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The streets of Johannesburg and Durban resembled a ‘sea of pink’ on Wednesday 09 August 2023 with runners and walkers coming out in their masses to participate in the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race, South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration. Irvette Van Zyl was the athlete to beat in Johannesburg, while Cacisile Sosibo showed the ladies …
State capture-accused officials cannot be allowed to use the State Attorney as an ATM, write Zackie Achmat and Zukiswa Vuka
Five people have died in incidents related to the taxi strike, announces police minister Bheki Cele
Women have fought for their rightful place in society
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Director General, Advocate Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, says democracy has ensured that women occupy their rightful position in society.
“Sometimes when there are women in a leadership position, some will attribute it to affirmative action and women empowerment. No! Women fought to be where they are. It was not just given to them,” Maluleke said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Addressing young women at Transnet’s Cape Town Harbour, Maluleke said women fought for the struggle of emancipation.
“Women have been involved in the struggle for freedom since 1912. In 1956, women marched to the Union Buildings. They were brilliant.
“People do not usually talk about the strategy that women engaged in order to go to the Union Buildings. They could have been arrested before they could get far but because they worked as domestic workers, they had their bosses’ children on their backs and walked to the Union Buildings,” Maluleke said.
South Africa commemorates Women’s Day annually on 9 August to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women.
Women’s Month is a tribute not only to the thousands of women who marched on that day in 1956, but also a tribute to the pioneers of the women’s movement in the country
This year’s Women’s Month takes place under the theme, ‘Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment’.
This theme highlights the need to ensure that all women have access to participate equally in all areas of human endeavour.
As part of Women’s Day build-up activities, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), in partnership with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), hosted an outreach programme with women in logistics at the Cape Town Harbour in the Western Cape.
Established in 2000, TNPA operates container terminals in Durban, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
With the many challenges that women face in society, women occupying leadership positions at Transnet encouraged the young women from various schools across the country to work hard in school and believe in themselves.
Spreading their wings
Transnet Specialist Planning and Development Manager, Zanele Dywibaba, is a qualified town planner. Dywibaba has described the port space as a “dynamic” one that has given her room to thrive.
“The introduction into the port space was something new but I have realised that it’s a dynamic space. I started at Transnet in 2016.
“I have found there is a balance between men and women who occupy leadership positions because the organisation ensures that it meets its Employment Equity targets. They also prioritise women being in the operational space, which historically was male dominated.
“Women are taken seriously at Transnet. We can offer capability than what traditionally women were not seen to be able to handle.”
As someone who grew up in a home where she was raised by her mother, this experience demonstrated to Dywibaba that women are strong and capable of doing anything.
“My mother raised five children single-handedly as a domestic worker. That is where I got my strength. My siblings and I have all gone to tertiary because my mother used to encourage us to follow our dreams.
“She would tell us to dream big and not be discouraged that she is a domestic worker. She made us believe that we would occupy big spaces. Your circumstances do not determine who you become,” Dywibaba said.
Transnet Academy Head, Captain Theresa Williams, narrated her life journey, which begins with her being born in a caravan to parents who did not have an education.
“My mother taught me how to sew clothes at the age of 12 and I was selling them at the flea market and the train station.
“Transnet advertised a bursary and I applied. My bursary covered my university fees. It did not cover my travel so I continued while I was studying to sell clothes so that I have money for toiletries.
“I didn’t allow my birth [circumstances] to define my future. I grabbed the opportunities I was given and I did not waste them. I continuously studied,” Williams said.
She is a marine pilot and is capable of captaining vessels.
“I am one year short in my studies to captain a vessel of any size in the world. I am still studying. Whatever you are going through, everyone has a story. Live a life of no excuses,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 16:45
Government is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict involving the minibus-taxi industry and the City of Cape Town, which has escalated into a strike as a result of impounding of taxi vehicles by the City of Cape Town.
We condemn the violence that has characterised this strike in the strongest possible terms. Those who perpetuate criminality must face the full might of the law. Government will not tolerate lawlessness, irrespective of who the perpetrator is. Our democracy is founded human rights and the exercise of those rights requires that we respect the rights of others. It can never be acceptable for those who are aggrieved by the actions of the City to blockade roads and undermine the rights of ordinary citizens to travel or access schools, places of work and economic activity. It is equally not acceptable for officers of the law to conduct themselves in a manner the violates the law and the rights of citizens including the taxi industry. We will therefore act decisively, working closely with law enforcement agencies and authorities to uproot this criminality.
We call on the taxi industry to denounce any form of violence or intimidation by its members.
I have personally intervened in efforts to find a lasting solution to the impasse through numerous engagements with the taxi industry under the leadership of SANTACO. I have also met with the Premier of the Western Cape, the MEC and the City led by the Mayor and the MMC. We have made strides in addressing the root cause of the current tensions, and we are confident that we will find each other in the process.
The City of Cape Town has introduced conditions of operating licences, which by-laws the taxi industry has expressed reservations on. The Task Team that was established to address the concerns has not made headway, resulting in the City implementing the impounding of vehicles based on these conditions.
It is an integral part of our legal system that administrative decisions must be based on the principle of legality. We have national laws in place that govern the infringements and penalties dealt with in the contested conditions of operating licences. The national laws are in place to ensure that fair rules are applicable to all citizens irrespective of the City or Province they reside in. This is a constitutional mandate to ensure order and effectiveness of the rule of law. It can never be that a City will define itself outside the parameters of national laws and implement penalties that are out of sync with these laws. We therefore call on the City of Cape Town to respect and uphold national laws as they currently stand.
To this end, we call on the City to return to the negotiating table to address the areas of disagreement and demonstrate a genuine effort to find a lasting resolution to the current challenges.
On the basis of these considerations, we therefore call on the City to immediately release without any conditions, all vehicles impounded based on operating licence and leave those impounded in terms of the National Land Transport Act of 2009.
We remain committed to moving with speed in finding an amicable solution that must enable the taxi industry to resume operation and call off the strike. Such an outcome is in the interest of the country and the industry.
Our efforts to regulate the taxi industry must be underpinned by mutual respect of the law and a genuine effort to uplift this industry and ensure that it assumes its place in the broader public transport industry, characterised by respect for the law and the rights of others.
Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society and government will not hesitate to unleash the full might of the law against those who believe they can perpetuate such conduct with impunity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Transport.
Chikunga warns perpetrators behind Cape Town violence
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says that those who perpetuate criminality in the City of Cape Town must face the full might of the law.
“Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society and government will not hesitate to unleash the full might of the law against those who believe they can perpetuate such conduct with impunity,” Chikunga said in a statement on Tuesday.
Chikunga’s warning comes as the minibus taxi strike continues to wreak havoc in the Western Cape, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
The ongoing conflict involving the minibus taxi industry and the City of Cape Town has escalated into a strike following the impounding of taxis by the city.
Chikunga has condemned the violence that has characterised the strike, warning that government will not tolerate lawlessness, irrespective of who the perpetrator is.
Chikunga emphasised that our democracy is founded human rights, and the exercise of those rights requires that we respect the rights of others.
“It can never be acceptable for those who are aggrieved by the actions of the city to blockade roads and undermine the rights of ordinary citizens to travel or access schools, places of work and economic activity.
“It is equally not acceptable for officers of the law to conduct themselves in a manner that violates the law and the rights of citizens including the taxi industry. We will therefore act decisively, working closely with law enforcement agencies and authorities to uproot this criminality,” Chikunga said.
The Minister has called on the taxi industry to denounce any form of violence or intimidation by its members.
She said she has personally intervened in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the impasse through numerous engagements with the taxi industry under the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) leadership.
“I have also met with the Premier of the Western Cape, the MEC and the city led by the Mayor and the MMC [Member of the Mayoral Committee]. We have made strides in addressing the root cause of the current tensions, and we are confident that we will find each other in the process.
“The City of Cape Town has introduced conditions of operating licences, which the taxi industry has expressed reservations on. The task team that was established to address the concerns has not made headway, resulting in the city implementing the impounding of vehicles based on these conditions,” the Minister said.
Chikunga noted that it is an integral part of the legal system that administrative decisions must be based on the principle of legality.
She said the country has national laws in place that govern the infringements and penalties dealt with in the contested conditions of operating licences.
She emphasised that national laws are in place to ensure that fair rules are applicable to all citizens, irrespective of the city or province.
“This is a constitutional mandate to ensure order and effectiveness of the rule of law. It can never be that a city will define itself outside the parameters of national laws and implement penalties that are out of sync with these laws. We therefore call on the City of Cape Town to respect and uphold national laws as they currently stand.
“To this end, we call on the city to return to the negotiating table to address the areas of disagreement and demonstrate a genuine effort to find a lasting resolution to the current challenges. Based on these considerations, we therefore call on the city to immediately release, without any conditions, all vehicles impounded based on operating licence and leave those impounded in terms of the National Land Transport Act of 2009.
“We remain committed to moving with speed in finding an amicable solution that must enable the taxi industry to resume operation and call off the strike. Such an outcome is in the interest of the country and the industry,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 13:34
“Stop this madness as soon as possible,” says Judge
Police dealing with incidents of public violence
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says integrated police deployments are currently dealing with incidents of public violence which erupted this morning in the Nyanga area as the looming taxi strike is yet to come to an end.
Roads in and around Nyanga and the Cape Town International Airport have been affected and traffic is severely backed up on the N2.
Incidents of busses torched in Borcherds Quarry Road are under investigation, and as yet, no injuries have been reported to SAPS.
“Our members will remain on high alert and deployed in numbers to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain law and order,” police said in a statement.
“We encourage any person who has been affected by an act of criminality to report the matter to SAPS immediately, so that an investigation can be initiated."
The public is urged to be vigilant and to apply safety measures to avoid being caught off-guard during the taxi strike.
The Western Cape taxi strike continues after talks failed to reach an agreement.
The meeting was between Santaco taxi industry leaders, the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town.
Centre to the taxi industry's unhappiness is the ongoing seizure of minibuses. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:42
Winde counting the cost of Cape Town's taxi strike
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the provincial government remains gravely concerned at the devastating impact caused by the strike called by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the province.
This comes after six Golden Arrow buses were torched due to arson attacks since the taxi strike on Thursday, 3 August 2023.
This has forced the company to terminate its bus services in Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Philippi East, Langa, and Mfuleni, while many roads remain closed.
The Golden Arrow has since secured a court order on Sunday against Santaco to stop intimidating, harassing, threatening, or interfering with Golden Arrow, its employees, and passengers.
“I am appalled at the scale of violence that has not only dealt a severe blow to our economy and critical services but has also delegitimised and damaged Western Cape’s Santaco cause.
“This violence and damage to property has continued this morning. I will be holding a special Cabinet meeting this morning with key leadership from the City of Cape Town to assess what further steps need to be taken and the impact on services,” he said on Monday.
The Premier has again called for taxi leaders affiliated with the council to intensify all efforts to de-escalate the violence and urgently find a resolution to the dispute.
He added, “All sides, more especially residents and commuters, are being harmed by this stay away. We must find common ground now.”
Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the province is concerned that the strike continues even after urgent engagements throughout the weekend.
“The withdrawal of minibus taxi services since Thursday has had a devastating impact. As the provincial government we are working extremely hard to resolve ongoing issues in the industry and establish new terms of engagement that will ensure the safety of commuters and road users.”
The provincial government said the impact on provincial government and municipal services has been profound.
Because of the strike, the province said 287 420 learners have not been able to attend school across the province since the sudden stay-away was called.
In addition, more than 9 000 teachers and staff were also prevented from going to work.
Meanwhile, the past Saturday’s matric extra classes had to be canceled, impacting 14 000 learners.
According to the Western Cape, many healthcare facilities have been forced to operate at reduced capacity.
These include Tygerberg, Red Cross, and Groote Schuur hospitals and the community health centres and clinics.
While Tygerberg and Salt River forensic pathology services are operational, the province said the response to scenes would be delayed in red zones, as this will also only occur under the protection of law enforcement escorts.
In addition, many Western Cape Department of Social Development staff will have to work from home, due to the volatility of the situation.
The department will also have to temporarily close its offices in several areas.
The Premier said: “This situation is untenable and unacceptable. Our residents cannot be forced to endure this lawlessness. All parties must return to negotiations”.
MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has condemned the burning and damage to all property, particularly safety-related resources.
“Contingency plans have been adopted to ensure that the burning of the law enforcement vehicles in Delft will have no operational impact on the deployment of Law Enforcement Advancement (LEAP) officers in the area.”
LEAP, according to the provincial government, is fully operational and part of interventions where required across Cape Town in particular.
Red-zoned areas remain volatile. All law enforcement agencies are deployed across these communities and at strategic points. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:46
TNPA, CSIR to address extreme wind disruption in Port of Cape Town
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to address extreme wind disruption to operate in the Port of Cape Town (PoCT).
The TNPA and the CSIR-hosted programme, the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS), and the other institutions intend to establish a series of research projects aimed at understanding the impact of extreme wind disruption on operations for the integrated maritime transport logistics chain at the PoCT.
In the past few years, according to the joint statement, the PoCT lost an average of 1 200 hours per year of operational time due to extreme wind disruption.
“Extreme wind gusts can result in terminal equipment becoming unsafe to operate, thereby impacting terminal operations.
“This sometimes leads to congestion inside and outside the port, resulting in vessels being at anchorage for extended periods. Several industries, including the time-sensitive fruit industry, are severely impacted by wind disruptions in the port,” the statement read.
The parties said experts in various institutions who possess the skills required to address the problem are conducting the research.
Meanwhile, the University of the Witwatersrand’s experts are studying the seasonal climate patterns that result in these extreme winds to establish whether there are trends and whether the wind is indeed intensifying with time.
They are also looking into how wind patterns in the Cape Peninsula and the port are likely to change because of climate change.
In addition, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers are examining the current and future economic impact of these disruptions on specific value chains to estimate the financial losses and assess the required investment into adaptation measures to deal with the problem.
“The CSIR and UCT are focusing on feasible engineering and operational adaptations to address the challenge.”
TNPA Managing Executive for Western Region ports, Advocate Phyllis Difeto, said the institution appreciates the increasing risk of environmental challenges to port operations.
“Unless these are carefully understood and managed, they can add a burden to the smooth management of the ports, which are vital to the functioning of the country’s economy.
“Climate change presents a growing challenge to shipping and ports in that it impacts the state of both land and sea operations,” Difeto said.
CSIR Senior Researcher and ACCESS Director, Dr Neville Sweijd, noted that extreme weather is the way in which climate change manifests.
“The extreme wind problem in the PoCT is a classic example. It is not a new problem, but potentially a worsening one, and so it will increasingly have an impact on lives and livelihoods all around the Western Cape, especially for those people who are involved in the fruit export industry,” Sweijd added.
He explained that the project seeks to produce solutions that can be used to adapt to and manage extreme wind impacts for the next two years.
“We cannot turn the wind off, but we can learn to better work with it,” he said.
The MoA between TNPA and the research consortium will provide researchers with access to valuable data sources that are required for the study, while national ports authority will facilitate engagements with their key clients and stakeholders.
“Strategic partnerships are critical for a successful and integrated maritime transport logistics chain, and the TNPA continues to collaborate and partner with all stakeholders to optimise the value proposition of the port and the western region,” said Difeto. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 13:36
The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges
President Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver remarks at the final match of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.
This has been the first instance where an African country has hosted the tournament.
“As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.
“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer,” President Ramaphosa.
On Sunday, the Spar Proteas bowed out of the tournament with a sixth place finish following their defeat to Uganda. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 13:41
Mashatile calls for 'unerring focus' on improving lives of South Africans
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on political parties and civil society to craft a way forward for coalition governments that will improve the lives of South Africans.
The Deputy President was speaking at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, on Friday.
The two day dialogue seeks to lay a foundation for the creation of a National Framework guiding the effective management and navigation of coalition governments in South Africa.
“[Our] political focus must unerringly remain on the well-being of our people. Our pursuit of national consensus on how to approach coalition governments is a matter of national interest. Properly handled, it has the potential to bring the necessary stability, especially to the local government sphere, despite the intemperance we have witnessed in relation to coalitions.
“This dialogue therefore seeks to promote fidelity to the national interest so that we remain focused on the fulfilment of the constitutional injunction to build a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous society,” he said.
Currently, South Africa has at least 70 hung municipalities and this has paved the way for the formation of coalition governments in local municipalities.
Some of these coalitions, particularly those in metropolitan municipalities, have given rise to, amongst others, instability and frequent changes in council leadership structures – ultimately hampering service delivery to citizens.
Deputy President Mashatile told those at the dialogue that in this regard, citizens are demanding accountability from those elected to lead.
“Whatever the configuration of governance, the electorate and the people as a whole expect from those who govern nothing less than the material improvement of their lives, a better future for themselves and their children as well as guarantees for peace and security.
“Those who govern also owe accountability to the people at all times for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised. Additionally, where parties battle it out, like the feuding houses of Verona, other things also get lost: among them, improving the lives of the people is often compromised with negative impacts on the wellbeing of citizens,” he said.
Mashatile said although coalition governments face a raft of challenges, current leaders “may be the generation in our evolving democracy that co-creates and designs resilient solutions to our political architecture”.
“We can ignite the hopes of our people with the demonstration of united leadership, which communicates the message that we have gathered here today as a collective of South African stateswomen and statesmen and not as mere politicians representing their parties.
“This national dialogue will not stop after tomorrow; it is just the beginning. It is the launch of the dialogue that must spread across our nation as we collectively grapple with the most crucial question: what do we do going forward to serve the people even better?
“The motto of this eminent institution of higher learning is Respice Prospice: look back, look forward, and take what is worthy from the past, and build the future. As we grapple with these issues, may we embrace the apposite counsel of the motto of the University of the Western Cape so that we are able to meet the expectations of the people for the material improvement of their lives, and secure a better future for them and their children. So shall we be true to the national interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:52
“Ordinary people like me are the ones suffering” says patient as clinic services impacted by taxi strike
On Friday, 4 August 2023, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, hosted the reunion of the South African netball team who reached sporting glory with their silver medal finish at the World Netball Championships in Birmingham, England in 1995.
The team brought renewed hope to South Africans with their remarkable 1995 campaign. They have now come from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reunite and to support the current Spar Proteas team in their Netball World Cup campaign.
Captain Debbie Hamman shared her own reflections on traveling to Birmingham and the team's success at that tournament. Various members of the team also had the opportunity to share their experiences of that time.
Head of Department Guy Redman expressed the power of sport to bring hope to many people across the country and the importance of the legacies of players. “There is a saying that says: If you are traveling a path, you ask those who have gone that way already. You are the ones who have walked the path for others to follow.” he said.
Minister Marais thanked the team and praised them for their achievements: “You were the ones who paved the way for the next generation of netball players in our country. You played in difficult times but you did not let anything detract from your passion and dedication for the sport. Thank you for everything that you have done for netball in South Africa.”
The team will remain in Cape Town to support the last weekend of the Netball World Cup.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.
Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the Department of Transport expects to meet with both the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and officials in the City of Cape Town following the taxi industry’s suspension of services in the city.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held in Cape Town.
On Wednesday after the taxi council suspended operations, taxis blocked roads, including major highways, resulting in the burning of buses and intimidation of motorists.
The strike follows a standoff with the City of Cape Town on various issues, including the impounding of taxis and operating license applications.
Chikunga said the department is expecting to convene a meeting with all role players to find a solution to the impasse.
“We have requested the MEC for Transport [in the Western Cape] because we believe the Department of Transport should lead and not the police because this is a matter that requires the Department of Transport nationally and provincially, sitting together with the metro.
“Of course, also the taxi industry itself represented by SANTACO. We have invited the national leadership of SANTACO, also their provincial and local leadership so that we hear exactly what the issues are and find solutions to those problems,” Chikunga said.
The Minister called for taxi operators to reconsider the suspension of services, which has left thousands of commuters without transport.
“We are extremely concerned about what has happened. What we would like SANTACO to do is maybe call off the strike while we are trying to find a solution. The people who become victims are not the people that they are unhappy with, but it is the commuters.
“Of course we would want to protect the Netball World Cup. We have got other events that have to take place in Cape Town. [The taxi industry] plays a key role in the transportation of commuters and we would definitely try to persuade them to consider calling off the strike,” she said.
Chikunga condemned the violence that erupted allegedly at the hands of taxi drivers in the area but also called on city officials to mete out “equal treatment” to all motorists, including those in the transportation industry.
“We are not saying that law enforcement should not enforce the law and we are not saying that the taxi industry should not abide by the law… of the road because that actually leads to accidents.
“However, when that law is meted, it should not just target the taxi industry. We are opposed to that. We can’t have a by-law that is just for the taxi industry. If it is wrong to cross any barrier line, it should be wrong for the bus, the taxi and for everybody. It should not just focus on and target the taxi industry,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 09:27
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa this morning, 360 000 more jobs were created in the Western Cape in quarter 1 of 2023 than in the same quarter in 2022. “Looking at the statistics released today, in essence 1 in 4 jobs created quarter-on-quarter, or 24%, were in …