Category: News

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has launched the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP), which aims to support businesses that are export-ready or working towards meeting international market requirements.

“Expanding exports of products and services is a priority focus area of our provincial Growth for Jobs Strategy,” said Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger.

According to Wenger, research shows that if the provincial government can increase exports by 10%, it can generate an estimated additional R6 billion to the Western Cape gross domestic product (GDP) and create more jobs.

“Enabling access to global markets is key to achieving breakout economic growth for the Western Cape economy precisely because exports create opportunities for domestic producers to expand and diversify their customer bases to grow their businesses.”

According to the MEC, the programme’s focus will be on developing and investing in the capacity of businesses to unlock export opportunities through a structured process, such as business turnaround or business improvement.

The project will also see an improvement to entrepreneurs’ skills and the business competitive position in relation to scale and efficiency. It will position the companies to expand into current markets, as well as new market opportunities.

Interventions target specific businesses and provide support mechanisms to improve the capability, competitiveness, productivity, and export growth of these businesses.

The fund has several activities, including:

• Product reformulation and refinement.
• International packaging, labelling and printing requirements.
• International product certification and standards for international market access.
• Product registration with relevant international bodies in export markets.
• International nutritional analysis and specialised shipping requirements.

“I encourage businesses in the Western Cape to apply for this exciting opportunity and look forward to seeing many more of our proudly Western Cape goods on shelves across the globe, and of course, to assisting many more businesses to expand, creating many more jobs for the residents of the Western Cape,” Wenger said.

Meanwhile, the application process closes on 30 June 2023.

State power utility Eskom says it remains committed to rooting out fraud and corruption within the utility.

This after a City Press report alleged over the weekend that police are planning to arrest a senior executive at Eskom on allegations that the executive is part of sabotage efforts targeting power stations to cause breakdowns.

“Eskom takes these sabotage allegations seriously and will allow the law to take its course. Eskom is committed to rooting out fraud, corruption and sabotage within its ranks and will fully cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the most effective and coordinated responses to any crime related to Eskom’s operations,” the power utility said on Tuesday.

Turning to the report itself, Eskom said it was “never approached by City Press to comment on any of its executives allegedly implicated in sabotage incidents”.

“However, we can confirm that City Press did approach Eskom on some allegations related to the awarding of a security contract, the involvement of an executive with a fuel supplier and on the statement made by the Minister of Police during his appearance at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).

“Eskom responded to questions from City Press in writing on 20 May 2023 to the best of its ability and knowledge. We, however, noted that City Press used Eskom’s response of 20 May 2023 as a comment to the alleged sabotage. It would have been prudent for City Press to seek a comment from Eskom on the allegations they published yesterday. We would like to confirm that Eskom is amenable to respond to any questions on these serious allegations,” the power utility said.

The vigilance and swift response from members attached to the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) Combat Team has landed several suspects behind bars for possession of unlicensed and prohibited firearms, and illegal possession of ammunition and drugs.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday said members deployed in the Belhar precinct in Cape Town descended on a premises in Adam Tas Avenue, based on information received, and conducted a search for illegal firearms.

“This resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old man for the possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. A CZ75 pistol, with the serial number filled off, and 12 rounds of ammunition were found in possession of the suspect,” the SAPS said.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man from Forest Village was arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition after he was found with a magazine and five rounds of ammunition.

“In another incident, members gathered information from different sources about a shooting that recently took place. A follow-up was conducted regarding the use of the firearm, which led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man, who was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and nine 9mm rounds of ammunition at a premises in Liesbeek Way,” the police said.

The suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The team also discovered a .38 Special revolver, with the serial number removed, in the possession of a 16-year-old suspect after a thorough search was conducted at a premises in Mevede Street.

The suspect was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm.

In addition, a search and seizure operation was conducted aimed to confiscate illegal drugs and ammunition in the area.

This led to the arrest of a 24-year-old male, who possessed 50 whole mandrax tablets and 19 sachets containing tik, 10 calibre rounds of ammunition and R640 in cash.

The suspect was apprehended for dealing in drugs and illegal possession of ammunition.

“During a tracing operation of wanted persons, the members arrested a 37-year-old man, who was wanted for an attempted murder case reported at Belhar SAPS in May this year.

“The suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville and Blue Downs Magistrates court soon on mentioned charges,” the police said.

The Ministry of Transport has announced that Leonard Ramatlakane has been relieved of his duties as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

This follows an investigation by the entity on the misuse of one of its properties in Cape Town by Ramatlakane without due and proper processes being followed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed her appreciation to the chairperson for his leadership and sterling work that led to the recovery of 13 rail lines by the entity, as part of its Rail Recovery Programme.

“This exceeded the target of 10 rail lines that were initially earmarked by PRASA for recovery. It is under Ramatlakane’s watch that PRASA was able to restore a sizable number of PRASA Rail services in various metros in the country, which has ensured that PRASA Rail reclaims its status as a mass mover of commuters in the Republic,” Chikunga said.

The rail lines and stations were hit by vandalists during the lockdown period and the Rail Recovery Programme was set up as a robust government response to that destruction.

The ministry said it is committed to a clean administration and governance across its entities.

The Director-General of the Department of Public Enterprises, Kgathatso Tlhakudi, has been dismissed following an inquiry into a complaint laid against him with the Public Service Commission.

The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, was mandated by President Cyril Ramaphosa to conduct the inquiry, which looked into whether or not Tlhakudi violated his employment contract.

“A due process was undertaken in which all the allegations were put to Mr Tlhakudi, who was represented in the inquiry. Having considered all the evidence presented, the chairperson of the disciplinary, Advocate Ramawele SC, found that Mr Tlhakudi breached his contract and made sanctions of dismissal.

“Minister Lamola has given effect to the sanction and has thus issued Mr Tlhakudi with a dismissal letter dated 2 June 2023, in terms of section 16B of the Public Services Act, 1994,” the Department of Justice and Correctional Services said.

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) said it will be implementing the decision.

“The DPE can finally put all its efforts into advancing the reforms aimed at capacitating SOEs [State-owned enterprises] to deliver on their developmental mandate.

“This work will culminate with a series of critical outcomes, including the creation of the National Transmission Company of South Africa out of Eskom, the establishment of an infrastructure manager within Transnet Freight Rail, and the introduction of private partnerships for the Durban Container Terminal,” the DPE said.

Meanwhile, the DPE said it has noted the decision of the Constitutional Court to dismiss Tlhakudi’s application for leave for a direct appeal against a Labour Court decision to uphold his suspension.

“[The] Constitutional Court’s decision was further vindication of its stance that Mr Tlhakudi has long sought to avoid accountability for his misconduct that arose from a complaint that was filed with the Public Service Commission for alleged unethical behaviour over a recruitment process in the department.

“Moreover, Mr Tlhakudi’s deceitful utterances and conduct in recent weeks, in which he has continued to peddle lies about the department and its political executive head, Minister Pravin Gordhan, has served to bring into sharp focus his utter disregard for due process, opting instead to portray himself as a victim through falsehoods,” the department said.

The department said the now former DG’s “attempts to undermine the DPE’s work of stabilising State-owned enterprises by alleging impropriety” in the deal to sell some 51% of shares in South African Airways to Takatso consortium “were doomed to fail”.

“The [department] reiterates the fact that Mr Tlhakudi was party to every step in the process that evaluated the interests that were received by the DPE for SAA. Additionally, he had authorised and provided oversight for the due diligence that resulted in the shortlisting of Takatso as the preferred SEP [strategic equity partnership], in line with specific criteria that he had formulated as part of the adjudication process,” the department said.

The City of Tshwane has cautioned residents of Hammanskraal not to buy or drink water from water tankers moving around in the area, as the water is not tested.

This after the city received disturbing news from community members, alleging that there are roaming water tankers selling water to residents in Hammanskraal.

“The city provides drinkable water to its communities in formal and informal areas in Hammanskraal free of charge. The water provided by the city’s authorised tankers has been declared safe for drinking after a series of tests conducted confirmed that it does not contain cholera,” the City of Tshwane said in a statement.

Officials from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) have been activated and will conduct stop-and-search operations on any trucks transporting water without a valid permit.

Residents are urged to write down the registration numbers of the tankers selling water and to report these to the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096. This number is manned 24/7.

At least 24 people have died of cholera to date.

The city reiterated its warning to residents not to use tap water for drinking purposes, but rather to use it for washing, cleaning and flushing toilets.

The city provides potable water to its communities through its contracted service providers who carry a letter or permit authorising them to dispense water.

“Anyone caught selling untested water without a permit will be arrested and prosecuted. Communities are urged to be circumspect of unscrupulous people allegedly taking advantage of the water situation in Hammanskraal by exploiting the vulnerability of people desperate for drinking water,” the City said.

The City has sampled water for testing from its various water distribution points, including hydrants and reservoirs, and the results have not shown any trace of cholera.

Confirmatory test results from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases that will pinpoint the actual source of contamination are still outstanding.

Former Northern Cape Transport, Roads and Public Works MEC, John Block, will today make a brief appearance in the Upington Magistrates’ Court in connection with a R51 million tender fraud charge related to the construction of a mental health hospital.

It is alleged that in 2003, Babereki Consulting Engineers CC was fraudulently awarded a tender as a structural civil engineer and project manager within the mental health hospital construction project.

During his tenure as political head, Block and former Head of Department, Patience Mercia Mokhali, appointed Babereki Consulting Engineers CC through their director, Tshegolekae Motaung, even though the company did not meet the necessary requirements.

The actual contract amounted to approximately R51 million.

The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Northern Cape, Brigadier Prince Mashimbye, welcomed the arrest, saying that they will root out criminality “irrespective of when it happened in order for justice to prevail”.

Block is incarcerated at the Upington Correctional Services centre. He was convicted of fraud, corruption and money laundering in 2015 and sentenced to a 15-year jail term. He, however, only started serving time in 2018 after multiple unsuccessful appeals in the superior courts, including the Constitutional Court.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says safety is one of the major issues affecting growth in the tourism sector.

De Lille said crime must be collectively addressed so that the sector can grow.

Addressing media after meeting the MECs responsible for Tourism and stakeholders in the tourism sector in Sandton on Monday, De Lille said crime affects tourism in many parts of the world.

“South Africa is no different and across the world, countries are grappling with these issues with instability and wars in some countries.”

The Minister said an enhanced visitor experience takes into consideration the improvement of local destinations through cleanliness, safety and security, access to information, as well as provision of quality services and an authentic experience.

“Tourism is not only an economic activity but an essential vehicle that promotes a mutual understanding between a tourist and host community. Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy.

“Safety is one of the major issues affecting the tourism sector and as partners, government and the private sector agreed tourism safety is a priority that we need to address collectively so that we can grow the sector and remove any obstacles standing in the way of that objective.

“We discussed the risks related to tourism and the strategies and actions that need to be implemented to improve tourism safety, as agreed to in the 2018 Tourism Safety Strategy,” De Lille said.

De Lille met with stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority and the SA Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO), to discuss the risks related to tourism safety and measures that need to be implemented to improve tourism safety.

Also taking part in the meeting was the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private sector, including the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).

“As government, we want to form partnerships with the private sector to address this, including deploying more safety tourism monitors, to key tourist sites and using technology to improve tourism safety,” De Lille said.

She said the meeting agreed on the establishment of the National Tourism Safety Forum (NTSF) to coordinate integrated safety response mechanisms for tourists in distress.

De Lille said the meeting agreed on the employment of the Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP).

The Minister said this is part of the broader government intervention that involves training, mentorship and deployment of unemployed youth in identified tourism attractions and sites.

According to De Lille, the key objectives of the TMP are enhancing tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and sites, upskilling of unemployed youth and reducing tourist vulnerabilities.

“The key performance areas of the appointed tourism monitors include, but are not limited to, patrolling within the identified attraction areas, raising tourism awareness and providing information to tourists, and reporting any crime incidents to SAPS and other relevant enforcement agencies,” De Lille said.

Government’s efforts to avoid load shedding at essential service facilities continues with some 76 hospitals already excluded from the rolling power cuts, while work for 46 others is ongoing, says Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.

This as the North Gauteng High Court ordered that hospitals, schools and police stations be exempted from load shedding. The court also gave the Public Enterprises Minister 60 days to ensure that those public facilities have sufficient electricity supply.

According to Gordhan, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) had already initiated efforts with the Health Department and Eskom to identify 213 facilities that need continuous electricity supply.

“The DPE initiated the work to segregate these hospitals, working with the Department of Health. As government, we are continuously working to determine what other facilities can be isolated from the integrated grid. In certain instances it is not possible,” he said.

Turning to load shedding itself, Gordhan said government has increased efforts to increase Eskom’s generation capacity and bring down load shedding.

The power utility continues to battle breakdowns and delays in returning generating units to service at power stations resulting in increased stages of load shedding.

“It is regrettable that as a country we do not have an adequate supply of electricity. This is the reason we have load shedding, and our efforts are targeted at ensuring that our generation capacity is urgently increased.

“The load shedding that is affecting families, schools, health care and business facilities is regrettable. This is not wilful, and it is not in the absence of continued and determined efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of load shedding,” Gordhan said.

The department said Gordhan has cautioned against political point scoring related to load shedding.

“Minister Gordhan said it was disheartening that some political elements were so devoid of any empathy and were seeking to use the suffering caused by load shedding to score cheap political points. Most notable in this regard were the attempts by Build One South Africa (BOSA) Leader Mmusi Maimane to capitalize on the suffering of citizens for political mileage.

“Minister Gordhan said the DPE’s decision to appeal the recent ruling by the North Gauteng High Court on load shedding was about ensuring that current and ongoing efforts to stabilize the national grid were not compromised due to the ongoing need to balance supply and demand for electricity.

“The Government has expressed regret at the hardship that load shedding has imposed upon the citizens and has vowed to press ahead with coordinated efforts to urgently increase the country’s electricity generation capacity to mitigate the impact and the severity of load shedding,” the department said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Madam Justice Mahube Betty Molemela as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) starting from 1 June.

The position became vacant following the appointment of then President of the SCA, Mandisa Maya, to the position of Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court last year.

The President said the appointment is in line with government’s transformation agenda.

“Justice Molemela’s appointment adds impetus to the continuing transformation of key institutions of our democracy, including the judiciary. Justice Molemela is an outstanding jurist who will play a critical role in entrenching justice for all South Africans,” President Ramaphosa said.

A statement by the Presidency explained that Molemela was appointed following consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and party leaders in the National Assembly.

“On 26 January 2023, the President nominated Madam Justice M B Molemela for the vacant position of President of the Supreme Court of Appeal and addressed a letter to the Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) initiating the consultation required in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution.

“The President requested the JSC to indicate its views on Justice Molemela’s suitability for appointment as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. The Commission invited public comment on the candidacy of Justice Molemela, and held a public interview to assess her suitability for the position on 17 April 2023.

“Following the interview, the Chairperson of the JSC and Chief Justice submitted to the President the Commission’s views on the suitability of Justice Molemela to occupy the position of President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

“The Chief Justice indicated that there had been no objections from the public or professional law bodies against Justice Molemela’s candidacy and that she had succeeded in her interview. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of the members of the JSC voted in support of Justice Molemela’s suitability,” the statement read.

Molemela was the Free State Division of the High Court’s first female Judge President and has had a career spanning some 15 years on the bench.

“During her 15 years on the Bench she has served as a Judge President of Free State Division of the High Court for a period of three years before her elevation to the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2018.

“She has also served as a Judge of the Labour and Labour Appeal Court, Acting Judge of the Competition Appeal Court and Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court for two terms in 2015. She holds a B. Proc degree (University of Fort Hare); LLB, LLM and LLD (Honoris Causa) (all three from the University of Free State),” the Presidency said.