Category: News

Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has signed an agreement with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to ease traffic congestion at the Lebombo border post.

The agreement, which will see the piloting of a system aimed at eliminating delays, was signed during a bilateral visit to the Republic of Mozambique earlier this month.

The collaboration will ensure efficient and coordinated interventions at ports of entry for easy and cost-effective facilitation of legitimate trade and travel while preventing illegal border crossing of goods and people.

The Lebombo border post has been experiencing increased cargo volumes and this has resulted in long queues and blockages on the N4 corridor, preventing smooth flow of trade through the port.

Also, there have been protests between truck drivers and a taxi association in Komatipoort recently which caused long queues for trucks.

SARS and BMA have now forged a collaboration to pilot a system to co-locate in the canopies at the Lebombo border post to ease movement of trucks as part of the commitment made in the BMA implementation protocol.

Truck drivers will be processed without disembarking from their trucks. The drivers will be required to have all required customs documents and immigration passport ready before approaching the canopies.

After marking for arrival, the driver will then proceed straight to the exit canopy to ease flow in the bypass. This will be done with the exception of cases that require elevation to the police, agricultural services, port environmental or port health.

The marking for arrival and exit are both conducted by customs to facilitate imports and exports. The passport control is conducted by the Border Management Authority at the canopies and will no longer be in building 310 as it was conducted previously.

The aim of this process is to eliminate the time spent in the bypass where drivers were previously required to disembark from trucks and walk to building 310 for passport processing. It is also envisaged that through this process the turnaround time for trucks moving through the bypass will be reduced.

Masiapato emphasised that this process will not negate the requirement by authorities to perform their functions for compliance and border law enforcement at ports.

“It is our main priority to ensure efficient trade facilitation and compliance for the development of the region. This process will contribute to efficient processing at the Lebombo border post,” Dr Masiapato said.

Government has launched a five-year programme worth R2.67 billion to implement the Working for Water Programme, which aims to eradicate invasive alien plants in communities.

Addressing the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Environmental Programme in Heidelberg, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said over the next five years the department aims to create 38 839 work opportunities every year primarily in rural communities.

“Biological invasions by alien plants is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, water resources and sustainable livelihoods. Invasive species exacerbate floods, droughts and wildfires, and have negative impacts for the forestry and agriculture sectors.

“In short, biological invasions will exacerbate the effects of context of climate change and the extreme weather events associated with global warming. It is for this reason our department is happy today to announce this five-year programme to combat alien species and the damage they do to our land, wetlands and rivers,” Creecy said on Friday.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) 2019 Report on Biological Invasions details the impact of invasive species on South Africa’s biodiversity and economy.

Invasive trees use 3-5% of South Africa’s runoff water every year, which is a significant loss for a water-scarce country.

“Many species of invasive plants are also less drought-resistant than indigenous ones and pose a greater fire risk. By displacing indigenous species and creating single species plantations, alien invasive also undermine our country’s rich biodiversity, which in turn negatively impacts our tourism potential.

“Invasive species also interfere in natural processes that can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters through the provision of ecosystem services, examples being the role estuaries, wetlands and indigenous forests play during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

“Thus, by clearing waterways and managing the spread of invasive species we are restoring natural habitats and simultaneously restoring ecosystem services that will assist us in the fight against the effects of climate change,” the Minister said.

To ensure sustainable clearing of alien species on a regular basis as well as sustained public employment, the department has made its contracting over a longer five-year period, as opposed to short-term contracts in the previous cycle.

For local small enterprises in rural communities, this also offers a reliable revenue that can assist the enterprises to invest their businesses to ensure future opportunities.

“This means that the Working for Water Programme is growing and is advancing the inclusion of previously disadvantaged enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the value chain of clearing invasive alien species. In this way the Working for Water Programme advances transformation and prioritises the inclusive economy policies of government,” the Minister said.

The department has committed R2.67 billion to clear hectares while creating 194 195 work opportunities over a five-year period.

“Today marks the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Programme to the value of R152 million to implement projects across the five Gauteng municipalities namely, the City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, West Rand, Sedibeng, and the City of Ekurhuleni.

“In Gauteng, the Working for Water Programme will clear 74 781 hectares over a period of five years, starting from 2023/2024. During this five year period, we are aiming to create 13 615 work opportunities through the EPWP model,” the Minister said.

The department also collaborates with the South African National Parks (SANParks) to implement the Working for Water Programme.

SANParks has been allocated R 947 710 million to create 90 710 work opportunities through clearing 431 237 hectares over a five year period.

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, has issued a stern warning to criminals engaging in unlawful activities and attempting to cross borders with illicit and stolen goods.

This follows various arrests at various ports of entry.

On Wednesday a Mozambican national was arrested at Kosi Bay after being found in possession of stolen goods. A BMA led operation which followed intelligence information, recovered four stolen solar panels and 11 tower batteries.

On investigation, it was discovered that the batteries and panels were part of items stolen in the Empangeni area during a business burglary where a total of 84 tower batteries and solar panels belonging to Eskom were stolen.

The investigating team from Eskom was informed and the suspect was taken to Manguzi police station.

Another BMA operation led to the arrest of two males at the Qachas Nek vulnerable segment in the Eastern Cape land border.

On Tuesday, an intelligence driven operation was conducted with Avondale police, BMA members and Border police members on two homesteads along the borderline.

Two males were found in possession of unlicensed firearms where a rifle, a revolver and 48 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The two men are being held at the Avondale police station.

“The Border Management Authority is committed to maintaining border law enforcement with strict control measures in place to detect and prevent illegal activities. The BMA border guards have been deployed to intercept criminal activities and we are committed to maintaining law and order at our ports on entry,” Dr Masiapato said.

The Border Management Authority is the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service. It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry and at law enforcement areas.

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has assured that the avian influenza outbreak is under control, with 70% of farms not infected by the disease and continuing to produce eggs and chickens.

In a statement issued by the department, Didiza said the egg stock levels are replenishing steadily and there is no need for panic buying at this stage.

“We have increased fertilised eggs from 1.9 million to 9 million in less than one month. These eggs will be chickens in less than four months,” Didiza said.

Didiza said the department has a few open import permits for eggs and poultry products from a few countries.

The Minister noted that the import of table eggs, including fertilised eggs, pasteurised eggs, egg powder and liquid eggs, has been on-going  for many years in South Africa, and has not only started with the current outbreak of avian influenza, also known as ‘avian flu’ or ‘bird flu’.

“Other countries including Brazil, USA and Argentina have been exporting eggs to South Africa for quite some time, and the department is currently processing import permit applications from a few more countries.

“The department does not dictate which countries should make business sense for South African retailers to import eggs from, it only ensures that biosecurity risk assessments are conducted when importers apply for import permits,” Didiza said.

Didiza added that since the egg production cycle is not too long, the department expects the situation to normalise early next year.

“We will continue to import more eggs should the situation not improve,” the Minister said.

To prepare for the festive season, Didiza said a total of nine million fertilised eggs have been imported, including 37 802 tons of day-old chicks, 62 metric tons of egg products, and 30 986 metric tons of poultry meat.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s position on the conflict in the Middle East, revealing that the country has taken steps towards laying a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli government for the “war crimes” in Gaza, Palestine.

President Ramaphosa said this during a media briefing in Doha on Wednesday as he wrapped up his state visit to Qatar.

“We stated our position as South Africa very clearly, that we are opposed to the operations that are ongoing, particularly as it is now targeting hospitals where babies, women and the injured are dying like flies and where the care of life is just something that has been completely ignored and put aside.

“As South Africa we have accordingly, together with many other countries in the world, saw fit to refer this whole Israeli government action to the International Criminal Court. We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes are being committed there,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa told journalists that South Africa does not condone the actions that were taken by Hamas earlier but similarly, “we condemn the actions that are now currently underway and believe that they warrant investigation by the ICC”.

The President and his Qatari counterpart His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani were able to exchange views on the geopolitical situation in which the world finds itself particularly in relation to the crisis that is unfolding in Gaza.

“We thank and applaud his Royal Highness for the interventions that Qatar is making to mediate in the midst of this crisis, particularly in relation to releasing hostages, but also in advocating a position that we as South Africa have been advocating that the crisis between Israel and Palestine needs to be resolved through a two state solution where Palestine emerges as a fully-fledged state as well as the continued existence of the Israeli state.

“We both abhor what is happening right now in Gaza, which has now turned into a concentration camp, where genocide is taking place,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that many people around the world are not pleased at what is unfolding in Gaza.

He reiterated that South Africa joins many other countries and organisations that is calling upon the ICC to investigate what is happening.

“And in fact, as we see it unfolding before our own eyes, we can see that real war crime is underway, particularly at that Shifa Hospital and we are completely opposed to what is happening and we are calling upon various countries to put pressure on Israel to immediately cease what they are doing. There is a desperate need for a ceasefire now, so that we can save more lives. Innocent lives are being lost and the rule of law is no longer being observed, where children are just being killed,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa further told journalists that government has taken a very clear position in as far as the support for the struggle of the people of Palestine.

He said government’s commitment to the struggle of the Palestinians is irrevocable and it will go beyond just political to being very practical.

The President said government will be sending medical supplies and other products to offer assistance to the people of Gaza.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has introduced the #TravelOffPeak campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting travel during off-peak by providing attractive fare discounts to commuters.

“Recognising the importance of promoting reliable transit not only during the weekday rush hours but off-peak too, PRASA is pleased to offer various off-peak discounts across all its operational routes starting from 13 November 2023.”

PRASA GCEO Hishaam Emeran explained that the initiative is part of the organisation’s commitment to encourage the public to use Metrorail services not only during peak hours but also during off-peak periods.

“This is a significant step towards enhancing the commuter experience and saving commuters money by paying lower fares. By choosing to travel during off-peak, commuters will not only enjoy a quieter and relaxed journey but contribute to a more evenly distributed and efficient use of our transportation infrastructure,” Emeran said.

Fares are discounted as follows:

• Pensioners: 50% discount during off-peak.
• General public/commuters: 40% discount during off-peak.
• Scholars in uniform: 50% anytime of the day.
• Bulk purchase: 10% discount on bulk buying.
• Events or promotions (schools or groups): 50% discount for groups travelling together.

These off-peak discounts are applicable between 09h30 and 14h30 weekdays, and during weekends and public holidays.

“PRASA wishes to remind commuters to check their eligibility for discounted fares ahead of their journey. All tickets will be valid on the day of purchase and at off-peak hours.

“It is crucial to note that these tickets should not be used during peak hours, except for scholars in school uniforms, whose tickets remain valid for the entire day.

“PRASA invites commuters to #TravelOffPeak and save while enjoying a more comfortable and cost-effective travel experience to their various destinations,” the agency said.

Gauteng police are offering a cash reward of R50 000 for information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of a man linked to 42 cases of rape.

The suspect is operating mostly in Orlando and Diepkloof, Soweto, where he accosts his victims, demands money and cellphones before committing sexual assault.

The armed suspect targets his victims on the streets, in their homes, shops and entertainment areas, where he coerces them to secluded places.

The victims consist of females ranging from 14 to 53 years of age.

Police have mobilised maximum resources to search for the suspect, including offering a R50 000 cash reward to anyone who can urgently assist with information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the alleged serial rapist, believed to be in his late 30s.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ramathavhana, on 079 890 7696 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, use the My SAPS App to submit information.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza is scheduled to visit the Mangaung Home Affairs office in the Free State on Friday to monitor the state of readiness for the voter registration weekend.

The Deputy Minister will be joined by the Speaker of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Bongani Lawrence Mathae.

The Department of Home Affairs is extending its operating hours for the voter registration weekend of 18 and 19 November 2023 to provide ID services and related support to eligible voters ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Operating hours will be aligned with those of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over the two days, starting from 08:00 to 17:00, and the main service to be offered is ID collection and application.

Temporary Identification Certificates will be issued on the spot to those who have lost or misplaced their IDs. Eligible voters require IDs to register and to vote.

“We encourage all clients and eligible voters who have applied for IDs to visit their Home Affairs offices to collect their IDs over the Registration Weekend of 18-19 November 2023,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

To ease pressure on clients and easy queues, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows.

In addition, clients can now book collection appointments before visiting offices using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) which is available on the website www.dha.gov.za through https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.

“Home Affairs allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as ‘walk-ins’ and will be assisted to collect their IDs and passports, or to apply for Temporary Identification Certificates,” the department said.

The Department of Employment and Labour is awaiting a Southern Sun hotel investigation and structural reports to decide on the next course of action on the “near fatal” incident that led to the collapse of a ceiling on Monday.

A team of inspectors led by the Department’s Inspector General Aggy Moiloa yesterday visited the Southern Sun Hotel in Rosebank to establish the causes of the ceiling collapse.

“In an unprecedented move, the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch following the Monday incident, embarked on a national blitz of Southern Sun hotels across the country.

“Dozens of inspectors’ teams have been mobilised across South Africa to conduct the blitz inspections of Southern Sun establishments starting on Wednesday morning,” the department said in a statement.

A team of departmental inspectors visited the site of the incident on Tuesday and issued a prohibition notice on the affected area which is the hotel’s restaurant as well as a contravention notice and also requested a structural report.

The hotel has been given seven days to furnish all necessary documentation to the department and 60 days to repair the damaged area.

Following that, on Wednesday, the department’s Inspector-General, Aggy Moiloa visited the site of the incident and said when such incidents occur, the department takes the posture of assistance “because we want business and employers to comply with legislation”.

The Inspector-General was accompanied by the department’s Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters, a team of inspectors responsible for the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Occupational Health and Safety, Unemployment Insurance Act, and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and senior departmental officials.

“According to Southern Sun Operations Director, Andrew Hoskin, the hotel has isolated the collapsed area. He said of the guests that were in the hotel only one patron was injured and has since been discharged from a medical facility.

“Although the Engineering Report was crucial in establishing the cause, he said the ‘substantial hail’ in the area on Monday at about 18:30 may have caused the collapse,” the department said.

Hoskin was full of praise of emergency services including the police for their speedy intervention.

“The department will await the Southern Sun investigation and structural reports to decide on the next course of action.
“The purpose of the visit was to establish the cause of the collapse and devise mechanisms to prevent future incidents and ensure compliance,” the department said.

Five suspects were arrested for drug trafficking, contravention of the Civil Aviation Act and contravention of the Customs and Excise Act in a highly coordinated operation spearheaded by the Hawks yesterday morning at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).

The arrest comes after a large drug consignment was recently confiscated in Australia and two suspects were arrested, said the police in a statement.

The arrests follow an intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation following allegations that the suspects are employees of various companies at ORTIA where they are said to be facilitating the thoroughfare of drugs coming into and out of the airport.

Two suspects are employed by ACSA, two are from Menzies Aviation and one is from Swissport.

The suspects will be appearing in the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Friday.

This is the first operation of its kind in relation to transnational drug trafficking perpetrated through ORTIA, where a drug seizure made abroad was positively linked to suspects in South Africa for their complicity.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, applauded the joint investigation team for their concerted effort in ridding the airport of characters tarnishing the name of ORTIA and the country.

“The Hawks is totally committed to countering drug trafficking and would like to send a strong message to corrupt officials in such companies to not get involved in facilitating such illicit activities,” Major General Kadwa said.