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Biosecurity measures implemented to manage Foot and Mouth Disease

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Biosecurity measures implemented to manage Foot and Mouth Disease

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the department is working with all stakeholders to ensure that biosecurity measures are implemented to manage the current Foot and Mouth (FMD) outbreak in the Eastern Cape.

Steenhuisen emphasised that biosecurity remains a priority for the department, noting that the disease poses a risk for local production and trade, both national and international.

The Minister said the department is also in constant engagement with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform to ensure that FMD control measures are implemented, and that the disease does not spread within the province.

Noting the shared responsibilities for biosecurity implementation, the Minster said the department is also in ongoing engagement with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture to ensure that the disease does not spread to that province.

He said the investigation into the origin and extent of the FMD outbreak in the Eastern Cape continues.

“Twenty-three farms in the Humansdorp area and one farm in the East London have been confirmed as positive for FMD. Locations confirmed to be positive for FMD were placed under quarantine by the Eastern Cape Provincial Veterinary Services.

“Full epidemiological investigations are continuing. Immediate neighbours and all linked locations have been placed under precautionary quarantine, pending clinical and serological investigation to determine their FMD status,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said a total of 46 applications to vaccinate non-infected farms were received, and of these, 30 farms were permitted to vaccinate, while 17 applications for voluntary vaccination have not yet been approved.

The Minister explained that applications are considered for vaccination if the farms are within the 10km radius of a positive farm.

“The applications are prioritised to ensure that the farms at highest risk are vaccinated first. It was agreed during the Joint Operations Committee on FMD that the available personnel resources will be used in a manner that allows for the maximum number of farms to be vaccinated in the shortest time possible,” Steenhuisen explained.

The department reiterated the call to farmers to observe biosecurity on their farms and to protect their own herds from becoming infected.

Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.  

In line with this, a regulation was prescribed in October 2022 by the Minister of Agriculture, stipulating that cloven hoofed livestock may only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner of the animals, attesting to their health at the time of moving.

In addition, all cattle, sheep, and goats newly brought onto a farm must be kept separated from the resident herds for at least 28 days.

FMD is a controlled animal disease in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No 35 of 1984) and the Act prescribes certain control measures, like isolation and movement control, that are being enforced by veterinary services.

“Should any suspicious clinical symptoms (salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions) be seen, it should be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 11:32

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CoGTA Minister describes GNU as ‘a bold, necessary step in the right direction’

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CoGTA Minister describes GNU as 'a bold, necessary step in the right direction'

Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised his party’s commitment to a stable and successful Government of National Unity (GNU).

“The GNU is not about politics but about the will of the people for the future of our country. We campaigned and expressed our views to the electorate, but the electorate in response, said ‘work together',” Hlabisa said.  

Hlabisa, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, spoke during Friday’s debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA). 

The debate is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s OPA delivered in Cape Town on Thursday, where he outlined government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years.

Hlabisa told Members of Parliament (MPs) that his party will continue in their founder’s footsteps, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who spoke “loudly” on behalf of the people. 

“We will continue to play that role constructively in the GNU for the good of our country,” he said. 

He described the GNU as a bold and necessary step in the right direction. 

“We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself and the future of our generation and the generations to come. 

“The real way of changing the lived reality of every South African must proceed with the utmost haste. The change voters demand must be practically seen, felt and experienced in the next few months.”

Hlabisa welcomed the plan laid out yesterday evening by President Ramaphosa. 

He is of the view that the President’s OPA opened a new chapter for the country under the collective wisdom, skills and capabilities of leaders who chose to work together for the sake of the people of South Africa. 

Municipalities

The IFP has welcomed the position taken by the President about reviewing the Municipal Funding Model to ensure that municipalities become fully functional.

Hlabisa is of the view that this marks a turning point in the country’s 30-year history.

“The IFP believes that local government is a critical sphere of government to impact development and change in the lives of the people of South Africa.” 

As the Minister of CoGTA, Hlabisa said he was determined to see all municipalities receive the administrative, technical and financial support needed to become viable, stable, and able to deliver and maintain infrastructure.

He took the time to thank the President for his commitment to appoint political champions of the District Development Model (DDM) to fast-track the “one-plan” solution.

“With the DDM institutionalised, champions working tirelessly and CoGTA playing its role, we will ensure that every municipality works.”

Hlabisa said his party will also champion the interests of and deepen working partnerships with traditional and Khoi San leaders as they play a key role in a stable democracy.

Disaster management

The Minister touched on climate change, which has necessitated a new approach to disaster management that is proactive, less bureaucratic and timeous.

He also spoke about the devastation that has engulfed the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal residents following the floods and wildfire.

“The IFP is committed to the continued development of a new approach in dealing with disaster management.”

He stated that the GNU must be seen to be responsive, empowering and a force for good.

“It must work, as the IFP has always done, hand in hand with the people.”

In addition, he said his party was committed to a national dialogue to address social cohesion, landlessness and the growing gap between the rich and poor.

“We are committed to creating a stable GNU, that is responsive and delivers. This is our commitment to South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za 

Gabisile
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 12:58

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Modern technology to help fight crime

Location: News

Modern technology to help fight crime

A heightened focus on the use of modern technology to help with crime prevention efforts will continue to be a key priority of the seventh administration.

“A data-driven approach will be used to identify violent crime hotspots and inform the allocation of policing resources alongside prevention measures,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday.

The President was outlining apex focus areas for the next five years, which will be driven by the Government of National Unity (GNU). After the National and Provincial Elections in May produced no outright majority winner, various political leaders were tasked to work together to form a Government of National Unity, comprised of 10 political parties.

In his address tonight, President Ramaphosa said the country must have capable, sophisticated and independent law enforcement agencies that can fight complex and organised crime.

He committed that the Government of National Unity will continue to tackle priority crimes, including illegal mining, gang violence, cash-in-transit heists and the construction mafia, through specialised police units.

“We will continue to implement the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and expand victim support services, like the Thuthuzela Centres and GBV desks in police stations,” President Ramaphosa said.

Land reform

Switching focus to the land reform programme, the President announced that government will increase the funding thereof, prioritise the transfer of State land and improve post-settlement support by strengthening the institutional capacity of the structures relevant to the programme.

“To achieve rapid, inclusive growth, we need to fix our struggling municipalities. Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work.

“Our municipalities must become both the providers of social services and facilitators of inclusive economic growth. They must work to attract investment,” President Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, the President expressed words of comfort to families affected by floods in the Western Cape and veld fires in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thousands of people across the Western Cape were left destitute after storms damaged their homes, including businesses and infrastructure in the province.

“In recent days, we have witnessed runaway fires in KwaZulu-Natal, in which 14 people, including six firefighters, lost their lives. The fires also caused the destruction of homes, livestock and grazing land.

‘The thoughts of all South Africans are with all those people who have been subjected to these terrible weather conditions as they work to recover and rebuild,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:03

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Opening of Parliament Address: A moment of hope and celebration

Location: News

Opening of Parliament Address: A moment of hope and celebration

Tonight’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, bears significance not only for the seventh administration, but also for the celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa.

This according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli.

The Deputy Minister was speaking to SAnews on the side lines of a commemoration marking Mandela Day, at Nyanga, in the Western Cape.

“It’s significant in a few ways. Firstly, it’s the first address of the administration 30 years into democracy. A lot of countries that have gone through the kind of transition that we have gone through seldom get to a point of having stable elections that are free and fair, and non-violent, 30 years into the democratic dispensation. That’s one thing to celebrate.

“South Africa is a much a better country than it was 30 years ago. Of course we still have challenges but we continue to work with our people,” Mhlauli said.

The Deputy Minister said OPA is a key marker for the seventh administration, which is made up of different political parties in the Government of National Unity.

“Today is going to be the first address of the President in another milestone in our country under a Government of National Unity which is the first of its kind comprising [different] political parties.

“A lot of people said it’s not going to be possible that there will be instability and here we are today; looking forward to hearing the message the President is going to put forward for the next five years ahead,” she said.

Also at the Mandela Day commemoration, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, told SAnews that he expects President Ramaphosa to reflect on the work that has been done by government over the past 30 years of democracy and how government will build upon that platform.

“I think the President’s speech will be predicated on the strides that we’ve made in the last 30 years. With the establishment of the Government of National Unity, the President will speak to the key priorities that this government would want to focus on… [like] inclusive growth and job creation.

“We obviously want all South Africans to tune in today… as the President addresses the nation and we hope that they will be able to relate to the message that will be delivered by the President of the Republic,” Morolong said.

The Opening of Parliament Address is expected to commence at 7pm tonight, the same day the country and the world commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 13:43

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Quiz: Should You Be Planning a Summer Holiday, Winter Getaway, or a Spring Escape?

Location: MyPR

Dreaming of your next adventure? Our country’s natural beauty shines year-round, from sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountains. But when’s the perfect time for you to take that well-deserved break? “We are spoilt for choice in South Africa, so it all depends on what season resonates most with your interests as each offers something unique,” says …

Read moreQuiz: Should You Be Planning a Summer Holiday, Winter Getaway, or a Spring Escape?

Reclaiming Your Space: 6 Steps to Remove Flood Water For Your Home/Building

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The Cape of Storms has once again lived up to its name as multiple cold fronts battered both the Eastern and Western Cape during July, bringing gale-force winds and flooding to the Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town metros and surrounds. Thousands of people have been displaced and 15, 000 structures in the Cape Town …

Read moreReclaiming Your Space: 6 Steps to Remove Flood Water For Your Home/Building

Designer Pool Covers Cape Town Expands Product Line to Meet Growing Demand for Pool Safety and Efficiency

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Cape Town, South Africa – Designer Pool Covers Cape Town, a leading provider of high-quality pool cover solutions, has announced an expansion of its product offerings to meet the increasing demand for pool safety and energy efficiency in the Western Cape region. The company has introduced several new automatic and safety cover options to complement …

Read moreDesigner Pool Covers Cape Town Expands Product Line to Meet Growing Demand for Pool Safety and Efficiency

Heavy rains expected for Opening of Parliament Address

Location: News

Heavy rains expected for Opening of Parliament Address

Heavy rains and cold weather is expected in Cape Town tomorrow evening as President Cyril Ramaphosa convenes a joint sitting of the newly established two Houses of Parliament to deliver the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecaster, Samkelisiwe Thwala, told SANews on Wednesday that isolated scattered showers and rain with a portion of a cold front are expected in the Western Cape, with South Western parts expecting 80% chance of rain and showers on Thursday.

“We also have three weather alerts that are associated with cold fronts. [There is a] Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain, leading to localised flooding of roads, which is expected over the Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town, parts of the West Coast, and Theewaterskloof Municipalities,” Thwala said.

Thwala warned of a further cold front approaching on Friday.

“It is going to be two-days of rainy and cold weather. Strong winds and damaging waves are also predicted for the coastal areas up to Plettenberg Bay on the southeast coast,” Thwala said.

Opening of Parliament

The opening of Parliament, which will be attended by members of both Houses, the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, will mark the start of the new five-year parliamentary cycle.

The address provides President Ramaphosa with an opportunity to outline the key priorities and policies of the seventh administration.

The new administration is made up of several political parties that formed a Government of National Unity founded on the respect for the Constitution, the Bill of Rights in its entirety, a united South Africa, and the rule of law.

The Opening of Parliament Address also coincides with the United Nations-declared Nelson Mandela International Day, which calls on people around the world to take action to help change the world for the better, and by doing so, build a global movement for good.

Government has invited all South Africans to be part of the Opening of Parliament Address at 7pm.

South Africans can tune into their favourite television or radio station to be part of this national milestone. 

Proceedings will also be covered via government and Parliament social media accounts. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:01

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“New system” is needed to deal with natural disasters in SA

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"New system" is needed to deal with natural disasters in SA

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says South Africa is at an increased risk of natural disasters and needs a “new system” to manage these challenges more effectively.

“I wish to take this time to also convey our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. We also acknowledge work undertaken to rebuild our societies and we urge all government structures to increase the speed of responding to the plight of communities,” Hlabisa said on Wednesday during his Budget Vote Speech. 

He recognised the vital role played by the department following the floods and fires currently affecting communities in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

“We have learned with heavy hearts of the passing of 14 people who died in the veld fires in KZN. Among the 14, six were firefighters, some volunteers. These brave men and women paid the ultimate price to save communities. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of all the victims. May their souls find eternal rest.” 

Hlabisa tabled the CoGTA 2024/25 budget, at R395.7 billion, with a significant portion 95.9% (R379.61 billion) to be transferred to municipalities and affiliated entities.

A total of R379.6 billion of the department’s total budget over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period will primarily cover the local government equitable share, disaster relief grant and the municipal infrastructure grant.

The Minister recognised that it was only through the department’s urgent interventions that lives and livelihoods were saved and thanked all those who are collaborating with government to assist distressed communities.

Hlabisa and his team are expected to visit the affected areas in KwaZulu-Natal to assess the situation and provide support.

In Cape Town, over 33 000 households have been affected across the metropole in both formal and informal settings following the floods, affecting some 95 000 people.

“We recognise that the challenges we face in disaster management are largely because South Africa has experienced not only an increase in the number of disasters - such as droughts, floods, COVID-19, and severe weather – but also an increase in their magnitude, severity, and impact.

“These events have occurred either simultaneously or in rapid succession, straining our resources and systems.” 

However, the Minister believes that the challenges faced in disaster management are primarily due to deficiencies in regulatory legislation, which are not designed to adapt to the ever-changing risk environment. 

“The systemic and structural design of our disaster management delivery, as guided by current laws, results in issues with timing and bureaucracy. Key elements of the disaster management function were assigned to municipalities through legislation, but without funding.” 

He told the Members of Parliament (MPs) that this created a contradiction between the Disaster Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) which requires sufficient funding and capacity for assigned functions. 

“Consequently, municipalities lack the necessary funding and capacity.” 

He admitted that government’s response has struggled with agility, efficiency, and effectiveness in risk analysis, prevention, mitigation, emergency preparedness, early warning systems, and recovery services. 

He told MPs that the fire and rescue services also face significant hurdles and that in 2022, Cabinet mandated the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to review and overhaul the disaster management system, including fire services.

“In response to this, we are proposing a new system for disaster management and fire services.” 

This system, he said, aims to improve governance by reorganising administrative structures and financing models to better respond to growing disaster risks. 

“We have since developed a new model based on best practices from New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Mozambique, California, and Australia. The new model emphasises risk reduction and integrates disaster management into all levels of government planning, ensuring adequate funding and focus on resilience.”

He told Parliament that the NDMC undertook extensive consultations with all stakeholders through existing disaster management structures and across the three spheres of government and that inputs were received and used to refine the proposed model.

“We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the management of disasters, including rolling out training to Houses of Traditional Leadership, particularly those in disaster-prone areas, on disaster management. 

“This will enable them to work closely with all spheres of government and stakeholders on the ground to assist in disasters. An implementation plan has been developed in this regard for effective implementation of this training,” he added. 

This year, the department also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Department of Defence that will see the Community Work Programme (CWP) participants playing a role in disaster preparedness and community development. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Wed, 07/17/2024 - 11:32

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Straight To The Point: The Drag Cartel’s Vibrant Voice in LGBTQI+ Discourse

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In a groundbreaking initiative to amplify LGBTQI+ voices, the captivating podcast ‘Straight to the Point’ features the dynamic trio of Emogan Moore (35), Maxine Wild (30), and Chenal LeCap (23). Broadcasting every Monday at 6:30 PM on the GoBinge YouTube channel, the show offers a 30 to 40-minute weekly dive into the vibrant and often …

Read moreStraight To The Point: The Drag Cartel’s Vibrant Voice in LGBTQI+ Discourse

New Police Minister outlines priorities

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New Police Minister outlines priorities

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the seventh administration will act decisively to bring the high level of crime in the country, under control.

“It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary,” Mchunu said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday on the Ministry’s priorities, following the establishment of the Government of National Unity after the General Elections.

“We are honoured and humbled to have been given the enormous responsibility of ensuring that South Africans are safe and feel safer.

“We have spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners and divisional heads of the South African Police Service. We have done this to ensure that we have a broad understanding of the portfolio, including the challenges and opportunities, so that we can map out the priorities and urgent tasks at hand,” said the Minister.

He said he had benefited from briefings from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and the Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service as well as various organisations and institutions within the security arena.

“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control.

“The levels and type of crime differ from one province to the other. We need to take this into account as we implement the integrated National Crime Prevention Strategy,” said the Minister.

Currently, the leading crimes in the country are contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments.

“The killing of women and children also continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement. Our mission is clear - our country must be safe for all citizens. People all over South Africa must be able to move around at any time without fear of marauding criminals.

“Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape. The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets,” he said.

Mchunu said as the police, they take the issue of “construction mafias” in the country very seriously.

“This trend is associated with destructive activities which disrupt construction and infrastructure development which our country urgently requires. 

“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and by using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” the Minister said.

Police will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, still making incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution.

“It needs to be in line with modern day crime fighting and prevention demands. We will also finalise the National Policy on Policing. It must take into account provincial needs and priorities,” Mchunu said.

He said there was an urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and instill positive ethical values, patriotism and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.

“Uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will remain a top priority. Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken.

“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers. People must respect police officers; have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst. Professionalism in the work of police is also part of the police protection mechanism.

“Our police officers need to work in a conducive environment. We are committed to ensuring that our police stations are well-resourced. We have to provide the necessary tools and vehicles to serve our communities effectively,” he said.

According to Mchunu, over the past two years, over 20 000 new police officers have been trained. 

“We will strive to continue bolstering capacity and to enhance police training. A police officer must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force,” he said.

With regard to the use of technology in the police service, Mchunu said the integration of technology in police services is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.

“We will prioritise the roll out of new technologies to detect and deter crimes. Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities.

“These tools provide officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations. Technology also enhances transparency and accountability and fosters greater public trust. 

“We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring SAPS on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:06

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Government continues to assist those affected by Western Cape floods

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Government continues to assist those affected by Western Cape floods

Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says government has been hard at work to relocate the families affected by the devastating floods in the Western Cape this week.

Thousands of people in the province have been rendered homeless after flooding destroyed their homes.

“We’ve been able to relocate families into a building that, as government, we have leased for 30 days while we are finding a solution in terms of the informal settlement because they have submerged, whether the rain will come down and we move them back or we have to find an alternative land where we relocate them,” she said.

The Minister added, however, that finding suitable land was proving elusive.

“The challenge in the City of Cape Town is land availability and the requirements we have to follow in terms of our processes of approvals for land use. 

“So currently those that were affected in terms of their buildings, formal structures, the assessment has been done by the [National Home Builders Registration Council]. We have received the first report. We are hoping that by Monday, we would have that intervention as fixing those houses by our service providers that we have been able to appoint.

“The materials for the informal settlements are starting to be delivered,” Kubayi said.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape provincial government said it has given the green light for some households in Newton in the Drakenstein Municipality to return home.

This after 900 households in the area were evacuated when it was established that a dam wall in the area was at risk of failure due to the severe flooding.

“Working in consultation with the Department of Water and Sanitation and a dam engineering specialist, Drakenstein Municipality’s Engineering Services Department performed another onsite inspection this morning of the farm dam above Newton and confirmed that the risk of dam wall failure has been mitigated.

“This decision was taken in light of the fact that the water level of 150 000-cubic-meter dam in the Bo-Dal area dropped slightly since last night, as well as the lighter rainfall predicted for today. 

“According to the authorities, the dam should be able to handle the flow of water that is expected to reach it today.

“The municipality will keep on monitoring the dam closely and notify residents immediately should the situation change,” the Western Cape government said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 13:54

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Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains

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Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains

At least 500 households, whose homes were destroyed by heavy rains in Cape Town, are being temporarily relocated to safer accommodations, as gale-force winds and heavy rains persist.

This comes after Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, visited the affected areas on Thursday.

Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala led a Human Settlements delegation to assess progress of interventions for families in desperate need of shelter in the unrelenting cold and wet weather.

The Ministerial delegation visited various disaster-stricken areas in Khayelitsha, including Nkandla, Zami Mpilo, Kuyasa and Victoria Mxenge in the Western Cape.

Scores of people have been left temporarily homeless due to water-logged homes across the province as wet weather and flooding continues.

Kubayi said the department’s immediate intervention is to relocate families to be accommodated at the Western Cape School of Governance, where the department will enter into a lease agreement of 30 days.

Kubayi said the department must identify land in two weeks, adding that she has spoken to all the affected families, and they have agreed to move.

“Our concern is mainly that with a level 8 warning, it means the rain will continue and we do not want these communities to continue in this dire state where their shelters are submerged under water.

“We are moving them to a safe place at least for 30 days while we look at alternative land parcels where they can be permanently relocated to build a new life away from flood plains,” Kubayi said.

The Minister noted that the relocation for the community is not only in one ward but will expand to more areas currently in danger or Category C informal settlements [immediate relocation].

The Minister said the City of Town alone has over 800 informal settlements in danger zones, emphasising a need for a more proactive approach when dealing with disasters.

“We need to put preventative measures in place, and this work is ongoing. Moreover, I have instructed MECs in all nine provinces to also identify more of these Category-C informal settlements so that work can continue to mitigate imminent disasters,” Kubayi said.

As part of disaster intervention and mitigation measures, the department also provides the Informal Settlement Upgrading grant to provinces and municipalities. This entails the upgrading of informal settlements in-situ (developing the area where an informal settlement is located) by providing bulk infrastructure like storm water drainage to avert flooding.

Kubayi also underscored the need to put in place bulk infrastructure to mitigate against a situation where people are locked in water, noting that some areas they visited have no proper stormwater drainage system to absorb water during heavy rains.

The Minister also emphasised that the response to disasters requires all the affected government departments play their part in ensuring that the victims are attended to.

“This is because beyond the provision of shelter for the victims, there are other needs such as transport, protection of property (which in some cases gets stolen), food and other necessities,” she said.

Kubayi further acknowledged efforts by NGOs, including the Gift of the Givers, who continuously work with government during emergencies.

She assured that the teams will continue with work onsite throughout the weekend, assessing the structural integrity of damaged formal structures.

“The team from Human Settlements Emergency Housing, which includes the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), has been on the ground since the disaster to provide the necessary support to those who have lost their informal structures in Monwabisi, New Monwabisi Park, and Kuyasa informal settlements, as well as to assess the damage caused to permanent structures,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:36

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Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

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Cape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

The Western Cape Education Department has announced its decision to extend the closure of schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg districts to Friday, following a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Management (PDRM).

However, all schools in the other education districts are to re-open tomorrow. 

This means that schools in the Cape Town, the West Coast, and the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts will be open tomorrow unless approval has been granted by the Head of Department.

“This decision is based on the interests of learner and teacher safety in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts, particularly with regard to travelling to and from schools,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier. 

The rainfall has caused widespread damage to roads and flooding, affecting school transport routes and resulting in the closure of many schools.

According to the provincial department, several schools have also reported flood damage to their premises.

"We have asked that schools in the Overberg and Cape Winelands Education Districts to inform their parents and caregivers of the continued closure tomorrow.” 

These schools will reopen on Monday, 15 July 2024, unless communicated otherwise.

According to the department, 217 schools across the province have now reported some form of damage to school infrastructure or disruption. 

“Last night’s heavy rains and strong winds unfortunately contributed towards this figure. Eighty-six cases are regarded as serious and require our attention. Our infrastructure teams are addressing these cases as fast as possible. I am grateful for their continued commitment in these adverse conditions,” Maynier said. 

“I am also very appreciative of the support received from school principals and their management teams in implementing the decision to close schools in some of our districts.” 

He took the time to thank all parents and caregivers for their support. 

“We do not decide to close schools lightly and have the best interests of our learners and teachers at heart when making these decisions,” Maynier added. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 8 warning for disruptive rain.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) said the warning remains in place for heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in the Cape Town metro, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch regions.

Parents can use the ‘Find my School’ search finder to confirm if their school falls under these two districts where the schools will be closed by visiting https://wcedemis.westerncape.gov.za/wced/findaschool.html. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:58

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Read moreCape Winelands, Overberg schools to remain closed on Friday

Durbanville Hills Official Wine Partner To Masterchef South Africa

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Durbanville Hills Wine announces its partnership with MasterChef South Africa as the exclusive wine partner for the season to be aired on S3 (previously known as SABC 3) from Saturday, 13 July at 19:30. The cellar, known for its award-winning cool climate wines, is thrilled to partner with the successful culinary show which sees aspiring …

Read moreDurbanville Hills Official Wine Partner To Masterchef South Africa