NW Development Plan and Implementation Strategy almost complete

Mluleki Mrwebi

23 May 2013

The North West Premier Thandi Modise said the Provincial Development Plan and Implementation Strategy that will assist mediate tensions between mining, tourism and land claims will be completed in the next three months. 

She announced this in her Departmental Policy Statement and Budget Speech tabled in the Provincial legislature today. 

Spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said through the strategy the Bojanala Platinum district as a resource in terms of the national development plan will receive appropriate attention to build stability and an environment conducive to investment.

He added that the platinum belt is high value mineral resource area worthy of special policies and attention to achieve sustainability.

Broadband network pilot project to be implemented in Khayelitsha

Mluleki Mrwebi

23 May 2013

The Western Cape government through the Urban Upgrade area in Khayelitsha has been selected as one of the first spaces to be linked to the broadband network. 

MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde said the Western Cape Government's broadband network will play a major role in transforming residents’ lives. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said VPUU in Khayelitsha is one of the areas of major business hub and is also one of the former disadvantaged areas.

Jooste added that cheaper faster internet will draw more investment into the area creating jobs and opportunities for the people.

Home Affairs Department will cease the recognition of Angolan asylum seekers

Mluleki Mrwebi

23 May 2013

The South African Government has today announced that it intends to cease recognition of asylum seekers from Angola. 

Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor said Angolans have two options which are assistants to return to Angola or an option to stay in South Africa. 

Naledi said the department will give a window opportunity for affected people and will conclude on the 31^st of August 2013. 

Meanwhile Minister Naledi Pandor in her budget vote speech in Parliament today said the issuing of smart ID cards with be phased in 27 regional offices of Home Affairs from July this year.

Pandor said this is part of the national effort to consolidate the restoration of our common citizenship, identity and dignity to all. 

Pandor further said the launch of the smart ID card must be viewed as the culmination of decades of struggle by the citizens to reclaim their identity and citizenship and also a key part of the department modernization project through they intend to entrench technology and efficient service.

8 year old in serious condition after accident in Benoni

Imogen Vollenhoven
23 May 2013

Three people, including an 8-year-old school boy were injured, in an accident in Benoni this morning.

It is believed that an emergency vehicle that was on its way, responding to a call, bumped into the side of the road.

ER24’s Vanessa Jackson said the boy was found outside the vehicle on the road.

Jackson explains that it is not clear as to whether he was flung out or assisted out by bystanders.

“He was very severely injured and was immediately treated on scene, he suffered broken bones in his face as well as in his leg and was rushed through to the Hospital for further care,” said Jackson.

Jackson added that his mom who was driving the vehicle suffered moderate injuries and she along with one of the crew in the ambulance was transported to the local hospital in a stable condition.

Furthermore Jackson said that the local police investigating the cause.

Western Cape Government: it is important to drive trade in in sub-Saharan Africa

Imogen Vollenhoven
23 May 2013

As Africa Day is soon approaching the Western Cape government said it is important to continue to drive opportunities for growth and jobs by positioning the region to benefit from the untapped trade in sub-Saharan Africa.  

Premier Helen Zille’s Spokesperson Zak Mbhele said Cape Town seeks to become a hub for important growth sectors like ICT’s and the green economy.

Mbhele said that as an example Angola has become the biggest trading partner for the Western Cape as a region, surpassing Mozambique in 2011.

“Given our interest in driving the green economy as well as ICT as growth sectors in the Western Cape, looking much to becoming the leaders in driving those ICT and green economy revolution for the mutual benefits of the Western Cape and our trade partners on the continent,” said Mbhele.

Minister Mbalula launched outdoor gym in Mitchell's Plain

Imogen Vollenhoven
23 May 2013

On Wednesday the Minister of sport and recreation Fikile Mbalula along with the deputy Minister of sport and recreation Gert Oosterhuisen, MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer and Councillor Alderman from the City of Cape Town Belinda Walker handed over an outdoor gym in Rocklands Mitchell’s Plain.

Minister Mbalula addressed the crowd saying that they should not allow the surge of drugs and ganstrism to take over.

He also asked them to take care of the gym and allow it to build character and courage in the people of Mitchell’s Plain.  

Mbalula explains that as the government they went to Mitchell’s plain to give inspiration to young people and the people of Mitchell’s Plain as a whole.

“We are here and we are saying to you, what we are giving to you is not a privilege it is a right and it belongs to you and you must look after is as a community, this facility belongs to your children, added Mbalula.

Furthermore he said that the community must not give up hope in the fight against drugs and gangsterism.

Minister Mbalula also said that irrespective of colour all are meant to be treated equal and as a government they need to change the lives of the poor and poverty stricken area as these are one of the main reasons young people get caught up in the wave of drugs.

He said we are all Africans that during liberation of South Africa the struggle was lead from Mitchell’s Plain.

Mbalula also encouraged those affected by drugs and said they should not give up on the struggle, hope on their children and allow them to be swallowed by the evil of drugs.

“We are giving this gym to you it belongs to you, you must look after it, it is appropriate, it is in order, it is not a privilege, it is your right, we must continue with this work, ourselves and all spheres of government ,”Mbalula said.

16 year old boy shot dead in Mitchell’s Plain.

Loyiso Langeni

23 May 2013

A 16-year-old boy was shot dead last night at Rocklands in Mitchell’s Plain.

In recent weeks gang violence in Mitchell’s Plain has increased but police could not confirm if the latest shooting was gang related.

Police Spokesperson Andre Traut said no suspects have been arrested yet. 

Truat added that Jaydene Magerman was shot dead and the two suspects fled the scene.

Police are investigating the murder case.

ACDP: calls on Minister Oliphant to strengthen the inspectorate

Loyiso Langeni

23 May 2013

The African Christian Democratic Party has called on the Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant to strengthen the inspectorate and everything to do with compliance. 

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said more money should be spent on compliance and less on talking about amendments and changes to the labour laws. 

Dudley added our labour laws are strict but they are well structured and they are probably to a large degree functional, the problem we have is that they are not manned.

“We need therefore, to be spending more money on compliance and less on talking about amendments and changes clearly a futile exercise,” Dudley added.

Dudley also said the ACDP is calling for the department to simply implement the laws South Africa has.

Corruption Watch to probe Community Work programme.

Loyiso Langeni
23 May 2013

Corruption Watch on Wednesday was granted permission to make written submissions to an enquiry initiated by the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs.

Corruption Watch can now further investigate a number of allegations of illegality and complaints about the Community Work programme. 

Executive Director of Corruption Watch David Lewis said we welcome the enquiry particularly into the award of the contract to Mvula Trust, given to Corruption Watch findings of impropriety in both the award and the management of the contract.

Lewis added that corruption Watch submitted detailed written of its own investigation to the enquiry which will report to the Minister of Cogta on 15 June 2013.

Concerns over vacant nursing scientist post

Mluleki Mrwebi

23 May 2013

Concerns over the unfilled vacant position of a Nurse Scientist at a low percent of nurses employed by the World Health Organisation. 

These were some of the issues raised at the concluded International Council of Nurses Congress in Australia.

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said the number of nurses in key decision making positions at the WHO has decreased over the past 10 years. 

Denosa’s Spokesperson Sibongile Delihlazo said nurses are the majority of health care professionals in any health system around the world, so any nursing issue that is being addressed leads to more positive and quality healthcare.

WCED officials visited Bulumko Secondary School today

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 May 2013

Officials from the Western Cape Department of Education today visited Bulumko Secondary School in Khayelitsha, this is after pupils and teachers were threatened with knives by former students of the school. 

Safety in schools in the province has been in the spotlight after a matric pupil at Spes Bona High School in Athlone was shot and died later in hospital last week. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh Casey said officials from the WCED provided counseling to the teachers and the learners and the situation today was back to normal.

Casey added that police will continue to monitor the situation at the school and also the security at the school will be increased.

Wheelchairs handed over to community groups

Loyiso Langeni

22 May 2013

Today, Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana along with the Airports South Africa handed wheelchairs to community groups around the Western Cape at old Assembly in Parliament.

Xingwana said they are calling on all our partners in government across all three spheres in partnership with CGE, together with the agricultural and business community, to join in this partnership.

“We will ensure that the campaign includes young women and women with disabilities.” Xingwana added

The department said they indented to facilitate access for driving those with mobility impairment currently operating in the Free State and Northern Cape.

 

 

         

NW has repaired most of its roads

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 May 2013

Premier Thandi Modise said that roads in the North West Province are a lot safer after 12 000 potholes and 800 km of tarred roads were repaired on the public roads network in the past six months.

Spokesperson for the premier Lesiba Kgwele said the Minister of transport Ben Martins is responsible for the strategic infrastructure programme and has urged provincial government departments and municipalities to continue to engage and mobilise other stakeholders.

Kgwele said stakeholders in the province have expressed confidence and appreciate the progress that has been made towards road maintenance.

He added that according to the report that the South African Roads Agency Limited presented to the stakeholder’s shows that many roads have been repaired in the province.

CASAC said NPA is in crisis

Athenkosi Mvane
22 May 2013

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution said the National Prosecuting Authority is in crisis. 

In a statement the CASAC stated that the crisis in the NPA is compounded by the absence of effective leadership and low morale. 

Executive Secretary of the CASAC Lawson Naidoo said this follows on the acquittal of on serious charges of J Arthur Brown in the Fidentia case, and the discharge of police on the killing of Andries Tatane.

“This indicates a lack of capacity in the NPA to discharge their constitutional mandate; we therefore call on President Zuma to quickly appoint a qualified candidate to lead and strengthen the NPA” Naidoo added.

One dead and seven injured in an accident

Athenkosi Mvane
22 May 2013

Netcare 911 paramedics today responded to an accident in Botchabelo section B in the Free State. 

It is believed that a light motor vehicle collided with a bus which resulted in one person dead and seven injured. 

Netcare 911’s Santi Steinmann said one of the passengers of the vehicle had already died.

“Seven people on t he bus were injured seriously, after all the injured were treated on the scene, they were transported to various hospitals for further care” Steinmann added.

Gang violence on the increase in Delft

Athenkosi Mvane
22 May 2013

 

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato said the increase violence in Delft is out of control. 

This follows the death of two men who were shot and killed in Delft on Tuesday. 

It is believed that gang violence in the area is beginning to increase again. 

MEC Plato said in the last couple of weeks, many people have been shot in the area.

“I am in touch with the neighbourhood watch and the Community Policing Forum and also the South African forum” Plato added.

Plato said he is conducting community leaders in the broader Delft region to see what can be done about the problem.

“I hope that SAPS will make arrests very soon and that they do proper investigations to ensure proper convictions in the court of law” Plato reiterated.

Premier Modise set to meet with Eskom

Imogen Vollenhoven
22 May 2013

North West Premier Thandi Modise is set to meet with Eskom in Mahikeng today to discuss the quality of electricity, network expansion and the roll out of the electrification projects.

Spokesperson Lesbia Kgwele explains that electrification is part of the strategic infrastructure programme and one of the deliverables that Premier Modise wishes to see accelerated and the service delivery to unlock economic development in the programme.

Kgwele added that she hopes that the engagement with Eskom will improve the uptake of the solar water heater programme which has to date delivered only 7 216 installations in the province.

“Premier Modise will later in the day meet with Harmony gold mining to discuss among other things its social contributions and its options of strategic water resource management,” said Kgwele.

Two arrested for possession and dealing in drugs

Imogen Vollenhoven
22 May 2013

On Monday afternoon members of the Woodstock police arrested two men age 27 and 24 years old, for possession and dealing in drugs at a flat situated in Hares Avenue Woodstock.

Corporate communications sergeant Hilton Malila said the arrest follows, after members attached to the crime prevention unit, followed up on information received from the public, regarding illegal activities at the premises.

Malila said police members swooped on the Hares Avenue flat, and upon searching of the premises we confiscate 65 units of uncut heroin, with an estimated street value of +-R20 000 00.

Malila added that also seized a substantial amount of cash that was found on one of the suspects.

“The two suspects currently in police custody will appear in the Cape Towns’ magistrates today on charges of dealing and possession of drugs,” said Malila

He furthermore added that the Woodstock police want to thank and encourage the community to constantly blow the whistle on any illegal activities that are taking place within their respective communities.   

Premier Zille to make announcement to appoint a head for the SIU and the NDPP

Imogen Vollenhoven
22 May 2013

A Leader Helen Zille said that the SIU and the NDPP have not had permanent heads for more than a year.

Zille said that this has evidently affected the credibility and effectiveness of our Criminal Justice system, as was seen in the J Arthur Brown matter.

Spokesperson Cameron Arendse explains that Premier Zille will make an announcement regarding the appointment of the head of the SIU and the NDPP.

Arendse added that the premier will highlight this disdain for the criminal justice system has extended to government departments and the DA will outline how to restore the integrity and accountability for the criminal justice system to the people.

Plato applauds SAPS for quick Spes Bona murder

Loyiso Langeni

22 May 2013

The Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato said too often criminals are allowed to walk free as the next link in our criminal justice chain, the prosecution, fails to prove sufficient guilt. 

Plato said he is proud of the police for the quick arrest of two suspects in the shooting of Glenrico Martin of Spes Bona High School. 

Plato added that he would now like to ask South African Police Service to please ensure that they have all their ducks in a row, and to ensure proper investigations that result in successful prosecution.

“I want gangsters to know that if they commit a crime they will pay for their crimes.” Plato

Cosatu welcomes the church's opposition to e-tolls

Loyiso Langeni

22 May 2013

The Congress of South African Trade Union has welcomed the Catholic Church’s strong condemnation of the Gauteng e-tolling system.

Cosatu said it welcomes the church’s concern over the effect of e-tolling on the poor.

The trade union is planning another mass action against the e-tolling later this week. 

Cosatu Spokesperson Patrick Craven said we are appreciating the fact that they emphasised the impact it will have on the poor.

Craven added that thousands of workers have to use their cars to get and from work, because of the lack of a reliable public transport service and will therefore suffer a steep increase in their transport costs.

Youth urged to pursue humanity

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 May 2013
Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the biggest challenge facing young people in South Africa today is that they are the generation who will inherit our land, after all of us who belong to yesterday. 

Ndebele was speaking at the Youth Pioneers Conference, as part of the 15th annual African Renaissance Festival 2013 in Durban. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Logan Maistry said the democracy that South Africans enjoy today is because of the youth of 1948 and the youth of 1976 who paved the way.

Maistry added that if the youth of today can stand together and pursue humanity they can emulate the youth of past generations.

 

WC High Court halts the N1/N2 Winelands Toll Highway Project

Mluleki Mrwebi
21 May 2013

The City of Cape Town said it’s a victory that the proposed N1/N2 Winelands Toll Highway Project has been stopped. 

The Western Cape High Court has also instructed the South African National Roads Agency Limited not to proceed with the tolling process, pending the review of the process later this year.

The City last week applied for an urgent court interdict to stop the process. 

DA leader in the province Ivan Meyer last week said they want the South African National Roads Agency Limited to clarify the financial implications of the whole project.

Meyer added that this is also a victory for the poor people of Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, because they are the ones who will be the hardest hit by this project.

Meanwhile Sanral said it respects the decision by the High Court, it emphasised the importance of well built and safe roads for everyone in the country.

Sanral Spokesperson Vusi Mona said they will review the judgment. 

Mona further said Sanral has to evaluate the court decision then decide on the way forward now but citizens have to know that upgrading of roads and maintenance remain critical for everyone.

City Metro police extends safety school programme to more schools

Athenkosi Mvane

21 May 2013

The Cape Town Metro Police is now extending its safety school programme to include more schools in the city. 

Additional metro police officers will be deployed to schools most affected by crime. 

This comes after a matric pupil was shot dead at the Spes Bona High School in Athlone last week. 

Metro Police’s Wayne le Roux said they have identified problematic schools, due to their relationship with the Education Department.

“We believe their presence at schools has a been a deterrent, there has been a slight reduction of incidents at school, the visible presence has assisted us” le Roux added.

Parents protest at City school

Athenkosi Mvane

21 May 2013

Today parents of Khanya Primary School in Portlands, Mitchell’s Plain were protesting over the Western Cape Department of Educations promise to build a new school.

Teachers were chased out of their classrooms.

Parents at the school said a new school is needed as the current one is being vandalised and it’s not safe. 

One of the parents Synde Tutu said the government had promised them a site for the school, but now that they brought containers to the site the government they have no site where the school can be build.

Meanwhile the WCED said a plan is in place to build a new school for the 2013/2014 year, with the construction planned for 2015/2016. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh Casey said this all depends on whether the department can acquire the land earmarked for the building of the school. 

Casey said they had been trying to find a site suitable for the school, but a new school can not be built without the acquisition of a site.

“Last year Public Works started a process to acquire a piece of land adjacent to the Phillippi Stadium, and they are currently negotiation with the consortium that is renting the land to see if we could use that land” Casey added.

COPE student movement dismayed by language plans for UKZN

Imogen Vollenhoven
21 May 2013

COPE student movement yesterday said that, as custodians of the Constitution and the betterment of student life they are dismayed by the announcement made by the UKZN Vice Chancellor, regarding the plans for isiZulu to be a compulsory language module for all undergraduate students as of 2014.

COPESM President Sthembiso Dlela said they have reviewed the preamble, read together with section 6 of the Constitution of South Africa and their view is that South Africa is a culturally diverse nation with 11 official languages.

Sthembiso Dlela explains that as COPESM they are against what the UKZN is proposing.

Dlela added that their concern is that in terms of the constitution of the country that it does not recognize only one language when there are eleven official languages.

“I think that of the eleven languages that there are they need to be recognized and treated equally and understanding that tertiary institutions are not just basic educational schools,” said Dlela.

Department of Water and Environmental Affairs Pre-Budget Vote Media briefing

Athenkosi Mvane

22 May 2013

 

Today, Minister of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa addressed the media in Parliament, for the Pre-Budget Vote.

The main focus was on teaching people about water conservation, which is the foundation of future sustainability of the valuable resource.

She said that water conservation is everyone’s business and without it, the country’s economy and livelihood will hang on the balance if nothing is done about it.

Molewa said as far a s universal accessibility of water, the department stands at almost
95.2 %.

“The Millenium Development Goals of Parliament were to halve the people without water by the year 2014, we are already above there” Molewa added.

Department of social development: parents should not dump babies

Imogen Vollenhoven
21 May 2013

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has urged parents not to dump their babies but rather find help with the department. 

This follows an incident whereby police found a body of a new born baby dumped in a bush in Delft. 

Dumping of babies has increased in recent month in South Africa. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Melany Kuhn said there are structures in place, there are channels through which help can be given.

Kuhn added that it still remains the responsibility of the parents, to care for their children and that responsibility can never be outsourced to the state.

She added that however help is available where people need it, in certain circumstances.

GABS to challenge high court ruling

Imogen Vollenhoven
21 May 2013

Golden Arrow Bus Services is set to challenge a high court ruling in favour of the City of Cape Town.

The Western Cape High Court in April dismissed an application by GABS to have the MyCiti bus service expansion halted in Cape Town. 

In a statement the bus service said a crucial factor in seeking leave to appeal centers around the interpretation of the National Land Transport Act. 

Corporate Development Manager of Golden Arrow John Dammert explains that they have been advised that a reasonable case exists that another court could reach a different conclusion on critical issues and GABS has heeded this council and has submitted an application for leave to appeal this judgement in the supreme court of appeal.

CW: fake misrepresentations

Loyiso Langeni
21 May 2013

Corruption Watch said the fact that a public service campaign to be introduced to discourage name dropping overlooks the real issues. 

Corruption Watch Executive Director David Lewis said fake misrepresentations potentially entail criminal liability and these should be investigated. 

Lewis added this is the level of mistrust that an act of corruption of this scale generates.

“How can the public be expected to accept that if a violation of security of this dimension could have been secured by misrepresentation”. Lewis added

NUMSA: it’s a democratic right to embark on a picket

Loyiso Langeni

21 May 2013

he National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa said it will uphold the court decision after Mercedes-Benz successfully interdicted an unprotected strike in East London. 

The workers are have embarked on lunch hour pickets which resulted in a full blown strike last week Friday.

 Numsa National Treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo said we call on the management to re-open doors of engagement in order to settle the dispute.

Maqungo added that we will never allow our members to be bullied for exercising their democratic right to embark on a picket.

“The strike action was imposed on them after serious provocation and threats by the employer to subject all workers into a Kangaroo style Disciplinary process for picketing” added Maqungo.

Government called to intervene in gang violence

Mluleki Mrwebi
21 May 2013

The African Christian Democratic Party is calling on Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato to establish why gang shooting in the province sometimes result in no convictions.

This follows as the seven people were shot and killed on the Cape Flats this weekend. 

ACDP leader in the Western Cape Ferlon Christians said the Provincial Police Commissioner Arno Lamoer and the MEC of Community Safety should put heads together to come up with solutions for this continued violence.

 He added that the safety of the people is more important and the national government should intervene in this matter.

More drugs confiscated at the Beit Bridge Border Post

Mluleki Mrwebi
20 May 2013
Yet another person was arrested at the Beit Bridge Border Post for being in possession of drugs worth R6 million. 

The 38-year-old Zimbabwean was arrested on Sunday after a 36-year-old Congolese was arrested on Saturday for being in possession of drugs. 

Police spokesperson Ronel Otto said when officers searched the suspect’s bag they found about 2.2 kg of heroin in a hidden compartment.

Otto added that the suspect is expected to appear in court soon on charges of dealing in drugs.

Cosatu in the WC concerned about the economy of the province

Mluleki Mrwebi

20 May 2013

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the Western Cape today said the latest Stats SA figures clearly reflect that we need to be developing the economy in a way that creates more jobs, not less. 

Cosatu said one of its concerns is that the job growth potential of the Western Cape economy is undermined by the economic route that the Western Cape economy is being put on. 

WC Cosatu Spokesperson Tony Ehrenreich said the Western Cape is the only province that has had a reduction in the employment figures and as Cosatu they believe that has to do with the DA policies and defending the white interests.

Ehrenreich added that Cosatu is calling for an urgent change in the economic strategies and for the DA to stop defending white businesses and giving businesses.

DA-National key points should be determined by Parliament

Mluleki Mrwebi

20 May 2013

The Democratic Alliance said it is highly unlikely that Waterkloof Air Force Base would not be considered a National Key Point. 

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Jeff Radebe revealed that the Waterkloof Air Force Base is not a national key point. 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said government should not be allowed to determine what a national key point is and what is not.

This should be determined by Parliament, and subject to effective oversight. 

Kohler Barnard added that it is absurd that President Jacob Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla has been designated as a national key point but the Waterkloof Air Force Military Base is not.