Metrorail disrupted by adverse weather conditions
Gauteng Metrorail has advised commuters to seek alternative transport after its service experienced disruption at most of its lines on Monday, due to adverse weather conditions.
“Refunds are facilitated at Metrorail train stations for affected commuters. Metrorail remains committed to operating trains safely. We would like to apologise to commuters for the inconvenience caused,” Gauteng Metrorail said.
The cold weather has a negative impact on the infrastructure and its components (tracks, crossover points, electrical cables, etc.). The overhead wires also experience tension, which results in power instability and failure.
Delays were experienced in the Saulsville to Pretoria line, Centurion to Pretoria, Leralla to Germiston, as well as the Naledi to Johannesburg corridor.
“The Saulsville-Pretoria, Naledi-Johannesburg and Leralla-Germiston train service is currently suspended to allow the technical team to work on the infrastructure. The electricity had to be switched off on both lines in Naledi, Leralla and Saulsville to allow the technical team to commence with repair work of the affected section,” Metrorail said.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that a cold front caused a significant drop in temperatures over Gauteng on Monday.
“The maximum temperatures are expected to reach 13°C in the northern areas of Gauteng, with minimum temperatures recorded to have met criteria for snowy conditions. Snow was observed over areas in the south, such as Soweto, Alberton and Roodepoort.
“Some of the areas that observed snow include the eastern areas of Gauteng, Heidelberg and parts of Vosloorus. Most of the snow that was observed since morning was over Heidelberg. Light snowfall and sleet are still possible over the Highveld and the escarpment of Mpumalanga,” SAWS said.
E Cape SAPS sets out to improve rural safety
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape, along with other stakeholders, has held a summit to look at ways to bolster rural safety.
The two-day summit, held in Mthatha last week, concentrated on efforts to eradicate stock theft, while at the same time, ensuring the safety of rural communities.
Several stakeholders converged at the Walter Sisulu University (Zamukulungisa Campus) in Mthatha to reflect on the challenges that are encountered by different sectors within the rural communities. During deliberations, a task team was set up to concentrate solely on rural safety.
“We managed to identify issues that our rural communities are facing, and now what we need is to implement workable solutions on the ground level in order to protect rural and farming communities,” said a member of the Rural Safety Priority Task Force from the Office of the Minister of Police, Petrus Sitho.
In her keynote address at the summit, Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, said the work of the police must be strengthened by community partnerships.
“The SAPS as an organisation cannot go it alone. If we want to achieve the salient objectives of the National Rural Safety Strategy and other relevant legal frameworks, we need to stop working in silos. All we need is a multi-agency collaboration to gain strength that will enable us to defeat our common enemy,” she said.
Following the recent spike in farm attacks, Agri SA and the police joined forces to crack down on crime. They announced an enhanced implementation of the National Rural Safety Strategy to not only protect farmers and workers, but also curb stock theft.
In a joint statement, Agri SA and the police expressed their commitment to work together, and to mobilise other agricultural unions and other role players in ensuring an enhanced implementation to co-create a crime-free farming environment.
Fatal gas leakage incident a ‘tragedy’ – Gauteng Premier
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has passed his condolences to the families of those affected by a gas cylinder leak which killed at least 17 people in Boksburg on Wednesday evening.
A further 11 people have been hospitalised with some of them in a critical condition.
The incident comes just six months after a gas tanker exploded – killing at least 40 people in the same area.
Addressing the media at the site of the incident, Lesufi said support will be given to families of those affected and the surrounding community where the incident took place.
“We want as national government, provincial government and local government to extend our sincere condolences to all the families that have been affected. It’s a tragic event.
“We have learnt from the previous incident and our systems…this time, were on par and they responded the way we advised them and the lessons we learnt from the previous explosion. We are strongly monitoring the situation and we keep our eye on it. We have asked our experts to remain here,” he said.
It is believed that the gas cylinder was cut by illegal miners in the area – causing the leakage.
Lesufi condemned the alleged criminality and said a specialised unit needs to be formed in the SA Police Service to combat the scourge.
“We are under siege. We are using outdated law enforcement mechanisms in a new era that needs new forms of law enforcement. We have to overhaul our law enforcement response.
“This thing of illegal mining is completely out of control. I am of the view that we need a specialised way of training our law enforcement. They try…[but] the fire power of the illegal miners and the resources that [police] have are not…at the level that they confront these things.
“I am calling for a completely new strategy in confronting this thing. A strategy that is well resourced and the capability of our law enforcement agencies that are at a higher level and they need to respond as if we are in a war zone,” he said.
The premier said police are doing what they can to combat illegal mining but, he said, the service needs to be further capacitated.
“The police are doing their best…[however] we are exposing them because they are confronted with a situation that is well resourced, well connected and that has the firepower to create problems for all of us. We just have to capacitate the police with the necessary firepower to respond.
“We need firepower… from technology and from the air. If people get out of those illegal mines and come out, we need to be able to pick them up and we need to know where these activities are taking place. We can’t do that with the naked eye or the resources that we have,” he said.
The Premier is expected to meet with community leaders in the area.
Road safety a collective responsibility
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has emphasised that road safety remains the collective responsibility of road users and every road user must play their part in ensuring the country’s roads are safe.
This comes after the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 people on the N10 at Middelburg in the Eastern Cape on Sunday night, 2 June 2023.
A minibus taxi with 15 occupants was travelling from Cradock entering Middelburg, when it collided with an articulated truck head-on.
All the occupants of the taxi including the driver, nine women, four men and two children, succumbed to their fatal wounds and the truck driver was admitted to hospital.
“We are deeply saddened that so many people lost their lives in this horrific crash and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families and the loved ones of those who perished and wish the person in hospital a speedy recovery.
“Our commitment to making our roads safer has never been greater. We are seized with the implementation of measures to arrest the carnage on our roads. These include classifying traffic policing as a 24-hour, seven-day job to maximise visibility, while tightening measures to change reckless behaviour by motorists,” the Minister said on Monday.
Chikunga called upon all road users to be vigilant on the road at all times and motorists to observe the rules of the road and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy at all times.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation will investigate the crash and establish the root cause of this tragic incident.
Emergency teams on high alert in KZN
eThekwini Municipality has set up an emergency Joint Operations team to co-ordinate the response to the heavy winds and rains that wreaked havoc in some parts of Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (PINK) areas and Folweni on Monday afternoon.
The municipality said emergency and rescue teams have already been dispatched to both areas to assess the extent of the damage and render assistance to families.
“The joint operations team will coordinate assistance, such as machinery, to move debris. A search and rescue team is also being deployed to affected areas. Disaster and emergency teams will be in the area until all affected residents are safely accommodated,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality said no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this stage.
For any emergencies, residents are advised to contact the city’s emergency line on 031 361 0000.
Warning of heavy rains and potential flooding
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has warned communities, particularly those residing in the South Coast, of heavy rains that may result in flooding.
This follows a weather update from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) showing heavy rains, which could lead to potential flooding.
The SAWS forecast on Tuesday placed Ugu District Municipality (encompassing Ray Nkonyeni, Umuziwabantu, Umdoni and Umzumbe Local Municipalities) on orange level 6 alert, which is the second highest warning level.
SAWS forecasted heavy rains that are anticipated to persist from Tuesday through to Wednesday morning.
The forecast warned that eThekwini Metro, along with the coastal areas, will experience widespread showers and thundershowers. The intensity will be moderate, with scattered rainfall.
COGTA warned that Margate and Port Edward have already reported rainfall measurements of 89mm and 49mm respectively since Monday. However, weather models indicate that additional rainfall is expected over the Ugu District Municipality, gradually subsiding early on Wednesday.
“It is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with these heavy rains. Flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, both formal and informal, is highly likely. The fast-flowing streams and deep waters pose a significant threat to life.
“Moreover, the flooding may cause major disruptions to traffic flow, impacting essential services such as water, electricity, and communication. Additionally, there is a risk of damage to mud-based houses in the affected areas,” the department said.
In response to this imminent threat, the department said it has activated all disaster management services in the affected areas, and the teams stand ready to respond promptly and effectively wherever necessary.
“We strongly advise residents to closely monitor water levels and relocate to higher ground to avoid any potential disasters. Should residents experience any difficulties, they are urged to contact their local leadership.
“Furthermore, we urge motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving during this period, ensuring the safety of all road users. Where possible, we urge residents to postpone non-essential travel until the inclement weather subsides,” the department said.
Altering hours of work constitutes unfair labour practice
The Department of Employment and Labour’s Director: Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations, Dr Pravine Naidoo, has told a seminar that it is an unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Dr Naidoo was addressing an advocacy seminar in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday held under the theme “Paying the National Minimum Wage is the Right Thing to Do”.
“If in the context of the implementation of the NMW, the employer reduces hours of work, that will be regarded as an unfair labour practice. The Inspector shall advise the employee to refer the unfair labour practice to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in terms of the Labour Relation Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) as amended -sections 191, 193, 194(4) and 195,” Dr Naidoo said.
Naidoo said the NMW does not include payment of allowances such as transport, tools, food or accommodation, payments in kind, board or lodging, tips, bonuses nor gifts unless it is specified in the Sectoral Determinations.
He warned employers to refrain from making deductions without employee/s agreeing in writing or there is a debt specified in the agreement or the deduction is required or permitted by law, collective agreement, court order or an arbitration award or where a deduction is as a result of loss or damage to reimburse the employer.
In dealing with amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unathi Ramabulana, told the seminar that Sectoral Determinations established under the BCEA remain effective as they also regulate conditions of employment that are peculiar than what the BCEA provides, whereas the National Minimum Wage Act regulates the national minimum wage that employers should pay to workers.
Ramabulana told the seminar that the CCMA has jurisdiction to conciliate and arbitrate disputes brought directly to it by an employee earning below the threshold (R241 110.59 per year) for any amount owing in terms of the National Minimum Wage Act, a contract of employment, a sectoral determination or a collective agreement.
“An employer who is found to have failed to comply with the NMWA will be fined by a labour inspector an amount equal to twice the value of the underpayment or twice the monthly wage, whichever is greater for first time offenders and an amount equal to thrice the value of the underpayment or thrice the monthly wage, whichever is the greater, for repeat offenders,” Ramabulana said.
Meanwhile, CCMA Acting Regional Commissioner, Christopher Blayi, explained the BCEA and NMWA related disputes referral processes to the Commission. He told the seminar that the Commission offers administrative support to those earning below the threshold.
The three day seminar continues today with businesses, business organisations as well as organised labour.
Second group of firefighters deployed to Canada
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Working on Fire programme is deploying a second contingent of 200 firefighters and 13 managers to assist in ongoing fire suppression operations in the Canadian province of Alberta.
This follows the deployment of 200 firefighters and 15 managers on 3 June 2023. The group (Mzanzi Hotshots 2) will leave for Edmonton, Canada, on Wednesday from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
“We are proud of the fact that South Africa is again able to assist Canadian firefighting teams in their battle to bring the wildfires under control. The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Monday.
The deployment of both teams comes in response to an urgent request from the Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa.
“Alberta has already experienced more than 550 wildfires this season, resulting in significant damage to property and infrastructure, and displacing thousands of people. Evacuation orders have been put in place in many areas,” the department said.
The MOU, signed in 2019, provides for the exchange of wildland fire management resources between the South Africa and Canada. It was put in place following two earlier deployments to Canada to suppress wild fires in Alberta and Manitoba.
“The 2023 deployment is the fifth collaboration between South Africa and Canada, in terms of the exchange of personnel. The 2023 Canadian deployment teams comprise highly qualified firefighters, with a minimum of three years of firefighting experience, and are trained in Canadian pump operation techniques,” the department said.
The teams also include members with previous international firefighting experience, which enhances their expertise in tackling complex fire situations.
“I would like to extend my best wishes to the team as you embark on your deployment to Canada to help put out the fires raging in Alberta. You go to Canada to raise the South African flag and share your expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces to save lives, homes, businesses and large swathes of vegetation,” Creecy said.
Eskom responds to allegations of sabotage by top executive
State power utility Eskom says it remains committed to rooting out fraud and corruption within the utility.
This after a City Press report alleged over the weekend that police are planning to arrest a senior executive at Eskom on allegations that the executive is part of sabotage efforts targeting power stations to cause breakdowns.
“Eskom takes these sabotage allegations seriously and will allow the law to take its course. Eskom is committed to rooting out fraud, corruption and sabotage within its ranks and will fully cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the most effective and coordinated responses to any crime related to Eskom’s operations,” the power utility said on Tuesday.
Turning to the report itself, Eskom said it was “never approached by City Press to comment on any of its executives allegedly implicated in sabotage incidents”.
“However, we can confirm that City Press did approach Eskom on some allegations related to the awarding of a security contract, the involvement of an executive with a fuel supplier and on the statement made by the Minister of Police during his appearance at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).
“Eskom responded to questions from City Press in writing on 20 May 2023 to the best of its ability and knowledge. We, however, noted that City Press used Eskom’s response of 20 May 2023 as a comment to the alleged sabotage. It would have been prudent for City Press to seek a comment from Eskom on the allegations they published yesterday. We would like to confirm that Eskom is amenable to respond to any questions on these serious allegations,” the power utility said.
Hammanskraal residents cautioned not to buy water from unauthorised tankers
The City of Tshwane has cautioned residents of Hammanskraal not to buy or drink water from water tankers moving around in the area, as the water is not tested.
This after the city received disturbing news from community members, alleging that there are roaming water tankers selling water to residents in Hammanskraal.
“The city provides drinkable water to its communities in formal and informal areas in Hammanskraal free of charge. The water provided by the city’s authorised tankers has been declared safe for drinking after a series of tests conducted confirmed that it does not contain cholera,” the City of Tshwane said in a statement.
Officials from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) have been activated and will conduct stop-and-search operations on any trucks transporting water without a valid permit.
Residents are urged to write down the registration numbers of the tankers selling water and to report these to the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096. This number is manned 24/7.
At least 24 people have died of cholera to date.
The city reiterated its warning to residents not to use tap water for drinking purposes, but rather to use it for washing, cleaning and flushing toilets.
The city provides potable water to its communities through its contracted service providers who carry a letter or permit authorising them to dispense water.
“Anyone caught selling untested water without a permit will be arrested and prosecuted. Communities are urged to be circumspect of unscrupulous people allegedly taking advantage of the water situation in Hammanskraal by exploiting the vulnerability of people desperate for drinking water,” the City said.
The City has sampled water for testing from its various water distribution points, including hydrants and reservoirs, and the results have not shown any trace of cholera.
Confirmatory test results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases that will pinpoint the actual source of contamination are still outstanding.
Crime hinders growth in tourism sector
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says safety is one of the major issues affecting growth in the tourism sector.
De Lille said crime must be collectively addressed so that the sector can grow.
Addressing media after meeting the MECs responsible for Tourism and stakeholders in the tourism sector in Sandton on Monday, De Lille said crime affects tourism in many parts of the world.
“South Africa is no different and across the world, countries are grappling with these issues with instability and wars in some countries.”
The Minister said an enhanced visitor experience takes into consideration the improvement of local destinations through cleanliness, safety and security, access to information, as well as provision of quality services and an authentic experience.
“Tourism is not only an economic activity but an essential vehicle that promotes a mutual understanding between a tourist and host community. Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy.
“Safety is one of the major issues affecting the tourism sector and as partners, government and the private sector agreed tourism safety is a priority that we need to address collectively so that we can grow the sector and remove any obstacles standing in the way of that objective.
“We discussed the risks related to tourism and the strategies and actions that need to be implemented to improve tourism safety, as agreed to in the 2018 Tourism Safety Strategy,” De Lille said.
De Lille met with stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority and the SA Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO), to discuss the risks related to tourism safety and measures that need to be implemented to improve tourism safety.
Also taking part in the meeting was the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private sector, including the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).
“As government, we want to form partnerships with the private sector to address this, including deploying more safety tourism monitors, to key tourist sites and using technology to improve tourism safety,” De Lille said.
She said the meeting agreed on the establishment of the National Tourism Safety Forum (NTSF) to coordinate integrated safety response mechanisms for tourists in distress.
De Lille said the meeting agreed on the employment of the Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP).
The Minister said this is part of the broader government intervention that involves training, mentorship and deployment of unemployed youth in identified tourism attractions and sites.
According to De Lille, the key objectives of the TMP are enhancing tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and sites, upskilling of unemployed youth and reducing tourist vulnerabilities.
“The key performance areas of the appointed tourism monitors include, but are not limited to, patrolling within the identified attraction areas, raising tourism awareness and providing information to tourists, and reporting any crime incidents to SAPS and other relevant enforcement agencies,” De Lille said.