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Survey shows decrease in those living with HIV in SA

Location: News

Survey shows decrease in those living with HIV in SA

A new survey has found that the percentage of people living with the HIV virus in South Africa has decreased from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022. 

This translates, according to the latest data, to about 7.8 million people living with HIV in South Africa in 2022 compared to 7.9 million in 2017.

This key finding is contained in the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour (SABSSM VI) survey released on Monday by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).  

The survey highlights the progress toward ending HIV in South Africa, which remains the epicentre of the HIV endemic in the world. 

The HSRC’s Divisional Executive of the Public Health, Societies, and Belonging Division, Professor Khangelani Zuma, said several factors contribute to HIV prevalence. 

“These factors include fewer people getting infected with HIV, more children born HIV-negative, AIDS-related mortality, and people aging and dying from natural causes,” Zuma, who is also the survey’s principal investigator explained. 

In addition, he said the increase in the population of the birth of HIV-negative babies would also increase the denominator of HIV-negative people in the country. 

“The epidemic curve also shows an aging population of people living with HIV who are living longer as the epidemic stabilises,” he added. 

In addition, the 2022 survey shows significant progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets. 

UNAIDS envisions that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV have to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral load suppression. 

Meanwhile, the survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on ART and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed. 

“This is an improvement compared to 2017 when the UNAIDS target was 90-90-90 but South Africa achieved 85%-71%-87%.” 

This is attributed to the change in treatment guidelines in 2016, which made provision for treatment to be given to everyone requiring HIV treatment immediately regardless of their clinical status, which previously needed to include a CD4 count below 500 cells/mm3.

The data also revealed that 81% of people aged 15 and older living with HIV were virally suppressed in 2022 compared to 62% in 2017. 

Viral suppression, the HSRC noted, was higher (83%) among women when compared to men (79%) and lower (70%) among younger adults aged 15 to 24. 

The lowest percentage of viral load suppression (66%) was among men aged between 25 and 34. 

According to the survey, half of all young men aged between 15 and 24 were medically circumcised compared to 43% in 2017. 

“This is an important achievement as studies have shown that male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by approximately 60%.” 

Gaps

While the research indicates that progress has been made, the survey also shows gaps that remain in addressing the HIV epidemic in South Africa. 

The impact of the HIV epidemic in South Africa is unequal across geographic regions and populations, particularly affecting black Africans, women, and young people. 

HIV prevalence varied geographically, ranging from 8% in the Western Cape to 22% in KwaZulu-Natal among the 15-year-olds and older. 

Furthermore, HIV prevalence was nearly twice as high among women (20%) compared to men (12%). 

By race, HIV prevalence was the highest among black Africans (20%), followed by Coloureds (5%), and lowest among Whites and Indians/Asians (1% each). 

“The most pronounced differences in HIV prevalence by sex were seen among younger populations, which calls for focused interventions,” Zuma explained.

Among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 to years at 34.2%, whereas among males, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 45 to 49 years at 27.1%. 

Compared to males, HIV prevalence was approximately two-fold higher in females aged 15 to 19 (5.7% versus 3.1%), and 20 to 24 years (8% versus 4%), and three-fold higher in females aged 25 to 29 (19.5% versus 6.3%). 

SABSSM VI is a large cross-sectional, population-based household survey conducted from January 2022 to April 2023. 

The survey marks 20 years, with the first survey commissioned and funded by former President Nelson Mandela through his Foundation in 2001. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 13:33

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DPWI exploring strategies to improve the management of assets

Location: News

DPWI exploring strategies to improve the management of assets

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, says his department is exploring various strategies to improve the management of its assets.

Zikalala said the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) manages an extensive property portfolio of 28 683 registered and unregistered land parcels on which about 77 537 improvements (buildings and structures) are located across 52 client departments countrywide.

Addressing the Western Cape Property Sector engagement in Cape Town on Thursday, Zikalala said at present, the immovable asset portfolio under the custodianship of the DPWI comprises approximately 30 000 land parcels or 4.7 million hectares of land on which roughly 90 000 facilities (equivalent to 33.9 million m² of floor space) are located.

The DPWI is a custodian of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007 (GIAMA) which provides a regulatory framework of basic principles in terms of which national and provincial departments must manage the immovable assets that they control in executing their mandates.

“We can have a revitalised, attractive state owned property where there is optimal utilisation of state owned buildings, curbing of illegal occupation of buildings, reduced reliance on private leases while promoting longer term lease arrangements that will contribute to property upgrades, and improve energy efficiency.”

Zikalala said in collaboration with industry, the department has an opportunity to put state owned properties into good use to create value, generate income to support the ailing economy, provide sustainable employment, and drive transformation.

“To effectively deliver on our legislative mandate as the real estate agent of the state, we seek to leverage on available expertise, resources, and innovation within the property sector for the benefit of users of the accommodation space.

“We have seen, for an example, how [a] lack of maintenance results in dilapidated buildings and invites social ills such as crime and environmental degradation which in turn affects business; improper surroundings fail to attract investments. 

“We only have one country and it is in our hands to work together for the common good. The ‘us and them’ paradigm only creates tensions and misunderstanding and as a result all parties suffer in the process,” the Minister said.

Zikalala said many parts of South Africa lose economic opportunities as a result of the failure to maintain and commercialise state buildings.

“Failure to adopt proactive asset management strategies in the public sector and lack of maintenance of existing buildings speed up their deterioration process.

“As you would know, several government buildings are old and some are more than 100 years old, and the number of vacant buildings is growing. Such vacancy increases the costs of maintaining and upkeep of these buildings without a return on investment,” Zikalala said.

DPWI’s focus is on public land and building assets and infrastructure and the way in which they can be utilised to stimulate and sustain economic growth in the built environment.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:23

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Franschhoek Pass closed for construction

Location: News

Franschhoek Pass closed for construction

The Western Cape Infrastructure Department has announced the closure of Franschhoek Pass, which connects Franschhoek and the towns of Grabouw and Villiersdorp, as construction work is underway following severe storms and flooding that hit the province in September.

Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers said the closure of Franschhoek Pass will take effect from Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 5pm from 28 November until 15 December 2023. 

The pass will then be open from 15 December 2023 (with the proceed-when-safe arrangement and weight restriction) until 7 January 2024 and closed again from 8 January 2024 till the end of February 2024.

Simmers said the pass was reopened to selected categories of light motor vehicles after it was closed following a severe weather system that hit the Western Cape, and the teams started working on temporary repairs, as soon as the engineering team was satisfied that the landslips had stabilised sufficiently to start work.
 
He said the works have reached a point where the pass must be closed daily to initiate the soil-nailing (a technique used to stabilise existing slopes) process of phase 1. 

“This soil reinforcement process uses metal tendons which are drilled and grouted into the soil to create something that represents a gravity wall. For this to be done, the pass needs to be closed due to the size of the equipment that is used and the size of the working area required.
 
“Light motor vehicles will be able to traverse the pass outside of the closure times. The use of the pass, even during times when the pass is open, by vehicles with a mass of more than five tons remains strictly prohibited,” Simmers said.
 
The MEC has expressed his concerns over the non-compliance of road users and advised them to continue using the alternative routes.
 
“The blatant disregard of road signs and restrictions, by some road users is a serious concern. We have received numerous reports of interlink heavy motor vehicles accessing the pass despite clear signage prohibiting such acts. 

“This reckless behaviour compromises the repair works and negatively impacts the entire repair process. What is a further concern is that should these trucks disregard the signage and get to the closure points during the closure periods, they will be stuck there until the road reopens because there isn’t any space to turn around,” Simmers said.
 
While acknowledging the inconvenience the closure has had on the local community and visitors, and the impact the weight limitation has, Simmers said, the safety of all road users remains a primary concern.
 
“Work on permanent repairs continues. The department foresees that it will still be a considerable period before the pass will allow two-way traffic,” Simmers said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 12:33

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Empowering Change and Development in the Workplace

Location: MyPR

Hermanus – Western Cape, November, 2023: Growth in Motion: Empowering Change and Development in the Workplace Growth in Motion, a 51% Black Woman Owned QSE professional consulting business, announces its continued commitment to providing industry-leading change management and professional development services. With a Level 2 B-BBEE rating, Growth in Motion stands at the forefront of organizational …

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SA Connect project forges ahead

Location: News

SA Connect project forges ahead

The government-driven SA Connect broadband connectivity project is going full steam ahead, with a report on Phase two of the project considered by Cabinet.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who was addressing the media on the outcomes of the recently held Cabinet meeting.

“On progress with Phase 2 of the project, Cabinet was pleased that 1 000 households were connected with broadband and that 1 000 community Wi-Fi hotspots are planned to be installed by December 2023.

“In addition, the project has rolled out infrastructure for internet connectivity that allows households to access internet at cheaper rates. For R249 per month, a subscribing household has unlimited access to robust internet, with cheaper data costs as low as R5 for one gig per day,” she said.

Ntshavheni explained that the SA Connect project aims to “to bridge the digital divide by connecting households and government institutions and provide Wi-Fi access to communities across the country”.

“It is estimated that the project will also contribute to economic participation through provision of 4 505 semi-skilled and 169 skilled employment opportunities, and will support over 75 small to medium-sized companies.

“In addition, high demand spectrum will be provided to more than 18 000 schools, 943 libraries, 5 731 health facilities and 8 241 Tribal authorities over the next months through the social obligations to telecommunications companies.

“It is anticipated that the project will deliver connectivity to more than five million households and 32 000 community Wi-Fi hotspots across the country over the next 36 months,” Ntshavheni said.

On broadcasting digital migration, Ntshavheni said Cabinet noted the progress made in migrating from analogue to digital.

“As of 23 July 2023, all 123 analogue transmitters above 694 MHz were switched off in the remaining four provinces namely; the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng. This will free up the spectrum needed for mobile broadband, and other information and communications technology related needs. 

“Cabinet was briefed that the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies had determined December 2024 as the final date for switch off of all analogue broadcasting services, and that progress is on to meet the set target date,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:47

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Zikalala to host Property Sector Conference

Location: News

Zikalala to host Property Sector Conference

Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister, Sihle Zikalala, is expected to address property sector participants in a conference to be held in Cape Town, Western Cape.

The Property Sector Conference will be held on Thursday.

As part of the Minister’s strategic engagement, he will start by visiting some of the hijacked buildings in Cape Town before outlining various strategies currently being developed by the DPWI to optimise the utilisation of state-owned buildings, curb illegal occupation and hijacking of buildings, improving energy efficiency and the discontinuing of total reliance on private leases. 

Zikalala will also articulate the department’s plans regarding the ballooning government lease portfolio and how to further maximise revenue generation for the department.

Some of the key focus areas the Minister will address include the transformation of the property sector, ensuring that DPWI’s partnership with the private sector in delivering quality accommodation, is within budget and at a reasonable time.

The conference is aimed at engaging stakeholders on various challenges facing the department on delivering on its legislative mandate to be the real estate agent of South Africa and, therefore, address property industry players on the key role they ought to play in collaboration with the department. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 15:23

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Western Cape IEC geared for voter registration weekend

Location: News

Western Cape IEC geared for voter registration weekend

It’s all systems go for the Voter Registration Weekend on 18 and 19 November, the Electoral Commission in the Western Cape says.

The IEC in the Western Cape will be opening all its 1 572 voting stations across the province on Saturday and Sunday.

At a media briefing on Thursday, the IEC said the stations will be open from 8am until 5pm on both days.

“We have recruited 4 698 staff for our voting stations for the registration weekend, of which 2 707 are unemployed. Of our staff, 2096 are under the age of 35 years while the majority of the staff (3646) are female, and we have 63 persons with disabilities,” the Western Cape IEC said.

Of the 1572 voting stations, 29 are temporary structures and 687 are schools. The other stations include community halls or libraries and church buildings.

“We are deploying 3144 Voter Management Devices (VMDs) used to register voters. The VMD is a portable tablet device with the latest app upgrades and batteries charged – a fully charged VMD can operate offline for approximately 72 hours,” the provincial office of the IEC said.

The IEC conducted a national VMD dry run on 28 October 2023 as part of the preparations for the registration weekend and this entailed staff be at or inside the locations of the voting stations with the VMDs.

The Western Cape IEC has called on voters who are already registered but have changed their residential addresses, to re-register in order to be allocated to the correct segment of the voters’ roll.

“It is also important that every registered voter check their details to ensure that their current address is correctly reflected and that they know where their voting station is, as in some cases, the venues have changed.

“This will ensure that all eligible voters are able to vote in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections in 2024,” the Western Cape IEC said.

If a person cannot get to the voting station over this weekend, registration is also done at the local offices of the IEC during office hours.

There is also the convenience and ease of registering online at www.elections.za for a quick and easy registration process.

As at 12 November 2023, there are 3 128 995 registered voters in the Western Cape and this number is expected to increase over the coming weeks. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 10:00

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Policing strategies guide to reduced crime: Cele

Location: News

Policing strategies lead to reduced crime: Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele says the combination of operational policing strategies and interventions has attributed to the decline in crime statistics recorded in the country.

Cele made the remarks at the release of the Crime Stats Quarter 2 of 2023/2024, which showed that South Africa has, for the second consecutive quarter, seen a decrease in the murder rate, with a 3.1% decline recorded between May and July, and a 0.8% drop in the number of people killed between July and September 2023.

The report also noted a decrease in crimes that instill fear amongst people in the country, including trio crimes (hijackings, business and property robberies).

Cele said the drop in the murder rate is reflective of the SAPS’s continued efforts to combat crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement.

“Over and above ongoing policing operations, we know this administration has gone to lengths in capacitating critical units of the police service in order to keep communities safer. This includes the overhauling and strengthening of the management of the Crime Intelligence division, drastically improving the crime detection capabilities of the police.

“Crime Intelligence capacity has also been strengthened at the top 30 crime heavy police stations. The Intelligence officers have also been supplied with adequate resources, including vehicles and other tools of trade to gather intelligence,” Cele said.

The Minister said the South African Police Service (SAPS) units responsible for the investigation of organised crimes have also been bolstered at both provincial and national levels to infiltrate criminal syndicates.

"The recruitment drive of thousands more police officers under Project 10 000 to boost police numbers at stations in all provinces continues to gain momentum. The decrease in murder figures shows that the targeting of crimes in hotspots must be maintained and further strengthened,” Cele said.

Cele noted that through the intensified national policing approach to prevent and combat crime during the high-density Operation Shanela, the department is starting to break even and seeing decreases in certain crime categories.

According to the statistics, Operation Shanela, which is in its sixth month running has resulted in the arrest of over 226 000 suspects, including some of the most wanted and dangerous criminals. 

Cele said the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects has also been prioritised in conjunction with everyday policing at station level.

Despite the overall drop in the country’s murder rate, the report showed that between July and September this year, 6 945 people were murdered in South Africa, including 881 women and 293 children.

Thirty-five police officers were also killed on and off duty in the same period, as well as 19 law enforcement officers attached to national, provincial and local government, and private security.

Cele said the majority of people killed in South Africa are murdered during arguments, misunderstandings and provocations that usually take place at social settings.

“Arguments, vigilantism and robbery remain the top three causative factors for murder in the majority of the provinces. Firearms, knives and sharp instruments are likely to be used as murder weapons. 

“Firearms alone claimed the lives of 3 106 victims. Police have, between July to September 2023, removed 2 175 firearms off the streets through police operations,” Cele said.

Cele said these statistics give police a sober analysis of the effectiveness of policing efforts to keep South Africans and their properties safe. 

“These numbers are also used to redirect resources to where they are needed most in order to better respond to the common enemy of crime. This redirection of resources is clearly demonstrated through the decline in certain crime categories in the top four crime heavy provinces, namely KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

“These provinces have collectively reduced many of their contact crimes, including trio crimes, robberies, sexual assault and assault during this reporting period. What is clear and should never be ignored is that the crime figures should and must serve as a call of action for government, business, NGOs, civil society and communities to come on board in the fight against crime,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 13:45

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Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Location: News

Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the scourge of child labour, and recognise the collective duty to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in agriculture.

“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts,” the Minister said. 

Nxesi was delivering the keynote address at the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa launch event in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a European Union-funded child labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.

To tackle this grave issue, Nxesi said the world must first understand its root causes. He cited poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness about child rights as creating an environment where child labour thrives.

Nxesi said the Durban Call to Action adopted at the 5th Global Conference last year in Durban, resonates with this approach, in that it commits different role players to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate child labour.

“Education lies at the heart of this endeavour. We must invest in educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to quality education, we empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. 

Simultaneously, the Minister said enforcing existing laws and regulations is paramount. He said that stringent penalties for those exploiting children for labour, coupled with rigorous monitoring mechanisms, will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. 

Moreover, he said, support systems must be put in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been rescued from child labour situations, ensuring they receive the care, counselling, and education necessary for their holistic rehabilitation and development.

“Additionally, we must raise awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the detrimental effects of child labour, and the legal consequences associated with it, can act as a powerful deterrent.

“What remains constant in all these endeavours is that collaboration between government, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society, and international agencies is crucial for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions,” he said. 

Nxesi told delegates at the launch that together, they possess the strength, knowledge, and determination needed to create a world where no child is robbed of their innocence, their education, or their dreams. 

“In our quest to eradicate child labour, collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. No single entity, whether it is governments, NGOs, businesses, workers or communities, can tackle this issue in isolation. We need to join hands, share expertise, and combine resources to create a formidable force against child labour,” he said. 

The Minister said they are thankful to the European Union (EU) for approving the funding of this project, and to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its continued support in their endeavours to fight the scourge of child labour. 

The Minister said that the project launched today will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.

He urged all stakeholders to continue to collaborate, to innovate, and to advocate, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing environment – free from the shackles of child labour.

“Together, we can create a supportive environment where families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play by adopting ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that the products we consume are not tainted with the sweat and tears of innocent children,” he said. 

The Minister concluded that the fight against child labour in the agricultural sector is a moral imperative that demands an unwavering commitment. 

“We look forward to the replication of these pilot projects across the country as a whole, and the eventual elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector – and beyond. 

“Let us stand united in our resolve to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced, the advocates for those who are vulnerable, and the champions for those who deserve a brighter future,”  Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37

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Violence against women must be confronted head on

Location: News

Violence against women must be confronted head on

The scourge of violence against women and children in South Africa must be confronted head on equally by law enforcement, government and society.

This is according to Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, who released the crime statistics for the second quarter of 2023/2024 on Friday.

The report showed that contact sexual offences declined by 35.9%, with 10 516 rape cases reported and investigated by police in July to September 2023.

While the statistics showed that less women and children were killed in South Africa, between July to September 2023 (decreasing by 10.9% and 7.0% respectively), Cele said the crime figures show that far too many women and children in the country are not safe around people that they know and trust, and at times those that they love and in the places where they are supposed to be safe.

According to the figures, 4 726 rape incidents took place at either the home of the rape victim, or the home of the perpetrator which are known to the victim, such as a family member, a friend or a neighbour.

The report showed that between July and September 2023, 1 514 incidents of attempted murder, involving female victims were reported. Furthermore, females were victims in 14 401 assault grievous bodily harm (GBH) incidents reported to the police during the reporting period.

Children have not been spared from the brutal attacks and abuse, with 293 children killed between July to September 2023. In the same period, 361 incidents of attempted murder and 1 820 of assault GBH were perpetrated against children.

Cele said it was clear that the attacks and violence meted on women, children, the elderly and the most vulnerable in this country remained shameful.

“The Police Ministry has noted with extreme concern the recent brutal stabbing of a Western Cape University female student, in broad daylight. The SAPS continues to upscale its responses to this form of crimes through increased operations to trace GBV perpetrators, arrest serial offenders as well as serial rapists.

“Our docket analysis shows that the arrest of serial sexual offenders is reducing incidents of sexual offences. The SAPS continues to collaborate with social partners to eradicate the scourge of GBVF and educate communities on the matter,” Cele said.

He said the Ministry is motivated by the police continued successes in bringing to book Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) perpetrators.

Among the success include the recent identification and takedown of 27 sexual predators in the country, and the recent sentencing of Mario Giusti to 6 400 years in jail, after being found guilty of more than 1 000 charges of child pornography.

As part of some of the crime prevention programs carried out by the police service, Cele said, dialogues in various communities targeting men, who are largely GBV perpetrators, are taking place.

He said the Ministry was motivated by the continued availability of evidence collection kits or so called rape kits; as well as the improvement of support services at stations for survivors of sexual violence.

“The historic DNA backlog which was standing at over 240 000 two years ago has now been cleared. SAPS forensic laboratories across the country continue to work optimally and relevant contracts crucial for the functioning of labs are in place. The consumables essential for the processing of samples continue to be procured.

“These policy interventions are coupled with functioning of GBV desks at police stations countrywide. These desks are staffed with officers trained in GBVF-related courses as well as victim empowerment, domestic violence and sexual offences related programs,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37

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62 small-scale fishing co-operatives obtain fishing rights in W Cape

Location: News

62 small-scale fishing co-operatives get fishing rights in W Cape

Government has allocated 15-year fishing rights to 62 small-scale fishing cooperatives, with a total membership of 3 850 declared fishers, in the Western Cape.

This marks the final province where these rights have been granted for the first time in South Africa's history.

“This achievement signifies the end of the interim relief era and the formal inclusion of Western Cape fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been intertwined with fishing for centuries. Historically, these communities faced systematic exclusion due to past injustices, hindering their participation in fishing operations.

“From today, the fishing cooperatives will promote employment and economic development in fishing communities, as well as support food security, and decriminalise traditional fishing.

"The department is [aware] that much more needs to be done to support the sector's growth and development, and we are very committed to this process,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Wednesday.

She made these remarks during a virtual media briefing on the finalisation of the appeals on the verification of small-scale process and the allocation of small-scale fishing rights in the Western Cape.

In the lead-up to fishing rights allocation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) worked with community-based organisations and fishing communities to register cooperatives and  identify suitable species and fishing areas to be used by the cooperatives.

The department has also commenced with providing two-day training workshops aimed at registering cooperatives as community-based legal entities earmarked for the allocation of small-scale fishing rights.

The Minister said the department is still in the process of developing a sustainable and financially viable basket of species for the small-scale sector.

Some of the species that have been granted to date include commercial traditional line-fish species, West Coast Rock Lobster, Seaweed, bait species, abalone aquaculture ranching sites, net-fish species, white mussels, oysters and hake handline.

A few years ago, the DFFE conducted a survey to understand the challenges facing small-scale fishers in the Western Cape. This survey revealed a lack of access to markets, suitable infrastructure, and access to the broader fishing value chains.

“Consequently, the department developed a support strategy, which includes formalised agreements with the Department of Small Business Development and with one of the maritime academies.  

"Many other partners, such as the National Development Agency, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) have committed their support to the small-scale fishing co-operatives of the Western Cape,” the Minister said.

The DFFE will appoint 62 mentors so each cooperative will have dedicated direct support for the next three years.

Before 2014, the fishing rights framework only acknowledged access rights in the recreational, commercial and subsistence sectors, thus marginalising many local fishing communities.

During this time, small-scale fishers were often deemed illegal fishers, as they were not authorised to participate in regulated fishing sectors.   

In 2019, the Marine Living Resources Act was amended to include small-scale fishers and to recognise an individual as a small-scale fisher if that person is “a member of a small-scale fishing community engaged in fishing to meet food and basic livelihood needs, or directly involved in processing or marketing of fish”.

During the period between 2016 to 2019, the DFFE initiated a process to allocate of small-scale fishing rights, nationwide.  Rights were finalised in the Northern Cape in 2018, and in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

In 2019, the department received a total of 8 646 applications from individual applicants seeking to be recognised as small-scale fishers in the Western Cape alone.

Only 29% of the applicants were allocated rights.

In 2020, as a result of several fishing communities submitting complaints against the verification process and its outcomes in the Western Cape, the Minister called for an audit inquiry into the findings of the verification process.

Based on audit findings, the Minister sought an order from the Western Cape High Court to review and set aside the verification process for the Western Cape and to remit the verification process to the department for reconsideration.

Working collaboratively with community-based organisations, the department redesigned a fair process on the verification of small-scale fishers, resulting in over 5 000 applications from 109 fishing communities in the Western Cape.

The Delegated Authority’s final list declared over 84% of applicants successful, a significant improvement from the 2019 process success rate of 29%.

Aggrieved applicants were again entitled to lodge an appeal against the decision taken by the Delegated Authority to refuse their application. The department worked closely with the communities to provide the necessary information, support and guidance to enable appellants to lodge their appeals in an administratively and legally sound manner.

“The department received a total of 461 appeals and I considered each of these appeals on its own merits. In my consideration of these appeals, I followed the principle that all applicants are successful unless they were unable to provide proof that they met all the required criteria as set out in the Small-Scale Regulations.

“I was also mindful of the unique circumstances of fishing communities and that the completion of application forms may have been a challenge for certain individuals. I am satisfied that the process was inclusive, addressed various historical imbalances, and therefore the outcome is fair and correct.

"Four hundred and thirty-one of these appeals were upheld and this translates into a success rate of 93%,” Creecy said.

The launch of the small-scale fisheries sector in the Western Cape coincides with the commencement of the West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season.

For the full “General Published Reasons for Decisions on for the Verification of Small-Scale Fishers in the Western Cape Province” click on this link. https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/appeals/13nov23gpr_smallscalefisheries_reallocation.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:54

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Read more62 small-scale fishing co-operatives obtain fishing rights in W Cape

Eskom lays out on transmission expansion

Location: News

Eskom lays out on transmission expansion

Eskom Managing Director of Transmission, Segomoco Scheppers, says the power utility is working hard to expand transmission lines and unlock future generation capacity for the power grid “as fast as possible”.

He was addressing the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) Implementation Forum held at the Eskom Academy of Learning on Wednesday.

Previously, the power utility said it needed to augment the transmission network by approximately 14 200km by 2032 to ensure energy security in the country.

“[There] are currently 46 expansion projects in execution, of which 26 will deliver 1 632km of transmission lines, 11 290MVA and enable over 15 000MW of generation capacity. Of these 26 projects, 50% will deliver 890km of transmission lines, 3 290MVA of transformer capacity and enable the safe and reliable operation of over 10 000MW of new generation.

“This includes specifically Medupi and Kusile [power stations] as well as the Garob 267MW project connecting at Kronos substation in the Northern Cape. The other 50%... are in different phases of procurement and will deliver 435km and 8 000MVA, enabling 4 975MW of new generation capacity, mainly in the Northern and Western Cape,” he said.

Scheppers assured the forum that Eskom is “very focused on ensuring that we expand the grid as fast as possible, while safely managing the power system”.

Into the future

Looking into the future of Eskom transmission, Scheppers said Eskom has approved “the execution of R26 billion in capital investment” for transmission, with two priority programmes already in the pipeline to “accelerate the delivery of the transmission infrastructure”.

“These programmes entail, firstly, the development of 25 projects in existing substations… which will unlock 13 000MW of new generation in the next five years; secondly, 22 expedited transmission projects that will unlock 24 000MW of grid connection capacity by 2033.

“We are developing these 47 projects, which have the potential to unlock 37 000MW of grid connection capacity between 2025 and 2033. These projects are at different stages of implementation in terms of design, procurement and construction,” he said.

Scheppers called on all stakeholders to support the power utility in its plans.

“I cannot overemphasise the fact that the successful roll out of our plans will require continued support from all key stakeholders, including relevant authorities unlocking bottlenecks, as well as the market in terms of construction, contractors, suppliers and consultants.

“We are very grateful for the various NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] initiatives, which are proving very effective in addressing some of our historical challenges,” he said.

National Transmission Company SA

Scheppers gave the forum an update on the legal separation of Eskom into the Generation, Distribution and Transmission entities.

According to Scheppers, the separation of transmission entity – dubbed the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd (NTCSA) – is fully underway.

“We are in the process of getting final approval from the Minister of Public Enterprises for the independent board of directors for this new company. A binding merger agreement has already been signed with suspensive conditions to be fulfilled… in order to transfer the current transmission business into the new subsidiary.

“Following the fulfilment of the suspensive conditions, NTCSA will then be operationalised and employees transferred to the new company on the same conditions of service and without disrupting their years of service. We are busy with the lender engagements that are required for us to obtain consent, and these are already at an advanced stage,” he said.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has already approved licences for operating the transmission system, trading in electricity, and for import and export.

“The final licences and associated conditions are being finalised and in fact, we expect that we’ll be in possession of these licences before the end of this month,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 11:41

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Read moreEskom lays out on transmission expansion

Women Ministry commends student suspension after stabbing incident

Location: News

Women Ministry commends student suspension after stabbing incident

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities says it is encouraged by the University of Western Cape’s (UWC) bold step to suspend a student from its campus after he allegedly stabbed his wife at a private student residence.

The student, Ntembeko Myalo, made a brief appearance at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, on Saturday.

It has been reported that his 26-year-old wife, a Student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), underwent surgery.

The department has commended Myalo’s arrest and the university’s decision to suspend him.

The department said it is sad that despite concerted efforts put in place over the years to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the scourge continues relentlessly. 

“There is ongoing instances of femicide with some deaths committed in [the] most heinous manner imaginable. The recent attack of a student at an institution of higher learning is appalling and should never happen again,” the department said.

The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) states: “The rate of femicide in South Africa continues to be amongst the highest globally with three women reported killed each day by their intimate partners.”

The NSP on GBVF centres around six pillars, including accountability, coordination and leadership; Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion; Justice, Safety and Protection; Response, Care, Support and Healing; Economic Power; and Research and Information systems.

The 2022 Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide also acknowledged that the GBVF in South Africa continues to be a national pandemic, and many women continue to be victims of it.

 “The success of the NSP on GBVF is dependent on all of us working together in a coordinated and multisectoral approach to ensure that we prevent this scourge,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 13:08

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Read moreWomen Ministry commends student suspension after stabbing incident