Relocated railway line occupiers protest for water, electricity, and toilets
The families were moved in December to land owned by PRASA but the City of Cape Town is tasked with giving them basic services
Western Cape
Exploring South Africas Premier Living Spaces
Introduction South Africa’s real estate market is a vibrant and dynamic field, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. Recent years have seen significant growth in residential developments, designed to cater to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. From luxurious coastal residences to sophisticated urban apartments, these developments offer something for everyone, …
WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever
WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has urged pig farmers to heighten biosecurity measures following laboratory results confirming African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.
ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease.
The department said the new outbreak confirmed recently is the fourth outbreak of disease in the Garden Route area since 2022.
“Previously, there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022, which remains a concern. It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far, with about 250 pigs remaining in the area,” department spokesperson Daniel Johnson said.
Johnson said the area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Johnson has also emphasised that ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals.
“The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption,” Johnson said.
Critical measures to minimise the spread of ASF
• All carcasses should be disposed of safely.
• Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease.
• Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig.
• Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs.
• Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.
Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs, and in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite.
“Occasionally, the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease,” Johnson said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:21
388 views
Community development practitioners to be recognised
Community development practitioners to be recognised
Community Development Practitioners who remain vital in changing the living conditions of poor and vulnerable communities will be honoured in a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
“Rural and township communities depend largely on community development programmes and services to better their lives,” the Department of Social Development said in a statement.
The Department of Social Development will host the ceremony in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA), in Worcester, Western Cape.
The ceremony is a partnership between the department and other stakeholders, including, the South African Council for Social Service Professionals that is in the process of professionalising Community Development Practice.
Other stakeholders that are part of this the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) include the HWSETA, Education Training Development Practice Sector Education Training Authority (ETDPSETA), and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as University of Western Cape, University of Free State, and the University of Johannesburg.
The department said the primary purpose is to recognise Community Development Practitioners who passed their Community Development Practice at NQF Level 5 at institutions of higher learning.
“Given high levels of unemployment in the country which affects many South Africans, especially, the youth, the graduation will not only serve as a recognition ceremony, but also assist graduates to apply for work opportunities and advance their career development through the acquired certificates,” the department said.
To date, 555 Community Development Practitioners have graduated across the country, and the last cohort of 26 graduates will be from the Western Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:04
457 views
Two sentenced to 60 years in prison
Two sentenced to 60 years in prison
Two suspects have each been sentenced to 60 years in prison on several charges, including two counts of attempted murder, murder and the possession of illicit firearms.
The two, Sakhiwo Khala (42) and Siyabulela Mcelu (37) were sentenced in the Khayelitsha Regional Court in the Western Cape on Monday.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), the sentences emanate from a 2015 incident where an SBV cash vehicle arrived at Nolungile Railway Station in Khayelitsha.
It is alleged that when SBV crew members came back from collecting the money they were attacked and shot by three unknown suspects.
The crew returned fire and one suspect was fatally wounded during the ordeal and two other suspects were wounded but fled the scene on foot.
The suspects were charged for fatally wounding one of their own co- suspects. The crew members also sustained injuries during the shootout. The wounded suspects were traced and arrested.
The two were found guilty of the counts on 08 November 2023.
The accused were sentenced as follows:
Count 1: Attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each.
Count 2: Attempted murder, sentenced to six years imprisonment each.
Count 3: Attempted murder, sentenced to six years imprisonment each.
Count 4: Murder, sentenced to 22 years imprisonment each.
Count 5: Possession of illicit firearms, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each.
Count 6: Unlawful possession of ammunition, sentenced to two years imprisonment each.
The court ordered that counts 1,2,3 ,5 and 6 run concurrently with count 4.
Effectively each accused will serve 22 years direct imprisonment.
In terms of Section 103 (1) and (2) of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape Major General Mathipa Makgato commended the team and was delighted that justice has been served. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:51
274 views
One year and counting: The Supreme Court of Appeal has still not handed down judgment in the vital Tafelberg case
Court says judgment should be delivered within three weeks
Stats SA records decrease in number of employed persons
Stats SA records decrease in number of employed persons
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results for the fourth quarter of 2023 by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) indicate that the number of employed persons decreased by 22 000 to 16.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 when compared to the third quarter.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday in Pretoria, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said the number of unemployed persons increased by 46 000 to 7.9 million compared to quarter three.
“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement increased by 218 000 to 13.4 million, while discouraged work-seekers decreased by 107 000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net increase of 111 000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate increasing by 0.2 of a percentage point from 31.9% in the third quarter of 2023 to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.1 of a percentage point to 41.1% in Q4: 2023 compared to Q3: 2023,” Maluleke said.
Formal sector employment decreased by 128 000 in Q4: 2023, while informal sector employment increased by 124 000 over the same period.
The industries that contributed to the net employment decline include community and social services (down by 171 000), construction (down by 36 000), agriculture (down by 35 000), trade (down by 28 000) and manufacturing (down by 1 000).
However, finance (up by 128 000), transport (up by 57 000), mining (up by 37 000) and private households (up by 18 000) recorded the largest employment gains.
“Provincially, employment losses were recorded in Eastern Cape (111 000), Limpopo (40 000), North West (30 000) and Northern Cape (2 000). The largest employment increase was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (62 000), followed by Mpumalanga (48 000) and Western Cape (23 000) during the same period.
“The youth (15–34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market; the fourth quarter of 2023 results show that the total number of unemployed youth increased by 87 000 to 4.7 million while there was a decrease of 97 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.9 million. This resulted in an increase in the youth unemployment rate by 0.9 of a percentage point from 43.4% in Q3: 2023 to 44.3% in Q4: 2023,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:01
149 views
SA strengthens its response to climate change
SA strengthens its response to climate change
South Africa is enhancing its efforts to address climate change by introducing the Climate Change Response Fund aimed at fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to effectively tackle environmental challenges.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
“For our part, South Africa has established a Climate Change Response Fund that will bring together all spheres of government and the private sector. By coordinating financial mobilisation from both government and the private sector, our country will have collaborative efforts to build resilience and respond to climate change.
“This includes climate-proofing existing essential infrastructure and facilities, such as water and food systems, roads, rail and ports, human settlements and health care.
“The fund will also collaborate with a variety of partners to respond to immediate needs in communities following climate change related disasters,” the President said.
The fund forms an important part of South Africa’s comprehensive response to climate change, which includes both adaptation and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
President Ramaphosa has just returned from the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the worsening effects of climate change on the continent were raised prominently.
African leaders have been advocating for urgent, practical and stepped up climate action, given the continent’s extreme vulnerability to the effects of global warming.
“We have seen a rapid increase in climate-related disasters worldwide as extreme weather events become more frequent. In our own country, we have had wildfires in the Western Cape, heatwaves in the Northern Cape, continuing drought conditions in the Eastern Cape and intense storms in Gauteng.
“Even before we could properly recover and rebuild after the 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and North West, we were hit again this year with more flooding, further loss of life and damage to livelihoods, property and the local economy,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the insurance industry is warning about the increasing costs of disaster risk finance, and the prospect of highly vulnerable regions eventually becoming uninsurable.
As noted during the AU Summit, the President explained that the African climate action is constrained by inadequate and unpredictable climate finance.
“It has long been the continental position that those most responsible for climate change and its impacts, namely developed countries, bear a responsibility to assist developing countries to build climate resilience.
“We therefore welcomed the historic agreement at the UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates in December last year to operationalise a Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial support for developing countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change. South Africa and the African Group were key to securing this agreement,” the President said.
At the same time, the President said, African countries are forging ahead with plans to mobilise resources in support of climate action across the continent, and the AU Commission has recently established a Climate Finance Unit to ensure this is done in a coordinated manner.
The President emphasised that as a country, South Africa cannot be complacent about climate change because its impacts are already being felt.
“We will continue to contribute our fair share to the global climate change effort. Our country will remain vocal in calling for developed countries to meet their obligations for financing and technology transfer support.
“We will continue to campaign for transformation of the international financial architecture and reform of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions so that developing countries can access the resources needed for climate action and the implementation of the sustainable development goals,” he said.
The President committed to continue to campaign against the implementation of climate and environment based unilateral actions, policies and taxes and their potential impacts on African exports and trade.
“Climate change is a global problem and as such, requires collective global action that is sustainable, that takes the differing circumstances and capabilities of countries into account, and that above all, leaves no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:12
304 views
Government activities for the week 19 to 23 February 2024
Government activities for the week 19 to 23 February 2024
On Tuesday, 20 February, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC Reagan Allen hand over drones to district mayors at the Huguenot Community Hall, Paarl, Western Cape. It is World Day of Social Justice 2024. Statistics South Africa releases the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results for the fourth quarter of 2023.
On Wednesday, 21 February, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana tables the Budget Speech in Parliament. It is International Tourist Guide Day 2024. It is International Mother Language Day 2024.
On Thursday, 22 February, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will deliver a keynote address at a post-Budget Speech Analysis event hosted by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) in partnership with the Sunday Times in Cape Town. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the annual address to the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
Janine
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:42
48 views
Failing sewage plants continue to pollute False Bay
Most of Cape Town’s sewage treatment works are failing, including the city’s largest one which releases effluent straight into the sea
Worst of hiring freeze over, Western Cape health department assures health workers
Budget has been brought back under control, says Dr Keith Cloete
Decrease in sexual offences crimes
Decrease in sexual offences crimes
An intensive police awareness campaign against sexual offences-related crimes has yielded positive results with a decline in the number of sexual offences crimes registered in the country.
According to the quarterly crime statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred between 01 October 2023 to 31 December 2023, sexual offences crimes, including rape sexual assault and contact sexual offences, registered an overall 1.7% decline during the period.
Presenting the crime stats on Friday, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, said rape declined by 1.7% with six provinces, including Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, all registering a decline in this crime category.
The report also showed that more than 2 400 suspect raids led to 4 264 suspects being arrested for gender-based violence and femicide- related (GBVF) crimes, including rape and sexual assault.
A total of 112 life sentences were handed down to 89 rapists, while 64 rapists and GBVF perpetrators were each sentenced to 20 years and above imprisonment.
One hundred and seventy-two rapists and GBVF perpetrators were sentenced 10 to 19 years imprisonment, and 1 to 9 years imprisonment were handed down to 261 rapists and GBVF perpetrators.
Cele noted that the fight against GBVF crimes remains a priority for the men and women in blue.
More awareness programs are being conducted by the department’s social crime prevention and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS), which translates to an increase in the reporting of these crimes.
“What is most encouraging is that Inanda - which has always been known as the rape capital of the country - has also seen a slight reduction in the number of rape cases by registering 20 counts lower than the same period under review. This goes to show that our FCS teams are proving to be acting decisively against those who are perpetrating rape crimes,” Cele said.
However, he said it is of great concern that the majority of rape cases were committed at the victims’ residences.
Significant progress in finalisation of DNA cases
Meanwhile, the report has highlighted a significant progress in the finalisation rate of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog, which is currently standing at zero, from 251 000 in the 2021/2022 financial year.
Cele said the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, Eastern Cape, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2023, has contributed immensely to the processing of more DNA samples in the country.
“All these efforts have contributed positively to the SAPS fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cases. For example, the NPA and SAPS project has led to more than 40 000 DNA forensic reports being finalised to ensure that cases of GBVF are prioritised,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:21
489 views
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Police Minister Bheki Cele says police went into the festive season well equipped to take on the task of tackling crime.
“For the third quarter (of this financial year), which includes the festive season, police officers were adequately resourced to deal decisively with criminals in all forms and shapes.
“We came into this festive period well prepared. We unleashed our Safer Festive Season operational plan on the 13th of October 2023, where we deployed various policing interventions,” Cele said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria to release the quarterly crime stats, Cele on Friday said top police leadership gave strict instructions and a clear directive to officers on the ground to squeeze out all criminals from every corner of this country.
“It is clear that our efforts to prevent, combat and arrest criminals are proving to be effective,” Cele said.
The Minister said it is also quite clear with the number of arrests made that Operation Shanela is making its mark and putting a dent on serious, violent and organised crime.
Since its inception on 8 May 2023, Operation Shanela has seen more than 442 000 suspects getting arrested.
Cele said during this quarter, four major drug busts were registered. Three were at the Durban Harbour, where cocaine to the value of R300 million was seized in separate incidents.
“The most recent drug bust during this period was for cocaine to the value of R151 million on the 4th of December 2023. The fourth drug bust was at the Gqerberha Sea Port, where cocaine worth R65 million was seized,” Cele said.
Cele said in this period, R800 million worth of drugs were destroyed in Gauteng.
“These were drugs collected during policing operations across the country. Fifteen clandestine drug laboratories were shut down, with 21 suspects arrested for drug related charges, including manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
“Indeed, our intelligence structures are hard at work in preventing and putting a stop to the drug trade in the country and beyond.
“This is also a clear demonstration that all stakeholders involved in border security management are working together to tighten the control measures of cargo entering and departing our country,” the Minister said.
Cele said for the past two consecutive terms, police have noted a reduction in the number of murders reported.
“It is disturbing and concerning that the number of people murdered during this period increased by 2.1%, leading to 155 more people murdered compared to the same period.
“The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State must be singled out and commended for being able to register a reduction in the number of people murdered during this period. The majority of the top 30 stations where murder was most reported include the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape,” Cele said.
With regards to cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, Cele said the specialised teams put in place in each province are yielding results in ensuring that there is a reduction in the number of CITs taking place.
“During this period, 46 CIT armed robberies took place, which is 11 counts lower than the previous crime reporting period. In the past year, more than 75 wanted CIT suspects have been arrested during takedown operations.
“High calibre firearms, including rifles and AK47s, as well as high performance vehicles that were used in the commission of these crimes, were seized,” Cele said.
On construction mafia crimes, Cele said SAPS continues to deal decisively with this crime category.
He said construction mafias continue to pose a threat to business and the economy of the country.
“From April to date, more than 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused were convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:27
375 views
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
The Electoral Commission has published the seats determination for provincial legislatures ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The seats are determined in accordance with Section 105(2) of the Constitution Act 108 of 1996 and item 3(1) of Schedule 3 to the Electoral Act No.73 of 1998.
“The provincial legislatures’ seats determination takes into account scientifically based data on the population in each province, as well as representation by interested parties.
“The total number of seats to be contested in provincial legislatures is 445, subject to the finalisation of the Western Cape province,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement on Friday.
Seat determination is as follows:
|
PROVINCE 2022 |
CENSUS DATA POPULATION FIGURES |
2024 SEAT DETERMINATION |
|
Gauteng |
15,1 million |
80 |
|
Limpopo |
6,4 million |
64 |
|
Mpumalanga |
5,1 million |
51 |
|
North-West |
3,8 million |
38 |
|
Free State |
3,0 million |
30 |
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
12,4 million |
80 |
|
Northern Cape |
1,4 million |
30 |
|
Eastern Cape |
7,2 million |
72 |
|
Western Cape
|
7,4 million |
Still to be finalised in accordance with the provincial constitution. |
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 national elections soon.
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:30
325 views
The South African drug mules held in foreign jails
Vincent Ntsolo, from Soweto, was just 18 when he was recruited
Old Age Grant is not enough to cover care needs, researchers find
Pensioners often carry households at the expense of their own needs
Lawyers for child victims of rogue attorney looting trust fund
Court tells Council to finalise investigation into alleged R348-million plunder of trust funds by disgraced attorney Zuko Nonxuba
Founders Foundation announces collaboration with Silulo Foundation and Zoho to equip and upskill township businesses
Cape Town, 13 February, 2024—Founders Foundation today announced that it has partnered with the Silulo Foundation and global technology company, Zoho to train and equip township entrepreneurs enrolled in the Silulo Foundation entrepreneurship programme throughout the greater Cape Town area. As part of this collaboration, a group of entrepreneurs attended specialised training at the Zoho …
Call to pause “catastrophic” health care budget cuts
Western Cape health workers warn of dire consequences if cuts are not reversed
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
217 views
Government activities for the week 12 to 16 February 2024
Government activities for the week 12 to 16 February 2024
On Monday, 12 February, the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga will launch the 2024 SGB Elections Campaign in Pretoria.
On Monday, 12 February, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille will address the Africa Air Expo at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape.
Also, on Monday leading though till Wednesday (12-14 February), the Agricultural Research Council in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development will host their first-ever joint annual conference at the ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Industrial Medicinal Plants.
From Sunday 11 February up until Sunday, 18 February, Sport, Arts and Culture as well as the South African Football Association will host the Football for Humanity international showpiece at the Athlone stadium.
On Tuesday, 13 February, the Department of Health will observe the National Epilepsy Week. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 13:00
124 views
Green projects to present investment pipeline of over $1 billion at Africa’s Green Economy Summit
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place from 21-23 February 2024 in Cape Town, not only features the continent’s major sustainability thought leaders, but also provides a springboard for companies operating in the green sector to sell themselves to investors. The event brings together key African stakeholders – including investors, project …
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure development
By David Jacobs
Investments in infrastructure made today are an investment in a nation’s future success. It enhances mobility and accessibility, facilitates enhanced trade, overall economic productivity and boosts a country’s wellbeing.
In understanding this crucial interplay, government launched its infrastructure investment programme in mid-2020 to build critical network infrastructure such as ports, roads and rail across the country.
These infrastructure projects have been steadily gaining momentum, turning many parts of the country into construction zones. One such project is the N2 and N3 Upgrade Programme which is expanding the capacity of our national highways in Kwa-Zulu Natal
It includes the ground breaking R2.4bn Ashburton Interchange Project in the Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, which will see additional lanes being constructed. This section of highway has been hamstrung by chronic traffic congestion that prevents the quick movement of freight.
With more than 60 percent of goods transported through this corridor, the road is a key economic artery for the movement of goods from the Port of Durban, the largest port in Sub-Saharan Africa, to the rest of South Africa and the continent.
We see this project as central to our country’s competitiveness and to the growth of the economy. Through the smooth movement of goods and services across our economy, we can enhance efficiencies, attract investment and boost job creation.
Importantly, the upgrades will not only reduce the overall travel time for road freight transport but also ensure increased safety for all road users.
Government has placed infrastructure development at the heart of our country’s economic recovery plan because it is widely known that infrastructure has a powerful multiplier effect on restoring economic growth, creating new jobs and protecting livelihoods.
Through the Ashburton Interchange Project, we have created a number of direct jobs and indirect jobs for surrounding communities. The project is also helping draw more young people into the productive sectors of the economy through training and learnerships.
The Ashburton Interchange Project adds to other projects already at an advanced stage of construction on the N3, such as the widening a section of the Camperdown Interchange and the road upgrade between Dardanelles and Lynnfield Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Another major highway upgrade being undertaken at an investment of over R 10 Billion is the N2 Wild Coast road project which connects the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Once completed, the route will shorten travel times, making it 1,5 hours faster for light vehicles and 3 hours faster heavy freight transport. This will significantly reduce vehicle carbon emissions and the time-cost saving to motorists and freight operators will be approximately R1.5 billion per annum.
The project will also see the construction of the highest bridges on the African continent with the R1.65 billion cable-stay Msikaba Bridge. The bridge will be 580m in length and be 195m high, showcasing our country’s engineering excellence.
Infrastructure projects similar to these road transport projects are being prepared and packaged for investors by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA). ISA is also driving project preparation to enhance transparency and eliminate key risks at the earliest possible time.
Our logistics infrastructure investments also extend to our nation’s ports as we address slow turnaround times. Following an internal diagnostic review by Transnet, there are plans to invest R160 billion to address the infrastructure.
It includes procuring 16 gantry cranes and acquisition of four ship-to-shore cranes to address slow turnaround times affecting the docking and offloading of containers at the port. Transnet also plans to deepen and lengthen two berths at its Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 which handles about 65 percent of the country’s containerised cargo as part of efforts to ease backlogs.
Government is addressing concerns of corruption and maladministration in the construction industry through our anti-corruption strategy designed specifically for the sector. It sets out to detect and prevent corruption and we are working closely with the Special Investigating Unit to execute the strategy.
As we gather pace on our infrastructure development, we are certain to see the benefits in our economy and on jobs. Through our investments in infrastructure we are setting the foundation for a much brighter future.
David Jacobs is Chief Director: Cluster Communication at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Neo
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 09:53
125 views
Stop conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism
They demanded Germany stop supporting the war on Gaza and resume funding UNRWA