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Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has condemned the murder of a Free State farmer last week.

In a statement, the department said it is alleged that a group of assailants fatally shot the farmer, Tebogo Machakela, in the head.

According to media reports, the 37-year-old cattle farmer succumbed to his injuries after the attack left him in a coma for six weeks.

It is alleged that assailants made away with R5 000 during the attack.

Machakela’s brutal killing follows the murder of Brendin Horner, another young farmer in the province a few weeks ago.

“The death of Mr Machakela is not only a great loss to his family and friends, but to the agricultural sector as a whole,” said Didiza who learnt of the incident on Friday.

The Minister has called on those who might have witnessed the murder to assist the police in apprehending the suspects.

“In the same light, I call upon the police to live no stone unturned in making sure that the culprits are put behind bars,” she said.

The Minister sent her condolences to Machakela’s family, friends and colleagues.

As part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, the basic education sector aims to create 200 000 employment opportunities for Education Assistants and 100 000 for General School Assistants.

This, according to the department, will be accomplished through the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

Provincial Education Departments have already started issuing advertisements to recruit qualifying candidates for this initiative using a wide variety of media platforms. Interested parties are urged to look out for the adverts in all provinces.

The BEEI seeks to address COVID-19 academic disruptions as well as some of the lingering systemic challenges.

Education Assistants will support teachers in the classroom and provide extra support to learners. General School Assistants will help schools to comply with COVID-19 protocols while ensuring that teaching and learning take place in a safe, secure and hygienic environment.

The 300 000 employment opportunities are targeted at youth between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. Recruitment will take place at the community level, with schools required to prioritise candidates living near the school.

“An orientation manual has been prepared and digitised to ensure that the young people get trained on their roles and responsibilities.

“In addition, various training programmes have been prepared to equip successful candidates with skills that will ensure they are ready to take up their duties as well as ensuring that they gain meaningful experience to improve their employability, beyond participating in the BEEI,” the department said.

The young people will start working in public schools across the country from 1 December 2020. The DBE has partnered with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator to digitise the recruitment processes across the provinces.

“Through this partnership, candidates will be able to apply for the employment opportunities via SAYouth.mobi.

“An added benefit for the young people who register on the mobisite will be that they will gain access to many other employment opportunities, linked to their education, skills and experiences. SA Youth uses each work seeker’s data to match them to opportunities and as they gain experience and skills, presents them with further opportunities,” the department said.

Accessing the BEEI employment opportunities can be done through sayouth.datafree.co/p/dbe. This is a zero-rate mobisite that can be accessed through a mobile phone. Candidates without access to the internet can call 0800 727272, which is a toll free number.

South Africa has recorded 1 247 new cases and 36 COVID-19 deaths on Monday.

Of the latest fatalities, 20 are from Free State, eight from the Eastern Cape, six from the Western Cape, one from Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

This brings the death toll to 19 845, while the cumulative cases now stand at 738 525 since the outbreak.

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

Meanwhile, 680 726 patients recuperated which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

The information is based on the 4 993 081 tests of which 12 641 were performed in the last 24 hours.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, 50 266 033 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 254 567 deaths, to date.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called on the world to “choose health” at the 73rd World Health Assembly in the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

He warned: “A vaccine cannot address the global under-investment in essential public health functions and resilient health systems, nor the urgent need for a ‘one health’ approach that encompasses the health of humans, animals and the planet we share. There is no vaccine for poverty, hunger, climate change or inequality”.

He called for leadership to build mutual trust and mutual accountability – to end the pandemic and address the fundamental inequalities that lie at the root of so many of the world’s problems.

“It’s time for the world to heal – from the ravages of this pandemic, and the geopolitical divisions that only drive us further into the chasm of an unhealthier, unsafe and unfair future,” he said.

“Today and every day, we must choose health. We’re one big family.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon participate virtually in a business and investment roundtable with representatives from three major business organisations from the United States.

The organisations are the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), and the US Chamber of Commerce.

This engagement takes place ahead of South Africa’s Investment Conference, which will be held next week.

The President will be supported by South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Nomaindia Mfeketo, as well as South Africa’s Consuls-General in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

“The roundtable will provide a platform for engagement by 32 companies representing sectors such as healthcare, information communication technology, consumer goods, retail, energy, defense, agro-processing, aviation, space, transportation, film and TV production, finance, and consulting.

“President Ramaphosa will share South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan as well as the opportunities for doing business in the country,” said the Presidency.

The welcoming and opening remarks of the discussion will be live-streamed on all of the Presidency’s digital platforms at 5pm.

Two senior Hawks officers and a former colleague are expected to appear in court soon after they were this morning arrested for alleged fraud and corruption relating to promotional appointments in the agency.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale in a statement said: “The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members in their quest to rid the organisation of those members who aren’t willing to be beyond reproach executed warrants of arrests for the senior officers and the former officer who allegedly misused their power and authority whilst discharging their duties as members of selection panels within the DPCI.”

She said the investigation was kick-started when there were irregularities picked up at the North West DPCI office which necessitated the probe. The investigation spans throughout the provinces.

“It should be clear by now that the Directorate does not favour or prejudice anyone in executing its Mandate. The principle followed is that regardless of the seniority of the suspected officers, the members of the Directorate still perform their work without fear, favour or prejudice,” said national Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya.

He said the focus is on the crime committed and it is not about the status of the alleged perpetrator.

“No individual member can negatively influence the investigation of cases against himself or herself,” he said.

“While we continue to treat every suspect as innocent until proven otherwise, where there appears to be sufficient evidence, we shall secure the attendance of the suspect in court.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court soon.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have confirmed the resignation of its spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi. Lebeya has considered the resignation.

“The reasons for tendering the resignation is cited as personal. The National Head has accepted the resignation with immediate effect,” reads the statement.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has congratulated Master KG on winning the Best African Act Award at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

“We are exceptionally proud of Master KG, who took home top honours to win the coveted Best African Act Award at the MTV EMAs,” the Minister said.

The 2020 MTV EMAs honoured some of the biggest names in global music at an event that took place on Sunday night.

Master KG was nominated alongside fellow African hit makers “Scorpion Kings” Maphorisa (South Africa) and Kabza de Small (South Africa), globally renowned superstar Burna Boy (Nigeria) and Afrobeats star Rema (Nigeria), songstress Sheebah (Uganda) and Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo).

“We are exceptionally proud of our ambassadors, Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode for creating one of the biggest songs on the planet.

“Not only is this a win for South Africa; it is a win for Africa at large. Your patriotism shall go down the annals of history as you continue to place our rainbow nation on the international map. Continue to pick up the fallen spears of your predecessors in representing our motherland in such a unifying and unprecedented manner,” the Minister said.

Master KG and Zikode achieved global success with their hit song ‘Jerusalema’.

The Department of Basic Education says it has issued a circular to accompany the revised protocols for schools to implement when managing possible and confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools during the matric examinations.

The department in conjunction with the Department of Health (DoH), agreed last week to allow learners that have tested positive for COVID-19, to write the Combined 2020 November examination under specific conditions.

The protocols and the circular were developed together with stakeholders following a series of consultative meetings over the weekend with teachers’ unions, school governing body organizations and the South African Principals Association. The documents have already been distributed to schools.

The Director-General of the Department, Mathanzima Mweli, used the sessions to share the rationale for the decision to support learners who were either showing symptoms, those who tested positive or even those with temperature readings of 38 degrees and above.

All the stakeholders supported the department and made inputs on the handling of COVID-19 cases during matric examinations.

The teacher union representatives and SGB governors as well as school principals at the meeting welcomed the measures taken to ensure that all candidates of the Class of 2020 matric are given the opportunity and support to sit for the examination albeit under unusual circumstances.

The important part is that parents/guardians of candidates that have tested positive for COVID-19 are obliged to inform the school principal immediately of the positive status of the candidate.

“This is to ensure that arrangements can be made for the candidate to write the examination at an isolation venue that complies with the health, safety and also the regulations relating to a secure examination,” the Department of Basic Education said in a statement.

“Candidates are advised to be extra cautious during this period of the examination to minimise their risk of contracting the virus. They should refrain from attending any social gatherings and strictly observe the protocols relating to social distancing, wearing of the mask and hand sanitizing.

“The department also appeals to parents and communities to continue supporting the Class of 2020 throughout the examination period,” the department said.

The examinations continue today with IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, IsiNdebele in the morning session starting at 9am and Agricultural Sciences and Nautical Sciences in the afternoon at 2pm.

South Africa has recorded 1 372 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s cumulative number of cases to 737 278.

Of the 20 deaths reported on Sunday, one was reported to have occurred in the past 24 – 48 hours in Gauteng, while 19 are from Eastern Cape. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 19 809.

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

The Eastern Cape has 5 332 active cases, Free State 10 499, Gauteng 3 775, KwaZulu-Natal 5 412, Limpopo 445, Mpumalanga 584, North West 3571, Northern Cape 3 683 and 4 480 in Western Cape.

To date, South Africa has conducted 4 980 440 tests, with 17 266 new tests conducted since the last report.

The country’s recoveries now stands at 679 688, which translates to a recovery rate of 92%.

The Eskom Political Task Team, led by Deputy President David Mabuza, has urged consumers to pay for municipal services to ensure municipalities meet their debt obligations to Eskom.

The task team met on Friday and received a progress report on the payment of municipal debts to Eskom, debts owed by organs of State to municipalities, and also considered proposals on resolving the current Eskom debt.

In this regard, the meeting noted with concern the high level of Eskom’s debt and restated its position that the current debt is unsustainable and must be reduced.

“The sustainability of Eskom is in the best interest of the country. If we do not make a change and ensure that services are paid for, we will not have a country left.

“It is for this reason that we are calling on all of us to join the campaign to encourage citizens to pay for the services they receive so that municipalities are able to collect revenue, meet their debt obligations to Eskom, and provide quality services to the communities,” said the Deputy President.

The meeting took a decision that the culture of non-payment of services should be discouraged and be dealt with decisively.

The Political Task Team also deliberated on various ways in which national and provincial government would join the campaign to ensure that services to municipalities are paid for, with State organs taking the lead and not defaulting on payments.

The meeting discussed a plan to meet the country’s electricity demand and reduce load shedding. The meeting was encouraged by the progress made at Medupi, which has achieved five consecutive months of improved performance, as well as availability and reliability of the synchronised units at Medupi and Kusile, which are steadily improving and contributing to the grid.

“In this regard, the meeting was satisfied that these measures had contributed to significant reduction in load shedding in the past few months, but remained concerned that plant breakdowns may take place and cause load-shedding as they remain unpredictable,” said the Deputy President’s office.

On the procurement of additional energy, the meeting was apprised of progress and encouraged all stakeholders to reach finality as secure energy supply would be critical for the successful implementation of the economic recovery and reconstruction plan.

Regarding the reduction of emissions by Eskom, the meeting noted that the integrated emission reduction plan has been completed and approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry and Fisheries.

Furthermore, the meeting was updated on the Just Energy Transition, which refers to a transition towards a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society in a manner that does not impede socio-economic development.

The meeting agreed that the Just Energy Transition should be implemented in a phased manner over a period time with the objective of transitioning Eskom to a net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.

Finay, the Political Task Team directed that a concurrent plan within the District Development Model framework, must be considered during the implementation of the Just Energy Transition in order to ensure the sustainability of surrounding communities where power stations are located.

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has expressed sadness at the passing of its Deputy Speaker, Mluleki Ndobe.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the Legislature said the country had lost an “upright leader, a deep thinker, and a true servant of the people”.

“In this hour of grief, we find comfort in knowing that Mr Ndobe leaves behind a rich legacy for all of us to emulate,” said the legislature.

Ndobe, a teacher by profession, joined the legislature at the beginning of the 6th term in 2019 after having successfully served as the Mayor of Harry District Municipality.

He passed away on Friday.

“Because of his outstanding leadership traits, it did not take long for Mr Ndobe to fully grasp every facet of the legislative sector. His rare qualities earned him tremendous respect among his peers,” said Legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce.

She said this was not surprising because throughout his life, Ndobe performed extraordinary deeds in various structures and domains he served in.

These include the local sphere of government, the Congress of South African Students, the African National Congress Youth League and the African National Congress (ANC).

In recognising his leadership qualities, his organisation, the ANC, elected him to serve as the ANC Regional Chairperson in Harry Gwala region and later as the ANC Provincial Deputy Secretary.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the crucial ANC Provincial Working Committee. His colleagues at the legislature also saw it fit to make him the institution’s second in command.

Boyce said Ndobe belonged to the generation of leaders who dedicated their lives to serving the people with distinction.

“He will be missed for his ability to unite members of the legislature across the political spectrum towards a common goal. He will also be remembered for his love for education. After obtaining his education degree, he continued to broaden his horizons and received an MBA at Mancosa. He was reading towards his doctorate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.

Ndobe also represented the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in the legislative sector’s Pension Fund Board where he also served as the Deputy Chairperson. His duties in the legislature included capacity building, members affairs and discipline.

Thembi Nkadimeng, President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), also conveyed condolences on behalf of the organisation.

“As a former SALGA KwaZulu-Natal chairperson and NEC member, he will be remembered for his contributions to the Local Government sector,” she said. “He will be sadly missed.”