Category: News

Communications and Digital Technologies Acting Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has welcomed a high court decision to place the South African Post Office (SAPO) under supervision and in business rescue.

The Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, in its ruling on Monday, said the business rescue proceedings are to commence with immediate effect.

Godongwana further noted the appointment of Anooshkumar Rooplal and Juanito Martin Damons as joint interim business rescue practitioners in respect of the business rescue proceedings subject to approval by the Registrar of Financial Services and ratification by the majority of SAPO’s creditors.

According to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, the decision of the court in support of the application brought by Minister Mondli Gungubele confirms that indeed SAPO is a strategic government asset that provides vital services throughout the country. This is especially in remote areas where SAPO is often the main link between residents and the outside world.

It added that it further uses its countrywide footprint to render such services as the distribution of social grants at its branches, distribution of medication to those in need and various national and international postal services etc.

The decision will give SAPO the much needed time and space to restructure its affairs under supervision and implement the turnaround plan to fundamentally change its business model into a solvent and viable business with broad revenue streams that leads on modern services.

“The challenge is on SAPO, the department and all stakeholders to live up to the commitments made in the application,” said the acting Minister Godongwana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All eight police officers that were involved in the N1 assault case have been suspended in terms of the South African Police Service (SAPS) disciplinary regulations, as of Monday, 10 July 2023.

Last week, Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced that the eight members of the South African Police Service have been issued with suspension notices.

The officers were then temporarily removed from their posts pending investigation.

Masemola said no amount of provocation can ever justify or validate what was witnessed in the video clip.

“We generally follow a very stringent process to identify members that should be protecting our principals, so for those members to have conducted themselves in such a manner is quite concerning.

“We pledge to offer our full cooperation to the IPID [Independent Police Investigative Directorate] investigation, at the same time ensuring that our internal processes are not compromised in any manner,” Masemola said.

The police officers involved in the incident are said to be Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s protectors. He has condemned the incident in the strongest terms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that parts of Gauteng observed snow on Monday morning.

“A cold front caused a significant drop in temperatures over today, Monday, 10 July 2023. 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,” the weather service said.

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 today, where expected temperatures for areas such as Dullstroom, Belfast, Roossenekal, Mariepskop, Mount Anderson and Ermelo will not exceed 6°C,” SAWS said.

“The public and small stock farmers have been advised that the very cold, wet and windy conditions may pose a risk to livestock, vulnerable crops and plants.

Severe frost is expected overnight as well as on Wednesday morning.

“The public is also warned to keep warm during these cold conditions. The public are urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio as well as social media platforms. Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service Twitter account @SAWeatherService,” the weather service said.

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.

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.

Rand Water has reminded Johannesburg Water customers of the 58-hour planned water shutdown to be undertaken from Tuesday night to Friday morning.

The utility said the maintenance project forms part of Rand Water’s maintenance strategy that focuses on proactive refurbishment and upgrading of its infrastructure to ensure future sustainability.

“Rand Water will implement a planned maintenance to tie-in two valves between the A19 and B14 Pipelines. The planned maintenance will be undertaken to replace multiple valves at the Vereeniging Water Treatment Plant, Eikenhof Booster Pumping Station and Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant,” Rand Water said in a statement.

During the shutdown, all direct feeds from Rand Water will be affected, impacting the Roodepoort, Central and Soweto areas.

The following Johannesburg Water infrastructure, including reservoirs, towers and direct feeds will be impacted:

Roodepoort/Randburg areas
•    Boschkop reservoir
•    Randpark Ridge reservoir
•    Cosmo City reservoir
•    Constantia tower and pump station
•    Helderkruin Tower
•    Helderkruin reservoir
•    Corriemoor reservoir
•    Fairland reservoir
•    Waterval tower
•    Quellerina tower
•    Florida North tower and pump station
•    Horison/ Finch tower
•    Honeydew reservoir
•    Honeydew tower
•    Olivedale reservoir
•    Blairgowrie reservoir
•    Linden 1 reservoir
•    Linden 1 tower
•    Linden 2 reservoir
•    Kensington B reservoir
•    Kensington B tower

Central
•    Aeroton reservoir
•    Aeroton tower
•    Berea reservoir
•    Parktown 1 and 2 reservoir
•    Brixton reservoir
•    Brixton tower
•    Crosby reservoir
•    Hurstihill 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Northcliff reservoir
•    Northcliff tower
•    Crown Gardens reservoir
•    Crown Gardens towers
•    Foresthill tower
•    Hector Norris pump station
•    Yeoville 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs.

Ennerdale
•    Orange Farm reservoir
•    Ennerdale 1, 2 and 3 reservoirs
•    Lawley reservoir.

Southdale
•    Eagles Nest reservoir
•    Kibler Park reservoir
•    Alan Manor reservoir
•    Glenvista reservoir.

Soweto areas
•    Chiawelo reservoir
•    Jabulani tower
•    Zondi reservoir
•    Zondi tower
•    Bramfischer reservoir 1
•    Doornkop reservoir
•    Naturena reservoir
•    Meadowlands 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Orlando East reservoir
•    Diepkloof reservoir
•    Power Park 1 and 2 reservoirs
•    Jabulani reservoir

Rand Water said some residents within the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM), Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) and the Rand West Local Municipality (RWLM) will experience intermittent water supply during the implementation of the project.

“In terms of the communication protocol, Rand Water has formally informed the affected municipal customers by issuing a 21-day advance notification to allow the entities to plan and execute appropriate contingency plans.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused by the implementation of this maintenance project. However, planned maintenance on Rand Water’s infrastructure is necessary to ensure future sustainable supply of water to our customers.”

The entity said the last part of the project will be work on electrical boards at Lethabo Pumping Station.

Johannesburg Water said water supply in the affected areas at Daleside Booster Station will be reduced by 50% for a period of eight hours. At Zwartkopjes Booster Station, it will be reduced by 40% for a period of 24 hours, and by 24% Eikenhof Booster Station for a period of 58 hours.

Roaming water tankers will be provided to the affected areas and alternative water supply will be arranged at hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations, and shopping centres.

“It is estimated that full recovery of the systems may take approximately five days or longer after the supply has been fully restored,” Johannesburg Water said.

The shutdown will take place from 7pm on Tuesday, 11 July until 5am on Friday, 14 July 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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