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Cape Town Infrastructure Report Launched at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) Masterclass

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

Principal Professional Officer for the City of Cape Town Caley Green announced the launch of the city's 2023 Infrastructure Report at a Masterclass during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) on March 17.

Evaluating the city's bulk infrastructure from the past year, the updated report builds on its predecessors by focusing on infrastructure across five sectors, including energy, solid waste, water and sanitation, human settlements and transport. According to Green, “The report provides an update on the bulk infrastructure pipeline of projects assessed in the first report. This new report addresses areas of greatest need and highest demand.”

The Masterclass was led by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala and a panel of experts who called on investors and role-players to support an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan in South Africa. 

Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.

During the Masterclass, speakers provided insight into the challenges and opportunities within the country's infrastructure sector. With a focus on infrastructure investment planning, the session explored South Africa's strategy to build state capacity while delivering an aggressive development program and closing the infrastructure investment gap.

“We recognize the importance of this masterclass…” stated Minister Zikalala. “This crucial session marks the beginning of the SIDSSA, which in its third year continues to be a platform to bring together think-tanks like yourselves and critical role-players in the infrastructure investment space.”

The Western Cape government has put a jobs growth and development strategy in place, which is aimed at enabling a R1 trillion economy by 2035. The seven-point plan focuses on short- and medium-term growth based on the need to sustainably enable the economy, drive energy security, ensure access to water and boost resilient investment.

“We must move away from typical thinking around public works within the government space,” stated Director-General for the Western Cape Government Dr. Harry Malila. “We cannot just focus on repairing hospitals and schools; we need to take an economic approach and venture outside of our comfort zone.”

Showcasing South Africa's plan to develop its local content capacity and advance national development goals, local industrialization, skills development, job creation, youth employment and regional economic integration were highlighted as key areas to ensure the implementation of a resilient infrastructure strategy.

“We aim to implement the objectives of the National Skills Development Plan 2030 to increase the number of people that obtain critical or scarce skills needed, and to build the capacity of the construction sector to be economically sustainable and globally competitive,” stated CEO of the Construction Education and Training Authority, Malusi Shezi.

In response to the country's strategy to incentivize infrastructure investment, it was noted during the masterclass that South Africa needs to implement a deliberate effort to mitigate capacity constraints and inefficiency to ensure project completion. This was highlighted as a requisite to attain investor confidence and promote localization and private sector participation in the country's infrastructure sector.

“We have a structural issue in terms of the quantum of infrastructure investment in this country,” stated Development Economist and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko. “We have to shift production towards production sectors. The key priority for that is infrastructure. We have to align investment and enhance the localization of these investments.”

Negligence in infrastructure maintenance has resulted in a lack of confidence in the sector. As such, improved governance, administration and capacity building were highlighted as solutions to addressing infrastructure challenges in South Africa.

“Overall investment has been on a downward trend since 2010 and started picking up in 2022. Despite the overall decline, private sector capital investment continued to grow faster than public sector investment. Yet, much faster growth is needed to expand the economy and reduce unemployment and end poverty,” stated Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency CEO, Mapatane Kgomo.

SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event. The Masterclass on Sustainable Infrastructure Development is held in collaboration with the National School of Government.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Zikalala to engage George communities

Location: News

Zikalala to engage George communities

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Saturday engage with forest village communities in George in the Western Cape.

These communities occupy remote government land under the custodianship of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and have limited basic services such as water, road infrastructure, economic activities and aging and unmaintained infrastructure.

Forest villages are compact settlements that were established around forest plantations, when the land was allocated to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for plantation purposes, to allow plantation workers to be closer to the working sites.

The villages were informally established and mostly situated in remote areas, far away from the urban edge. Some of the challenges faced by the communities is that there is no formal township established and properties could not be transferred to occupants.

Minister Zikalala, together with officials from different government departments and entities, will hold discussions with the communities in a bid to find a permanent solution to the plight of these communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 09:36

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Tsepho portable power brings light to informal settlements

Location: News

Tsepho portable power brings light to informal settlements

A youth-led enterprise from Vrygrond in the Western Cape, is switching on lights, plugs and lives through its portable power stations solution.

Fuelled by a desire to make an impactful change, three young entrepreneurs, Vincent Mosebe, who is the founder and CEO of Mosebe Enterprise (ME); Leandro Antonio, Marketing Director; and Donovan Pedzai, Chief Operations Officer, set out to revolutionise the energy sector.

They used recycled materials to create the power stations for underserved and rural communities in the Western Cape and beyond.  

Their pilot flagship power station “Tsepho – The Power of Hope” is an innovative 10Ah [amp-hour] solar charge energy solution that targets informal settlement households who would otherwise utilise unsafe power methods, including candles and illegal connections, that often lead to settlement fires - and those at the mercy of constant and pro-longed power outages and cable theft.

The trio are exhibiting alongside other start-ups, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), investors and policy makers at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress+Africa.

The congress is a gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders from 43 African countries, which is currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.

Through the organisations funded to implement development entrepreneurial programmes for youth not-in-education-employment-or-training (NEET), the National Development Agency (NDA) extended the invitation to 23 entrepreneurs to afford them a linkage opportunity to showcase their businesses, network and participate as delegates at the conference.

The NDA is an agency of government that reports to the National Assembly. It was  formed in 1999 as government’s response to the challenge of poverty and its causes in South Africa.

Mosebe said their power stations address safety and electrification problems experienced by residents in informal settlements. 

“Currently, statistics report that an average of 10 shacks catch fire per day in South Africa. We have first-hand experience and have lost personal belongings and community lives to shack fires, having grown up in Vrygrond. 

“Tsepho offers a sustainable, affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly power solution that has features, including multiple USB ports, a powerful lithium-ion battery with solar compatibility and 1 12v LED light bulb. Tsepho is not just a device; it is a catalyst for change – a beacon of hope that will bring about a brighter sustainable future,” Mosebe said.

The entrepreneurs have leveraged personal funds to scale production and conduct on-the-ground research.

Mosebe said their immediate plans include expanding production capacity, extending reach to new communities, and fostering more collaborations for future social impact and export. 

He said the power station range also includes a bigger version “2 Tsepho” with similar capabilities including an additional feature of a bug-repellent UV light that exterminates insects and bugs (pest control). 

“With this power station, we are targeting campers and the caravan community who need extended power. Our next goal is to extend the products further into African countries that struggle with Malaria cases. Additionally, there are two more ranges with extended power capabilities to power up a single power socket that can power up a fridge or microwave. 

“The largest, ‘version 3’, packs up a 20.8Ah battery and a 300W inverter offering increased power capacity. This would be a useful tool for students – they can charge laptops and keep WIFI going during outages, promoting a consistent learning experience.

“The starter pack retails from R1 500 without the solar panel. We also offer warranty up to a year for any technical faults,” Mosebe said.– SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:40

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Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

Location: News

Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

The raising of the Hazelmere Dam project was successfully completed at a cost of R820 million, increasing the storage capacity of the dam, said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

It increased from 23.9 million m3 to 43.6 million m3, which is an increase of 83% for the KwaZulu-Natal dam. 

“To enable this additional stored water to be treated and supplied to the City of eThekwini, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 millilitres (ML) per day, at a cost of R135 million.

“It will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years at a cost of R25 million,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.

She was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.

During this meeting, Cabinet received a progress report on four strategic Mega Raw Water Resource Augmentation projects executed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

“The implementation of the Umzimvubu Water Project [in the Eastern Cape] was delayed for many years by [a] lack of funding. However, the access roads to the dam, which is 84% complete, is expected to be completed by June 2024. The construction of the dam, which is at 6%, is expected to be completed in 2028. 

“The Raising of the Tzaneen Dam Project [in Limpopo], which is currently at 40%, is expected to be completed in March 2025, at a cost of R555 million,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni said the Raising of the Clanwilliam Dam Wall Project in the Western Cape is aimed at meeting the need for additional water for agriculture development, which includes resource-poor farmers.

“The dam wall is being increased by 13 metres to increase its storage capacity from 122 million m3 to 343 m3, which is an increase of 181%. The project is currently at 34% construction and anticipated to be completed in April 2028 at an estimated cost of R3.92 billion,” she said.

Upgrading informal settlements

Cabinet also received a progress report on the implementation of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant Framework/ Policy that was introduced in the 2019/ 2020 financial year.

“The objective of the Grant is to provide the means for households to receive basic services such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and sanitation services. The target was to upgrade 1500 informal settlements,” the Minister said.

The progress has been reported as follows:

  • A total of 578 informal settlements went through Phase 1 activities, which entailed the business plan and pre-feasibility details of the upgrading of the informal settlements.
  • A total of 1 497 informal settlements went through Phase 2 activities which focus on Security of Tenure and includes the acquisition of land and installation of interim services- basic water and sanitation services pending the formalisation of the settlement, and
  • A total of 197 informal settlements were fully upgraded.

-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 13:03

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Construction of new Western Cape police station on track

Location: News

Construction of new Western Cape police station on track

It is all systems go in the construction of more police stations in areas experiencing high crime volumes in the Western Cape.

The Ministry of Police says it is encouraged by the progress made by contractors who are currently building two police stations which are set to bolster policing and increase the footprint of the police in communities grappling with violent crime and gangsterism in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ministry of Police led by Minister General Bheki Cele, conducted monitoring and evaluation visits to the Makhaza and Tafelsig police stations which are currently under construction.

Progress is being made in the clearing of the site earmarked for the construction of the Tafelsig station which will bring police services closer to residents of Michelle’s Plain.

While there have been some delays in the commencement of construction at the Tafelsig police station due to the community’s demands to form part of the construction project, this has been resolved and contractors have agreed to source labour from the local community.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has welcomed the quick turn-around time in the building of the Makhaza police station which is now 97% complete. Upon completion, the station will better service the community of Khayelitsha.

“It has taken six months to complete the Makhaza police station and this is commendable and encourages us to do more to ensure policing services are not a ‘nice to have’ but are accessible to all.”

“We have been assured by contractors that the outstanding electricity and water connections on the site will be completed with[in] the coming weeks and the station can fully operate and service the community,” he said.

The Tafelsig and Makhaza stations alongside stations in Browns Farm and in Samora Machel, also in the Cape Flats of the Cape Town metropole, are expected to be completed and service communities by 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 10:59

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Minister of Executive Council (MEC) Ivan Meyer welcomes new agricultural graduate interns

Location: News

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On Tuesday, 11 March 2024, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, and the Head of Department, Dr  Mogale Sebopetsa, welcomed 120 unemployed agricultural graduates as interns to the Department's Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). During the two-year internship graduates will be placed with farmers and sector stakeholders who will act as mentors and host employers.

The agricultural graduate intern programme will offer youth experience through work-integrated learning and support the establishment of youth-owned or managed enterprises, youth entrepreneurs, and other activities. This will encourage the active participation of youth in the agricultural sector to bridge the gap of ageing producers and reduce unemployment and poverty. 

Minister Meyer said, “This programme places unemployed graduates with agriculture-related qualifications on farms and at enterprises within the agricultural value chain to acquire relevant on-the-job entrepreneurial and business skills to enable them to establish and manage their own enterprises.”
Minister Meyer and Dr Mogale urged the graduate interns to embrace the values of the Western Cape Government -  care, competence, accountability, integrity, innovation, and responsiveness.

Dr Sebopetsa commented, “You have joined an important sector of our economy. The Western Cape agriculture sector is responsible for 55% of South Africa's primary agricultural exports.  It is also the country's most important contributor to food security. As the next cohort of producers and entrepreneurs in the sector, we hope to expose you to the values and the practices that you need to be successful.”

Minister Meyer highlighted that the agricultural graduate intern programme allowed participants to unlock their potential within a thriving sector of the economy.
“Unleash your capability within this flourishing sector. Agriculture and agri-processing contribute 11% to the GDP of the  Western Cape. By the end of 2022, statistics highlighted that the agriculture sector employed 227 893 workers in the Western Cape, and the agri-processing sector employed  236 002 workers.

Combined, the sector contributed 426,417 jobs in the Western Cape.  This means that the agriculture sector employed 17% of the total number of people employed in the Western Cape.” 
The key placement components of the agricultural graduate intern programme are:

  • Livestock rearing and poultry production;
  • Horticulture/crop production;
  • Aquaculture production;
  • Viticulture;
  • Agro-processing;
  • Agricultural Extension; and
  • Agricultural Economics

Minister Meyer said: “Education, Training and Research, and Farmer Support are two of my ministerial priorities. These are underpinned by the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy. Agriculture is a key sector of the Jobs for Growth Strategy.”

“Ultimately, we want to improve the employability of agricultural graduates through on-the-job experience at major agricultural host farms and entrepreneurial entities while at the same time, offering our producers additional support. Importantly, this programme is working to reduce unemployment and equipping our youth to become employers themselves,” concluded the Minister.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreMinister of Executive Council (MEC) Ivan Meyer welcomes new agricultural graduate interns

Service delivery ‘war room’ working to resolve water and electricity disruptions

Location: News

Service delivery 'war room' working to resolve water and electricity disruptions

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is implementing rapid response interventions to resolve water and electricity disruptions in various municipalities across the country.

The Deputy President was speaking during his question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

Through the Service Delivery War Room, the Deputy President said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has developed some improvement plans to implement rapid response interventions. 

These, he said, include the establishment of the Results Management Office and the introduction of reforms in the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to fund repairs, refurbishment and renewal of infrastructure.

The war room is looking into the continued deployment of technical professionals through the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).

The Deputy President told Members of Parliament that part of the Results Management Office’s responsibility is to assist municipalities in advancing demand-side management measures and providing alternate energy supplies. 

“These initiatives are aimed at reducing the impact of load shedding and its effect on substations and transformers,” he said.

Last week, the Deputy President, together with the Deputy Ministers of CoGTA and Water and Sanitation, visited Knysna Municipality in the Western Cape to find solutions to some of the challenges the municipality is facing.

“We are happy to report that with the support of MISA, the pump station that had been vandalised in the Hornlee area has been repaired, and water supply has been restored to the community. 

“As this government, we are committed to working within the inter-governmental relations framework to ensure that we assist municipalities in delivering services to our people,” he said. 

MISA continues to engage the private sector to fund bulk water infrastructure projects. Mashatile cited Sishen Mine in the Northern Cape and the Anglo Platinum Mine in Limpopo as some examples of private sector projects. 

“These private sector entities have stepped up to fund wastewater treatment works upgrades in the Northern Cape and Limpopo,” he said. 

In addition, Eskom has initiated the Active Partnering Programme, which provides technical support to municipalities through targeted interventions based on their needs. This is also aimed at strengthening the capacity to address the high failure rate of mini substations and transformers.

The Deputy President said Parliament is currently processing the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited Bill to establish the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency as a State-owned company, and a major public entity. 

“The agency will enable South Africa to expand our bulk water infrastructure and improve the management of existing water assets to ensure water security over the next decade,” he explained. 

Mashatile said government will continue to work tirelessly to assist municipalities to meet their constitutional obligation to provide reliable water and sanitation services to all South African citizens. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 09:36

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Indwe 4IR Lab a hub for communities: Manamela

Location: News

Indwe 4IR Lab a hub for communities: Manamela

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, says the establishment of the Indwe 4IR Lab positions the Ekurhuleni East TVET College as a transformative hub for communities. 

Manamela made the remarks during the launch of the Indwe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Lab at the Ekurhuleni East TVET College’s Artisan and Skills Development Centre on Tuesday.

The state-of-the-art lab is set to provide staff and students at the TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) college with cutting-edge skills pertinent to 4IR.

The establishment of the Indwe 4IR Lab is a direct result of a collaborative private-public partnership involving the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), Festo Didactic and the Ekurhuleni East TVET College.

Festo Didactic offers state-of-the-art learning concepts for technical basic and further training.The company’s customers include vocational colleges, universities, research centres, educational institutes and industrial companies all over the world.

The strategic alliance aims to introduce comprehensive 4IR educational programmes that will significantly boost the employability and productivity of the workforce, as well as enhance the capacity-building efforts for staff at TVET colleges.

Speaking at the launch, Manamela said the launch of the lab must be viewed as part of government’s strategic goals such as developing the relevant skills to help address the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges, but also “help steer our economy from being resource driven to one that is more knowledge driven.”

Manamela said the advent of the 4IR has rendered some skills and jobs obsolete, which will require the country to reimagine the content of what is taught at universities and TVET colleges, as well as their role in society.

“The other priority that our embrace of the 4IR must help us to address is the issue of youth unemployment and in particular, the disturbing phenomenon where over two million of our young people, are not in any form of employment, education, or training, what is commonly referred to as the NEET problem.

“As a country, we can’t hope to sustain our key national goals of skills development, education, and employment, if an important section of our population-our young people-are not in any form of schooling or training. This is a huge risk that threatens to undo much of the progress we have made thus far in education and skills development,” Manamela explained.

The Deputy Minister said the launch of the Indwe 4IR Lab also forms part the department’s programme to equip TVET colleges with 4IR related capacity.

“The Indwe 4IR Lab is also envisioned as a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation, offering opportunities for young people to engage with cutting-edge technologies. It also imagined to be a space where young people can acquire skills in exciting areas such as robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies. 

“These skills are no longer optional but essential for success and prosperity in the digital age. There is therefore no doubt the establishment of Indwe 4IR Lab also positions the Ekurhuleni East TVET College as a transformative hub for the communities of Ekurhuleni,” he said.

Equipping young people

Manamela also encouraged the TVET college to reach out to the surrounding community and open its doors for the youth and young adults to access the cutting-edge technologies that can equip them with the knowledge and skills to get out of the debilitating grip of poverty and unemployment.

“As the Department of Higher Education, we remain steadfast in our support for visionary initiatives such as the Indwe 4IR Lab and this is because we value the role of our TVET colleges in equipping our young people with the skills, not only to pursue relevant careers, but also for them to be able to earn a living from what they are taught,” Manamela said. 

The introduction of 4IR programmes to TVET colleges initiative started at Maluti TVET College in the Free State, with Ekurhuleni East TVET College being the second beneficiary. 

The department said the initiative will be rolled out to additional TVETs nationwide, including Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga; Lovedale Eastern Cape; Majuba in KwaZulu-Natal; Northern Cape Urban; South West Gauteng; Waterberg in Limpopo; West Coast in the Western Cape; and Taletso in North West Province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 15:35

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Transmission key component of stabilising power supply: Ramokgopa

Location: News

Transmission key component of stabilising power supply: Ramokgopa

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has reiterated the urgent need for the building of transmission lines to unlock thousands of megawatts for the grid from new generation capacity.

“The major problem is transmission issues. We need to modernise and expand transmission by over 14 000km. To put it into context, in the past 10 years, we only did 4 000km. So, this 14 000km is to enable new generation capacity [to connect to the grid].

“If we had sufficient transmission capacity in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, the grid would have the benefit of over 11 000MW,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The Minister was speaking during a panel discussion at Ninety One’s annual Infrastructure Forum held in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Ninety One is a global asset manager with emerging market roots and a commitment to developing specialist investment teams.

Ramokgopa said the amount of renewable energy that can be released is “healthy” however, challenges persist.

“The pipeline is healthy, with over 66GW that is there. We have already identified the corridors that must be prioritised, and we know out of those corridors, we can get 2 300MW.

“The intervention really is less on the transmission lines and the pylons. It’s about increasing the size of the sub-stations. Once we do that, we know we can get the benefit of that 2 300MW,” he said.

Meanwhile, a statement issued earlier this month after President Cyril Ramaphosa convened a meeting with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders said the work underway within the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and the implementation of the Energy Action Plan is starting to bear fruit. 

“Load shedding is down by 61% compared to the same period last year, with the return of units at Kusile power station, as well as new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment having a positive impact. 

“Reform of the energy sector is progressing, with an independent board appointed for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) and preparations underway for the new entity to commence trading,” the statement said.

READ | Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion

Load shedding

Meanwhile, Eskom has ramped up load shedding to Stage 3 during the evening and Stage 2 during the day.

“Due to the loss of three generating units and the delay in returning a further three generating units to service, Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm today until 5am on Wednesday. Thereafter, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented until 4pm.

“This alternating pattern… will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and provide an update should any significant changes occur,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 14:14

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Set your sights on Vision 24 – performances, workshops, visual art and more that will bring the Deep South alive on 21 and 22 March 2024

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

An exciting arts and culture event brimming with activities for young and old will take place at the Generations school campus at Imhoff on the Kommetjie Road this month. Think live performances, music, stand-up comedy, pottery workshops, sound journeys, art exhibitions, chef-led food offerings and more… With its motto ‘the art fair for everyone’, Vision …

Read moreSet your sights on Vision 24 – performances, workshops, visual art and more that will bring the Deep South alive on 21 and 22 March 2024

President affirms removal of Judges Hlophe and Motata

Location: News

President affirms removal of Judges Hlophe and Motata

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially removed Judges John Mandlakayise Hlophe and Nkola Motata from judicial office following the National Assembly resolutions to remove them. 

In a statement, the Presidency said the Constitution states that a judge may be removed from office only if the Judicial Service Commission finds that the judge suffers from an incapacity, is grossly incompetent, or is guilty of gross misconduct and the National Assembly calls for that judge to be removed, by a resolution adopted with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of its members. 

Secondly, the Constitution states that the President must remove a judge from office upon adoption of a resolution calling for that judge to be removed.

“The President accordingly removed Judge President Mandlakayise Hlophe of the Western Cape Division of the High Court from judicial office following the National Assembly resolution to remove Judge Hlophe, as stipulated in section 177 (1) (b) of the Constitution,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

A total of 305 Members of Parliament voted for the removal of Judge Hlophe from judicial office, with 27 members voting against his removal. 

The Judicial Service Commission referred the matter to Parliament after the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) concluded that Hlophe’s conduct breached the provisions of section 165 of the Constitution by improperly attempting to influence the two Justices of the Constitutional Court to violate their oaths of office. 

The JCT established that Hlophe’s behavior seriously threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court and further undermined public confidence in the judicial system. 

President Ramaphosa has also removed Retired Judge of the Gauteng High Court Division, Justice Nkola John Motata following the National Assembly resolution to remove him, as provided for in section 177(1) (b) of the Constitution.

A total 296 Members of Parliament voted for Judge Motata’s removal from office, with one voting against, and thirteen members being recorded as having abstained. 

Retired Judge Motata was found guilty of gross misconduct following a drunk driving conviction in 2009. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:47

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Four suspects implicated in Joslin Smith disappearance appear in court

Location: News

Four suspects implicated in Joslin Smith disappearance appear in court

Four suspects implicated in the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith made a short appearance at Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in Western Cape on Thursday.

The suspects, Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn, Racquel Chantel Smith and Phumza Sigaqa appeared in court on Thursday facing charges of trafficking persons for the purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.

Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.

The search for Joslin, which is still underway, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing girl. 

The case was postponed to 13 March 2023 for bail information. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:13

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Police committed to finding Joslin Smith

Location: News

Police committed to finding Joslin Smith

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assured the community of Diazville in the Western Cape, where Joslin Smith went missing, that they remain committed to finding the six-year-old and reuniting her with her family.

Police Minister General Bheki Cele on Saturday met with the family of Joslin Smith, as well as the residents of the broader Saldanha community.

Joslin has been missing since 19 February 2024 and the search to locate her is ongoing.

During the community meeting, Cele called for cool heads to prevail amid the finger-pointing and peddling of false information about the SAPS investigation into her disappearance.

“You are a community that has united through this trying time. Don’t allow those who are trying to get political mileage out of the disappearance of a little girl to divide you. Unite and work with the police to bring her back home.

"From the police side, I want to assure you that no resource will be spared to find her. The police have not withdrawn from this search and they are under a directive to work closer with anyone who comes up with any valuable information that can assist,” Cele said.

Both the parents of Joslin Smith met with Cele and the management of the SAPS. They were assured of the ongoing policing efforts to fast track Joslin's safe return. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:56

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President suspends Deputy Minister Peters

Location: News

President suspends Deputy Minister Peters

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Dipuo Peters, of his decision to suspend her.

In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said the Deputy Minister has been informed of her suspension in writing.

The decision follows a sanction adopted by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members Interests against the Deputy Minister.

The Committee found that Peters had breached the Code of Ethical Conduct in her former portfolio as Minister of Transport.

Consequently, Peters was sanctioned and suspended for one term.

“The suspension, which will be without pay, became effective on 28 February 2024 and will end on 28 March 2024,” said the Presidency.

In a statement at the end of January 2024, Parliament noted the Western Cape High Court’s dismissal  of Peters’s urgent application to stop Parliament from implementing her suspension from her seat in all parliamentary debates, sittings and committee meeting-related functions for one term of the parliamentary programme.

In October 2023, after considering a complaint lodged against her, Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests found that the Deputy Minister had breached the Code of Ethical Conduct in her former portfolio as Minister of Transport.

As a result, she was sanctioned and suspended for one term.

In its statement Parliament said #UniteBehind leader and activist, Zackie Achmat, lodged the complaint with several allegations, including that Peters “was neglectful in her previous portfolio as Minister of Transport by failing to appoint a Group CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)”.

It was also alleged that she used PRASA buses for ANC events during 2014 and 2015 without ensuring payment from the ANC, among others.

“Following deliberations, the ethics committee found that the Member’s failure to appoint a Group CEO breached items 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the code, in that the Member failed to act on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in her; and discharge her obligations, in terms of the Constitution, to Parliament and the public at large, by placing the public interest above her own interests when she failed to appoint a Group CEO after the PRASA Board had commissioned a recruitment process, which resulted in a financial loss of R1 767 000,” said Parliament in its statement in January.

The committee advised the National Assembly that for each of the three violations identified, Peters should be barred from participating in all parliamentary debates and sessions, as well as from committee meetings and their related activities and operations, for one session of the parliamentary programme.

Additionally, the committee suggested that the suspensions for all three violations occur simultaneously during a single session of the parliamentary programme, as decided by the National Assembly.

In the response to the court matter, Parliament said it appreciated the court's sentiments regarding the importance of allowing Parliament, as an arm of State, to regulate its business without interference from other arms of the state.

“Granting relief to delay the enforcement of this sanction would essentially invalidate a decision taken by a different arm of the State, exercising its constitutional oversight responsibilities, especially given its time-sensitive nature, where there is no legal foundation to do so.

“Ms Peters will be placed on suspension commencing tomorrow, 30 January, with the suspension expected to last until 28 March,” said Parliament at the time. - SAnews.gov.za
 

Neo
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:15

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President consults political parties on nomination for Chief Justice position

Location: News

President consults political parties on nomination for Chief Justice position

President Cyril Ramaphosa has embarked on a process of consultation with the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission to convey his nomination of Judge Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. 

Judge Maya currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice and has held the positions of Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

“The position of Chief Justice will become vacant on 31 August 2024 when the term of office of Justice Raymond Zondo comes to an end. The Chief Justice was appointed as a Justice of the Constitutional Court for a 12-year term with effect from 1 September 2012. The Chief Justice will therefore complete his term as a Justice of the Constitutional Court with effect from 31 August 2024.

“President Ramaphosa has invited the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly to make submissions on the suitability or otherwise of Deputy Chief Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.

The President has drawn the attention of leaders of political parties to Judge Maya’s illustrious judicial career, in which she was first appointed as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in 2000.

She attained B.Proc (University of Transkei); LLB (University of Natal); and LLM (Duke University, North Carolina, United States of America) degrees as well as three LLD degrees (Honoraris) from the Universities of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela respectively.

The President has embarked on the process for consultation in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution.

He has also, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution, consulted the Judicial Service Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, on the process of the President’s nomination of Justice Dumisani Hamilton Zondi as Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Justice Zondi currently serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The term of office of the Current Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Xola Petse, will come to an end on 10 July 2024 when he attains the age of 70 and will be automatically discharged from office.

Justice Zondi holds a B.Juris from the University of Fort Hare, an LLB from the University of Natal, as well as an LLM from Georgetown University in the United States of America.

Following a successful career in practice, Justice Zondi was appointed to the Western Cape Bench in 2007. In 2011, he became a Judge of the Competition Appeal Court. Justice Zondi was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2014. In 2022, he was appointed as a Chairperson of the Electoral Court.

President Ramaphosa has invited the Judicial Service Commission to make submissions on Justice Zondi’s suitability for the position for which he has been nominated. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:23

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Two to appear in Khayelitsha Court

Location: News

Two to appear in Khayelitsha Court

Two people have been arrested after a 25-year-old kidnapped woman was rescued in the Western Cape.

This followed a collaboration between various specialised units in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Strand.

On Thursday, a multi-disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Investigation task team, supported by the Provincial Operations Command Center Combat Unit, detectives, and crime intelligence among others, embarked on a takedown operation.

This followed further investigation into the kidnapping incident of 05 February that is linked to house robbery that occurred in Strand on 26 January.

The investigation led the team to premises situated in Site B off Mew Way in Khayelitsha yesterday, where they search and found two firearms and 200 rounds of different calibres of ammunition.

“Subsequent to the discovery, the members arrested a 29-year-old suspect and seized the firearms, ammunition and two tortoises which were kept in custody without a permit. The members also found small amounts of drugs which were seized,” said the SAPS in a statement on Friday.

The members proceeded to another house where they found the kidnapped woman who was rescued while another 22-year-old female suspect was arrested.

The suspects face charges related to unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, the possession of presumed stolen property, illegal possession of drugs and keeping of wild animals in captivity without a permit.

The two are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court once charged. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 14:57

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