How Business Can Help End Homelessness
Homelessness is a shared, fixable problem
Western Cape
Court Bid to Decriminalise Sex Work
The laws “have not deterred … the selling or buying of sex … and are not rationally capable of doing so. They merely create greater stigma and vulnerability among sex workers and violate their rights”.
Western Cape Town “Held to Ransom” by Cable Theft Syndicate
Repeated extended blackouts as electricity poles are cut down and cables stolen
Operation Shanela nets over 12 000 suspects
Operation Shanela nets over 12 000 suspects
Through various high-density operations, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 12 187 suspects from Monday, 30 September to Sunday, 6 October 2024.
Through Operation Shanela, SAPS has taken a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country through tracking and tracing operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, as well as stop and searches.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
Just this week alone, the following successes were recorded:
- 1 640 suspects were arrested, who were wanted for crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape and house robbery.
- 157 suspects were arrested for murder.
- 94 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
- 242 suspects were arrested for rape, with KwaZulu-Natal making the majority of arrests with 108.
- 266 drug dealers were also arrested during this period.
- 1 621 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, and 814 of these arrests were made in Western Cape.
- 1 496 suspects were arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] -- 364 more arrests than the previous week.
- 109 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, and 33 of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, while 30 were arrested in the Western Cape.
- 535 suspects were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, with 199 of these arrests being made in Mpumalanga and 180 in KZN.
- 430 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, with 117 of them arrested in Mpumalanga.
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
- 131 firearms were confiscated during operations. Thirty of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in KwaZulu-Natal, while 23 were confiscated in the Western Cape.
- 2 969 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
- 58 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week's operations.
A highlight of major takedowns and other successes include the following:
- Every week in the last month, SAPS has arrested at least one drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport.
- This week alone, police arrested three drug mules, which include two Dutch traffickers, who were found with 80kg of Khat.
- On Sunday, 6 October, police arrested a 43-year-old Paraguayan national at the airport. He has so far released 117 bullets suspected to contain cocaine.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, applauded SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) detective, Warrant Officer John Tlala Mokoena, for securing 42 life terms and 791 years for serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi.
The North Gauteng High Court, sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court, sentenced Phakathi on Friday.
More boots on the ground
On Friday, 4 October, 1 812 graduates who underwent a six-month Introductory Police Learning Development Programme (IPDLP) stood on parade during passing out parades held at various SAPS academies.
This is the first at batch of the 2024/2025 Project 10 000 cohort to graduate from Police College. They will be deployed at various police stations across the country to capacitate and boost grassroots level policing.
Meanwhile, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to make significant strides in preventing and combating illegal mining activities in the country.
This past week, 93 illegal miners were arrested, and 58 of them were arrested in Mpumalanga.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 09:56
519 views
Joburg’s Water Woes Are Self-Inflicted
The temporary shutdown of the supply from Lesotho is not the problem
Interview: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde Answers Questions on Social Housing
Winde explains why R500-million meant for housing went unspent
Unions Take to the Streets to Demand Decent Work
Hundreds of workers march in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban
Beachgoer saves a life in Western Cape
Beachgoer saves a life in Western Cape
City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has commended a beachgoer, who risked his life to save a swimmer from drowning over the weekend.
According to a report from the city, Brandon Janeka swam into the sea off the coast of Table View, which experiences regular rip currents and is outside of the designated swimming areas at Big Bay and Milnerton where lifeguards are based.
“The City commends Brandon for his bravery in selflessly swimming into rough seas to rescue a woman from drowning.
“The community of Heideveld and all Capetonians can be extremely proud of this young man, who risked his own life to save another, alongside several other heroes who are yet to be identified. It is incredible that these ordinary beachgoers staged this heroic rescue without thinking twice, and saved a life in the process,” Hill-Lewis said.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
“We commend the efforts of members of the public for their rescue efforts off the coast of Table View on Saturday.
“We call on the public to only swim at designated areas where our dedicated and professional lifeguards are playing a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers. Please adhere to the rules, and support them, so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone,” Van der Ross said.
In a statement, the City of Cape Town urged residents and holidaymakers to be careful while visiting the beach and be mindful of the following this festive season:
- Only swim where and when lifeguards are on duty, between their red and yellow flags, designating the safest bathing areas.
- Beware of rip currents.
- Don't swim under the influence of alcohol.
- Always actively monitor children in and around water.
“As the festive season approaches, the City has deployed lifeguards to 29 different beaches, tidal pools and stretches of coast between the hours of 10am and 6pm. To date, 241 seasonal lifeguards have been recruited and deployed to manage the influx to beaches,” a statement from the City read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 10/07/2024 - 15:10
139 views
778 newly qualified Constables add boots on the ground
778 newly qualified Constables add boots on the ground
Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo, on Friday addressed 778 newly qualified Constables at the Bhisho South African Police Service (SAPS) Academy, as the police held six parallel passing out parades across the country.
The other parades were held at Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape, Mankwe Academy in the North West, Moloto Academy in Mpumalanga and Graaff Reinet and Mthatha academies in the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape province received a total 274 new Constables to bolster its crime fighting initiatives.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said: "Out of these newly qualified Constables who are passing out today, the Eastern Cape will receive a total of 274, just in time for the Festive Season Operations. We expect to receive more new Constables by December this year.”
During her address, Boitshelo said government remained committed to ensuring South Africa achieves the United Nations recommendation of one police officer for every 220 people.
“As of 2023, the police-to-population ratio is 1:423, which means we still need to work harder to recruit more police officers,” she said.
The new Constables successfully completed the six-month introductory Police Development Learning Programme, with qualifications in the field of Law, Policing and Criminology.
They will add more boots on the ground to combat and prevent emerging crime trends.
The members will be deployed to various police stations and specialised units, such as Public Order Police (POP), Visible Police (Vispol), and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
The parallel parades were attended by several stakeholders, families and friends of the newly qualified Constables. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 10/06/2024 - 10:13
96 views
Thousands in Cape Town and Johannesburg Protest Against Israel’s Year of Massacres
Calls for Israel to be isolated, as South Africa was during apartheid
Many Cape Town Stations Are Closed to Wheelchair Users
And the “People’s Train” is inaccessible to many people
Mining’s potential remains high: Mantashe
Mining’s potential remains high: Mantashe
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has told an indaba that there is evidence to suggest that mining is “the bedrock of our economy” and that the country is an attractive investment destination for mining.
According to the Minerals Council of South Africa, the industry contributed some 6.3% to South Africa’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year.
“There is a strong case emerging out of the study on ‘The State of Mining’ that the South African mining industry not only remains the bedrock of our economy, but an attractive investment destination for mining.
“Coupled with the draft South Africa’s ‘Critical Minerals Strategy’, the study points to the reality that the South African mining industry is diversifying from the gold mining era to an industry with wide-ranging mineral resources, including the world’s largest known deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), manganese, chrome, coal, gold, copper, vanadium, and other natural resources that are considered critical for the just transition,” the Minister said at the Annual Joburg Indaba in Sandton on Thursday.
He added that with the diversification of the industry, its potential to continue growing remains high.
“Notwithstanding the challenges faced by the gold mining sector, including deep level mines and heightened safety concerns, the 2023 gold production statistics positioned South Africa as the world’s thirteenth and Africa’s fourth largest gold producer.
“Despite the fluctuating prices of palladium and rhodium, of which South Africa supplies 38% and 81%, respectively, to the global commodities market, the PGMs sector is poised to play a catalytic role in sustaining the South African mining industry, and in the growth of our economy.
“Considering South Africa’s reserves of known manganese and chrome deposits, as well as being the largest producer and exporter of manganese and chrome ore, the South African manganese and chrome sectors are poised to continue playing a significant role globally driven by their use in the automotive and construction industries,” Mantashe said.
Addressing challenges
He acknowledged that during last year’s Joburg Indaba, industry players raised issues that “we needed to resolve for the sector to thrive, including the need to ensure the necessary policy and regulatory certainty for investment”.
“Although the South African mining industry’s regulatory framework is stable and predictable, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
“This is so as to address its shortcomings and ensure that areas that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice. The amendments will further improve the business environment while keeping in sync with our socioeconomic fabric.
“The completion of the migration process to the new efficient and transparent mining licensing system, in June next year, is poised to modernise our licensing system, ensure regulatory certainty, and the sustainability of the South African mining industry.
“Having completed the first phase of the project, which included the assessment of the current environment to establish the baseline and its readiness, and the requirements with respect to system hosting, software integration, and the enhancement of cybersecurity, the development of the new system is therefore progressing very well,” the Minister explained.
READ | Presidency transfers Department of Mineral Resources and Energy legislation
Furthermore, the Minister told the industry leaders that between April 2023 and March this year, the department has processed and finalised 127 mining rights, 1 527 prospecting rights, and 2 313 mining permits and ancillaries.
There are no backlogs in the Western Cape and the Free State while backlogs in the Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been significantly reduced. Mpumalanga is the only province with a significant backlog.
“As we come to the end of this year’s Indaba, we wish to encourage the South African mining industry to continue sharing insights about the realities of this industry, advance beneficiation at source, and support our exploration initiatives.
“We further encourage junior miners to take up the opportunities presented to them in order to transform the industry and ensure that the people of South Africa derive value from their country’s mineral endowment,” Mantashe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:09
547 views
Heatwave warning for Northern Cape, Western Cape
Heatwave warning for Northern Cape, Western Cape
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of heatwave conditions, with persistently high temperatures in parts of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape.
The heatwave conditions will affect the Richtersveld, Nama Khoi and Kamiesberg municipalities in the Northern Cape, as well as Matzikama in the Western Cape.
The heatwave is expected to persist from Thursday until Saturday.
“When temperatures are extremely high, humans' ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced. This can be a real threat that leads to hyperthermia.
“In an extremely hot environment, the most serious health and safety concern is heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal if medical attention is not available immediately,” SAWS warned.
Infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat stress.
Too much heat can be more dangerous for babies and children than for adults, and dehydration in children can be dangerous or even deadly. Children’s bodies have more trouble regulating temperature than those of adults, and they rely on adults to help protect them from heat.
Safety tips
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South Africans are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure and stay indoors until late afternoon when the heat has subsided. Those who are forced by special circumstances such as work and school should drink as much as three litres of water to cope.
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Take cold showers to lower your body temperature.
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Cover windows with reflectors and drapes.
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Drink plenty of water, as much as four cups an hour if it's really hot.
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People, especially children, who cannot swim must avoid going to swimming pools and rivers, as this may result in fatalities.
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:47
3607 views
The Fate of the GNU Will Depend on What It Does to Fix Collapsing Municipalities
The Government of National Unity offers an opportunity to take practical steps
Three of Four Shosholoza Meyl Train Routes Halted Indefinitely
#UniteBehind believes problems with long distance locomotives is due to corruption at PRASA over the years.
Citrusdal Farmers Devastated by Two Years of Floods
But they are determined to start over and revive their vegetable gardens yet again
TNPA initiates RFI for Multi-Purpose Terminal at Mossel Bay
TNPA initiates RFI for Multi-Purpose Terminal at Mossel Bay
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has initiated a request for information process for a Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at the Port of Mossel Bay’s Quay 4 precinct.
The Request for Information (RFI) calls on interested parties to submit proposals to design, develop, finance, maintain and operate an MPT at Quay 4 where breakbulk as well as oil and gas cargo is currently handled.
With installed capacity of 86 000 tons of breakbulk cargo per annum and a 2040 m² shed, the berth boasts flexibility to handle cargo by mobile cranes or ship gear.
The RFI seeks to gauge interest on how TNPA can be responsive to market demand and attract the appropriate operator to develop and operate the envisaged Multi-Purpose Terminal at the ports authority’s oldest commercial seaport.
“Our engagements with the agricultural sector, shipping agents and local cargo owners have assisted in providing insight into the type of cargo that can be moved at the envisaged Multi-Purpose Terminal,” said Captain Vania Cloete.
Cloete is the acting TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Mossel Bay in the Western Cape.
“The RFI is the first step towards the pursuit of expanding port operations at Quay 4 beyond the current maritime commercial activities and small-scale multi-purpose operation we currently facilitate in this facility,” Cloete said.
RFI documents can be accessed from the National Treasury’s e-tender publication portal www.etender.gov.za and/or the Transnet website: www.transnet.net.
Responses to the RFI must be submitted by no later than 29 November 2024 at 4pm.
After receiving and reviewing RFI responses, TNPA may release a Request for Proposals provided that sufficient information is obtained from the RFI submissions. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 12:11
288 views
More than 10 000 suspects arrested through Operation Shanela
More than 10 000 suspects arrested through Operation Shanela
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 10 668 suspects between 23 and 29 September under Operation Shanela.
In a statement on Tuesday, the police said they remain relentless in their efforts to deal decisively with crime in the country through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks, as well as stop and searches.
All Operation Shanela activities are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
The following arrests were made:
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1 941 wanted suspects were arrested for crimes that including murder, attempted murder, rape and assault GBH [grievous bodily harm].
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110 suspects were arrested for murder, with 31 of these murder suspects being arrested in the Western Cape province.
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113 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
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116 suspects were arrested for rape, with 35 of these suspects arrested in Gauteng.
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111 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, with 44 of these suspects being arrested in the Western Cape.
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1 132 suspects were arrested for assault GBH.
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460 suspects were arrested for the illegal dealing in liquor, and 173 of these arrests were made in the Western Cape, while 85 were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
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236 drug dealers were also arrested during this period.
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593 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, with 173 of them arrested in Gauteng.
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677 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, and 150 of these arrests were made in Gauteng, 149 in KwaZulu-Natal and 127 in the Eastern Cape.
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
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117 firearms were confiscated during operations; 22 of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in the Western Cape, while 22 were confiscated in KwaZulu-Natal.
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872 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
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54 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during the week's operations.
A highlight of major takedowns and other successes include the following:
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Police arrested an 11th drug mule at the OR Tambo International Airport within a period of two months. The 21-year-old South African female had just landed from Sao Paulo on Sunday morning when she was arrested. An x-ray examination confirmed that she had swallowed bullets containing drugs.
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In the Western Cape, police arrested a 35-year-old suspect in Ruyterwacht for dealing in drugs on Saturday, 28 September 2024 and seized 87 058 mandrax tablets, cocaine and crystal meth worth more than R5 million.
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Six extortionists, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested in Tshwane during an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, 25 September 2024. These suspects reportedly collected money from shops owned by foreign nationals around Akasia and Soshanguve.
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On the same day, police in KZN arrested four extortionists, who are under police guard following their arrest. These suspects sustained gunshot wounds following a shootout with security guards. They are linked to a case of extortion at a construction site in Sydenham.
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Police operationalised a tip-off on suspected extortionists operating in Mthatha, Eastern Cape and successfully intercepted the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects fired gun shots at the police officers, who then returned fire. The two suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout with the police.
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During a takedown operation, police arrested four males and one female suspect, and rescued 29 human trafficking victims in Germiston, Gauteng.
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Operation Vala Umgodi continues to record significant successes since its activation in December 2023. This week, 157 illegal miners were arrested, with 91 being arrested in Mpumalanga.
Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:52
251 views
Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results
Employment and Labour blitz inspections and raids yield results
The Department of Employment and Labour’s joint blitz inspections and raids have yielded significant results, with the department enforcing monetary corrections totalling over R10 million and arresting 81 non-documented workers.
The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, held a media briefing today to update on the department’s joint blitz inspections and compliance raids.
WATCH |
In a decisive move to uphold employment standards, Meth announced that since assuming office in July 2024, her department has ramped up nationwide inspections targeting non-compliant employers.
Collaborating with the Department of Home Affairs, the Bargaining Council of the Hospitality Sector and law enforcement, the high impact blitz inspections focus on ensuring that workplaces adhere to key labour laws and safeguard workers’ rights.
“Our inspections have revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures. To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees,” the Minister said.
Meth emphasised that the department approaches enforcement with a balance of firmness and fairness.
“Employers found in violation are issued compliance orders with clear deadlines for corrective action. In situations where immediate risks to health and safety are identified, Prohibition Notices are issued to halt hazardous activities until compliance is achieved,” she said.
The Minister said the scale and scope of these inspections demonstrate the department’s commitment to upholding labour standards nationwide.
The Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Inspections were also carried out in the North West (217), Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69) and Mpumalanga (59).
These joint inspections targeted key sectors and regions, with significant activity in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
These joint operations scrutinised compliance with laws, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Employment Services Act, and promoting fairness and protecting workers.
Infractions such as underpayment of wages, illegal deductions, and unsafe working conditions were identified.
Tackling unemployment and undocumented workers
Meth expressed concern over South Africa’s unemployment rate of 33.5%, particularly among the youth.
"Concurrently, the widespread employment of undocumented foreign nationals raises concerns over exploitation and the circumvention of legal hiring practices.
“Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that employment practices comply with immigration laws, and that all workers, regardless of their origin, are treated with dignity and fairness,” Meth said.
Strengthening oversight and enforcement
Looking ahead, Meth revealed plans to expand the Department of Labour’s inspectorate capacity from 2 000 to 20 000 inspectors over the next three years.
This will enhance the department’s ability to conduct more frequent and thorough inspections across the country.
The introduction of risk-based profiling will allow for targeted audits, prioritising industries and regions where violations are most prevalent.
“To maximise the effectiveness of our inspections, we will implement a risk profiling system. This approach will allow us to prioritise audits and inspections based on identified risks, thereby improving our capacity to address high-priority non-compliance areas more efficiently,” the Minister said.
The department will also introduce a specialised segment-focused compliance framework.
“Our enforcement strategy will be integrated and risk-based, enabling us to address all compliance issues at the workplace in a holistic and comprehensive manner, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.
“Our commitment extends beyond enforcement; it is about fostering social justice and ensuring that every worker's rights are protected.
“Fair labour practices lead to increased morale, productivity and ultimately, a more robust economy. Together, we can build a society where economic prosperity and social equity reinforce each other,” Minister Meth said.
Supporting businesses: TERS, Productivity SA and the CCMA
In addition to enforcement, the Department of Employment and Labour is extending support to businesses by offering a range of services, fostering resilience, and ensuring harmonious labour relations.
Initiatives like the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) and free productivity services from Productivity SA aim to help businesses in financial distress and improve their operational efficiency.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) also offers mediation services to resolve workplace disputes.
Operation Yazini: Raising Public Awareness
As part of Meth’s 100-day programme, Operation Yazini will be launched to raise awareness about the department’s services, including employment rights and compliance assistance.
This initiative aims to bring the department closer to communities, ensuring that employers and employees alike understand their legal obligations and rights.
“Through targeted advocacy and outreach, Operation Yazini seeks to inform the public about the wide range of support available, including labour rights, employment services, and compliance assistance,” the Minister said.
A call for collective action
Meth called for nationwide collaboration between employers, unions and civil society to create a fair and safe labour market.
“I urge all stakeholders, businesses, labour unions, civil society organisations, and fellow citizens to join us in this vital endeavour. Let us work collaboratively to create a labour market characterised by fairness, safety, and mutual respect,” the Minister said.
As inspections continue, the department remains committed to transparency, social justice, and the protection of workers’ rights across South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 13:07
201 views
Cape Town Museum Offers a Window Into Life as a Migrant Worker Under Apartheid
The Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum has the last preserved migrant labour hostel
New Plan for Cape Town Inner-City Housing
City centre should accommodate up to 50,000 people by 2040
Hundreds Join Cape Flats “Recovery Walk”
The annual event celebrating recovery from substance use started in 2015
Northern Cape records second-lowest HIV prevalence rate in SA
Northern Cape records second-lowest HIV prevalence rate in SA
The Northern Cape had the second-lowest HIV prevalence at 8.9% in 2022, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said on Monday.
This means an estimated 120 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province, which is 21 000 more PLHIV compared to 2017.
The information is based on the HSRC’s key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for the Northern Cape.
SAnews reported last week that the Western Cape had the lowest HIV prevalence (7.4%) in 2022 and second lowest in 2017 (8.6%).
READ | W Cape records lowest HIV prevalence rate in SA
According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that in 2022, HIV prevalence in the Northern Cape was 3.3% among those aged 15 to 24 overall, and higher among females (5%) than males (1.8%) in this age category.
Among those aged 25 to 49, HIV prevalence was 12.6% overall, and higher in females (14.9%) than males (9.6%).
HIV prevalence was also higher among those residing in urban areas (9.6%) and lower among those residing in rural informal or tribal areas (7.6%) and rural formal or farms (6.2%).
“HIV prevalence peaked at 25.7% among those aged 35 to 39 years in 2022 compared to 26.1% in 2017 among those aged 40 to 44. HIV prevalence increased from 24.3% among 30 to 34-year-olds in 2017 to 25.7% among those aged 35 to 39 in 2022.
“There was a notable downward shift in the epidemic curve in 2022 among the age categories between 20 to 34 years,” Zuma said.
Antiretroviral treatment
Data show that antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in the Northern Cape increased from 54.9% in 2017 to 86.2% in 2022.
This translates to an estimated 103 440 PLHIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.
In 2022, ART use among all PLHIV in the province was 82.6% among those between 25 and 49 years.
Data for youth and adolescents aged between 15 and 24 years and among males aged between 25 and 49 could not be analysed owing to a small sample size.
The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African National HIV and AIDS, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.
Knowledge of HIV status
Zuma expressed concern that PLHIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for the majority of PLHIV in Northern Cape who were unaware of their HIV status (62.4%), those who were aware of their HIV status but not on ART (72.7%) and those who were on ART with no VLS (73.1%).
However, adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 contribute disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 8.1% of all PLHIV.
People residing in urban areas accounted for the majority of PLHIV and most of those gaps along the clinical cascade.
Sexual debut
Regarding the key drivers of the HIV epidemic, Zuma noted that the Northern Cape had the second-lowest prevalence of early sexual debut among the nine provinces.
The proportion of adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 years who reported having sex before the age of 15 decreased from 11.4% in 2017 to 8% in 2022.
Sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth between 15 and 24 years in 2022 was higher among males (10.2%) than females (5.1%).
Multiple sexual partners
The survey revealed that 11% of people aged 15 years and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022, compared to 8.4% in 2017.
The proportion of people aged 15 and older, who reported having multiple sexual partners was 11.2% higher among males compared to females (5.4%).
The proportion who reported having multiple sexual partners was highest in urban areas, sitting at 9.2%.
Condom use with recent sexual partner
Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that 30.4% reported using a condom with their most recent sexual partner in 2022, compared to 39.9% in 2017.
Condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 and older was higher among males (34.9%) than females (25.7%), and lower among those aged 25 to 49 (27.8%) compared to those aged 15 to 24 (64.3%).
Condom use was substantially lower among those residing in rural formal or farm areas (14.6%) compared to those living in urban areas (32%).
Condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people 15 years and older was 40.2% in Frances Baard.
Nationally, more than 70% of individuals aged 15 and older had never or sometimes used a condom with their most recent sexual partner.
In the Northern Cape, a higher proportion (52.3%) also reported that they had never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner. Only 7.6% reported that they had used condoms almost every time.
Consistency of condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 and older in the province was lowest among those aged 25 to 49 (15%) compared to adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 (41.2%).
However, less than 50% of adolescents and youth reported using a condom sometimes or never using a condom.
“We also recommend a continued focus on increasing coverage and demand for medical male circumcision among males aged 15 years and older. We must also enhance public awareness and uptake of effective HIV prevention measures, such as regular HIV testing, condoms and PrEP [pre-exposure prophylaxis],” said Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 12:56
430 views
Government registers 217 Fire Protection Associations to deal with veld fires
Government registers 217 Fire Protection Associations to deal with veld fires
In an attempt to be proactive in managing uncontrolled fires, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has to date registered 217 Fire Protection Associations (FPAs).
“The department is empowered by the National Veld and Forest Fires Act, 1998 (NVFFA) to prevent and combat veld, forest and mountain fires throughout the Republic, and provides for a variety of institutions, methods and practices for achieving this purpose,” the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, said on Monday.
Addressing the closing of the 2024 Arbor Month Campaign, Swarts said one of the biggest threats to natural vegetation, property and valuable life is uncontrolled veld and forest fires.
“Some areas in the country are rated as extremely high veld risk areas due to the fact that more than 90% of the area is covered with woodlands. Every year, many lives are lost and millions of rands worth of damages are caused to property, livestock, the environment and the livelihoods, especially that of the rural poor,” Swarts said.
The department is in a process of aligning the FPAs to municipal boundaries to ensure effective use of resources and increased participation and inclusivity, especially for previously disadvantaged communities.
“To ensure that the FPAs are functional, the DFFE provides financial support to FPAs through the Working on Fire Programme and is in the process of transferring vehicles to district municipalities for use by FPAs.
“This will be done in phases, noting that that there are certain requirements that must be met by the FPAs for benefiting from this support. We are aware of other challenges and the department will work closely with Umbrella FPAs to ensure that such challenges are addressed,” the Deputy Minister said.
The responsibilities of FPAs include developing and applying a veld fire management strategy for an area, identifying natural conditions that can cause fire, and regularly communicating fire danger ratings to members in a designated area.
Forestry Sector Masterplan
Meanwhile, government has developed the Forestry Sector Masterplan as a growth, transformation and investment plan for the sector, which is a collaborative effort of government.
One of the key deliverables of the masterplan is the New Afforestation Programme, which refers to the establishment of new plantations on virgin land (undisturbed soil).
“For one to establish plantations, a licence is required in terms of the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998, National Environmental Management Act, 1998 and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983. The process involves satisfying the issues of water availability, undertaking costly Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and issues related to soil conservation.
“The DFFE, through the then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, undertook a study to assess the potential for afforestation in the country, except in the Western Cape. The results reflected an opportunity of 100 000 hectares in the Eastern Cape and 39 000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal,” Swarts said.
The department has been playing a role of streamlining the afforestation licensing process by paying for the costly EIA studies on behalf of communities.
“This ensures that delays in afforestation are reduced, and communities are supported in obtaining licences. Currently, the period for issuing licences from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is 90 days.
“The department has about 44 000 hectares worth of licences in the pipeline, which are due for EIAs. The department is in the process of finalising the appointment of Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) to conduct the studies,” Swarts said.
The masterplan had set a minimum investment target of R16.5 billion, with a maximum target of R30 billion for the year 2025/26.
“Currently, the Rand value of private sector investment has reached R33.2 billion, clearly indicating that the sector has well exceeded the R30 billion target set for the 2025/26 financial year.
“Ensuring that the plantations under the management of the department are brought back into production is high on the agenda of the masterplan. Currently, about 6213,58 hectares have been transferred to communities through the Community Forestry Agreement Model, in line with Section 29 of the National Forests Act, 1998.
“This translates to 27 plantations transferred to communities through the signing of 23 Community Forestry Agreements. Plans are in place to continue with this process, including the leasing of the remaining plantations in the Western Cape.
“As these transfers take place, it is important for the industry to work closely with the department in ensuring that post settlement support is provided for these communities so that they can thrive in the sector,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
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Mon, 09/30/2024 - 14:01
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