Category: Government Opinion Pieces

Following the high incidents of stabbing, violence and gangsterism in and around schools in the province, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has launched a school safety programme called “Operation Kgutla Molao”.

Addressing learners at the Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein on Thursday, the MEC said the school safety programme is aimed at protecting learners and safeguarding their future.

“We are here to ensure that we are going to protect your future with you. Today we are launching a school safety programme that we will be running across our schools in the province,” he said.

Operation Kgutla Molao has been developed to ensure that the majority of schools are relatively stable, peaceful and disruption-free.

The department considers school safety a top priority in education, said the MEC.

“It’s painful when learners fight among themselves when they are supposed to be protecting each other because the future out there will require you to work together and live together.

“The school safety programme that we are launching will encompass a number of set interventions. Among them are random search and seizures in these schools. This will be done randomly and regularly,” Chiloane said.

The MEC said the Gauteng Department of Education will continue to work closely with communities, other government departments such as the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and law enforcement agencies.

Parents have been urged to play an active role to ensure discipline and regularly check on their children to determine if they are not involved in illegal activities.

“We have developed Operation Kgutla Molao to safeguard the wellbeing and future of learners from destructive behaviour and social ills.

“With integrated support from various law enforcement and community safety structures, we will be able to diminish acts of misconduct and pave way to focus on providing effective learning and teaching at schools across the province,” Chiloane said.

Operation Kgutla Molao aims to create safer schools by promoting social cohesion through non-violence and focusing on delivering effective learning and teaching.

It will target 1700 Gauteng schools, including 275 schools classified as high-risk.

Under Operation Kgutla Molao, the following actions will take place:

• Suspension of learners involved in violence and/or sexual harassment. Learners will face disciplinary action by the school and those who are apprehended by the police will face trial.
•  Disciplinary action will be taken against educators and non-education staff alleged to be involved in sexual harassment and/or violence and also face trial.
• Swift intervention by the MEC and GDE officials to understand the causes of this behavior, as well as the implementation of corrective action.
• Regular reporting of threats and incidents to law enforcement agencies, especially the South African Police Services.
• Meeting with community stakeholders on issues of school safety and protests that also disrupt learning and education.

The campaign will also see the deployment of 5 000 patrollers to schools in the townships in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and Community Policing Forum.

A new cohort of patrollers will be deployed to assist with access control and will be provided with E-Panic buttons.

A holiday school safety pilot programme was implemented in December 2022 and has reduced burglaries at some identified schools.

The programme included regular patrol by professional guards and community awareness campaigns to report incidents to a call centre linked to the police and emergency services.

The President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, Dikgang Morudu, has welcomed the signing of the Sign Language Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the 12th official language.
Members of the Children’s Parliament have been advocating for the recognition of sign language as an official language to accommodate children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The President hosted a signing ceremony of the South African Sign Language Bill at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday,

During their 10th sitting in 2021, the members of the Children’s Parliament appointed Hamza Muhammad as their President, a deaf boy from the Dominican School in the Western Cape.

Upon receiving the news, Hamza said the signing of the bill into law “was good news for deaf people”.

“As a deaf person and former President of the Children’s Parliament, I have always wanted South Africa to make sign language official. I am happy to hear that President Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised it as an official language,” Hamza said.

He added that the signing of the bill showed there are no two separate worlds in the country.

“We are all human beings who live in one world and deaf people also have rights. I would like to thank the President for supporting deaf people in the country,” he said.

On 14 July 2023, members of the Children’s Parliament continued to raise their voices regarding the recognition of sign language during their 11th sitting in Bisho, in the Eastern Cape.

Morudu, the current President, said the signing of the bill means that someone is starting to listen to the voices of the children.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has encouraged employees to use the various online tools and measures it has introduced to help curb snaking queues at labour centres across the country.

According to UIF Director of Compliance, Malesela Makgamatho, the online tools include the uFiling system, which allows employees to submit claims, check their status and submit enquiries from the comfort of their homes. The system can be accessed on https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/ .

Makgamatho was addressing members of organised labour on Monday at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane during the UIF Commissioner’s Breakfast session.

The session was held in conjunction with provincial Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) members and affiliates in Limpopo.

The UIF is an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour.

The session was aimed at educating organised labour about UIF processes, criteria, benefits and general activities, with the view of improving customer experience of clients and stakeholders.

“For more convenience, the department has also introduced a free USSD service to make it easier for clients to check their UIF status. The USSD service only requires an active mobile number. This is especially beneficial for those who do not have direct internet access,” Makgamatho said.

To check your UIF status using the USSD platform, clients are encouraged to simply dial *134*843# on any mobile phone. This will open up a menu with several options to choose from, including claims and payment status, employee registration, payment continuation and general enquiries.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said the department has also introduced UIF mobile buses that move around provinces to assist clients in deep rural areas who are unable to visit labour centres in their nearest towns.

“Additionally, we have installed free Wi-Fi at all our labour centres so that clients can utilise the online system with ease when visiting our offices. Furthermore, 3 000 marshals and 3 000 officials have also been appointed to assist clients with online applications,” the Commissioner said.

He said the idea behind the online system is to give total control to the applicant so that they can take charge of every step of their application.

“The online system will help us to deal with the issue of incorrect documents, fraud and help applicants to keep their documents safe once they have submitted online. We want to take a different approach on how we work as a Fund. With the technology we have developed, we want to eventually eliminate visits to our offices entirely. We are in the process to improve these systems,” he said.

The commissioner said the department will in due course also introduce an employer driven process where the employer or even organised labour can be responsible to apply on behalf of the employees.

He explained that the intention for this engagement is for the department to work differently and see how best systems can be put in place to improve service delivery.

Eskom says a debt payment of some R127 million by the Newcastle Local Municipality is a “significant milestone” for the power utility as it battles to receive bulk electricity payments from municipalities.

By December last year, municipalities owed Eskom at least R56 billion for bulk electricity supply.

“This was no ordinary payment. It marked a significant milestone for Eskom, the Newcastle Municipality, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs [CoGTA] and KZN [Kwa-Zulu Natal] Treasury.

“In making this payment as full and final settlement of the [R342 million] overdue debt, the municipality successfully discharged the conditions of the payment arrangements signed between the two organisations as facilitated by the Chief Director – CoGTA KZN and the Office of the KZN Treasury.

“Newcastle Municipality not only settled their overdue debt, but for Eskom, this marked the largest settlement of overdue municipal debt by a considerable margin,” the power utility said.

Eskom Central East Cluster General Manager, Agnes Mlambo, acknowledged the “dedication and commitment” of the municipality’s leadership in “resolving the various challenges of the past three years” as it worked to settle its debt.

“The municipality communicated any concerns and challenges proactively to Eskom and this in turn allowed for further discussions to keep the payment arrangements intact. Critically, the promises made were followed through with concrete actions.

“Without this physical discharge of the commitments made, the conditions of the payment arrangement would have lapsed and Eskom would not have been able to fulfil its side of the equation,” Mlambo said.

The power utility said the municipality serves as an example for other municipalities on how to settle their debt.

“The settlement reflects the potential for success in South Africa when different people and organisations work together towards a common goal. Critically for Eskom, it allows for the costs of electricity generation, transmission and distribution to be recovered, allowing Eskom, as one of the largest power utilities in the world, to be self-sustainable.

“Eskom looks forward to other municipalities, who are in a similar position, to take a leaf from the Newcastle Municipality book and similarly discharge their obligations. Eskom would like to place on record its gratitude to the Office of the Chief Director CoGTA KZN and her staff, the Director of Municipal Finances KZN Treasury and his staff as well as Eskom staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the success that we now celebrate,” the power utility said.

As the country works towards rebuilding the economy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has in his weekly newsletter reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue to invest in the poorest and most vulnerable in society.

In the Spirit of Mandela Month, the President said the country celebrates the life and work of Nelson Mandela by recommitting to build the society to which he dedicated his life.

Through its substantial social protection programmes, President Ramaphosa highlights that government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and meeting many of their basic needs.

“In everything we do this month to honour the founding father of our nation, let us recall his observation that, “while poverty persists, there is no true freedom”.

“As we work to rebuild the economy, to create more employment and open opportunities for emerging businesses, we will continue to invest in the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. The funds we spend on social protection are not wasted; they make a real difference in people’s lives, both now and into the future,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that Social protection in South Africa goes far beyond the provision of social grants for the elderly, children, people with disabilities, military veterans, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund, which provides income support for unemployed workers.

He said that it encompasses all support provided to South Africans, mainly the poor, through what has become known as the ‘social wage’. This includes the provision of free basic services, health care, basic education, higher education, social housing and transport.

The President said that around 60% of government’s budget is spent on the social wage when debt-servicing costs are excluded.

Government is currently funding free basic services to just over 11 million households, which enables poor people to access electricity, water, sanitation, and other services.

A recent World Bank assessment noted that South Africa’s grant and social assistance systems play a critical role in mitigating poverty. The report found our systems and programmes to be “effective, well-targeted and providing sizeable benefits to the poorest households”.

“The provision of comprehensive social protection will not, on its own, end poverty or inequality in our society. To really end poverty, we need an economy that grows, attracts investment, creates jobs and allows new companies to emerge and thrive,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President called for government’s policies and programmes to work together to build an inclusive economy and provide social protection to the poor and unemployed.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the expansion of social protection can only take place at the pace and scale the fiscus can afford, however government is focused on growing the economy and developing sustainable solutions to support pro-poor spending.

“A growing economy provides the funds we need to strengthen our social protection measures, while the support that poor people receive, especially in access to education and health, enables them to better contribute to the economy.

“Through an integrated and comprehensive system of social support, we are not only meeting our collective responsibility to the most vulnerable in society. We are also investing in our country’s future,” he said.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says tax administration tools are imperative to countering illicit financial flows and ensuring that governments can continue to collect revenue and serve society.

He was addressing the 13th Africa Initiative Meeting held by Tax Transparency in Cape Town on Thursday.

The Minister highlighted that in Africa, illicit financial flows are costing governments between €48 billion and €77 billion – valuable resources needed for functioning governments.

“[Tax administration] is one of the most valiant career callings because it is at the centre of enabling governments to provide infrastructure and basic services, and improve the lives of society at large, but especially the lives of the poor, vulnerable and marginalised. As tax administrators, you are tasked with the imperative responsibility of collecting what is due to governments in a timely and efficient manner.

“However, this task is not easy where tax evasion, tax crimes and illicit financial flows continue to spirit away revenues due to the State. A means to counter this scourge is [allowing] tax administrations, with the requisite tools and capabilities, measures such as tax transparency through Exchange of Information (EOI), as facilitated by the Global Forum and its regional partners,” he said.

Godongwana emphasised that although these tools are being improved, “this is only effective where the necessary political will is explicit”.

“We see this in the quality of laws that are passed, international agreements that are entered into, and the commitment to build competent and fully resourced tax administrations and the development of best international practices in effective tax administrations,” he said.

The Minister reflected on the efficiency of international tax standards and how these have become an “effective tool” in curbing tax evasion and other illicit financial flows.

“During the past eight years, the Africa Initiative has changed the tax transparency landscape in Africa, enabling the mobilisation of more than €310 million in domestic resources. However, continuous action is needed to ensure a long-lasting positive impact.

“Working with its regional partners, the Global Forum should continue to serve African countries and to support the Africa Initiative in its efforts to build or enhance their capacities to use the EOI standards at their full potential on the continent.

“From the South African experience, I can unequivocally say that [Exchange of Information on Request] and [Automatic Exchange of Information] are essential tools to drive tax compliance. As such, I want to urge members of the Africa Initiative to continue this important work, to collaborate closely, and to ensure that a sustainable legacy is left behind for future generations,” Godongwana said.

To avoid paying an administration fees to renew a vehicle licence disc online, motorists can make use of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) online service.

The only fee charged is the R99 courier fee, which other online service providers also charge.

“The R72 transaction fee, which has been referred to, is a legislated fee, which is not limited only to services offered by the RTMC. This fee is payable whether you use other online platforms, or as a walk in at the licensing office or post office,” RTMC said on Tuesday.

With more than 50 000 transactions conducted monthly, the RTMC said the online service for the renewal of vehicle licence discs is growing in popularity, as it is quick, easy, convenient and affordable.

The RTMC online platform is available nationally – not limited to major centres – and is the only official online service where vehicle owners are able to transact directly on the electronic National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS).

This means when a vehicle owner receives confirmation that the transaction is successful, NaTIS is updated immediately without the use of expensive third parties. The licence disc is delivered anywhere in the country within three to five working days.

The added benefit of using the RTMC system is that motor vehicle owners can view the status of all vehicles registered under their name. Information on the status for vehicles that are due for renewal or have expired licence discs is also available.

The system can warn the owner of any adverse indicators, such as an existing enforcement order, an administration mark, other unlicensed vehicles, roadworthy requirements, or police clearance, which may result in the owner receiving a licence receipt with no disc (MVLX certificate).

The platform also includes a dashboard where motorists can check the status of their driving licence application, as updated by the driving licence testing centre where they applied.

Motor vehicles crashes, which do not involve an injury or fatality, can also be reported on the platform for insurance purposes. This information is available for all provinces.

Other services available on the portal include online booking for renewal of driving licence cards, booking for learner’s licence and driving licence tests, and application for professional driving permits.

These services are currently limited to Gauteng, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

All the services are available at online.natis.gov.za and motorists who wish to conduct financial transactions on the platform are advised to contact their banks to activate ‘3D-Secure’ on their bank cards.

3D-Secure is a requirement and it protects both the owner and the State from fraudulent transactions.