Category: News

Communities in the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in the Eastern Cape have been urged to remain vigilant amid the rainy weather conditions.

The municipality said it has experienced heavy rains in most parts of the district, which has caused severe damage to houses and caused roads and bridges to overflow.

“Communities are urged to remain vigilant and on high alert during this time and at all costs avoid crossing overflowing bridges, roads and rivers. ADM disaster teams are on the ground conducting assessments working closely with the local councillors.

“The extent of damage will only be clear once this has been concluded. Affected communities are encouraged to report damages to their ward councillors to expedite ADM disaster response,” said municipal spokesperson, Nonceba Madikizela-Vuso.

Durban motorists must exercise caution

Meanwhile, in Durban, the eThekwini Municipality has urged motorists to buckle up, switch on headlights and drive safely as many roads have been affected by heavy rainfall.

A number of roads were closed on Monday night due to heavy rainfall.

The affected roads include Curnick Ndlovu Highway N2 bridge, N2 North bound in Umlazi, R102 and Glen Anil, M4 southern freeway, M25 towards Phoenix and KwaMashu Highway, Kloof Village Road and Maytime offramp in Hillcrest, Duffs Road and Glen Anil in Durban North, Sparks Road from Sherwood towards Randles Road, M4 South from Victoria Embankment, Plamview Drive near Palmview Primary School, and South Coast Road near Delta.

According to the South African Weather Services outlook for 16 to 17 October 2023, showers and thundershowers will be experienced in the eastern parts of the country with widespread rains over the eastern parts on 16 October 2023 and over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 17 October 2023.

The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government will host the 5th BRICS Games official opening ceremony today.

The ceremony will take place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.

The latest edition of the 2023 BRICS Games will see young athletes aged between 19 and 21 across BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations battling for various honours within five sporting codes.

These include swimming, badminton, table tennis, tennis and beach volleyball.

The games will be played simultaneously across Kings Park Swimming Pool, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Curro Hillcrest High School and Bay of Plenty from October 18 to 21.

“Following the BRICS leaders’ recommendation, the 2023 BRICS Games will be an expanded championship programme which will see more sporting and the inclusion of Paralympians in the code of tennis for the first time at the games.

“The opening ceremony will officially unveil competing teams from all the BRICS nations.”

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, has called for the urgent cessation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Lamola was addressing the 61st annual meeting of the Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) in Bali.

The most recent uptick in violence has been ongoing for about 10 days and follows a long standing conflict whose origins can be traced to the proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948.

“At the outset, we wish to express our condolences to all victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The atrocities committed against civilian populations are causing great concern, and we urgently call for an immediate cessation of violence from all parties involved.

“Our primary concern is the urgent humanitarian assistance those affected require, and we implore that all basic life-supporting necessities be provided to alleviate their suffering,” he said.

Lamola warned that delays in resolving the deadly conflict have “led to an unending cycle of unspeakable atrocities and human rights violations”.

SA’s foreign policy

Lamola told the meeting that “supporting Palestinian nationhood” has been a part of government’s foreign policy since the dawn of democracy.

“South Africa’s foreign policy aims to promote a viable and sustainable peace plan for the Middle East, wherein Palestine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic viability are secured, and there is sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel.

“As a matter of international law, the principle of self-determination for the Palestinian people is widely recognised and enshrined in various international covenants, instruments, and the United Nations Charter.

“South Africa’s policy position on the Israeli-Palestine conflict aligns with the Oslo Accords, the Roadmap, and the Arab Plan 2002, recognising the two-State option as the only viable solution,” he said.

The Minister called on members of AALCO to work together to find a “permanent solution to the conflict, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and internationally agreed parameters”.

“As global citizens, we envision a world where every nation adheres to international law and collaborates to promote peaceful coexistence. Achieving this noble goal requires collective effort from all of us.

“As members of the international community, we have a responsibility to take action whenever we observe any violations of international law or impediments to peace. However, we cannot attain this objective alone. We must work in unison and extend support to each other,” Lamola said.

Eleven suspects, who were arrested on Sunday by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Boitekong, are expected to make their first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court today.

The Flying Squad, Bafokeng Public Order Policing and the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre also formed part of the team that made the arrests. The suspects’ ages range between 19 and 39.

The team was following up on information regarding illegal mining activities, which were allegedly taking place at a house in Boitekong.

“Upon arrival, the house was searched and bags containing platinum material were found. Illegal mining equipment including compressors, gas bottles, cutting torches, hammers, iron balls, cutting discs, a welding machine, a grinder and a generator were seized.

“The owner of the house was arrested and charged with illegal possession of platinum, while the other 10 suspects were arrested and charged for contravention of the Immigration Act,” SAPS said in a statement.

While one may no longer remember the name of the classroom teacher’s pet, chances are that one will never forget the name of that special teacher who changed the course of one’s life.

While we grow up to leave our school tomfooleries behind, teachers continue to leave an indelible mark in the lives of pupils.

“Passionate teachers often inspire and motivate their students. Passion for the subject matter and a genuine interest in the well-being of students can greatly impact the effectiveness of teaching,” said acting Chief Director of Education Human Resource Development at the Department of Basic Education, Lala Maje.

While teachers work hard to shape learners into the adults of tomorrow, who is helping newly qualified teachers to transition into the classroom environment?

This is where the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) New Teacher Induction Programme (NTIP) comes in.

The programme is intended to support new teachers who are placed in schools within their first two years of permanent employment.

“NTIP is a programme that introduces the new teacher to the teaching profession, to the resources available, to the support that the DBE and all stakeholders avail to the teachers,” said Maje.

Teachers have to register on the learning management system for the programme. The one-year programme comprises seven modules that are linked to the Professional Teaching Standards.

The Professional Teaching Standards and the Ethical Teaching Standards forms the basis of teaching being a profession and that is managed and guided by the South African Council of Educators (SACE).

A teacher must register with SACE before they can practice in schools.

The programme also supports SACE in ensuring that Professional Teaching Standards and the code of ethics are infused in the daily life of teachers,” said Maje.

The induction is based on four pillars namely mentoring, training, professional development and peer support.

The programme was set up after the Teacher Education Summit held by the DBE and the Department of Higher Education and Training in 2009.

Since its inception in 2017, the partnership between the DBE and Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) has enabled the development of material and programmes which led to the 2020 school calendar year pilot of the programme.

The DBE has also worked with provincial education departments and partnered with the SACE, JET Education Services, the North-West University and the University of Witwatersrand to develop the programme for all new teachers that join the teaching profession.

Support

New teachers are also provided with mentors that are identified by their respective schools.

Feedback received is that teachers are appreciative of the support provided by the programme.

“The teachers find that the topics covered assist them to deal with a number of issues, classroom management, discipline in school and classrooms, diversity management, inclusive teaching, as well as work and life balance, to mention but a few.  Teachers want the programme, it provides real life practical experience and examples,” said Maje.

She added that while all the provinces have been supporting new teachers, this was not standardised.

“All provinces have been supporting new teachers; it was just not standardised at national.  The support was in the form of workshops on curriculum, on general human resource matters, many webinars on teacher wellbeing and wellness.

“There was no national programme that a teacher can register and complete with evidence that indeed the new teacher underwent an induction programme. The DBE then partnered with VVOB to design a thoroughly researched programme and make it available for new teachers for free.”

Progress

The programme is being implemented on a phased in approach.

“Since the 2020 pilot, there was a round table in March 2023 where a decision was [taken] that the programme be phased in in four provinces [namely the] Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

“The other five provinces are implementing however not under the tight monitoring of DBE.  This is allowing them to be fully ready when we implement in their provinces in 2024,” she explained.

She added that the provincial education departments are part of the interprovincial meetings that DBE holds with the nine provinces on a monthly basis.

“It should also be noted that all provinces are supporting new teachers.  The difference with the model brought by the DBE is [a] common standard across all provincial education departments, as well as the fact that the NTIP model has four pillars.”

Teachers’ Month

In South Africa October is Teachers’ Month and on 5 October, the country joined the world in commemorating World Teachers’ Day.

The day which is commemorated annually, aims to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development across the globe.

The day has been declared jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the critical work that teachers do.

At the National Teachers’ Awards, held on World Teachers’ Day, the South African government reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing teacher support and prioritising the professional growth of those who are the key drivers of basic education.

“Such a posture is critical in that it boosts their personal prowess and propels our schools towards unparalleled achievements. The wellness of all public servants in the Department of Basic Education must as such remain a priority,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said at the 23rd edition of the awards.

The awards honour teachers who have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in different areas of their work.

Recognition and experience

Maje who was a teacher herself, said recognition for teachers is essential not only for morale but also for attracting and retaining talented individuals in the teaching profession.

“When teachers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be motivated, innovative, and dedicated to their students’ success.”

Speaking at a media briefing earlier this month, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that education plays a critical role in providing the country with critical skills that will enable economic growth while also fighting poverty and unemployment.

“Teachers are at the centre of this critical imperative. UNESCO repeatedly stated that the quality of any education system is as good as the quality of its teachers. The continuous improvements that we have experienced within our education system broadly and in our schooling in particular is largely due to the efforts and sacrifices of our teachers,” said the Minister.

The Minister said while the education system is experiencing severe challenges including backlogs in infrastructure development, overcrowding and shortage of other educational resources, “it is our teachers who have made the center to hold.”

Maje said efforts to enhance the recognition of teachers often involve a combination of policy changes, increased investment in education, and societal shifts in perception.  She also referred to the Integrated Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development. The primary outcome of the plan is to improve the quality of teacher education and development in order to improve the quality of teachers and teaching.

Planning and organising things in time are some of the lessons Maje has learned over the course of the years as a teacher.

She also notes “the knowledge that as a teacher you determine the future of the country with the content that you offer to the young minds.” She further adds that “the limitations of the teacher can be detrimental to development of the young mind.”

It is also important for teachers to keep learning all the time since knowledge is evolving and for them to be active participants in the matters of their respective communities.

Maje also called on teachers to take care of themselves.

“Achieving a work-life balance is an ongoing challenge for many teachers. Learning to prioritise self-care and maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life is important for sustained success in the field.”

While learner support is a critical ingredient for success, support for future unforgettable teachers is equally as important.

Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, who is also the District Development Model (DDM) champion of Amajuba, has handed over school uniforms to 128 learners from 25 schools in the district.

The handover took place on Monday at Christ the King Catholic Church in Madadeni, Newcastle.

Bogopane-Zulu encouraged the learners to stay in school in order to break the cycle of poverty through education. She emphasised that where one comes from does not necessarily dictate where they are going.

“Don’t let your current situation at home make you think you will not succeed,” Bogopane-Zulu said.

Each of the 128 learners received two vests, three undergarments, three pairs of socks, a tracksuit set, shirts, a jersey, a pair of shoes, two trousers, a tie, a skirt or tunic for girls and a belt for boys.

The month of October is Social Development Month (SDM), which is celebrated annually to mark the nation’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.  This year, Social Development Month is commemorated under the theme: “Working together to eradicate poverty and other social ills”.

In line with theme, Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with PETCO and Mpilenhle Recycling, will formalise the sectors of waste pickers and sorters.

The department designs and implements integrated development programmes aimed at community mobilisation and community development through social facilitation to raise human potential in communities.

“The department’s strategy is aimed at rooting out the causes of poverty and improving the livelihoods of poor households and communities, which is anchored on the principle that people are the drivers of their own development.

“Meaningful community development strategies should be geared toward overcoming poverty and promoting human development in all its dimensions by creating a space for communities to participate and influence decisions that affect their lives,” the department said.

The Deputy Minister will today visit the Madadeni landfill site to implement a plan to include ablution and recreation facilities.

A massive inter-governmental search and seizure operation across five provinces was carried out on Thursday to break the back of a sophisticated criminal syndicate of alleged coal-smugglers, who played a major role in exacerbating the energy crisis and loadshedding.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) was the lead agency in yesterday’s search and seizure operation because information became available regarding a host of tax crimes allegedly committed by members of the coal-smuggling syndicate.

“This success of today’s (Thursday) operation is due to exceptional inter-governmental co-operation and information-sharing under the auspices of the NATJOINTS Energy Safety & Security Priority Committee tasked with unmasking and bringing to book the criminals that have caused economic hardship and personal hardship to all citizens of the country,” said the South African Revenue Services in a statement.

“It is due to such hard work, often behind the scenes, that leads to these investigative breakthroughs and ensures that South Africans can return to a lifestyle without loadshedding. These targeted operations also help to prevent the loss of revenue to the fiscus, which in this case amounted to more than R500-million,” SARS said.

According to SARS, the alleged coal-smugglers and their related entities are active and have a presence in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Limpopo.

The suspects targeted yesterday include former Eskom employees who facilitated procurement fraud, as well as other individuals involved in the diversion of high-grade coal.

SARS managed to establish links between individuals and related entities and confirmed possible gross contraventions from a tax perspective in terms:

• Non-registration for Income Tax, VAT and/or PAYE.
• Failure to submit tax returns.
• Under-declaration of income.
• Claiming undue VAT refunds.
• Making false submissions (Fraud)

The sophisticated network of coal-smugglers is suspected to consist of local and foreign nationals. Coal trucks destined for power stations are diverted to designated coal yards where high-grade coal is replaced with low-grade or sub-standard product.

The high-grade coal is then exported or sold to willing buyers. The low-grade coal is often blended with scrap or other materials and then delivered to power stations.

The low-grade coal damages the infrastructure at the Eskom power stations, which is a major factor in crippling the power utility’s ability to generate electricity for the South African grid.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter commended the country’s law enforcement agencies for this massive breakthrough in ongoing investigations.

“It is because of such naked greed that the country has experienced unprecedented loadshedding, which harms business, undermines foreign direct investment and leads to job losses – all of which negatively affect revenue collection,” he said.

“All law enforcement agencies must continue their aggressive fight against criminality, each according to its mandate. For its part, SARS will continue to pursue taxpayers involved in intentional and wilful non-compliance – without fear, favour or prejudice,” Kieswetter said.

SARS is encouraged that the message is clear and unequivocal to all those involved in organised crime – you will be hunted down and brought to book.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise, has extended words of comfort to the six families who lost their loved ones in the wildfire that engulfed parts of the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape, last week.

“I am so sorry because it’s never easy to address people who have lost loved ones. I’m apologising because we’ll go and visit the graves. Yes, we’ll go and touch the stones. But that voice, hug, that laughter, will continue only in our hearts and only in our minds,” Modise said.

The Minister was addressing mourners and fellow South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who had gathered at the training centre to honour the deceased.

The SANDF has since issued the names of the deceased members and they are Sergeant Abraham Desember Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Berrington Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Wiseman Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Faith Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Michael Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Purity Zulu.

The officials tragically lost their lives after the raging fire that started from a nearby mine destroyed sections of the camp where the soldiers were in preparation for the upcoming Exercise Vuk’uhlome, which is taking place this month until November.

“We will not be there to wipe every tear of a child who continuously asks the mom about the father. But we will be there to make sure that the child is well looked after and well educated. We will make sure that the names of those who gave their lives shall be remembered,” she added.

She also had a word of encouragement to the widows and daughters who lost fathers.

“I want to say to the mothers who have lost their sons and daughters who have lost their mothers, God always gives you what He knows you can carry.

“In whatever pain you may be feeling; the sun shall rise. We will take heart. The most painful is to lose a child when you are a parent because children are supposed to bury us.”

She said her department also stands with the children who will grow up without parents.

“We will walk with you and hold your hands through the journey. Even though we haven’t met those who parted. It hurts because we become parents on your behalf when they’re on our premises. You will not walk alone.”

Modise said they will ensure that the dependents are looked after and that the children go to school.

She urged the widow with a two-year-old, Lerato Noxolo Cele, who lost her husband not to lose the memories but pass them on to her daughter.

Seargent Cele leaves behind a toddler that he and his wife battled for a decade to conceive.

Modise told the packed hall that no life is taken for granted in the army.

“We know that those who serve, serve at a place that sometimes takes life and sometimes rewards for keeping our heads above the water but also for ensuring that South Africa continues to do well.”

Meanwhile, the Minister said government will do everything in its power to ensure that the soldiers do not lose their lives through the elements such as fire.

“Whatever this base needs, we will look at. We will also make sure that in our training, we take care and that in whatever contingency we’re ready to preserve the lives of those who are willingly giving up their lives in the name of this country.”

She said government needs to ensure it has a well-trained and well-resourced force.

“Because if we don’t, we might not have a country tomorrow,” she said.

Modise also announced that the SANDF has launched an inquiry that will get to the bottom of the matter.

As part of efforts to improve coverage of existing vaccines, the Department of Health is set to introduce new vaccines to be included in the routine expanded program on immunisation at a cost of R3.5 billion.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, made the announcement during a media briefing following a meeting with Health MECs held in Centurion on Thursday.

Phaahla noted that South Africa continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, despite a strong childhood vaccination programme.

He said there is an ongoing need to improve coverage of existing vaccines and add new vaccines to the expanded program on immunisation schedule.

The Minister said the department is introducing a better packaged/derived vaccine that will prevent Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Diphtheria and reduce the chances of these conditions resurfacing within the communities.

“We are also introducing a combination vaccine of measles and rubella that will protect young girls, particularly during pregnancy which may lead to birth defects,” Phaahla said.

He said all these changes, recommended by the Ministerial-appointed National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI), will be implemented with effect from January 2024.

Expansion of online birth registrations rollout

The Minister also announced that the Department of Home Affairs has made budget provision for the set-up and operational costs for the expansion of Online Registration System by an additional 91 health facilities during 2023/24 financial year.

This forms part of collaborative efforts between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs to ensure that all births are registered on time, through the Online Birth Registration system, which has been rolled in 161 health facilities with ability to issue birth certificates on the spot.

“These facilities will be allocated full-time Home Affairs officials to provide birth registration service during office hours. The establishment of the system in these new facilities will commence by the end of October 2023. This initiative will go a long way in providing early birth registration,” Phaahla said.

Integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into primary health services

Meanwhile, the Minister announced that the department has decided to make a number of changes related to COVID-19 vaccinations, which include transitioning from a mass vaccination campaign to integrate vaccination into routine primary health care services.

This is in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

Phaahla said the current available Pfizer vaccine stock purchased as part of the COVID-19 national vaccination rollout will expire at the end of October 2023, while the J&J vaccine doses will expire at the end of February 2024.

The EVDS (Electronic Vaccination Data System) will continue to record all COVID-19 vaccinations until 29 February 2024, thereafter those vaccinated will receive a paper-record of vaccination, but they will still be able to download vaccination certificates as long as they have at least one vaccination code.

“The department plans to procure vaccines for administration in the public sector and will continue to work with the private sector to facilitate availability of vaccines. All restrictions limiting procurement of vaccines by private sector providers will be lifted,” Phaahla explained.

He added that the investigation and causality assessment of COVID-19 vaccination-related Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) will continue and mechanisms for processing No Fault Compensation Scheme claims will be retained.

Phaahla also gave an update on various issues affecting the public health system, including cost containment measures; audit outcomes and performance against targets; medico-legal claims, among others.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the granting of a postponement for Kusile Power Station to operate without sulphur dioxide pollution control technology does not deviate from the country’s firm affirmation to contribute to the global climate change efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.

President Ramaphosa said this while answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.

“The granting of a postponement for Kusile Power Station to operate without sulphur dioxide pollution control technology was necessary as a temporary measure to enable the return to service of three units damaged in October last year.

“The granting of this postponement does not deviate from the country’s firm affirmation to contribute to the global climate change efforts in reducing greenhouse gases.

“As a country, we are committed to a just transition to a low-carbon economy at a pace and scale that is affordable to us,” the President said.

The President told the House that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change recognises this need for a just transition and has allowed countries to nationally determine their contribution to a global effort to decarbonisation.

“South Africa submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution to the UN in 2021 and as I have indicated previously, we remain firmly committed to achieving our target range for emission reduction. Data from our recent greenhouse gas inventory indicates that we are on track to do so.

“As part of the granting of the once-off postponement, Eskom must undertake measures to mitigate against the exposure of its employees and surrounding communities to harmful emissions. These measures must, at a minimum, include independent health screenings and referral to appropriate public health facilities for treatment where necessary,” the President said.

He said the end of load shedding and the achievement of energy security for all South Africans is not incompatible with the pursuit of the country’s emission reduction goals.

The President emphasised that the massive investment that is currently underway in renewable energy sources, alongside the stabilisation and improvement of our existing generation fleet, will help the country to achieve both of these goals simultaneously.