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The Department of Correctional Services says it is going to take strong action against one of its officials for allegedly having intimate relations with an inmate.

The department on Tuesday said it is appalled by a video doing the rounds on social media, depicting sexual activity between the official and an inmate at Ncome Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Sexual activities between inmates and Correctional officials are shameful incidents that can never be ascribed to what is expected of our officials.

“The official involved has been identified and she will be subjected to a disciplinary process with immediate effect. Disciplinary measures have also been instituted against the inmate.

“Correctional Services officials are expected to abide by a code of conduct, and despicable acts of sexual activities with inmates shall never be tolerated.

“We appeal to those in possession of the video to refrain from disseminating it,” the department said.

Eskom has announced that load shedding will be reduced to stage 1 from stage 2 as of today.

Stage 1 will continue until 5am on Saturday, as the power system remains severely constrained.

“Since Monday, Eskom teams successfully returned four generation units at Kusile, Grootvlei, Kriel and Matla, as well as the Cahora Bassa line from Mozambique. However, this has not been sufficient to suspend load shedding at this point.

“During this period, we have lost generation capacity at Medupi, Arnot and Komati power stations,” said the power utility.

Meanwhile, the delayed return to service of four other units is prolonging the need to continue implementing power cuts, and Eskom said it is working hard to return the units back to service as soon as possible.

The utility said 13 443MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays. “This has led to our inability to supply the full demand.”

Eskom has once again reminded citizens that it will continue to implement reliability maintenance and as such, the system will continue to be constrained.

This means the possibility of load shedding remains elevated.

“Eskom requests the public to continue using electricity sparingly, as the system remains vulnerable and unpredictable, and we will communicate timeously, should there be any significant changes to the power system,” the company said.

South Africa has logged 613 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the latest statistics have revealed.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, 15 023 tests were performed in the reporting cycle, which represents a 4% positivity rate.

This means there are now 1 530 033 people who were confirmed to have contracted the virus since the outbreak in South Africa.

Meanwhile, 95 more people died due to COVID-19 related complications on Monday, pushing the death toll to 51 421 since the outbreak.

Of the latest fatalities, 32 are from the North West, 22 from KwaZulu-Natal and 10 from the Western Cape.

Six provinces recorded single-digit deaths, eight of which were in Gauteng, seven in the Eastern Cape, six in the Free State, five in the Northern Cape, four in Mpumalanga and one in Limpopo.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” said the Minister.

The recovery rate remains at 95% after 1 455 325 patients beat the respiratory disease.

In addition, the country currently has 23 287 active cases, most of which are in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng.

The information is based on the 9 465 515 tests done since the first case was reported last year.

In addition, the number of health care workers vaccinated is 147 753 as of 6.30 pm on 15 March.

Globally, there have been 119 603 761 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 2 649 722 deaths, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

WHO is also reporting that 391 932 342 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide as of 14 March.

Department of Cooperative Governance Director-General (DG), Avril Williamson, has emphasised the institutionalisation of long-range planning in the development of Port St Johns as a new coastal city.

This, she said, could be realised through the District Development Model (DDM) as a key element to realising full potential.

Williamson made the remarks while delivering the keynote address during the Port St Johns (PSJ) Local Municipality Strategic Planning Session on behalf of COGTA Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

In a statement, the department said the strategic planning session presented an opportunity for reflection on the performance of PSJ and to reimagine its future within the context of the DDM.

The municipality, said the department, is in an important position as it is located within the first pilot site launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa – the OR Tambo District Municipality – in 2019.

In her keynote address, Williamson reflected on the endowment of the PSJ, which is rich with pristine coastal line, complemented by fertile land. The municipality is home to diverse flora and fauna under state and communal ownership as well as a rich history and heritage.

She said: “Comparatively PSJ and the entire district have untapped potential and an unmatched potential for ecotourism and diversified marine biology”.

The DG further spoke about the spatial construct of 600kms between eThekwini and Buffalo City, which does not have a city in between and could be an integral part of the coastal belt plan linking Alexander Bay to Kosi Bay with inland and other hub development.

The department said the DG emphasised the institutionalisation of long-range planning through the DDM as a key element to realising the potential of a new coastal city.

She also emphasised the importance of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), which are more central to people development service provision and good governance.

“To this end, the IDPs and One Plan have to be integrated so as to have a positive impact on communities. The OR Tambo DDM Hub is important as it is an extension of the CoGTA support system and a resource capacity for all municipalities in the OR Tambo district particularly as it pertains to shared services to facilitate integrated planning across the three spheres of government,” said the DG.

Williamson said continued support of the pilot and PSJ continued through the Hub. The hub champions the development of master plans for water, electricity, and sanitation and road infrastructure to drive inclusive and integrated development for the community of PSJ.

The DG in her address also expressed appreciation at the opportunity to attend the session and wished the municipality and all its stakeholders well as they deliberate and chart the way forward.

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has appealed to students who applied on time for a place at all public institutions but not offered a place to study, to contact the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) for help.

The Central Application Clearing House is a system meant to assist individuals to access university, college and skills development opportunities following unsuccessful applications before the publication of their Grade 12 results.

The system opened on 22 February 2021 as an online service designed and introduced by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Nzimande explained that CACH is particularly useful for applicants or individuals who have applied for admission to a university or college in time in 2020, and meet the entry requirements when their Grade 12 results are released, but have not been offered a place in their programme of choice.

CACH is also useful for prospective students who had applied and met the entry requirement based on their Grade 11 results, but find that they currently do not meet the entry requirements when their Grade 12 results are released.

“CACH also provides referrals to Career Development Services, funding opportunities, and skills development opportunities including artisan programmes and learnerships. Institutions with skills development or study opportunities will then select potential students from the CACH database and make direct contact with those selected,” said the Minister on Monday.

The service follows different phases namely:

• Phase 1: Individuals looking for space in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system can SMS their name and ID Number to 31629 and be called back free of charge. Individuals can also register or sign up online via the website http://cach.dhet.gov.za
• Phase 2: In the case of an SMS, the agents will call a prospective student back free of charge. The agents will then register all requested details on the CACH database, indicating the learners’ chosen field of study and the province they wish to study.
• Phase 3: The applicant’s details and matric results will be confirmed, verified, and automatically transferred to institutions of higher learning for possible admission and placement on confirmation by the applicant.
• Phase 4: Where places exist and applicants meet the requirements, institutions will contact applicants directly to offer them available places.

The CACH 2021 service will be available until the end of April 2021. The sign-up service operates from Mondays to Friday between 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina has reminded regulators with consumer protection mandate to continue with their efforts to put a spotlight on consumer rights.

“We all know that South African consumers are still grappling with the effects of COVID-19, I urge the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and other regulators in the consumer protection space to leave no stone unturned when dealing with unscrupulous suppliers that are exploiting consumers,” Gina said.

Gina said that government is also aware that some scammers are always trying to outsmart regulators, and their commitment to consumer protection must keep up with the pace of these predators.

“Consumer protection depends entirely on these bodies, it is therefore imperative to remember your role and mandate,” said Gina.

Gina made the call during World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) observed on Monday, under the theme ‘Protecting Consumers during COVID-19’.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Free State Department of Economic Small Business Development and Environmental Affairs, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), National Credit Regulator (NCR), and other various regulatory bodies under the umbrella of Consumer Protection Forum; hosted a webinar to commemorate the day.

The Department’s Deputy Director-General of Consumer Protection and Corporate Regulation, Dr Evelyn Masotja, noted that the purpose of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA No 68 of 2008) is to promote and advance social and economic welfare of consumers in South Africa.

Acting National Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza said this year’s theme is aligned to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

As champions of consumer protection, Mabuza said they have to look at pertinent issues affecting consumers during this time, and find ways to address them.

“A multidisciplinary team of national and provincial government departments as well as regulators with mandates relevant to consumer protection in business compliance, started with inspections in different parts of the Free State last week, to nudge the market to comply with the provisions of the Act. Our team of investigators issued compliance notices to businesses flaunting the CPA and other laws of the country,” Mabuza said.

Mabuza also reassured South Africans that as consumer protection bodies in the space, they will not rest until South Africans know their consumer rights.

“Consumer protection is in our hands. We would only declare victory when the bulk of our consumers are able to fight for their rights when faced with unscrupulous suppliers,” Mabuza said.

Consumer Law Module

In launching a Consumer Law Module to be offered to fourth year students, Ntando Ncamane from the University of Fort Hare said the module will focus on various Acts, including the CPA, National Credit Act (NCA), and the Community Schemes Ombuds Services Acts (CSOSA).

“This module will be useful to those who intend to gain knowledge in the consumer law space and will equip learners who intend to pursue careers in the consumer law. Over time, the university will gradually introduce short courses to consumer protection practitioners,” Ncamane highlighted.

About consumer rights

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually to highlight fundamental consumer rights.

The Bill of Rights enshrines the rights of all South Africans – including consumer rights. The Consumer Protection Act further outlines these key consumer rights, of which all South African consumers should be aware.

These include right to equality in the Consumer Market and Protection Against Discriminatory Marketing Practices; right to privacy; right to choose; right to disclosure of information; right to fair and responsible marketing; right to fair and honest dealing; and right to fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions.

Consumers also have the right to fair value, good quality and safety; as well as right to accountability by suppliers.

On this day (WCRD), consumer protection regulators raise awareness about consumer rights while suppliers are also reminded to adhere to the prescripts of the law.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has denied shooting and wounding a person during the ongoing student protests in Johannesburg on Monday.

In a statement, SAPS spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said police had taken note of a video circulating and reports of a female that was “shot” during protests in Braamfontein.

“The SAPS can report that none of its members deployed in Braamfontien had fired any shots during the said protests. However, in an effort to disperse volatile crowds, a smoke grenade was used in one incident and water cannons in others,” he said.

The incident had not been officially reported to the SAPS, which made it difficult to ascertain the nature of the student’s injuries as well as the circumstances under which the injuries were sustained.

“Police are looking forward to interviewing the student as well as obtaining the medical report regarding this matter,” said Naidoo.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that four members of the SAPS’ public order policing unit would appear before court tomorrow for the murder of Mthokozisi Ntumba.

Ntumba, a bystander who had just left a Johannesburg CBD clinic, was last week killed when police allegedly fired shots at protesting students in the vicinity.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the role played by traditional leaders in the development of their communities.

“The institution of traditional leadership continues to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around our country, especially in rural areas. Traditional leaders support and drive development in their communities,” said the President in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

The President said that in the last few months, the country has bid farewell to two respected traditional monarchs with the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu and Kgoshikgolo Thulare Thulare III.

“With their passing, we have lost champions of the preservation of our heritage, and revered custodians of the histories of their respective peoples.

“At the same time, they were vital players in rural development, and were committed to driving programmes to uplift the material conditions of their people,” said the President.

President Ramaphosa said the restoration of the integrity and legitimacy of traditional leadership in line with indigenous law and customs and subject to the Constitution of the Republic, was a priority of the new government at the advent of democracy in 1994.

Last week the President participated in the debate on the opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders.

“What was particularly refreshing about the robust engagement was that traditional leadership has a keen appreciation of the difficult economic conditions facing our country, and want to be part of addressing the many challenges of underdevelopment and poverty in their areas.”

This as the President has reiterated that South Africa’s economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic must be inclusive, and that nobody must be left behind.

“The success of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan rests on forging strong partnerships between not just government, business and labour, but also with traditional leadership and other societal formations,” he said.

Traditional leaders at the debate highlighted that they do not want to be dependent on handouts or for their communities to perpetually look to government for financial assistance.

Centres of economic activity

“They want to be provided with the necessary support, training and enabling environment to allow rural communities to be self-sufficient. They want to bridge the urban-rural divide in access to government services and private sector resources.”

In addition, traditional leaders would like to see rural areas becoming centres of economic activity, industry and employment opportunity.

This said the President, mirrors the aspirations of the District Development Model, which was launched in 2019.

At the same time, the President noted that traditional leaders are well positioned to ensure that district plans are informed by and respond to the real needs of communities and that they reflect the lived reality in rural areas.

He said just as the development model supports localised programmes that focus on the needs, strengths and opportunities in specific areas, traditional leaders have pioneered their own approach to local economic development.

“They have developed the InvestRural Masterplan, which was launched in North West last month. It is greatly encouraging that traditional leaders have rallied behind the plan and want to work with local authorities to ensure it is a success.”

At last week’s debate a number of participants outlined economic plans that are already in advanced stages of development ranging from agricultural projects to bioprospecting to renewable energy.

“What was evident is that the institution of traditional leadership understands that professionalisation is necessary for rural businesses in the form of SMMEs and cooperatives to become part of the mainstream economy.”

“The traditional leaders who spoke presented their vision of ‘developmental monarchs’, who see themselves as not just custodians of heritage but also as drivers of economic prosperity and progress. They have identified several projects and economic opportunities that will create jobs and improve livelihoods in rural areas,” said the President.

Meanwhile, traditional leaders have expressed their willingness to play an active part in the land reform process.

Since 2018, traditional leaders have made around 1,500,000 hectares of communal land available for development, and it is hoped this will increase in future.

“To develop a coordinated and sustainable strategy, we have agreed to hold a Presidential Land Summit in the next year. This will discuss pressing issues around land reform and its impact on communal land, much of which is located in rural areas,” said President Ramaphosa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation R21 of 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the North West Department of Public Works and Roads.

“The proclamation authorises the SIU to look into transactions which took place between 1 January 2016 and 12 March 2021, the date of proclamation.

“The SIU is also authorised to look into transactions that took place after the date of the proclamation, which are relevant to, connected with, incidental or involve the same persons, entities or contracts investigated,” said the SIU in a statement on Monday.

The SIU investigation in the department will focus on the following:

-The procurement of or contracting for works or services by or on behalf of the department relating to:

(a) Project management for the Transport Infrastructure Directorate of the Department

(b) The rehabilitation of flood damaged road infrastructure in the North West province and

(c) The installation of perimeter fencing at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, and payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective, or contrary to applicable legislation and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.

– Any unlawful or improper conduct by the employees or officials of the department or applicable service providers, or any other person or entity in relation to the allegations.

“The SIU will exercise all its legislative powers to subpoena, search and seize evidence and interrogate witnesses under oath during the investigation.”

Stage 2 load shedding is set to continue until 5am on Wednesday, Eskom has announced.

“Over the past two days, Eskom teams successfully returned a generation unit each at the Matimba and Medupi power station. However, during the weekend we have suffered further breakdowns at five power stations, putting further strain on the generation capacity,” Eskom said in a statement on Sunday.

The power utility said generation capacity is still severely constrained. Load shedding has been implemented since Wednesday.

On Sunday, the utlitity said additional breakdowns have occurred at Tutuka, Majuba, Kusile, Matimba and Duvha, adding to previous breakdowns at the Kriel and Kendal power stations.

“Further to this we have had delays in units returning to service at Hendrina, Duvha and restoring full load on the Cahora Bassa line.

“We currently have 6 545MW on planned maintenance, while another 12 915MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays. This has led to our inability to supply the demand,” Eskom said.

The power utility said its working hard to return the units back to service.

Eskom will continue to assess and communicate promptly as the situation changes.

As previously communicated, Eskom continues to implement reliability maintenance during this period, and as such, the system will continue to be constrained, with the possibility of load shedding remaining elevated.

Eskom has requested the public to continue using electricity sparingly as the system remains vulnerable and unpredictable, and we will communicate timeously should there be any significant changes to the power system.