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Winde thanks roleplayers battling wildfires around the Cape Winelands

Location: News

Winde thanks roleplayers battling wildfires around the Cape Winelands

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde visited a mobile disaster management incident command centre near Wolseley on Monday after wildfires erupted in the Cape Winelands district and surrounding areas. 

The fires have been raging for over a week, with high temperatures and strong winds fuelling the flames.  

Affected areas include Hangklip, Buffeljags Bay, Karwyderskraal and Grabouw.

According to the Premier’s Office, fire teams in the Breede Valley and Witzenberg areas were given a slight reprieve on Sunday evening as temperatures dipped and winds subsided. 

“But that was unfortunately short-lived. Winds picked up again compounding the already difficult situation.”

Despite the thousands of hectares of land that have burned, the Premier said he was relieved there has been no loss of life. 

However, he said he remained very concerned about the situation generally. 

“Fires are volatile and unpredictable. Coupled with the hot, windy weather, these fires have stretched our emergency teams to their limit. But I have all the confidence in our entire disaster management network to eventually bring the blaze under control, with officials in the public and private sectors working together around the clock to protect lives and infrastructure.

“Our disaster management staff have gone from floods to fires and I know the significant toll that it takes on our dedicated staff and all the volunteers who always step up,” Winde said. 

Winde has described as "heroes" a group of firefighters who had come off the line for a break, having worked throughout Sunday evening.  

“You make us all very proud,” he told the firefighters. 

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), there have been more than 4 000 fires across the Western Cape this summer, of which the vast majority have been recorded in Cape Town. 

The Premier urged the public in fire-affected regions to heed the advice of officials and be vigilant. 

“There can be no doubt that climate change is a major factor. That is why the Western Cape government is taking this crisis extremely seriously by planning accordingly for the future and by building up the resilience of our province. We are doing all we can to enable the private sector to pivot to renewable energy to help mitigate the climate crisis,” he stressed.

City of Cape Town's Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, announced this morning that the fire line in Hangklip was completely extinguished. 

“All our firefighters are safe and accounted for. There are no injuries and no damages to any of our vehicles or equipment,” Smith explained. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 12:00

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Labour takes services closer to Southern Cape communities

Location: News

Labour takes services closer to Southern Cape communities

The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape will next week embark on a series of service delivery activities in the Southern Cape as a build-up towards a Jobs Fair to be held in George next month.

The department said among the services to be provided during next week’s activities include the processing of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) applications, claims assessment, resolving UIF inquiries, and the processing of occupational injuries and diseases claims and inquiries.  

“Also on offer will be the Public Employment Services (PES), where job-seekers will be afforded, amongst other services, an opportunity to register their CVs on the Employment System of South Africa (ESSA) database, through which they can be matched with prospective recruiters,” the department said.

Employer breakfast session and Jobs Fair

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will host employers and engage with aspirant workers at an employer breakfast session and Jobs Fair to be held in George from 5 - 6 February 2023. 

An initiative championed by the PES branch, the Jobs Fair seeks to create opportunities for work-seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers.

The two-day event will commence with the employer breakfast session, where Nxesi will lead discussions on labour market issues and address unemployment in the province. 

“Through the use of innovative solutions, the department continues to make strides in addressing the crippling high unemployment rate,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 14:20

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Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) committed to promoting dignity and well-being of girl learners

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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With the 2024 school year in full swing, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is doing its part in ensuring the well-being and dignity of girls across the province through its Sanitary Dignity Project.

In partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), DSD has delivered more than 3.432 million packs of sanitary pads to learners across the province since the inception of the project in 2019/2020.

A breakdown of the distribution figures over recent years, shows that in:

  • 2022/2023: a total of 27 817 boxes or 1 335 216 packets were distributed.
  • 2023/2024 (1st to 3rd quarter): a total of 25 847 boxes or 1 240 656 packets were distributed.

The Department intends to distribute a further 8 734 boxes or 419 323 packets during the last quarter of the current financial year.

Since 2020/21, DSD has increased the number of beneficiaries from 94 817 learners at 220 schools, to 130 396 learners at 365 schools during 2023/2024. These include farm schools, special needs schools, and DSD-funded child and youth care centres.

Just this week, Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez's office visited Dorothea Special School in Stellenbosch, for children with disabilities, to deliver sanitary dignity packs.

“The donation will definitely make a difference in our girls' personal hygiene as most of our learners are dependent on SASSA grants and parents struggle to afford to buy them toiletries. I also try to give the girls a packet each month, but we are lucky to have donors supporting us,” says Sister Linda Carelse, Dorothea Special School Nurse.

“Girls from impoverished communities already face immense societal and economic challenges, and those with special needs are in an even more vulnerable position. We cannot let a natural bodily function like menstruation be another barrier to their learning. We can all do our part. I call on citizens who can and the private sector to play their role in assisting schools in disadvantaged areas to level the playing field for all girls,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

Read moreWestern Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) committed to promoting dignity and well-being of girl learners

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning welcomes relief funding for September floods

Location: News

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa
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Western Cape welcomes R114million relief funding for September floods.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today confirmed that National Treasury has approved an amount of R114million to be released from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant to the Western Cape for damages suffered during the floods of September 2023. 

“We appreciate this allocation, and I want to thank all the role players who worked together to do damage assessments, drafted the disaster classification application, and worked together with our colleagues at the National Disaster Management Centre to satisfy all the regulatory requirements to qualify for this disaster relief. It is important and necessary funding to help us deal with the significant impact that the flood had on our province”.

MEC Bredell said that although the province applied for relief of more than R700million, we appreciate the R114million, and will now focus on spending the money wisely in the 5 municipalities identified for relief:

  • 24 projects in Theewaterskloof
  • 16 projects in Overstrand
  • 11 projects in Stellenbosch
  • 13 projects in Langeberg
  • 6 projects in the City of Cape Town.

MEC Bredell said the intense flooding of 2023, and the current wildfire season which is stretching fire services across the province to the limit, is a wakeup call for all levels of government: “A new mindset is needed for infrastructure development and how we interact with nature. “We cannot repair roads and bridges to be washed away in the next flood. We must design and construct with the future in mind where we should anticipate more extreme weather events.”

The Department of Local Government, together with these municipalities are currently working on dedicated business plans for each of the identified repair projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.

Read moreWestern Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning welcomes relief funding for September floods

Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season

Location: News

Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season

While the preliminary results for the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics show a 2.3% decline in the number of fatal crashes when compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that the majority of those who died were between the ages of 25 and 44.

Releasing the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said during the period under review 1 184 fatal crashes were recorded compared to 2022/23 where 1 212 crashes were recorded.

“The period shows that human factors contributed 80.8% of the crashes, environmental factors contributed 10.4% as a result of heavy rainfall and storms, while vehicle factors contributed about 8.8%.

“According to the statistics, 40.9% of those who died were pedestrians, passengers accounted for 33.6%, drivers accounted for 24.6% and cyclists accounted for 0.8%,” Chikunga said on Wednesday in Johannesburg at the N1 Grasmere Toll Gate.

She accredited the decline in fatal crashes to the intensified law enforcement operations conducted and the high police visibility throughout the country.

More than 1.4 million vehicles were stopped and checked during these operations with 7 820 drivers arrested for, among other things, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, producing false documentation and excessive speeding.

The Minister noted that the festive period was marked by heavy rain and storms, which created challenges on the road.

“Unfortunately, some drivers did not modify their speed in slippery and wet conditions. That resulted in avoidable crashes. Most of the crashes occurred in the first week from 1 December to 5 December, again from 15 December – 21 December and from 22 December to 28 December. The first week incorporated the payday weekend when people had received bonuses and were having end of year parties.

“The third week incorporated the long weekend, industry closure and the people had started travelling while the fourth week incorporated the Christmas long weekend and saw a massive increase in traffic volumes and festivities.

“Most crashes took place in the evening between 7pm and 10pm with the peak between 8pm and 9pm. Most fatalities were also recorded on Sundays, which is a new trend,” Chikunga said.

Five provinces - including the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and North West - recorded fewer fatalities while other provinces recorded increases.

The provincial breakdown for provinces is as follows:

  • Free State recorded a 27.4% decline.
  • Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% decline.
  • Northern Cape recorded a 15.7% decline.
  • Limpopo recorded an 8.4% decline.
  • North West recorded a 2.1% decline.
  • Gauteng recorded a 7.6% increase.
  • KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 4.2% increase.
  • Mpumalanga recorded a 9.7% increase.
  • Western Cape recorded a 22.6% increase

“The Eastern Cape is the only province that managed to surpass the target set for it to reduce fatalities by at least 18.6%. In light of this, we will have serious engagements with authorities in the provinces and possibly redefine the targets informed by objective dynamics and available resources on the ground in the provinces,” the Minister said.

She said the number of registered vehicles at the start of the festive season campaign on 1 December 2023, stood at 13 133 035, which was significantly higher than the 12 964 430 registered on 1 December 2022 and thus bringing more 168 000 registered vehicles on to the road.

“I wish to commend our traffic officers, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency medical services for their sterling work, commitment, and dedication during this period. They sacrificed their family time and pleasure as they committedly enforced the law,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:18

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Decrease in number of schools affected by burglary and vandalism

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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Despite our department providing holiday security to 486 schools over the December holidays, we recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period.

While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.

Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.

It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.

Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children's futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime.

Reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of our schools to South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property.

Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

Read moreDecrease in number of schools affected by burglary and vandalism

Spike in holiday visitors boosts property interest on the KZN South Coast

Location: MyPR

The Blue Flag beaches and internationally renowned dive sites on the KZN South Coast attracted a high number of visitors over the festive season. Alongside enjoying the sites, many holidaymakers were attracted to the region’s incredible property developments, affordable yet quality investments, and infrastructure upgrades to local infrastructure. Sam Wenger, Development Director of Serenity Hills, …

Read moreSpike in holiday visitors boosts property interest on the KZN South Coast

Recycle and Win Immense! The Ultimate School Recycling Challenge Unleashed by The Glass Recycling Company

Location: MyPR

– TGRC Announces the 2024 Annual Schools Competition The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is excited to announce the kick-off of the 2024 Annual Schools Competition, encouraging schools in Gauteng, The Western Cape Peninsula, Eastern Cape, and the Greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions to embark on a thrilling journey of glass recycling. This competition, starting on …

Read moreRecycle and Win Immense! The Ultimate School Recycling Challenge Unleashed by The Glass Recycling Company

Infinite Family Provides Matrics 2023 Video Mentoring With Record 97% Pass Rate

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg/New York 22 January 2024: Infinite Family (IF), South Africa’s primary video mentoring organisation, delivers a 90% Bachelors and Diploma pass rate to their 2023 Matrics. “Out of a total of 18 matric ‘Net Buddies’ across all three video lab sites, we have 14 who have achieved Batchelors qualifications, and two with Diploma status,” says …

Read moreInfinite Family Provides Matrics 2023 Video Mentoring With Record 97% Pass Rate

Traffic official arrested for alleged R15 000 bribe

Location: News

Traffic official arrested for alleged R15 000 bribe

The Hawks' Bellville-based serious corruption investigation team have arrested Renay Claudine Ruiters for acts corruption.

Ruiters, 47, is a traffic official who allegedly extorted R15 000 from a person whom she arrested for driving under the influence of liquor in September 2023.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Hawks and the arrest was effected on Wednesday.

Ruiters is out on R1000 bail after she briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. The matter is postponed to 05 April 2024 for further investigation.

Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, appreciated the arrest as law enforcement officials are mandated to uphold and enforce the law.

He said this would hopefully send a strong message to other law breakers. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:33

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Deadline for comments on review of Coastal Waters Discharge Allow extended

Location: News

Deadline for comments on review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permit extended

An extension has been granted to allow the public to submit their comments on the review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permits issued to fish processing facilities operating within St Helena Bay in the Western Cape.

The notice calling for public participation was published in various newspapers on 23 November 2023, as well as on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) website.

The date for submissions has been extended to 29 February 2024.

“The review process of the Coastal Waters Discharge Permits (CWDPs) aims to amend inconsistencies in the conditions of the CWDPs to establish uniformity and ensure gradual and consistent improvement of water quality in St Helena Bay over a five-year period.

“Persons or entities who discharge, or intend to discharge, effluent from land-based sources are required to obtain a CWDP or a General Discharge Authorisation from DFFE,” the department said on Friday.

This is according to Section 69 of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2009 (ICM Act) which regulates pollution that originates from land-based sources.

Four fish processing establishments (FPEs) in St Helena Bay, namely Lucky Star, West Point Processor, Pioneer Fishing and Amawandle, have historically been discharging effluent into coastal waters using CWDPs obtained prior to the enforcement of the ICM Act. 

“The review process intends to set effluent discharge limits based on the 90th percentile of the FPEs' effluent monitoring results from January 2022 to December 2022. Subsequently, the effluent improvement limits will mandate a 20% annual enhancement of interim limits for all FPEs.

“To achieve these improvements and meet the stricter limits, the FPEs will be required to upgrade their infrastructure. Members of the public, including interested and affected stakeholders, are encouraged to take advantage of this extension to make valuable contributions and submissions,” the department said.

Inputs can be delivered by hand to:

The Director: Coastal Pollution Management

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

1 East Pier Building, East Pier Road

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Attention: Dr Yazeed Peterson

They can also be emailed to fpp@dffe.gov.za.

Copies of the current CWDPs, together with proposed amendments, can be downloaded from the department’s website at https://www.dffe.gov.za/permits/coastalwatersdischarge or obtained via email from rmolale@dffe.gov.za.

Hard copies of these documents can be obtained from any of the four FPF companies mentioned above. Any enquires may be directed to Rueben Molale on 021 819 2493. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:35

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Reddam House Cape schools achieve excellent results

Location: MyPR

Inspired Education Group’s three Reddam House schools in the Western Cape – Reddam House Constantia (Constantia Valley), Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard (Green Point) and Reddam House Durbanville (Vissershok Road) – have achieved excellent results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 120 students achieving 308distinctions, averaging out at 2.57 distinctions …

Read moreReddam House Cape schools achieve excellent results

Reddam House KZN schools achieve 99% bachelor pass rate

Location: MyPR

Inspired Education Group’s two Reddam House schools in KwaZulu-Natal – Reddam House Umhlanga and Reddam House Ballito – have surpassed their exceptional 2022 results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 116 students achieving 336 distinctions, averaging out at 2.9 distinctions per student, and 67 students achieving four or more …

Read moreReddam House KZN schools achieve 99% bachelor pass rate

Matrics of 2023 design history!

Location: News

Matrics of 2023 make history!

The Matric Class of 2023 have achieved a pass rate of 82.9% - the highest pass rate in the history of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

More than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates sat for the matric exams administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at the end of 2023.

At the release of the 2023 National Senior Certificate examination results on Thursday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said 572 983 candidates passed the 2023 NSC exams.

“It should be noted that while the pass rate of the 2023 NSC exams in number is the second highest in the history of the NSC exams, when expressed as a percentage, the pass rate of the 2023 NSC exams is the highest in the history of the NSC so far. This represents 572 983 candidates who passed the 2023 NSC exams.

“When expressed in number, it is the second highest pass rate in the history of the NSC examinations. The Class of 2023's achievement is an improvement of 2.8% and 6.5% from the pass rates achieved by the Classes of 2022 and 2021, respectively,” the Minister said.

The Minister commended the improvement of the education sector over the past 10 years, with Grade 12 learners notably achieving an 80.1% pass rate in 2022, and 76.4% in 2021.

The provincial rankings for the 2023 results are as follows:

  • Free State is the leading province at 89.0%, an increase of 0.5% from 2022.
  • KwaZulu-Natal, which is the third best improved province, achieved 86.4%, an increase of 3.4% from 2022.
  • Gauteng achieved at 85.4%, an increase of 1.0% from 2022.
  • North West achieved at 81.6%, an increase of 1.8% from 2022.
  • Western Cape achieved 81.5%, an increase of 0.1%from the previous year.
  • The Eastern Cape is the second most improved province, with a pass rate of 81.4%, an improvement of 4.1% from the previous year.
  • The best improved province is Limpopo, with an achievement of 79.5%, a 7.4% improvement from the previous year.
  • Mpumalanga achieved at 77.0%, a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
  • Northern Cape achieved at 75.8%, a 1.6% increase from 2022.

Achievements

The Class of 2023 also scored the highest Bachelor passes – which allow candidates to apply for university Bachelor’s degree studies – in the history of the NSC, with 40.9% of candidates attaining that achievement.

Diploma level passes stand at some 27.2% of candidates. Higher Certificates are at 14.8%, while those who passed with a National Senior Certificate stands at 0.01%.

Motshekga praised the Class of 2023 for defying what she called “astronomical challenges” – including the COVID-19 pandemic during their high school years - to reach the milestone.

“There is no doubt that the basic education system has begun to reach the desired stability, which is healthy for a large and important system as ours. 

“The unquestionable resilience our school community has shown against such a devastating pandemic and other challenges, such as sporadic service delivery protests, the floods in some provinces, violence, and the general moral decadence, such as alcohol and substance abuse, cannot go by unnoticed,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that the improved pass rate is a clear indication that cooperation from all spheres of the sector can enable learners to perform at their best.

“Clearly, the system cannot survive without the direct involvement of all communities of trust, not only those who are part of the sector, but everyone. 

“The Class of 2023 has clearly demonstrated that with all requisite support and intervention programmes, we can make it.  We must prioritise our interventions on teaching and learning losses.  Support and intervention programmes must be implemented across the system,” Motshekga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 20:58

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Prof Ntobeko Ntusi to grasp over the reigns at the SAMRC

Location: News

Prof Ntobeko Ntusi to take over the reigns at the SAMRC

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) says it is thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Ntobeko Ntusi as its new president and chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2024.

Ntusi will succeed the esteemed Professor Glenda Gray, who has been the SAMRC president for the past 10 years. Her term concludes on 30 June 2024. 

The medical research institute has described the incoming president as a distinguished and highly respected figure in the medical community and said he brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role. 

“His lifelong passion for evidence-based healthcare, health systems research, and universal health coverage has positioned him as a trailblazer in medical research,” said the SAMRC in a statement on Thursday. 

“Prof Ntusi’s commitment to advancing medical research and his passion for improving healthcare outcomes align perfectly with the SAMRC’s mission to advance the nation’s health and quality of life and to address inequity by conducting and funding relevant and responsive health research, capacity development, innovation, and research translation.” 

Ntusi’s leadership spans various national, regional, and international platforms, where he has played pivotal roles in shaping academic agendas and postgraduate medical education standards and advancing key strategic priorities. 

His commitment to mentoring young professionals and supervising postgraduate students underscores his passion for nurturing the next generation of medical leaders.

The incoming President is currently a cardiologist, the Head of the Department of Medicine, and the Clinical Lead for cardiovascular magnetic resonance and cardiovascular computed tomography at Groote Schuur Hospital in the Western Cape. 

He is also the Professorial Chair of the Department of Medicine, in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 

He serves as the Director of the SAMRC/UCT Extramural Unit on the Intersection of Noncommunicable Diseases and Infectious Diseases.

He holds numerous qualifications including a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Cardiovascular Medicine and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Cardiology from the University of Oxford, St Cross College and the University of Cape Town respectively, making him a prominent figure in the medical field. 

His vision for the SAMRC aligns with its commitment to advancing medical research and improving health outcomes for all.

He said he was honoured and excited to lead the SAMRC.

“I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at SAMRC to further our impact on healthcare and research, driving positive change in South Africa and beyond.”

The institute said the Ntusi’s tenure promises to uphold and build upon the SAMRC’s legacy of excellence and dedication to advancing medical research and healthcare in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 09:52

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Over 600 beneficiaries in Mpumalanga receive title deeds

Location: News

Over 600 beneficiaries in Mpumalanga receive title deeds

The New Year began on a high note for 619 beneficiaries of government-subsidised homes who have received their long-awaited title deeds in Tekwane South in the City of Mbombela in Mpumalanga.

This as Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, led a delegation on a two-day service delivery programme in the province. 

The two leaders also engaged with contractors, developers and members of the community, amongst others. 

The meeting focused on opportunities in the human settlement sector, while discussions focused on policy enhancements as envisaged in the Human Settlements White Paper, released for written public submissions.

According to the Department of Human Settlements, the issuing of title deeds is one of the government priorities to restore full property of ownership and bestow security of tenure. 

Other interventions to respond to the gap market include programmes such as First Home Finance, social housing, upgrading informal settlements, and the delivery of fully subsidised government housing.

The beneficiaries included 74-year-old Nana Santumela and 72-year-old Esther Mhlabane, who also receive social services from the government.

“Everywhere, every week, every province's MECs and Mayors must issue title deeds as a matter of urgency to give back dignity to people and ensure home ownership, even for the most vulnerable in society,” said Kubayi.

Affordable housing

Kubayi also made a clarion call to contractors and developers to partner with the government through the Department of Human Settlements to increase affordable housing for people who do not qualify for fully subsidised government homes.

“Contractors should seize these opportunities to increase stock for other programmes such as First Home Finance for the missing middle-income earners. This is one of the growth points for the department,” she added. 

The Minister also highlighted various opportunities on offer including the Government Employee Housing Scheme, which enables home ownership for public servants.

The increased delivery of affordable housing stock, the department said, will enable the government to respond to in-migration, which mainly affects Metropolitan Municipalities and secondary cities, such as Mbombela.

 “We are working with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to respond to migration through specific funding. This will enable the government to work with the private sector to deliver more affordable housing units,” said Kubayi.

Economic opportunities

Meanwhile, Tshwete applauded the Mpumalanga provincial government for availing economic opportunities for women-owned contractors, including youth and people with disabilities. 

She also emphasised a need for result-driven transformation in the sector in which women can play a much bigger role than they deserve, citing that women always ensure the timely delivery of projects compared to their male counterparts.

Community Schemes Ombud Service

The two-day programme concluded with the launch of the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) Mbombela Satellite Office, led by Tshwete and MEC for Human Settlements, Speed Mashilo.

The CSOS is an agency of the Department of Human Settlements responsible for regulating the conduct of parties within community schemes. The expansion of the CSOS footprint seeks to better service communities and follows the recent launches of other satellite offices in Limpopo and Western Cape provinces.

“I want to congratulate CSOS on this milestone of launching an office in Mpumalanga. This is indicative of an organisation that is growing in its service and reaching more people in the country,” Tshwete added. 

White Paper

The Ministerial visit to Mpumalanga was also used as a platform to solicit inputs on the Human Settlements White Paper released for public comments. 

The White Paper is aimed at improving how the department executes its mandate, including social housing which can be converted into rent-to-own opportunities to increase home ownership. 

The public has until 31 January to make written inputs on the White Paper, which can be accessed here https://bit.ly/3vwvOF9. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:50

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Read moreOver 600 beneficiaries in Mpumalanga receive title deeds