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President Cyril Ramaphosa says R900 million is to be spent to fund a PRASA Security Plan to combat theft and vandalism.

He said this when he responded to oral questions at the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

“As we mobilise resources for a substantial investment in commuter rail infrastructure as part of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, we are taking decisive measures to improve security on these lines.

“The National Treasury has granted approval of R900 million for the implementation of the PRASA Security Plan to combat theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure.

“Part of the plan is to immediately appoint security personnel and to deploy remotely piloted aircraft systems to conduct virtual patrols of high-risk infrastructure. This capability will work together with specialised investigations and armed response,” he said.

The President’s remarks come at the back of continuous damage, sabotage, theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure, which he described as one of the worst forms of economic crime in the country.

Briefing members of the NCOP, the President said these acts have a direct impact on the lives of the millions of South Africans who rely on commuter rail services to travel to work or to study.

He said it also undermines economic growth and places a further strain on public resources.

“The plan will also involve the creation of an internal security capability for armed response, control room operations and increasing the number of physical security officials.”

He said this work has already commenced.

As part of this, an e-guarding solution will be introduced for the protection of mission critical assets -such as substations, relay rooms and communication sites – with early warning security technology and defensive security systems.

He said the plan will also introduce specialised investigations with legal support and access to criminal laboratories.

“We believe this capability will improve the quality of investigation reports leading to an improved prosecution rate.

“As we substantially improve security measures on the commuter rail network, our most effective defence against such crimes is the vigilance of rail users and their active involvement in the effort to protect this vital national resource.

“We call on all South Africans to take a stand against these types of crime, and be part of the effort to build a public transport that is safe, reliable and affordable.”

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, has called for the disciplining of subsidies targeted at large-scale industrial fishing, while safeguarding food security and livelihoods for subsistence and artisanal fisheries.

The Minister on Tuesday participated in the Informal World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Ministers Meeting.

The meeting discussed ways to narrow differences and generate consensus to drive the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations towards conclusion, and the contribution of the WTO to global economic recovery post-COVID-19.

The negotiations on fisheries subsidies are at a critical stage and the WTO has a role to deliver on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which aims to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The SDG also aims to refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognising that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation by 2020.

A study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that 85% of governments’ fisheries subsidies benefit large industrial fleets, thereby creating perverse incentives that enable distant water fleets to target fishing stocks that are already in an unsustainable condition.

In relation to the contribution of the WTO to global economic recovery, Patel stressed that the prospects of economic recovery are dependent on an efficient response to curb the pandemic.

“Many countries face institutional and legal difficulties when using TRIPS [Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights] flexibilities due to the cumbersome process to be followed to invoke the flexibilities.

“The TRIPS Waiver, as proposed by South Africa and other developing countries, aims to promote timely, affordable and equitable access to vaccines, medical technologies and treatments of COVID-19, and ensure that IPRs [intellectual property rights]  are protected for the benefit of all,” said Patel.

This follows a call South Africa made at the G20 Ministers of Trade and Investment meeting on 23 July 2020.

At the meeting, Patel highlighted the need for the G20 and the World Trade Organisation to discuss the relationship between TRIPS and COVID-19, arguing that affordable access to technology to produce critical medical supplies remains important.

The South African government argued that the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement on patents and compulsory licensing should not be barriers to sharing the technology to produce the medical equipment needed to address the crisis.

“In a post-COVID dispensation, strong and resilient national systems would have to enhance national production capacities; ensure greater diversification and value-addition, including technological upgrading.

“This applies even more in circumstances where developed countries are adopting measures to promote ‘strategic autonomy’ and re-shoring strategies. We strongly believe that further tariff liberalisation is not a solution in the midst of a crisis,” said Patel.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that it is time for a fresh set of thinking about trade policy, and its interface with industrial policies and legitimate national industrial objectives.

Two station commanders are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court today for their alleged involvement in fraud, defeating the administration of justice and contravention of the Firearms Control Act in multiple case dockets in Gauteng.

The Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit, assisted by the National Anti-Corruption Unit, arrested the Brigadiers during an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday.

According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, this brings the total number of people arrested in connection with these cases to 28 this year.

Of the 28 suspects, 17 are police officers (with two being retired), while 11 are civilians, Naidoo explained.

“The investigations started three years ago when it emerged that during November 2017, security companies were involved in crimes of extortion in the Western Cape province relating to firearm applications in Gauteng.

“In January 2018, it was found that several other people, family and friends in Cape Town obtained their competency and licences to possess firearms, as well as temporary authorisation to possess firearms, in an allegedly fraudulent manner,” Naidoo said.

The investigations revealed that the applicants all made applications in Gauteng, particularly at Edenvale, Norwood and Kempton Park police stations.

“Information was received that the applicants would go to a gun shop in Kempton Park, where they would do a proficiency test to make an application for competency to possess a firearm and ammunition,” said Naidoo.

The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla Sitole, has applauded the perseverance of the team in this investigation.

“We are systematically identifying and rooting out corruption and corrupt members from the SAPS,” Sitole reiterated.

While he is hopeful that criminality within the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be eradicated speedily, Sitole acknowledged that investigation processes usually take time to be executed efficiently.

“The most effective way of dealing with corruption is to prevent it and to do this, I am again urging both members of the SAPS as well as the community at large to refrain from engaging in such activities because you will be caught,” Sitole said.

He appealed to anyone, who may have any information on the crime, to contact SAPS on the Crime Stop number 086 00 10111.

Information can be sent via the MySAPSApp, an app that can be downloaded form Play Store or any Android handset.

“All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and informers may remain anonymous,” said Sitole.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has begun a period of self-quarantine following the positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a guest at a dinner attended by the President on Saturday.

The President has wished the guest, who is receiving medical attention, a safe and speedy recovery. He wished other guests good health.

On Saturday, the President attended a fundraising dinner of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, which is a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.

The event for 35 guests was held at a Johannesburg hotel where Foundation guests were the only people hosted by the establishment.

The event adhered stringently to COVID-19 protocols and directives on screening, social distancing and the wearing of masks.

“As was the case with all guests, the President himself removed his mask only when dining and addressing the guests,” said the Presidency.

The Adopt-a-School Foundation advised dinner guests on Tuesday that a guest had shown symptoms on Sunday, and had been tested on Monday before receiving a positive result yesterday.

The Foundation became aware of this development and communicated this to guests yesterday, hours after the President had performed the unveiling of a statue of liberation icon OR Tambo and the official opening of a new Radisson hotel and convention centre in Ekurhuleni in the morning.

The President is screened regularly by the South African Military Health Service and subjects himself to screening at venues where he participates in engagements.

The President is showing no symptoms at this time and will, in line with COVID-19 health advice, be tested should symptoms manifest.

The President will perform his duties remotely and will observe the guidelines that apply to self-quarantine.

The number of detected COVID-19 cases has jumped to 717 851 after 1 092 patients were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 45 more people died of COVID-19 related deaths bringing the tally to 19 053 since the outbreak.

Of the latest fatalities, 12 are from Free State, 11 from Western Cape, 10 from the Eastern Cape, five from KwaZulu-Natal, four from Gauteng and three from Mpumalanga.

“Our recoveries now stand at 647 833 which translates to a recovery rate of 90%,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The information is based on the 4 726 875 tests conducted of which 17 472 were performed since the last report.

Over 2 million new cases have been reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the past seven days.

According to the WHO’s latest COVID-19 weekly epidemiological update, this is the highest number of new COVID-19 cases reported globally in the shortest intervals since the start of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the number of new deaths is “comparable” to previous weeks.

“As of 25 October, over 42 million cases and 1.1 million deaths have been reported globally, with over 2.8 million new cases and nearly 40 000 new deaths reported over the past week,” the agency explained.

The European region accounts for the greatest proportion of reported new cases for the second consecutive week, with over 1.3 million new cases reported this past week – a 33% increase in cases compared to the previous week.

The WHO said the region is now contributing nearly half of all new cases reported worldwide this week.

“Similarly, the number of deaths continues to increase in the region with a 35% increase from last week and accounting for nearly one-third of all new deaths globally.”

Meanwhile, although not as substantial, the rise in Coronavirus has also been noted in the region of the Americas, Eastern-Mediterranean and African regions.

“Declines in cases and deaths continued to be reported in the South-East Asia region while the Western Pacific region has shown a slight decline in new cases and deaths in the past seven days.”

In Africa, the WHO recorded 32 000 new cases and 800 new deaths over the past week.

According to the agency, the region accounts for around 1% of new global cases and 2% of new global deaths.

South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia continue to account the highest numbers of new infections.

“The region shows a mixed pattern with countries at different epidemic stages and experiencing different outcomes. Despite this, COVID-19 continues to contribute an added burden to public health, strained already stretched health systems and caused socio-economic pressures,” the agency noted.

All the top-up amounts for the social grants, including Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, Child Support, Foster Child and Care Dependency, will stop from next month.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on Monday said the grant amounts, as from November, will revert to pre-COVID-19 amounts.

“There is no extension to the top-up,” SASSA said in a brief statement on Monday.

Child Support Grant (CSG) beneficiaries received an extra R300 in May and R500 between June and October, while other grant beneficiaries were topped-up with R250 for six months.

The top-up grant was government’s temporary relief against food insecurity and to cushion households severely battered by the pandemic.

The Social Development Department is among government’s key implementers of the social relief and economic support package, to the value of R500 billion, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the early stages of the outbreak.

Exactly six years to the day that former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, was shot dead, five suspects have been arrested for his murder.

The breakthrough was announced by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Monday. The five are expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The goal-minder was gunned down on 26 October 2014 at the home of his girlfriend and musician Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, in what was believed to have been a house robbery gone wrong.

Since then, the Meyiwa family and South Africans at large have demanded justice for this brutal murder.

Addressing journalists, Cele said the five suspects were arrested on Monday between 8am and 10am in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

“These arrests are as a result of a multi-disciplinary integrated approach to this investigation, which is working closely with the Directorate for Public Prosecutions,” said the Minister.

Despite heavy criticism from some quarters, Cele has always maintained he was satisfied that the murder investigation was progressing well.

“I have on numerous occasions also expressed my confidence that those suspected of this crime will be found and brought to book,” said the Minister.

The arrests have emerged as a success of the cold case team that was established by the National Police Commissioner in 2018. The team was in response to many calls on various criminal cases, which have not been successfully investigated.

“The unit has worked tirelessly on this case,” said the Minister.

The Minister also used the briefing to condemn media leaks, saying he strongly believes that information may have been leaked in an attempt to derail the investigations.

“This is why moving forward, the investigation team will be considering opening a case or cases of defeating the ends of justice to ensure such leaks never occur again,” said Cele.

The Minister said the SAPS and the prosecution team have expressed confidence that they have a watertight case against all five suspects.

“At this point, we cannot reveal any further information, as investigations are still ongoing and more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Sitole said of the five suspects, one of them is suspected to have pulled the trigger.

“This process is backed up by forensic evidence connecting the suspect to the scene, as well as the weapon suspected to have been used,” he said.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the National Prosecuting Authority, saying there had been “excellent collaboration”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will continue to invest in transport infrastructure systems that will carry people safely and in a manner that will contribute to economic growth.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said a well-functioning transport system could alleviate road congestion, resulting in reduced travel times, improved productivity, enhanced economic activity and less energy consumption and air pollution.

The spotlight is on transport infrastructure this week, as the country prepares to host the inaugural National Taxi Lekgotla in an effort to address concerns plaguing the industry.

“Upgraded transportation infrastructure, coupled with improved public transport, is a key driver of economic activity.

“Similarly, resolving the challenges facing a sector as important as the taxi industry is an important step towards transforming the public transport landscape,” said the President.

In the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, delivered in Parliament two weeks ago, the President acknowledges that improving transport infrastructure is central to economic growth and expanding industrial activity.

Government has embarked on projects to modernise and refurbish commuter rail networks, alongside the expansion of road rehabilitation and maintenance programmes.

President Ramaphosa said a formalised, well-managed and better regulated minibus taxi system is in the best interest of not just those who use taxis daily, but it is also in the interest of the development and progress of the entire society.

This week’s Taxi Lekgotla, which will bring together government, civil society and industry stakeholders, is expected to chart the course towards a more efficient sector.

“The lekgotla will seek common ground on existing business models, safety and compliance, broader economic empowerment of operators and the issue of subsidies for taxis.

“It will also look at how to end the conflict and violence that continues to plague the industry because of competition on routes,” said the President.

Most importantly, he said, it must emerge with a blueprint for a formalised industry that plays a meaningful role in the mainstream economy and is effectively regulated.

President Ramaphosa said the taxi industry can and must play an important role in government’s ultimate objective of improving the daily experiences of commuters through the establishment of integrated rapid transport service networks in the metros, cities, towns and rural districts.

“When public transport is unsafe, unreliable and costly, it also affects economic activity. Given that about four in 10 workers use public transport to reach their workplaces, these challenges have knock-on effects on productivity, labour relations and business functioning,” said the President.

As part of the programme to build a new economy, he said government is working with all stakeholders to improve the state of public transport.

“This is necessary if we are to expand manufacturing, increase local production, stimulate small business activity and create more job opportunities. We are mindful that as households make decisions on where to live, where to work and where to study based on access to transport, businesses also make decisions on expansion and investment based on the mobility of the labour force.”

Simply put, he said, the country cannot achieve the economic growth and recovery it aspires to if people cannot get to work on time and safely.

Safety

According to 2015 figures, around two-thirds of households who use public transport travel by minibus taxi. A quarter travel by bus and 10% by train.

“In a country where the vast majority do not have access to private cars, the provision of efficient, reliable, safe and affordable public transport is critical to our people’s everyday lives.

“Unfortunately, public transport continues to be plagued by challenges.”

The President used this week’s letter to highlight two fatal road events last week, which drew into sharp focus the reality that for far too many citizens, using public transport is dangerous and can even be deadly.

The first was the accident that claimed 16 lives when a minibus taxi collided with a truck on the route between Melmoth and Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal.

A day later, commuters had to flee for their lives on a busy highway in Johannesburg when a passenger in a minibus taxi opened fire on the driver, killing him and causing the vehicle to lose control. Fortunately, none of the other passengers were injured.

“Many of our people’s experiences with public transport are not positive. Those reliant on trains have to contend with daily delays, disruptions and prolonged closures of essential lines.

“Furthermore, rail infrastructure in most cities only covers older parts of cities and has not kept up with new city development,” the President said.

He said unroadworthy vehicles, unsafe driving, speeding and overloading and other practices are persistent problems in the taxi industry. Many people also fall victim to crime on trains, taxis and buses.

“With many people living far from places of work, transport is very expensive for low-income households,” the President said.

A report by Statistics South Africa found that more than two-thirds of households with the lowest income spend more than 20% of their monthly household income on public transport.

The survey found that transportation by taxis is the most expensive mode of public transport, followed by trains and buses.

“Since taxis are the primary means of public transit for people across all provinces, we are giving urgent attention to the problems in the industry,” the President said.

North-western KwaZulu-Natal communities have been placed on high alert for a possible severe thunderstorm this afternoon.

To this end, provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, has deployed Disaster Management teams to be on high alert in the districts of Zululand, uMkhanyakude, uMgungundlovu. Mzinyathi, uThukela and Harry Gwala.

In a statement, the department said it has received reports of inclement weather from the South African Weather Service. The reports indicate that severe storms may result in heavy downpours, hail as well as excessive lightning in these districts.

“The expected thunderstorms bring with them the possibility of localised flooding in the low-lying areas and the risk of damage to critical infrastructure and housing, particularly in informal settlements,” said the department.

Hlomuka in the statement urged residents to exercise caution as such weather conditions pose a serious risk to human life in the province.

“We are appealing to communities to abide by the latest weather warnings. Those who are caught in these weather conditions outdoors are urged to seek shelter immediately. Those who are utilising routes that cross rivers are not to cross flooded walkways,” said Hlomuka.

He urged residents to report any incidents to their local ward authority or their nearest Disaster Management Centre, which can be reached through their municipality.

The Disaster Management teams will be monitoring routes and areas that are prone to localised flooding. Hlomuka has similarly appealed to motorists to drive with caution.

Two traffic officers, who allegedly demanded a bribe of R5 000, from a truck driver, are expected to appear in the Temba Magistrate Court today.

The traffic officers were arrested by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit and the Hawks during a sting operation.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said the officers allegedly stopped a truck on the R101 last Tuesday and impounded it for unspecified reasons.

“They demanded a payment of R5 000 for the release of the vehicle. An arrangement was made for the money to be delivered to the suspects at Makapanstad traffic offices,” Zwane said.

The incident was reported to the members of National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit, who then set up a sting operation with the assistance of the Hawks.

“The suspects were arrested soon after receiving the money and have been held at Makapanstad police station. They are scheduled to appear at the Temba Magistrate Court on Monday,” Zwane said.

Mpumalanga administration clerks dismissed

Meanwhile, two administration clerks at Lekwa Licensing Authority in Standerton, Mpumalanga, have been dismissed following an internal disciplinary hearing that found them guilty of gross dishonesty and fraud.

Sandy Freddah Manana and Llody Mildred Townsend were dismissed for misrepresenting information on the eNatis system by unlawfully changing the particulars of a vehicle owner to a bogus dealership, to evade payment of full licensing fees that were due to the licensing authority.

Zwane said the State lost an estimated R4 million in revenue from these transactions.

“It is, however, believed that fraud and corruption at Lekwa Licensing Authority cost the State more than R50 million in unpaid fees and penalties,” Zwane said.

Manana and Townsend are still on trial at the Middelburg Magistrate Court on similar charges.

“They are part of eight officials who were arrested at the licensing authority in August last year. They are expected to appear in court on 11 December 2020,” Zwane said.