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The Department of Water and Sanitation has urged residents of KwaZulu-Natal to use water sparingly, as it continues to implement bulk water supply projects in various parts of the province.

The department is currently working around the clock to implement the Skhemelele, Mtikini and Tembe Water Supply Projects.

On Wednesday, the department said it is particularly concerned over the decline of water levels at one of the province’s largest dams, Albert Falls.

According to a weekly report on dam levels issued by the department, the Albert Falls dam level is at 28.6%, down from last week’s 29.3%. This time last year, the dam level stood at 32.6%.

The province’s average storage capacity has, however, recorded a slight increase, registering 53.4%, up from last week’s 53.3%.

The department’s spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, said most of KwaZulu-Natal’s dams have recorded fairly good levels in the current week due to the recent rainfall.

“We have noted that dams being supplied by Umgeni Water Supply System are actually above average. These include Midmar Dam at 92.5%, Nagle Dam at 75.8% and Inanda Dam at 83.0%.

“The dams recorded 92.4%, 72.8% and 82.2% in the previous week, respectively,” Ratau said.

Hazelmere Dam has also slightly increased from last week’s 43.9% to 44.0%. The dam recorded 45.7% during this time last year.

Spioenkop Dam remains unchanged at 86.4%, while Pongolapoort Dam has declined from 39.2% last week, to 38.7% this week.

Vaal Dam

The Vaal Dam has seen a decline this week, after recording an upsurge for three consecutive weeks, which progressively placed it in a reasonably stable position.

Prior to the increases, the Vaal Dam was facing a dire situation, as its levels continued to take a nosedive for a protracted period.

This week, the dam level fell from last week’s 36.1% to 35.9%. During the same period last year, it stood below the 50% mark at 40.6%.

Grootdraai Dam has also slightly dropped from 82.9% last week, to 82.5% this week.

Contrary to the Vaal and Grootdraai Dams, Sterkontein Dam, which is located just outside the Free State town of Harrismith, has increased from 94.9% last week, to 95% this week.

Bloemfoh Dam also increased from 81.2% last week, to 82.0% this week.

In Lesotho, Africa’s second largest double-curvature arch dam, the Katse is currently sitting at 25.6%.  Also in Lesotho, Mohale Dam is in a depressed state, as it sits in shrunken state of 4.5%.

Integrated Vaal River System continues to rise

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which consists of 14 dams, continued to rise this week. Presently, the IVRS is 57.4% full.

The department said it remains cautious about the position of the Vaal Dam and the entire system IVRS.

“This will help to avoid any dire situation and to ensure that water supply is not interrupted. The department believes that working together to save water will preserve the limited resource for the long-term,” the department said.

It urged water users, including businesses and households, to continuously inspect all internal plumbing, taps, geysers and toilets for any signs of leaks.

“Leakages are responsible for a huge amount of water losses, and so their detection and prompt fixing could save a lot of water,” the department said.

The COVID-19 death toll has now reached 21 644 after 109 more people succumbed to the respiratory disease on Tuesday.

Of the latest fatalities, 36 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, 27 in the Western Cape, 17 in the North West, 12 each in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, and five in Gauteng.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Meanwhile, the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases has risen to 792 299 after 2 295 patients were confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Gauteng has 235 193 cases since the outbreak, followed by the Western Cape with 132 865 cases, Eastern Cape 128 889 and KwaZulu-Natal 128 152.

The Free State has a total of 59 058 cases, North West 34 871, Mpumalanga 31 434, Northern Cape 23 213 and Limpopo 18 624.

Global view

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), global cases remained high at approximately four million new infections, even though a slight downward trend was observed.

However, according to the WHO’s COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update, deaths continue to rise, with over 69 000 new fatalities reported worldwide.

America remained the major contributor for new weekly cases last week.

“Although the European region reported a continued decrease in new weekly cases, it still accounts for the second greatest proportion of new weekly cases, while death rates have continued to increase and accounted for approximately half of the new global deaths in the past week,” the agency explained.

The Eastern Mediterranean region registered a slight decline in both cases and deaths last week, after four months of continued increases.

Also, a small increase was reported in the African and South-East Asia regions, and more substantively from the Western Pacific region last week.

In the past week, the United States reported the highest number of new cases of over 1.1 million cases (0.3% increase from the previous week), India (over 297 000 cases, 6% increase), Brazil (over 218 000 new cases, 4% increase), Italy (over 184 000 new cases, 22% decrease) and Russian Federation (over 179 000 new cases, 10% increase).

Africa

According to WHO, Africa reported about 48 000 new cases and just under 1 000 new deaths last week.

The highest number of new cases and deaths was reported from South Africa (19 730 new cases, 333 new cases per 1 million), Algeria (7438 new cases, 170 new cases per 1 million), Kenya (6201 new cases, 115 new cases per 1 million), Ethiopia (3578 new cases, 31 new cases per 1 million), and Uganda (2277 new cases, 50 new cases per 1 million).

WHO said in the past three weeks, cases in South Africa increased by over 20% week-on-week, with 19 730 new cases reported last week (3 500 more than the previous week).

“The rise in new cases in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape are a cause for concern,” the agency said.

Meanwhile, as of 30 November, Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces have reported 79% of the total cumulative cases.

As of 1 December, there are 62 844 837 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 465 144 deaths globally.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the Royal Bafokeng nation on the passing of Mohumagadi (Queen Mother), Dr Semane Bonolo Molotlegi.

Dr Molotlegi, the mother of Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, passed away on Monday 30 November 2020 at the age of 77.

“This is indeed sad news. Mmemogolo (Our Great Mother) was an inspiration and a pillar of the Bafokeng nation who was much loved by her people.

“On behalf of the people of South Africa I offer my deepest sympathies to His Majesty Kgosi Molotlegi, to both the Bafokeng and Bamangwato Royal Families, and to the former President of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama to whom Dr Molotlegi was a paternal aunt,” said the President.

The President paid tribute to Dr Molotlegi as a philanthropist and community builder who was a patron of the Girl Guides Association of South Africa, the women’s national football team Banyana Banyana and a number of charities.

She was also actively involved in advocating for children’s rights and was a patron of the World Children’s Prize.

President Ramaphosa said the late Queen Mother was a tireless advocate for the advancement of her people, who embodied the finest qualities of traditional leadership.

“Dr Molotlegi will be remembered for her role as an advisor to Royal Bafokeng Holdings, and for working to ensure that the nation’s substantial wealth from mining royalties brought development to the Bafokeng and surrounding communities in the North West province. She will be sorely missed; Robala ka kagiso, Phuthi,” said President Ramaphosa.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the dismissal of two brigadiers, two colonels, a lieutenant-colonel and two civilian employees following their alleged involvement in corrupt activities.

In a station issued on Tuesday, the SAPS said the seven had a sanction of dismissal imposed on them.

The dismissed are:

Brigadier Jabez Naidoo, 49 – Station Commander: Point Police Station (KZN), Former SCM Head, Western Cape).

Brigadier Lesetja David Mogotlane, 57 – Section Head: Mechanical Services.

Colonel Thomas Dumisani Marima, 50 – Section Commander: Vehicles and Tactical Equipment.

Lieutenant Colonel Veeran Naipal, 47 – Vehicle Support: Pretoria Central Garage.

Lieutenant Colonel Alpheus Nkosibanke Makhetha, 46 – Technical Expert: Vehicle Fleet.

Admin Clerk Jacoba Magadela Havenga, 49 – Chief Prov Clerk: New Vehicle Store, WC.

PAC Marcell Duan Marney, 33 – Chief Provisioning Clerk to Brigadier Ramanjalum.

“The seven members were part of 16 suspects initially arrested on the 4th of June 2020 during a pre-dawn operation. They were arrested by an Anti-corruption Task Team, which was set up in 2017 by the National Commissioner, General Khehla  Sitole.

“Among the 15 arrested were a former Lieutenant-General of the South African Police Service, three brigadiers, colonels, civilian employees and six private citizens on multiple charges including fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering,” said SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.

Although the accused in this matter are currently subjected to criminal prosecution, these seven have been tried departmentally, found guilty and subsequently dismissed.

“I continue to urge members to desist from any form of criminality or corruption, as such actions will do nothing more than bring an abrupt end to one’s freedom and career,” said Sitole.

The National Assembly has passed the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Amendment (ULTRA) Bill.

The bill was approved during the National Assembly’s hybrid plenary held on Tuesday.

The bill was necessitated by two orders of the Constitutional Court which found that the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act, 1991 (Act No. 112 of 1991 as amended) was unconstitutional because it discriminated against the rights of women to independently own property, and that ULTRA’s Section 3 was inapplicable in the former apartheid homelands of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei (formerly known as the TBVC states).

Section 25(6) and (9) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa places an obligation on Parliament to pass legislation that ensures that a person or community whose tenure is legally insecure as a result of past, racially discriminatory laws or practices, is entitled to either tenure that is legally secure or comparable redress.

The bill was referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for consideration and processing.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said Public involvement processes facilitated by the committee demonstrated that complex tenure insecurity in the communal areas, especially the former homeland areas and TBVC states, could not be addressed through Sections 19 and 20 of the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act (ULTRA), which Clause 4 of the Bill sought to activate.

“A comprehensive legislation envisaged in Sections 25(6) and (9) that is, the Communal Land Tenure Bill (CLTB) is required. Having concluded its deliberations on the bill, the committee made numerous amendments to the initial bill and recommended that the National Assembly adopt it with those amendments. During its plenary today [Tuesday], the National Assembly passed the bill with amendments,” Mothapo said.

The bill will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy has noted the decision by the North Gauteng High Court to set aside the environmental authorisation for the Thabametsi power station.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries will abide by the order of the court and refer the application for an environmental authorisation back to the Chief Director: Integrated Environmental Authorisations for review and decision.

Environmental Authorisation for the Thabametsi power station in Limpopo was reviewed by order of the High Court in 2017 with a revised decision being issued by the Department in January 2018.

“The Department is committed to ensuring that the Constitutional rights of South Africans to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being are always taken into consideration, while ensuring that economic growth is not hampered.  South Africa has adopted the National Development Plan (NDP), which maps out the vision of the country for the 20 years ahead,” the Department said on Wednesday.

This includes the transition to a lower carbon economy and climate resilient society in line with the overarching principle of sustainable development, which is the cornerstone of the NDP’s Vision 2030.

South Africa has made progress in ensuring that people know their HIV status, says Deputy President David Mabuza.

“As a country, we have made great strides in meeting the first target of ensuring that people know their HIV status. At present, 92 percent of people living with HIV know their status. Of course, there are provinces that are doing better than others, but in general, South Africans are testing and this behaviour needs to be encouraged and maintained,” he said.

In his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Deputy President on Tuesday delivered a keynote address during the World AIDS Day commemoration event in Soweto.

He used this opportunity to provide an update on the country’s progress against 90-90-90 targets, and shared preliminary findings on the impact of COVID-19 on HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) services.

The 90-90-90 targets were introduced by the United Nation’s programme on HIV/AIDS to help end the AIDS epidemic.

The idea is that by 2020, 90% of people who are HIV infected will be diagnosed, 90% of people who are diagnosed will be on antiretroviral treatment and 90% of those who receive antiretrovirals will be virally suppressed.

“We have ensured that 73% of people diagnosed with HIV, receive sustained anti-retroviral treatment. Therefore, the country has a treatment gap of 17%. We are encouraged that our country’s performance to reach a 90 percent viral suppression level stands at 88%,” Mabuza said.

He said as South Africa records these successes, the country needs to remain focused and initiate more people on treatment, as well as make sure that they stay on treatment and are virally suppressed.

“It is important that HIV-infected people start treatment and stay on treatment in order to limit transmission and the rate of new infections. Together we can do this.

“Together as a country we can reach the remaining two 90-90 targets, and ensure that HIV and TB are turned from perceived death sentences into a manageable and treatable diseases,” the Deputy President said.

Thembisa model

He said government is encouraged by the recently released Thembisa, which is a leading mathematical model of HIV in South Africa.

According to this model, most provinces are making progress in the attainment of the 90-90-90 targets, with KwaZulu-Natal leading.

“Together, we need to build on this progress and accelerate our efforts. Most importantly, as government we remain committed to address concurrently HIV, TB and COVID-19.

“Our programmes and resources are dedicated to respond in equal fashion to these multiple health conditions, along with non-communicable diseases, without sacrificing one for the other. By taking this approach, we will be able to rationalise the scarce resources and improve efficiencies, without one problem undermining the other,” the Deputy President said.

Ensuring success

He said the setbacks encountered towards fully reaching the 90-90-90 can be corrected.

“We can be back on track to end HIV/AIDS by 2030 by doing the basics right, which include dispensing multi-month HIV medicine in primary healthcare facilities. We must ensure that front-line workers like nurses and midwives, are protected and given the requisite safety equipment to be effective in their work,” Mabuza said.

Since the launch of the current National Strategic Plan, government has been working with provinces and the districts to build the capacity of the AIDS Councils to effectively lead the coordination and implementation of the strategic plan.

“We are encouraged that all nine Provincial Councils on AIDS are up and running. We applaud all the Premiers who have committed to providing leadership of the AIDS Councils and are leading from the front. We urge the Premiers and District Mayors to ensure that their Provincial and District Councils on AIDS are functional.

“We will not succeed in our response without the full commitment and participation of leaders at all levels,” he said.

Gender-Based Violence

With the commemorations of World AIDS day coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Deputy President said it is critical for South Africa to decisively address gender-based violence and femicide, inequality as well as insecurity.

“Together, we must fight the scourge of violence against women and children. Partnerships with our communities, and accountable leadership among all our social partners, are vital to recommit to building social cohesion and moral regeneration in the family, at schools, and in places of work,” Mabuza said.

He said partnerships and leadership are needed to address patriarchy and toxic masculinity that fuel gender-based violence and sexually transmitted infections.

“Rebuilding social cohesion is critical not only in HIV prevention but in the elimination of violence against women, children and key populations,” the Deputy President said.

Know your status

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize encouraged South Africans to get tested for HIV.

“Anyone who still does not know their HIV status is encouraged to test for HIV and Tuberculosis. I would also like to challenge you to call on your sexual partners, friends and family members to get tested and to support and embrace those who are initiated on treatment,” he said.

The Minister said South Africa continues to expand Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at public facilities.

“This is a pill taken daily orally to prevent the acquisition HIV for everyone at substantial risks of acquiring HIV.”

“In addition to PrEP and condoms, our public health facilities continue to provide the services for other sexually reproductive health and rights interventions such as contraceptives, antenatal care, and termination of pregnancy and for men we provide circumcision free in facilities and selected sites,” Mkhize said.

According to research, men that are circumcised are less likely to contract HIV by 60%.

South Africa has reported 3 250 new COVID-19 cases as the virus continues to spread nationwide, which brings the total number of infections to 775 502.

Meanwhile, Gauteng, which has been reporting the least number of active COVID-19 cases, has been asked by the national Health Department to reconcile its data.

“We have brought this to the attention of the province and they have indicated that they are in the process of harmonising the data,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on Wednesday.

“For this reason, we will not be reporting the recoveries and active cases in the province for today while we await the urgent conclusion of these processes,” he added.

The death toll now sits at 21 201 after 118 people succumbed to COVID-19.

Of the latest fatalities, 51 are reported in the Eastern Cape, 30 in the Western Cape, 24 in Free State, seven in Gauteng, four in Limpopo and two in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” Mkhize said.

The country has conducted 5 355 068 tests, of which 29 437 were performed in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation is reporting 59 481 313 global confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1 404 542 deaths.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the department is working tirelessly to salvage what is left of the academic year after the COVID-19 pandemic affected learning institutions across the globe.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Dr Nzimande said the pandemic and national lockdown caused serious disruptions to the entire university operations, including teaching and learning, and research and engagement programmes.

“Universities and their staff and students responded positively, although at different paces, depending on each institutional circumstance,” he said.

According to the department, the vast majority of the 25 public universities are at “low risk” of not completing the academic year.

He has assured South Africans that all universities are fully committed to complete the 2020 academic year by mid-March 2021.

According to Minister Nzimande, so far, it is only the University of Johannesburg that has already wrapped up its academic year, while the University of Pretoria is expected to finish this month.

Eight are expected to finish in December, three in January, nine in February and four in March.

Meanwhile, all 25 universities are set to start the 2021 academic year at end of March 2021 and one university in April.

“This aligns well with the release of the Basic Education National Senior Certificate results, which are expected to be released on the 23rd of February 2021.”

Lessons learnt

Nzimande was also pleased that despite the COVID-19 induced crisis, valuable lessons were learnt.

“We have again been starkly reminded of the high levels of inequality that prevail in South Africa generally, as well as in higher education.”

According to the Minister, the “better developed” universities were able to navigate the severe operating challenges with less difficulty compared to the under-developed, often historically Black universities.

“We have sought to structure the COVID-19 support interventions in the sector to provide aggressive support for especially the historically disadvantaged institutions.”

Student performance

While the sector faced formidable hurdles, he said several universities have recorded a better student performance in comparison to previous years.

The initial research indicates positive impact in respect of the multimodal, blended approach to teaching and learning, opportunities provided to students to learn in different ways, more flexibly and at their own pace, and multiple assessment methods.

“It is clear that blended and multimodal learning, including digital and online learning, must become a standard part for the future higher education system,” he told the media.

“In this regard, I intend next year to set up a Ministerial Task Team to help us develop strategies to make online learning a reality in our sector.”

However, he acknowledged that a significant number of students, especially those at historically Black universities and campuses, and living in working-class and poor communities, have struggled to access the digital platform.

This is due to the lack of devices, connectivity and other family household circumstances.

“It is clear that the class and spatial legacies of the past are continuing to impair the ability of many of our students to fully take advantage of learning opportunities under the COVID-19 threat.”

TVET colleges

Meanwhile, the start of the 2021 academic year for the Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will be delayed by three weeks, with returning students are expected to campuses on 25 January.

“The situation is as a result of having the 2020 examinations continuing until the 11th of December 2020 with the colleges closing on the 15th of December 2020.”

Nzimande said the marking, moderation and results processing will continue to January 2021 affecting the usual release of the results.

“However, I must indicate that this arrangement is carefully considered and will not affect the 2021 academic year.”

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says his department is closely monitoring the Eastern Cape to quell the resurgence of cluster outbreaks in the province.

Mkhize is on a two-day visit to the Eastern Cape, which kicked off on Thursday and is set to wrap up on Friday. The visit, Mkhize said, is set to focus on case management.

This week’s visit to the Eastern Cape, the second one this month, comes as the province battles a resurgence of COVID-19 infections.

To date, the Eastern Cape accounts for 121 329 of the country’s total confirmed COVID-19 infections and 4 475 deaths.

“We are here because there is clearly a resurgence in Nelson Mandela Bay. Indeed, it is a concern that we are seeing in a few other areas.

“The whole country has bubbles of small cluster outbreaks, which we are seeing but they are transient,” said the Minister.

Today, Mkhize — together with Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu — held a meeting with officials from the National Health Department, provincial leaders and members of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality executive.

Dlamini-Zuma and Zulu attended the meeting virtually.

The Eastern Cape accounts for between 50% and 55% of the daily new COVID-19 infections in the country, with Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan accounting for 42% of the country’s new infections.

According to the Health Department, the virus is claiming the lives of more than one in four patients in the province.

Mkhize said his department is closely monitoring the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Sarah Baartman District Municipality, where they have seen a rise in new cases.

“We need to work hard in these areas to contain the spread of this virus,” said the Minister.

With more than 11 000 active cases in the province, Mkhize said the department is rolling out a multi-pronged strategy to halt the spread.

“The behaviour of the community will contain the virus, not hospitals. We need a brief meeting with the mayor, business stakeholders. For businesses, where there is no compliance, we will have to look at new restrictions.

“At the moment, we believe that South Africans can manage this,” he said.

With the festive season fast approaching, Mkhize said deliberations at Thursday’s meeting will carve the response for this period.

“What happens today will help us approach what we will do this festive season. We will be going to communities and encouraging people to test,” he said.

As December also marks initiation season in the province, Mkhize said Thursday’s meeting will also discuss this aspect in relation to managing the spread of the virus.

“Initiation is one tradition that is intense. We need to manage it sensitively. We will be discussing it today as well. We have to look at what the views are from traditional leaders.

“We will announce at a later time what the best method will be to deal with the initiation matter,” said the Minister.