Category: Speeches & Statements

With Black Friday sales becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, Premier Alan Winde is urging those retailers selling alcohol at discount prices to do so with caution, and those buying it, to act responsibly.

“We know that South Africa’s economy is under pressure and consumers are feeling the pinch, so bargains look very appealing, especially just ahead of the festive season. But I want to encourage liquor retailers to remain compliant with the liquor legislation, and to check Identity Documents to confirm that they are not selling to minors.”

“I also call on the South African Police Service, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement and the Western Cape Liquor Authority’s (WCLA) inspectors to continue with their routine spot checks to ensure the rule of law is upheld. Retailers are warned that any non-compliance to the law comes with a possible fine of up to R110 000 per offence from the WCLA,” Premier Winde said.

“Alcohol plays a major role in incidents of violence in our society, which is why Community Safety Minister Albert Fritz has been tasked with investigating ways to reduce its harms as part of our safety plan. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women and children, I urge Western Cape residents to use alcohol responsibly, to drink in moderation and to never drink and drive” he said.

“Research has repeatedly shown the correlation between violence and alcohol and substance abuse and we need to ensure that those selling and buying alcohol are doing so with a sense of responsibility,” Premier Winde said.

Data from the Medical Research Council indicates that 67% of domestic violence cases in the Cape Metropole and 76% of cases in rural areas of the South Western Cape were alcohol related. Research by NICRO also indicates that half of male prisoners had consumer alcohol or drugs prior to committing their most recent crime.

The Western Cape Government has worked hard to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and the abuse of alcohol in the province through the Alcohol Harms Reduction Game Changer and the alcohol-related harms reduction policy White Paper.

The province aims to promote responsible liquor production, retail sale, and consumption. Retailers and consumers alike have a responsibility to operate within the prescripts of the law. Any deviation from, or outright flouting of, the law needs to be reported and will be followed up on.

Complaints can be directed to the Western Cape Liquor Authority telephonically on 021 204 9700 or 021 204 9805 or via email: liquor.enquiries@wcla.gov.za

Enqueries:
Bianca Capazorio – Spokesperson for Premier Alan Winde
Tel: 021 488 5004
Cell: 072 372 7044
E-mail: bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za

View original post @ Gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa urges swift police action in the wake of murder of Precious Ramabulana

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called upon the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify the manhunt for the killer of 21-year old Limpopo student Precious Ramabulana, and to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to book swiftly.

Ramabulana was found dead on Sunday in her student accommodation in Mokomene, Limpopo after being attacked by an assailant in the early hours of the morning.

“The savagery inflicted on this young woman – she was reportedly stabbed 52 times, points to a level of depravity that is beyond the comprehensible,” President Ramaphosa said.

“We are horrified at yet another killing of an innocent woman, and we are angry, this simply cannot go on,” the President added.

President Ramaphosa has directed Minister of Police to avail all the necessary resources to support local police in the search for the killer.

On Monday the President launched the annual 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children in Lephalale in Limpopo, where he updated the nation on progress in implementing the National Emergency Response Plan to combat gender-based violence and femicide.

“This week alone our courts have handed down life sentences to three perpetrators convicted of crimes against women and children: we are going to make good on our promise to the women of this country that those who are terrorizing them will be removed from society,” said President Ramaphosa.

At the launch President Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to report gender-based violence and to work with law-enforcement authorities.

“I call upon friends, family and the community: and anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Precious’ killer to come forward,” said President Ramaphosa, adding that “all information will be treated confidentially and the SAPS crime hotline can be reached at 08600 10111.”

“Whoever committed this brutal act must know that there is no corner for you to hide. You will be found, you will be tried, and you will receive the highest penalty,” the President added.

Media enquiries:
Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President
Cell: 072 854 5707

View original post @ Gov.za

Public Education Crime Awareness Campaign

The Department of Safety and Liaison (DSL) in collaboration with the Amantshangase Development Council and Mbizana Local Municipality will be rolling out the Public Education Crime Awareness Campaign in Mbizana. The South African Police Service (SAPS) will form part of the programme as well.

One part of the programme will take the form of prayer session in respect of crime related incidents and road fatalities that had taken place in the area. The other part will be a massive imbizo.

“In this regard, as the Department of Safety and Liaison, we are calling upon all members of the community in the area, to refrain from embarking on criminal activities, instead they should become integral cogs of government in the fight against crime. As government alone we cannot win the fight against crime without the support of the communities.

Communities should now take centre stage and assist the government in exposing the criminal elements so that the people could live in peace and harmony with one another.”

This programme will be graced by the presence of the political leadership from both the provincial and local spheres of Government.

Members of the Media Fraternity are hereby invited to come and cover the programme:

The programme is scheduled as follows:

Date: 28 November 2019 (Thursday)
Time: 9h00am
Venue: Dumsi Village, Amantshangase Administrative Area (Mbizana)

Enquiries:
Michael Msebi: Spokesperson (Head of Communications: Safety and Liaison)
Cell: 079 255 7141 / 0662374464
Tel: 043 605 6803 / 6858/ 6859/ 6831

View original post @ Gov.za

The Minister of Tourism, Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, noted figures released on Tourism and Migration September 2019 as released by Statistics SA.

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane noted with concern the report that revealed that the total number of tourist arrivals (7 562 743) went down by -2.1% (-164 989) for the period January to September 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 (7 727 732). The decline was mostly influenced by a decrease in arrivals from Australasia and Europe with a decrease of 5% and 3.9% respectively.

She stating that: “Although international tourism numbers declined from January to September 2019 compared with the previous year, we are pleased that tourist arrivals from Middle East went up by 4.2% followed by Asia (1.3%), Central and South America (0.3%) and North America (0.2%). It is a good indicator that more focused and aggressive marketing strategies in these regions will yield positive results”

The Minister has led delegations to various markets such as China, Japan and currently visiting Ghana and Nigeria with the aim to increase the numbers of tourists arrivals. Further more here at home more work is been done to engage various stakeholders such Airlines to have joint marketing strategies to see better results. The major impact on the numbers has been the concerns around safety and security of the tourist in our country. We will at the beginning of December jointly with our Stateholders announce our Tourism Safety Strategy and the implementation plans as a response to the concerns raised by our key markets.

“We are committed to reach the target of 21 million arrivals by 2030 and we are working with all the stakeholders in the sector to make this a reality. We realise as we work towards this target, we might experience some fluctuations, but we will ensure that the overall trajectory remains positive”, added the Minister Kubayi-Ngubane

Enquiries:
Ms. Hlengiwe Nhlabathi
Spokesperson
Cell: 0647548426
E-mail: hnhlabathi@gmail.com

View original post @ Gov.za

The Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula has noted a social media video of a member of the public requesting to be shown identification by traffic law enforcement officers.

On the said video, an unidentified member of the public is heard requesting names of two Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department officers who drove off after a short verbal interaction.

Minister Mbalula commends the member of the public for holding traffic officers to account and warns against abuse of power.

“Over the next few days I will launch our Festive Season Road Safety programme. This programme falls within our 365 Road Safety campaign. Through this, we will be conducting law enforcement operations as well as road safety education and awareness throughout the country. Section 3A subsection 7 of the National Road Traffic Act provides for traffic officer to be identifiable. Our law enforcement officers are expected to carry their duties professionally within the ambits of our laws,” Minister Mbalula said.

The National Road Traffic Act provides for traffic officer to be identifiable and members of the public are entitled to request identification or appointment certificates. These measures are put in place to guard against abuse of power and corruption. The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that an officer who cannot or will not provide such identification is in violation of the Act.

Likewise, when a member of the public is stopped by traffic officers, they are obliged to give their names and addresses when requested.

“There are many law enforcement officers who do their jobs diligently with professionalism and dedication. It is these officers who keep our roads safe and ensure we arrive alive at our homes and places of work,” the Minister concluded.

Enquiries:
Ms Ayanda Allie Paine
Cell: 074 823 7979

View original post @ Gov.za

The Minister of Tourism, Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, noted figures released on Tourism and Migration September 2019 as released by Statistics SA.

Minister Kubayi-Ngubane noted with concern the report that revealed that the total number of tourist arrivals (7 562 743) went down by -2.1% (-164 989) for the period January to September 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 (7 727 732). The decline was mostly influenced by a decrease in arrivals from Australasia and Europe with a decrease of 5% and 3.9% respectively.

She stating that: “Although international tourism numbers declined from January to September 2019 compared with the previous year, we are pleased that tourist arrivals from Middle East went up by 4.2% followed by Asia (1.3%), Central and South America (0.3%) and North America (0.2%). It is a good indicator that more focused and aggressive marketing strategies in these regions will yield positive results”

The Minister has led delegations to various markets such as China, Japan and currently visiting Ghana and Nigeria with the aim to increase the numbers of tourists arrivals. Further more here at home more work is been done to engage various stakeholders such Airlines to have joint marketing strategies to see better results. The major impact on the numbers has been the concerns around safety and security of the tourist in our country. We will at the beginning of December jointly with our Stateholders announce our Tourism Safety Strategy and the implementation plans as a response to the concerns raised by our key markets.

“We are committed to reach the target of 21 million arrivals by 2030 and we are working with all the stakeholders in the sector to make this a reality. We realise as we work towards this target, we might experience some fluctuations, but we will ensure that the overall trajectory remains positive”, added the Minister Kubayi-Ngubane

Enquiries:
Ms. Hlengiwe Nhlabathi
Spokesperson
Cell: 0647548426
E-mail: hnhlabathi@gmail.com

View original post @ Gov.za

The Minister of Transport, Mr Fikile Mbalula has noted a social media video of a member of the public requesting to be shown identification by traffic law enforcement officers.

On the said video, an unidentified member of the public is heard requesting names of two Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department officers who drove off after a short verbal interaction.

Minister Mbalula commends the member of the public for holding traffic officers to account and warns against abuse of power.

“Over the next few days I will launch our Festive Season Road Safety programme. This programme falls within our 365 Road Safety campaign. Through this, we will be conducting law enforcement operations as well as road safety education and awareness throughout the country. Section 3A subsection 7 of the National Road Traffic Act provides for traffic officer to be identifiable. Our law enforcement officers are expected to carry their duties professionally within the ambits of our laws,” Minister Mbalula said.

The National Road Traffic Act provides for traffic officer to be identifiable and members of the public are entitled to request identification or appointment certificates. These measures are put in place to guard against abuse of power and corruption. The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that an officer who cannot or will not provide such identification is in violation of the Act.

Likewise, when a member of the public is stopped by traffic officers, they are obliged to give their names and addresses when requested.

“There are many law enforcement officers who do their jobs diligently with professionalism and dedication. It is these officers who keep our roads safe and ensure we arrive alive at our homes and places of work,” the Minister concluded.

Enquiries:
Ms Ayanda Allie Paine
Cell: 074 823 7979

View original post @ Gov.za

Minister congratulates Cape Town for being voted the best city in the world by UK Telegraph readers

Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane would like congratulate Cape Town for being voted best city in the world for seven years in a row by Telegraph readers.

The award was decided by over 39 000 readers who voted as part of the Telegraph Travel Awards survey.

Cape Town won the top spot ahead of other mega tourist cities such as Vancouver, Kyoto, New York, Rome, Florence and many others. “The original Khoi inhabitants named the iconic flat-topped massif “Hoerikwaggo,” Mountain of the Sea, and it is precisely this unique geography, towering mountains that drop, at times perpendicularly, into the vast blue, that is so seductive,” said the Telegraph.

In addition to appreciating splendor of and climbing Table Mountain, tourists can also visit Boulder’s penguins, take a trip to the Winelands for wine tasting surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes and century old architecture, or go on a tour to Robben Island, one of South Africa’s World Heritage Site.

“Cape Town is one of the clear illustration of what makes South Africa a destination of choice for tourists across the globe. The diversity of tourist attractions and the diverse cultures of the multiple population groups that make up the inhabitants of the city makes Cape Town a unique tourist destination.

It is these unique features of the city that provide visitors of the city the most authentic and memorable South African tourist experience,” said Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

Enquiries:
Ms. Hlengiwe Nhlabathi
Spokesperson
Cell: 0647548426
E-mail: hnhlabathi@gmail.com

View original post @ Gov.za

Gauteng Police praised for breaking the back of a syndicate

The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole has welcomed the arrest of a group of suspects and praised police in Gauteng for their efforts in breaking the back of what appears to be a theft syndicate.

This morning, following a high-speed chase and a shootout between police and suspects at around 4am, a suspect was killed and four others, including a wounded suspect, were arrested on the R21 highway near Olifantsfontein.

Members from various units of the SAPS including Crime Intelligence, Pretoria K9 Unit, SAPS Highway Patrol and private security, acting on intelligence, were looking out for suspects that were going to travel on the R21 Highway.

According to intelligence, these suspects were allegedly part of a syndicate involved in burglaries, theft of motor bikes, boats, trailers and other high value items in the Gauteng and neighbouring provinces. The team spotted a bakkie towing a trailer carrying a suspected stolen motorbike followed by an escort vehicle with foreign registration plates as identified in the intelligence.

In trying to stop the suspect vehicles, a high speed chase ensued. In the process the driver of the bakkie tried to push the police vehicles off the road by swerving into them. A shootout followed forcing the suspects’ Toyota Hilux as well as the escort vehicle to come to a halt. One suspect was killed and four suspects were subsequently arrested.

Police also recovered two firearms from the suspects and seized the bakkie as well as the escort vehicle at the scene. “This multi-disciplinary integrated approach has once again proven to be one of the most effective approaches in dealing with crime in this country”, said General Sitole.

We continue to implore on anyone who may have information on crime to contact the SAPS via the MySAPSApp or the Crime Stop 086 00 10111. Informers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidence. Together we can archive more.

Enquiries:
Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo
Spokesperson for the National Commissioner
Cell: 082 567 4153

View original post @ Gov.za

The National Consumer Commission, (the NCC) will brief members of the media on the outcomes of its investigation on Ford Kuga 1.6 Eco-boost and settlement negotiations between the Commission and Ford Motor Company of South Africa.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 29 November  2019
Time: 11h00
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

NB: Members of the media based in Cape Town are advised that there will be a video link at Imbizo Media Centre, 120 Plein Street, Parliament, Cape Town

Enquiries and RSVP: P
hetho Ntaba
Cell: 082 809 2031
Tel: 012 428 7762
Email: P.Ntaba@thencc.org.za

Issued on behalf of National Consumer Commission

View original post @ Gov.za