Category: News

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has condemned the scuffle between its officials and accused in the Senzo Meyiwa trial which occurred in court on Monday.

The scuffle occurred during an adjournment.

“The National Commissioner…Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has condemned in the strongest possible terms a scuffle inside court, where the co-accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial attacked a correctional official.

“Such utter disrespect will not be tolerated and the department is looking into the incident. Correctional officials rendering escort and guarding responsibilities do so on behalf of the State. Hence, any form of unbecoming behaviour warrants a security review so as to ensure safety of those in closer proximity to the inmates,” the DCS said.

The department pleaded with those who have challenges while being escorted by officials to refer those to the department.

“If those escorted to court have complaints and issues to raise, they must follow and adhere to established processes and channels within DCS and not resort to undermining security at the court which will not be tolerated in any way whatsoever.

“Failure by the accused persons to behave themselves calls for the Department of Correctional Services to act and it will do so without any form of hesitation,” said the department.

The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has warned the business community of a fake tender invitation for the supply and delivery of 27 paper shredders.

“DESTEA has learned with concern about an opportunistic scammer purporting to be an official representative issuing a fraudulent invitation to an open tender for the appointment of a service provider to supply and deliver 27 paper shredders.

“The alleged scammer sends out fake tender/bid documents with DESTEA’s official logo and normal standard procedure to service providers, pretending to be an official representative of the department.

“Service providers are warned not to fall into the trap of fraudulent tender invitations, which are not from DESTEA,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

The department has urged business community members to report any suspected criminal acts to the South African Police Service and verify any request for tender with the DESTEA supply chain office as soon as they receive any correspondence alleged to be from the department on the following emails:
customercare@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
mooketsio@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
masemeb@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail).

The business community is further urged to contact the DESTEA customer care on WhatsApp, 0829475394, for authentication.

As the country marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, President Cyril Ramaphosa believes that men and boys can break the cycle of violence.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country marks the start of this campaign in the shadow of a terrible crime.

The President recalled that earlier this month images were circulated on social media of a young male student stabbing his partner, also a student, on the campus of the Peninsula University of Technology.

“The fact that the attack happened in broad daylight and in full view of the public, shows that some perpetrators of gender-based violence seemingly do not even care if there are witnesses to their crimes, nor do they fear apprehension.

“I commend the students who tried to intervene even as they were threatened, as well as those who stepped in as the alleged perpetrator was being attacked by a crowd. It is significant that other male students attempted to ward off the attacker of the young female student,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that one of the reasons gender-based violence continues is that there is a culture of ambivalence among men who see crimes against women and children as a ‘private matter’ or a ‘family matter’.

He added that in most cases of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and sexual violence, the attacker is known to the victim.

3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity

The President said it is fitting that the African Union (AU) will convene the 3rd Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Pretoria this week, which will call on men to reject toxic displays of masculinity.

South Africa is co-hosting the conference with the AU Chair and President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani. The inaugural conference was held in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021 and the second one was held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2022.

“For the AU, as it is for our own country, ending gender-based violence is a priority. Discussions are currently underway on the content of an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls, executing a decision of the African Union Summit earlier this year.

“Once adopted, the convention will be the first continental legal instrument for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.

South Africa is a part of the AU Circle of Champions which is an association of African Heads of State who have committed to implementing programmes at national and continental levels that promote positive masculinity and encourages more men and boys to be part of the fight against gender-based violence.

“We have long maintained that interventions aimed at eradicating gender-based violence in our society must focus on prevention.

“If we are to raise a nation of men who are positive role models, who take care of their families, who exhibit positive masculinity and who would not countenance hurting a woman or a girl, we must work with young men,” he said.

South Africa adopted a national strategy to combat gender-based violence. One of the pillars of the National Strategic Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide deals with prevention.

Government, he said, has been engaging with civil society, academia and researchers, traditional leaders, youth organisations, the faith community and the private sector on the issue of prevention.

He further highlighted that a number of initiatives are underway across a range of sectors that are providing space for young and older men to discuss notions of masculinity.

“Men are called on to critically consider their own prejudices, preconceptions and chauvinisms that abet gender-based violence,” he said.

A number of government departments have interventions in place that are focused on promoting positive masculinity through dialogues, workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, psychosocial support and behavioural change programmes.

In August this year, the President was part of the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto where he had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men as part of the ‘What about the Boys’ initiative.

The aim of this programme is to get young men to open up in a safe space about their own experiences with masculinity and how this impacts their own attitudes to gender-based violence.

“Speaking to them, I acknowledged that young men in South Africa today face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to,” he said.

The President said the AU Men’s Conference aims to advocate for more initiatives and dialogues where young men and boys can talk about these issues among their peers.

“We need to inculcate a mindset that sees young men as part of the solution, and not just the problem. While men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men must also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls, where gender-based violence has no place,”  the President said.

President Ramaphosa said he is confident that the conference will raise the profile of prevention efforts in South Africa and in Africa, and that its outcomes will galvanise men and boys to play a greater role in breaking the cycle of violence.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended Sandton’s team of detectives which managed to crack the murder case of Kirsten Kluyts.

Her alleged murderer was arrested on Sunday in Parkmore.

This follows a thorough investigation by detectives and the cooperation by 24/7 Security Management.

The suspect, a 21-year-old student at a Sandton tertiary institution, was arrested at about 16:00 at the students’ residence.

Kirsten was murdered on 29 October 2023 while she was jogging at George Lea Park in Parkmore.

The suspect will appear before court soon.

Eskom has welcomed the decision by global ratings agency S&P Global to upgrade the power utility’s credit rating to ‘B’ from ‘CCC+’ with a stable outlook on the company’s senior secured and senior unsecured debt.

In addition, S&P Global also upgraded Eskom’s South Africa national scale rating to ‘zaBBB/zaA-2’ from ‘zaB/zaB’.

Eskom Acting Group Chief Executive Calib Cassim said: “Eskom welcomes the decision to upgrade the company’s credit rating by S&P Global. We continue to work with key stakeholders, particularly shareholder ministries as we implement our turnaround plan with a focus on key strategic objectives which include operations and financial recovery; people, culture and ethics, and legal separation of the business.”

The credit ratings agency cited government’s R254 billion debt relief package as key in the electricity company’s credit quality.

“In their rationale, the credit rating agency stated that the upgrade is due to their expectation that the South African government’s R254 billion financial support package, as part of the Eskom Debt Relief Act signed into law on 7 July 2023, will cover Eskom’s debt servicing and repayment obligations over the current and coming two financial years resulting in an improvement of the company’s credit quality.

“The stable outlook reflects S&P Global’s view that Eskom’s creditworthiness will continue to benefit from explicit and timely support from the South African Government, facilitating a strengthening of Eskom’s liquidity position and less risk of default as the debt relief agreement is implemented as stipulated,” Eskom said.

As the country observes the annual 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is highlighting the work of its men and women in blue who go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children.

In a statement on Sunday, the SAPS described these women and men as ‘game changers’ in their respective fields.

Among these game changers is Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi, a seasoned detective attached to the SAPS Gauteng’s Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit.

SECI is a specialised unit within the provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit that investigates serial rapists and offenders involved in child pornography.

To date, Rapakgadi has secured 57 life term sentences and an additional 3074 years in prison for 17 serial rapists.

“He is certainly living up to his first name as Molwantoa – loosely translated from Sepedi, which means warrior,” said SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

Rapakgadi consistently strives for service excellence and in 2020 was awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by the National Commissioner of the SAPS for successfully linking six accused, dubbed the ‘Six Men Syndicate,’ to a series of crimes they committed around the areas north of Gauteng, Klipgat in North West and Modimolle in Limpopo between 2010 and 2018.

Rapakgadi’s meticulousness and the application of forensic techniques resulted in Blessing Mabeshu, Thomas Ndlovu, Kenneth Maphosa, Talent Nkala, Bongani Masuku and Prince Ngwenya being found guilty on multiple counts that include rape, murder, attempted murder, house robbery and collectively sentenced to 40 life terms and 1793 years imprisonment.

During their reign of terror, the six would pounce on their victims during a house robbery where they would proceed to rape, assault and rob their victims.

The six men were also linked to a murder of a police officer in Soshanguve and sentenced accordingly.

Rapakgadi said he takes pride in his work and hardly takes leave or books off sick.

“Being a detective is my calling and it gives me great pleasure to solve complex cases. Most of my suspects are unknown at first, but through various investigative techniques, I am able to identify, trace and arrest these serial rapists,” said Rapakgadi.

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

The period was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise public awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) in line with resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999.

The campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide has on women and children, and the social fabric of society.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile presided over the launch of the campaign on Saturday, 25 November 2023 at the Nsikazi Stadium in Mbombela Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the newly launched Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal in Durban as an important step towards restoring the position of the city as a premier cruise tourism destination.

It is also a testament that despite challenges, Transnet has recorded progress.

The President was speaking at the launch of the terminal on Wednesday evening in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The launch of the Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal is more than a milestone. It’s much bigger than just launching a terminal… it’s about taking a journey into the life of Nelson Mandela in part.

“It is also an important step in positioning the city of Durban as a premier cruise terminal and tourism destination, alongside the finest in the world,” he said.

President Ramaphosa spoke of the terminal’s potential to place Durban firmly at the forefront – alongside Cape Town – as a destination of choice for cruise ships, as well as a boon for the local economy.

“The latest cruise season injected… an estimated R1.2 billion into the economy of the Western Cape alone and we want to see… bigger numbers for here in KwaZulu-Natal. This terminal will play an important part in doing so.

“As more cruise liners visit this city, more tourists come. As part of their homeport itineraries, passengers visit local attractions, shop and spend, and more money is injected into the local economy. As a result, more jobs are created for South Africans and more local businesses supported, especially small businesses.

“According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the vast majority of cruise passengers are inclined to revisit a destination they initially visited during a cruise. So beyond being an investment in brick and mortar, this terminal is also an investment in the future of the South African tourism industry,” he said.

Public-private partnership

The terminal came about as a result of a public-private partnership entered into between Transnet and Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) in 2019 with an investment of some R298 million.

This year, a further R30 million has been invested for further expansion of the terminal.

“Despite the significant challenges Transnet has been facing, there has been a great deal of progress and movement, and this infrastructure project is one such example.

“To step up upgrading and modernisation, the [Transnet] National Ports Authority launched the KZN Logistics Hub Programme, a strategic programme seeking to expand capacity in the ports of Durban and Richards Bay… through the delivery of… 33 flagship projects.

“The infrastructure projects in the pipeline that are being developed under the KZN Logistics Hub programme in the Port of Durban are specifically focused around the five precincts [Island View, Container, Bayhead, Maydon Wharf and the Point and Recreation precinct] and the expansion plans aim to increase container capacity nearly four-fold,” President Ramaphosa said.

The logistics hub alone is expected to see investment of some R157 billion with a view of creating 570 000 jobs.

President Ramaphosa added that on top this, Transnet together with the municipality, the KZN province and Ithala Bank for the development of the Durban Bay Waterfront.

“This will encompass overhauling and redeveloping the marina and its transformation into a world-class economic, tourism, water sports and recreation asset. Our country’s state owned enterprises continue to play a vital role in enhancing the economic and social well-being of all South Africans.

“With the commitment of private sector partners like MSC we will be able to fully realise our aspirations for economic growth and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is in the process of finalising the establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).

The establishment of CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.

The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making and to involve stakeholders in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo – Umzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency, which was concurred by Cabinet on 15 November 2023.

The appointed Board Members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson),  Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.

The appointed Board Members for the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency include, Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom.

The department said the boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs which will include, developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.

“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision making around water resources management and create a customer focused culture for water resources management which creates accountability at a local level for water resources management.

The department congratulated the new board members, and wished them well in their endeavours.

Eskom has commended the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s efforts to honour its National Treasury Municipal Debt Relief Programme obligations.

The municipality, which is located in the Eastern Cape, is one of more than 60 municipalities that have applied for the debt relief arrangement, which is aimed at assisting the ailing municipalities to pay their electricity bills.

“After a long history of indebtedness, protracted court cases, and power interruption, Eskom is pleased with Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s current account payment.

“Through this monthly payment, Eskom believes that the municipality is demonstrating its commitment to the National Treasury Debt Relief Programme, which will enable the municipality’s Eskom debt to be written off over a three-year period,” Eskom said in a statement on Thursday.

By August this year, municipal Eskom debt had snowballed to an estimated R63 billion and the power utility said this is contributing to the financial health challenges it faces.

“Arrear municipal debt remains a significant challenge for Eskom due to continued escalation to unsustainable levels. This poses serious risks to Eskom’s long-term financial sustainability. It also contributes significantly to the liquidity challenges currently facing Eskom,” Eskom said.

Enoch Mgijima municipal manager, Ayakha Ntengenyane, said the municipality is committed to paying and maintaining its Eskom bulk current account.

“Since we are implementing the Financial Recovery Plan, we expect revenue to increase and this will enable the municipality to improve its performance. We are also cracking down on illegal electricity connections, which are a hindrance to reliable power supply. We are also working hard to generate adequate funding to sustain operations,” Ntengenyane said.