

Addressing members of the media on the sidelines of a two-day Cabinet Lekgotla, Motsoaledi said the country’s ARVs proramme will not be affected, as it is funded by the South African government and the Global Fund.

“For now, all HIV/AIDS programmes continue. As the South African government, we want to ascertain that nobody must stop taking ARVs because that will be devastating,” Motsoaledi said on Wednesday.

South Africa has 52 districts and of those, 27 districts are funded by PEPFAR.

“PEPFAR chose 27 of the most affected districts and these districts are in eight provinces, as they choose districts based on the burden of HIV/AIDS. The only province that is not included is the Northern Cape because it does not have any districts that are highly affected by HIV/AIDS,” the Minister said.

Of the 27 districts, seven of them are in KwaZulu-Natal; five are in the Eastern Cape, four are in Gauteng; three are in Mpumalanga and the North West, respectively; two are in Limpopo and one is in the Western Cape.

“The total number of people on the ground who are dealing with HIV/AIDS in those 27 districts is 271 606. Of the 271 606 people, 256 452 are funded by South Africa from the fiscus. That leaves us with 15 145 people, who will be affected by the withdrawal.

“Our biggest problems will be the salaries and the operational costs. That is what we are looking at with National Treasury,” Motsoaledi said.

Seventy-six percent of the funding for HIV/AIDS programmes is from South Africa. This constitutes 74% of funding from the government and 2% from the private sector.

“That leaves us with a gap that is filled by the Global Fund, which gives 7% and PEPFAR, which accounts for 17%. When you add the funds from the Global Fund and South Africa’s funding, that makes 83% and PEPFAR remains with the 17%. We are buying ARVs, together with the Global Fund,” the Minister said.

With reports indicating changes in the grant funding by the US, Motsoaledi said the government of South Africa has not received any communication on these changes.

“So far, we have not received a letter from the American government. These funds for the HIV/AIDS programmes come through National Treasury and they have not received a letter; the Department of Health and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have also not received a letter.

“We have tried to contact the US embassy and we couldn’t get them. The NGOs and the clinics that are funded by PEPFAR are the ones who have received letters,” the Minister said.

Out of the 63 million people in South Africa, 7.8 million people are HIV positive, with 5.5 million on ARVs.

In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted the strategy of 95-95-95, which sets a target that 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) must know their HIV status; 95% of people diagnosed with HIV must receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of people receiving ART must achieve viral load suppression (VLS).

“We are on 96%. That means 96% of people who have HIV in South Africa know their status but of those, 79% are on treatment and in that 79% who are on ARVs, 94% of them are virally suppressed. It means that they can no longer spread the virus, reducing the number of new infections.

“For us to reach the 95-95-95 targets by 2030 - because we want to eliminate HIV as a threat to human health - we need 1.1million people to be on treatment so we reach the target,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 07:00

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’27 for Freedom’ run to honour Madiba

Location: News

'27 for Freedom' run to honour Madiba

The spirit of former President Nelson Mandela will come alive at the historic Drakenstein Correctional Centre on Saturday, 8 February, as the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) hosts the 27 for Freedom Race.

Drakenstein, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, is where the world-renowned former Statesman took his first steps to freedom after 27 years of incarceration (having served 18 of those years on Robben Island). His release from prison after 27 years became an iconic moment etched in the hearts of all South Africans and the world.

8 February 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of Madiba's release from Victor Verster Prison. Drakenstein Correctional Services is hosting the 13th 27 for Freedom race to commemorate the historic event. Drakenstein Correctional Centre is situated outside Paarl on the R301 in the Western Cape. 

National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, said the race is a reminder of the painful history that South Africa has had to overcome.

“The 27 for Freedom race is more than just a sporting event, but a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom, and a call to embody the values of unity and perseverance that Madiba stood for. 

“I am deeply honoured to participate in this race, which connects us to our history and inspires future generations to continue building a better South Africa,” Thobakgale said on Tuesday.

The DCS said the 27 for Freedom race “offers something for everyone”, with participants able to choose from the:

  • 27km race for seasoned runners;
  • 10km race, and
  • 5km fun run/walk for families, friends, and individuals of all abilities.

“The race commemorates Madiba’s legacy and sacrifices, symbolised through the 27 kilometre route, representing his 27 years behind bars. 

“It is a race that not only pays tribute to his extraordinary journey but also promotes unity, fitness and community engagement,” the department said.

Register for the race on https://www.topevents.co.za/event/27-for-freedom-2025/.

The deadline for registrations is today, 29 January. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 09:22

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Western Cape Education’s systemic test results surpass 2019 scores

Location: News

Western Cape Education’s systemic test results surpass 2019 scores

The Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) 2024 annual systemic test results  have indicated significant progress in children’s learning, with certain scores exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels.

“The pass rates for both Grade 9 mathematics and Grade 3 language are now higher than they were in 2019, with the remaining grades and subjects catching up quickly,” the department said in a statement.

The Western Cape is the only province in the country to conduct annual systemic testing in both mathematics and language for learners in Grades 3, 6, and 9.

These tests are internationally benchmarked and are administered, marked, and moderated externally to ensure objectivity and to provide a credible and relevant benchmark for evaluation.

“As a result, we have been well-placed to determine the impact of the pandemic on our children’s learning outcomes, as well as develop detailed strategies to reverse learning losses in the Western Cape.”

Headline results

According to the latest data, the pass rate for Grade 9 mathematics increased by 2.9 percentage points compared to 2023 and now exceeds the 2019 score by 0.7 percentage points.

“We also saw an increase of 4.3 percentage points for Grade 3 mathematics, and 1.1 percentage points for Grade 6 mathematics, compared to 2023. While the scores for these grades have not yet reached 2019 levels, the scores this year are nonetheless significantly higher than in 2021,” the statement read. 

Grade 3 language scores increased by 2.9 percentage points compared to 2023, now exceeding the 2019 pass rate by 0.5 percentage points.

Meanwhile, the pass rate for Grade 6 language has increased by 4.0 percentage points compared to 2023, reducing the difference with 2019 scores to just 1.3 percentage points.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a decline in our Grade 9 language scores of 2.8 percentage points compared to 2023. Our officials will be looking into this result in detail to put remedial plans in place.”

Next steps

While the WCED has seen an improvement in scores, there is still work to be done, with an even greater focus on learning outcomes.

Schools will now receive individual school reports, to help them develop a tailored approach by identifying gaps in learning unique to their school’s circumstances. 

The results will also be provided to curriculum officials, including those leading the #BackOnTrack programme interventions.

A key part of the #BackOnTrack programme is ensuring that interventions are refined over time to focus on the interventions that work and are sustainable. 

“We will use the new data to analyse where we need to direct the programme’s resources and supplement the findings of the recent Stellenbosch University report on the effectiveness of our interventions.” 

The department has thanked all the school staff, officials, tutors, and learners who have worked hard to improve learning outcomes over the past year and look forward to their support as they strive to give learners a better future in the Western Cape. 

The WCED said no testing was conducted in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 09:30

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Solar project makes strides in W Cape

Location: News

Solar project makes strides in W Cape

The Riversdale solar energy project, which is set to bring reliable, affordable and renewable energy, is making satisfactory progress, says Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

The multimillion-rand energy initiative is currently under construction in Riversdale, located in the Southern Cape, following a sod-turning ceremony in September 2024. 

Riversdale, a growing hub of economic activity and job creation, is located along the N2 highway in the Hessequa region between Cape Town and George. The town is mainly agriculturally oriented, and is recognised as a hub for shopping and other services for surrounding farming communities, smaller towns and some coastal resorts.

Winde, who visted the project site on Friday, said the project is an important part of creating energy security, even though the country has had a reprieve from load shedding.

The first phase of the project is expected to provide power to local businesses by the beginning of next year. After three years, it should be extended to all residents of the Hessequa region.

READ | Eskom edges closer to meeting load shedding target

Winde believes that municipalities in the Western Cape should continue to explore and invest in alternative energy solutions, with an added focus on making power more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

He said the Riversdale project and others like it will help in the face of Eskom's "staggering" 44% proposed increase for electricity sales to municipalities in the upcoming financial year. Through these projects, municipalities, the Premier said, would be able to absorb some of the worst of these price increases and pass on the benefits to their residents. 

“This project is not just ensuring energy resilience, which is much needed after the disastrous spate of power cuts; we are also taking a more responsible approach to power generation through renewable and affordable energy provision.”

Eskom has applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa for a 44% increase in electricity prices for the 2024/2025 financial year. 

The Western Cape Government (WCG) believes that the Riversdale energy initiative is essential for providing for the town's residents, and that it will also play a vital role in securing economic growth and driving job creation in the region.

The solar project includes a 10 megawatt (MW)-hour solar photovoltaic (PV) system that can generate 15 million kilowatt-hours per year. 

It features a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 10MW-hours, allowing for efficient energy storage and discharge. 

It is also equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems, enabling real-time performance tracking and optimisation.

The project is being implemented in three phases. According to the WCG, It will provide energy to the whole of Riversdale, which currently has a population of around 22 000 people. 

Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister, Samantha Graham-Maré, commended the WCG for its efforts to assist municipalities to incorporate renewable energy into their business models. 

She commended Hessequa Municipality for taking a leading role in the country by leveraging renewable energy for the benefit of all residents.

The WCG’s efforts to ensure affordable, reliable and renewable energy extend across the province, with projects such as solar PV installations, which are guided by the Energy Resilience Programme. The programme is aimed at generating 5 700MW by 2035. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 01/27/2025 - 10:37

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