Archives

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has opened a first of its kind, smart Driving Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC) at the Gautrain Midrand station.

The new pilot DLTC, which was built using alternative building materials, is completely off the grid, guaranteeing customers minimal disruptions and a quick, convenient service along the Gautrain line.

“This state-of-the-art facility gives us an opportunity to efficiently deliver licences and other related services to the people. Working together with GMA and RTMC, in just over two months we have delivered this facility,” MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, said on Thursday.

The centre is part of four new stations set to be delivered by the department, together with the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), to add capacity that will help to address the driver licence card renewal backlogs in Gauteng.

Through the use of smart technology, the new DLTC promises to halve the time it takes for customers to complete the process of renewing their driver licence cards while on the move.

“This additional capacity will make it more convenient for customers to access services. Last year, we introduced two new smart DLTCs at Waterfall Estate, City of Joburg and Eco Park in the City of Tshwane. These new generation DLTCs are the benchmark we are setting ourselves as we look at modernising all our facilities across the province,” Mamabolo said.

The centre will also provide full online and cashless services as part of the provincial government commitment to exploring new technologies and process optimisation.

The centre will operate from 8am – 5pm from Monday – Friday, and from 9am – 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola says the President, as a victim of crime, has a right to be treated fairly by the justice system.

The Minister said this when he participated in a debate on the Presidency budget vote during a sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday.

“We must not lose sight of the fact that we are not dealing with a situation where the money that was stolen is not from the fiscus, this money was stolen from the farm of the President, he [the President] is a victim of crime,” he said.

Lamola said the President has committed to the nation that he will cooperate with the investigation.

“He is not evading nor interfering with the work of law enforcement agencies. He has no history of such interference.

“The President also has a right to be treated fairly by the system, his side of the story must be heard, the basic principle of audi al patrem must also be applicable to him,” he said.

Lamola said when the constitution says everyone is equal before the law, it also means a President must also be treated fairly like any other citizen.

Due process must be allowed to take its cause, he said.

“We must not jump the gun, we must be patient as we would have demanded if it was us involved.

“Our constitution and resilient institutions will not enable any form of interference.”

Government pursuing state capture beneficiaries without fear or favour

Lamola said former government communicator, Joel Netshitendze, famously said the beneficiaries of state capture would not go down without a fight.

“I dare say they will not succeed, our institutions have proven over time that they are resilient. The 6th administration as led by the President has allowed the law enforcement agencies to do their work without any fear, favour or prejudice.”

He said the institutions are attending to matters irrespective of any political affiliation, the facts and the law guide them.

“The Special Investigating Unit [SIU] is clawing back on malfeasance and corruption, the HAWKS and the ID are at work.

“The era of impunity is gone, and the rule of law is reigning supreme.”

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says it is aware of unsigned messages and posters circulating on various social media platforms calling for a national shutdown.

In a statement, the NATJOINTS warned those behind these messages and reminded that prohibiting people’s freedom of movement is a criminal offence.

NATJOINTS spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said: “Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilize communities to respond to the shutdown.

“The NATJOINTS is calling on all people in South Africa to work together with law enforcement authorities to uphold and enforce the law. Any action aimed at contravening the law, will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law. To this end, the NATJOINTS is calling for the cooperation of the public”.

Mathe said the NATJOINTS met on Wednesday and were briefed by the Intelligence Coordinating Committee (ICC) on the validity of the call for a National Shutdown.

“The Intelligence community is closely monitoring the situation and the associated risks,” she said.

With this said, Mathe said law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality.

“The respective PROVJOINTS have been directed to ensure multidisciplinary deployments and that the necessary contingency plans are in place.

“The NATJOINTS assures members of the public that enforcement of the law will be executed within relevant prescripts to ensure stability in the country,” she said.

Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele has reiterated government’s commitment to pay out the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grants (SRD Grant) to beneficiaries.

This after media reported that some grant beneficiaries had not received payments for up to three months.

“This government will always fulfil whatever undertaking it has [with regards to the SRD]. If there was a period of non-payment… on behalf of this government, we will make that apology.

“But as along as those SRDs are due, in line with the President’s commitment, they will be paid,” Gungubele said.

The Minister was briefing media on Thursday after Cabinet’s meeting.

He said the executive has welcomed the launch of the Social Employment Fund.

The fund is a partnership between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Presidency and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

“The support will provide bridging employment opportunities for up to 50 000 young persons in socially-useful work being done in local communities.

“The support will include health and community care, food and nutrition support like soup kitchens, promotion of literacy, greening and climate change mitigation programmes, as well as youth support initiatives.  The fund will support 26 community and not-for-profit enterprises,” he said.

Gungubele said Cabinet also reflected on last month’s launch of the Black Exporters Network by the dtic.

“Cabinet also welcomed the establishment of the Black Exporters Network by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, to bring together black-owned firms, which are currently exporting locally-made goods to other parts of the world.

“The network will enable the sharing of information, experience and know-how, and builds on successes from the Black Industrialists Programme,” he said.

Health matters

Cabinet has reiterated that health officials in South Africa remain on high alert to deal with the outbreak of the Monkeypox virus.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that more than 1 000 cases of the virus have been reported across 29 countries.

“Cabinet [assures] South Africans that our health authorities are on high alert to monitor and prevent Monkeypox disease, following its outbreak in several non-endemic countries. Although no positive case has so far been detected or reported in South Africa, health authorities in the country continue to monitor the situation very closely”, he said.

Turning to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minister called on South Africans to remain vigilant.

“Cabinet reminds everyone that COVID-19 has not been eradicated and the risks of new infections will increase during the winter season. We must continue to take all the necessary precautions to safeguard ourselves and other people. This includes washing or sanitising hands regularly, wearing a mask when indoors, keeping a safe social distance, opening windows for ventilation and vaccinating,” Gungubele said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating the source of the stench over parts of Gauteng in the past two days.

On Thursday, the department noted concerns about the strong smell.

“The … Department is working with environmental and air quality officials in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and North West to determine the cause of the stench, and whether prevailing wind and weather conditions have contributed to the smell travelling over a long distance from another province, as was the case when a similar incident was reported in 2021,” the department said.

Cabinet has welcomed the arrest of several individuals in connection with fraud, money laundering and corruption in the country.

These include former high ranking state and parastatal employees, some of whom face charges relating to the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

Addressing reporters during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said the arrests “bear testimony to the fact that no one is above the law and that there is no space for dishonest employees in the public sector”.

Among those arrested is a Home Affairs official at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Centre in Pretoria who allegedly accepted a bribe from a foreign national.

He said Cabinet also welcomed the progress being made on the extradition of the Gupta brothers, Rajesh and Atul, back to South Africa.

The pair was last week arrested in Dubai in the UAE after the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) had issued red notices.

The brothers are wanted in South Africa in connection with their alleged role in state capture, including fraud and money laundering.

Gungubele said discussions between law-enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on their extradition are underway.

“Their arrest demonstrates government’s determination to fight crime and corruption without fear or favour.

“These arrests demonstrate that processes and mechanisms are working effectively to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions and ensure that no one is above the law,” he said.

Cabinet condemns malicious damage 

During the meeting, Cabinet also condemned the blatant attempt to undermine the country’s economy following the malicious damage to a cable at Unit 1 of Eskom’s Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga.

He said: “This was the fourth incident of suspected sabotage at a power station after similar incidents were reported at three other power stations in the past few weeks.

“The recent crime statistics are a reflection that we must do more as a society to make our communities safer. This reality reminds us that reducing crime is a societal responsibility and that all of us – including the police, political leaders, communities, families, business people, workers and civil society – should play our part in fighting crime”.

He said Cabinet was confident that the additional funds that have been prioritised by the Ministry of Police for a number of police stations that have a high number of murders, rapes and other violent crime and will help turn the tide and create safer communities for all.

Cabinet has approved that public consultations be undertaken on proposals to restrict the trade of illegally obtained scrap and processed metals.

Addressing reporters following this week’s Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said the theft of scrap metal and copper cable from public infrastructure hinders the performance of the economy by imposing enormous costs.

“Some of the disruptions include the supply of energy and rail services due to vandalised rail tracks. They impose additional transport costs on commuters due to disrupted commuter transport. Vandalised and unsecured electricity cables pose safety risks to communities, especially children.”

Gungubele said Cabinet directed that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition lead the consultations within a limited period, and solicit inputs from the public and relevant sectors.

The consultations will seek effective measures that government can implement to stop the vandalising of critical economic infrastructures.

Thereafter, Cabinet will pronounce on the approved measures, Gungubele said.

Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, says Cabinet is confident the newly appointed members of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Advisory Council will provide government with additional guidance on transformation matters.

Gungubele was speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday.

The 14-member council was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Members were drawn from various sectors, including business, trade unions, community-based organisations and academia.

Gungubele allayed concerns from some quarters on the quality of the individuals on the council, saying diverse and wide ranging views emanating from within the council will make it stronger.

“The council comprises a diverse group of people from business, trade unions, community-based organisations and academia, who will be responsible for guiding government on the transformation of the economy.

“Anyone who is in the council is treated in their individual capacity. A lot of people who are in that council belong in one way or another to some forum, and in [those forums have their] own principles. Whatever [they] do in [those forums, they] will be judged on that. This will be no different (sic),” Gungubele said.

The new members of the council, as announced by the Presidency, are:

• Kganki Matabane, Chief Executive Officer of the Black Business Council (BBC)
• Gloria Serobe, a veteran of black business
• Nthabiseng Moleko, an academic and specialist on industrial development funding
• Sibongile Sambo, who operates a company in the aviation services sector
• Sibusiso Maphatiane, an industrialist who runs his own metal foundry business
• Ajay Lalu, a chartered accountant and B-BBEE specialist
• Louise Thipe, a senior leader in the labour movement
• Makale Ngwenya, a trade unionist and researcher
• Kashif Wicomb, who leads the Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF)
• Lulu Gwagwa, an academic, spatial development planner and businessperson
• Thulani Tshefuta, who represents the community constituency and the youth movement at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC)
• James Hodge, Chief Economist of the Competition Commission
• Khathu Lambani Makwela, a director of a company in the healthcare sector
• Irene Dimakatso Morati, an internal auditor

Gungubele said ensuring the empowerment of black people within the economy remains paramount to government.

“While there has been remarkable progress in reversing apartheid’s distortions on the economy, more work still needs to be done in increasing black management control, upscaling skills development and broadening procurement to give opportunities to black women and the youth,” he said.

Government is prioritising the provision of food, water and shelter for people displaced during the devastating floods in April and May.

Addressing media following Cabinet’s meeting this week, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said ongoing government relief efforts in the provinces affected by the floods are making a significant impact. This includes the repair of damaged infrastructure.

While KwaZulu-Natal was hardest hit, the floods also caused significant damage in the Eastern Cape, North West and Free State.

“Extensive work is underway to restore basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation and waste removal,” said Gungubele.

About R189.22 million is being used for the upgrade of the Informal Settlements Programme, aimed at improving the quality of life of those living in informal settlements.

“An additional R733.086 million has been allocated through the Human Settlements Development Grant to assist in the creation of sustainable and integrated human settlements,” Gungubele said.

Cabinet has welcomed the humanitarian aid from the State of Qatar in the form of foodstuff, clothing, generators, water purifiers, ventilators, tents and medical supplies.

The donation is expected to benefit over 4 000 citizens temporarily housed in community care centres.

“Cabinet also welcomed the humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the form of foodstuff and water to assist victims of the recent floods,” said Gungubele.

Out of a total of 267 municipalities registered with the Compensation Fund (CF) only 147 were submitting their returns to the Fund, according to the Department of Employment and Labour.

The department said that this conduct exposes millions of workers faced with the risks of occupational hazards to inadequate cover.

Chief Director: Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Services at Compensation Fund, Julian Soupen, said the 55% compliance rate means that a high number of workers were receiving the short end of the stick due to high levels of non-compliance in the workplace.

“It is concerning, it means that 45% of employers at municipalities were not submitting returns and this means that their employees were not covered for occupational injuries and diseases sustained at work.

“The implication is that these municipalities are liable for fines and penalties for non-compliance. This is over and above the fees they are obligated to pay to the Fund,” Soupen said.

Soupen was speaking during the joint seminar by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Compensation Fund, the Limpopo provinical department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement & Traditional Affairs in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The seminar is targeted at local government custodians in a drive to ensure the protection and health of workers while ensuring that organisations at local government comply with Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The two-day seminar at Protea Hotel (The Ranch) in Polokwane is held under the theme: “Compensation Fund working with municipalities on COIDA to protect vulnerable workers”.

Soupen said the expectation for employers in terms of the Act is that it needs to be complied with.

He further said the CF expects employers to comply by registering, ensure that the fees are fully paid, and the registration is done properly.

He warned that if these legislative requirements were not followed, cover for employees will not be adequate.

In as far as the province of Limpopo was concerned, Soupen said that 27 municipalities were registered with the CF and 21 of those were submitting their returns to the Fund.

He said the 78% compliance rate in the province was commendable and it was one of the highest in the country at this level of government.

“I wish to commend the leadership of Limpopo Province who are complying in that regard,” he said.

According to Soupen, the CF was always willing to engage with its stakeholders to ensure compliance.

The Compensation Fund exists to administer the COID Act. Its main objective is to provide compensation for disability, illness and death resulting from occupational injuries and diseases.

In terms of the COID Act, employers must register with the Compensation Fund and pay an annual assessment fee based on their workers’ earnings and the risks associated with the type of work being done.

Soupen said in terms of legislation, there were only nine municipalities in South Africa that were classified as exempted. He said those municipalities that are classified as exempted employers do not have to pay fees to the CF, they are however responsible to keep reserves to meet the costs related to occupational injuries and diseases.

“The reserves that they are expected to keep is assessed and signed off by the CF, and once the Fund is satisfied that the level of reserves held by those municipalities is sufficient to cover the operational costs of occupational injuries and diseases they are issued with certificate of exemption,” he emphasized.

Soupen reminded employers that, “the Act provides for adequate financial assistance to victims of injuries and diseases”.

He said that access to immediate medical care was critical and it was paramount to an employee who is a victim of injury or disease.

“The longer that is prolonged, it puts the health of the employee at risk and it would make treatment of the employee a little difficult. We have found out that in some instances there is a long delay from the time of the incident and the time employees getting medical attention.

“I wish to implore employers to ensure that when such incidents do happen that priority is given to their employees getting medical care,” Soupen said.

In the period of 2019–2022 the CF had recorded 1155 claims, and 38% of these have been finalized.

Soupen said 50% of those claims are still outstanding – waiting for information from employers to facilitate the outstanding claims.

The department has appealed to municipalities to get in touch with the CF to assist in ensuring compliance.

Soupen added that a healthy workforce in the region, means that the region is economically viable, self-sufficient and has a healthy work force.

The seminar enters its second and final day today and is targeted at: Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers, Directors Corporate Services & Human Resources Managers/Officers.