Archives

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has reviewed its COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy, with visits to inmates at the country’s correctional centres now permitted.

“Inmate visits to correctional centres and remand detention centres shall be permitted under strict conditions, observing COVID-19 health protocols, as well as departmental Standard Operating Procedures,” said the department in a statement on Monday.

This follows the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country move to alert level 2, effective from 18 August 2020.

“It is critical for members of the public to observe that visits are limited to one non-contact visit per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time,” DCS said.

According to the department, bookings must be pre-arranged at least 48-hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning.

“As a result, no visits will be allowed without prior appointment. Only visitors with face masks, as per the approved name list, will be allowed access.”

Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the scheduled visit time.

Inmates will be allowed to receive items, as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy.

Visits will be permitted to take place between 9am and 3pm on visit days.

At centres housing both sentenced and remand categories, and depending on the number of inmates, remand detainees may receive visits on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, excluding public holidays; whereas, sentenced offenders will be allowed visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, weekends and public holidays.

“We rely on members of the public to be honest during screening in order to prevent any potential infections and cross contamination.

“Those who have been in contact with COVID-19 positive cases must indicate, as that will allow our health care practitioners to conduct extensive screening, which includes taking of vital signs. It is important to note that provision of false information is a criminal offense,” the department said.

Consultation visits between legal practitioners and inmates will be non-contact and shall observe COVID-19 health protocols and operating procedures, as determined by DCS.

The department said as prescribed, legal practitioners will be expected to make prior arrangements with the head of the centre, and must have proof of identity.

On urgent matters, legal representatives and inmates may communicate telephonically after approval from the head of the centre has been obtained and where circumstances and resources permit.

“As restrictions have been eased across the country, DCS is constantly monitoring the public health situation in each correctional centre, including community transmissions, and take decisions accordingly, based on the risk levels.

“If, at any given time, there are new or suspected cases of COVID-19 at a facility or unforeseen circumstances at the premises, this could affect visitation. Those planning a visit should always confirm their visit with the relevant correctional centre before travelling.”

The department said its top priority remains the health and safety of officials, inmates and the public.

“We will therefore continue to monitor the situation and adjust safety measures and operating procedures where necessary,” it said.

The Gauteng Legislature is considering laying criminal charges against the provincial Department of Infrastructure Development and Property Management (IDPM) officials and a contractor involved in the construction of a school in a waterlogged area in Tembisa.

The decision was unanimously agreed upon during a joint meeting of the legislature’s Portfolio Committees on Infrastructure Development and Property Management and Education on Thursday.

“The committee is currently in the process of consulting the legislature’s legal team to ascertain the legalities of such a move,” the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development, Mpho Modise, said in a statement.

Both committees further agreed that a letter should be written to Premier David Makhura to request that he institute an investigation that will lead to disciplinary action against officials, who were responsible for overseeing the construction of the school.

During a recent oversight visit to Mayibuye Primary School, the committee assessed the standard and quality of work done by contractors in infrastructure development projects in the province.

“The multimillion rand school – which was supposed to be occupied in 2017 – stands as a white elephant after the department failed to obtain an occupancy certificate due to the dangerous conditions in which the school was built,” Modise said.

The department has to date spent R82 000 000 on the school.

The committee established that the school was constructed in contravention of the National Building Regulations and Building Standard Act 103, 1977, as amended.

In its assessment of the school, the committee came to the conclusion that the occupancy of the school might be a death trap to learners and educators, as the wetland has the possibility to weaken the building structure, which might collapse on those occupying it.

“This might leave government with only two options of spending more millions remedying the situation or demolishing the building, as it is deemed dangerous for occupation, and to avoid the building being used as a haven for criminals or illegal land invaders. This would mean that the millions of rands invested in the construction of the school has gone to waste,” Modise said.

On entering the school, Modise said the committee was greeted by flowing raw sewerage with an unbearable smell, which has also become a health hazard for passers-by and the surrounding community.

The school structure continues to deteriorate, with many defects such as collapsing ceilings, cracking tiles and walls, as well as flooding water around the school, which has remained unoccupied and neglected for over three years.

The committee is of the view that appropriate action must be taken against those who were involved in the wastage caused by building a school on a waterlogged site. Failure for appropriate action to be taken will signal the wrong message about the lack of accountability and consequence management in the province.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has welcomed the arrest of the Mpumalanga Human Settlements Head of Department, Keboni Masange, while also announcing that the department will oppose his release.

Motsoaledi welcomed Masange’s arrest last week following a probe to verify his status in the country.

Masange, 51, was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) and Home Affairs immigration officials  last week.

He contravened the law by acquiring three ID documents through misrepresentation. He appeared in court on Thursday and was released on a warning.

In a statement on Friday, the department said it will file papers opposing Masange’s release. The matter is scheduled to be heard on 2 November 2020.

“The department will place all the relevant facts before the court and is confident of the prospects of success.”

An in-depth investigation by the department revealed that Masange first entered South Africa on 19 October 1995, using a Zimbabwean passport, which he used until 1998.

In June 1996, a few months after entering South Africa, Masange applied for an identity document through misrepresenting certain material facts.

In November 1996, he submitted an application for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) exemption, and his application was approved.

He was issued with a certificate in May 1997 and this approval, according to the department, was irregular because “Masange did not meet the qualifying criteria for the exemption”.

A few days before being issued with the certificate of exemption, Masange applied for a second South African identity document and again, he misrepresented certain material facts.

“After receiving the exemption certificate, Masange again applied for the third and current identity document as an exempted foreigner from Zimbabwe. The department has revoked all enabling documents issued to him and as such, he is a prohibited person in terms of the immigration laws,” the department said.

Motsoaledi has also launched an immediate investigation into the granting of exemption to Masange and the issuing of the multiple IDs.

“Any official of the Department of Home Affairs involved in wrong-doing related to this matter will be brought to book,” Motsoaledi warned.

Rand West City Municipality manager arrested

The Minister has also welcomed the arrest of Zivanai Katikiti, a manager for financial control and reporting at the Rand West City Municipality in Gauteng.

Katikiti was arrested by Home Affairs immigration officials last week Thursday for contravening immigration laws in several respects.

According to Home Affairs’ records, Katikiti entered South Africa in May 2015. However, there is no record of him having applied for a work or residence permit in the department’s database.

Katikiti was investigated after the Department of Home Affairs received a media query from The Sowetan newspaper.

Motsoaledi has launched an investigation into the origins of the documents.  The investigation will also cover Katikiti’s employment with the Rand West City Municipality.

Motsoaledi has expressed the department’s appreciation to the members of the public and the media for the information received.

“This enhances the work we are doing to root out maladministration and corruption within the department. A partnership between the State and citizens is one of the most efficient tools we have to fight corruption and wrong-doing,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said the internal investigation needs to be completed urgently to ensure that rogue elements within the Department of Home Affairs are dealt with, and made to account.

Police officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty, were honoured on Sunday.

“On this solemn day of remembrance, we gather to honour and pay tribute to our police officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty. We honour them for their dedicated service to the nation to ensure that each one of us enjoys fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Constitution,” said Deputy President David Mabuza.

The Deputy President officiated at the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day held at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Memorial Site at the Union Buildings.

Mabuza said it remains a serious concern that police officers are killed by suspects resisting arrest while responding to complaints, effecting arrests, and in vehicle accidents, among others.

“It is highly disturbing that police officers lose their lives in stop-and-search operations and are sometimes murdered for their firearms,” Mabuza said in his virtual address.

He said police officers have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the nation.

“Their patriotism is not in question. These dedicated professionals were willing to place themselves in the line of duty. [This is] to ensure that every citizen of our country and all those within our borders are safe from harm.

“Their dedication made us feel secure in the knowledge that our government was taking care of the well-being and safety of all people, black and white,” said the Deputy President.

The annual commemoration is held to remember fallen heroes and heroines, whose deeds serve as an example of what it means to be selfless and patriotic in the service of humanity.

“These departed members of our police service have paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy the safety, security and freedom that their protection provides.

“They came from different backgrounds. They were raised under different environments and by different communities. Yet, what was common for all of them was sacrifice and selfless service to ensure that justice is served for all victims of crime, irrespective of societal standing.

“Theirs was to ensure that our communities are kept safe from [crime]. As we remember and honour these 39 members of the SAPS and one police reservist, we do so with mixed emotions. Their sacrifice was not in vain,” Mabuza said.

Their names have been engraved on the memorial site wall.

Mabuza said government will continue to extend its unwavering support to the South African Police Service, its members and their families.

“We are informed of the good performance of the SAPS’ Education Trust, which was established in 2010 to look after the educational needs of the children of deceased South African Police Service employees,” said the Deputy President.

Police Minister Bheki Cele reflected on the lives of the fallen officers.

“They got up, got ready for work and kissed their families goodbye. But their work, and that of all the officers of the SAPS, is like no other.  The moment they put on that uniform, they answered a call to serve and to protect,” Cele said.

This year’s commemoration took place amid the global Coronavirus pandemic, which has affected the South African Police Service in many ways.

“COVID-19 has robbed us of capable men and women, many who succumbed to the virus while on the frontlines. This virus has robbed us as the Police Service of our tradition to bid farewell to the men and women of the law with a befitting official SAPS send-off,” Cele said.

Cele said the majority of officers in the police service do an incredibly hard and dangerous job.

“While we mourn the passing of these public servants, we must equally celebrate their lives. As we celebrate their stance to serve, we must find inspiration in the fact that they were head and shoulders above their peers with their fearlessness and courage. The deaths of these 40 members should not be in vain,” Cele said.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has received information from Pioneer Foods on its intention to recall a batch of Liqui fruit Red Grape Still 330ml cans.

In a statement on Sunday, Pioneer Foods said it has received reports of small shards of glass in a single batch of Liqui Fruit Red Grape still 330ml cans.

“The investigation as to the root cause and extent of the issue is underway but as a precautionary measure, we are conducting a product recall of a particular single batch of Liqui Fruit Red Grape 330ml cans,” Pioneer Foods said.

The description of the product in question is as follows:

• Pioneer Foods Product Code: 27327
• Outer case Barcode: 6001240225615
• Shrink pack Barcode: 6001240225608
• Single Unit Barcode: 6001240225592 – (printed on side of can)
• Specific date coding BB 01.04.2021 C TIME and BB 02.04.2021 C TIME

Acting Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza said while the Commission has not received a full notification in terms of the product safety recall guidelines, Pioneer Foods is still conducting an investigation into the extent of the issue.

“We urge consumers who bought this product to stop consuming it immediately and return it back to the retailer of purchase for a full refund,” Mabuza said on Sunday.

Consumers are urged not to dispose the product but return it to the retailer.

Mabuza said the commission will, upon receipt of the official notice monitor the recall of this product.

For additional information or for those unable to return the product to the retailer, consumers can call the Pioneer Foods consumer care line on 0800 212 360 or email: consumercare@pioneerfoods.co.za

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritise women, youth and people with disabilities in the allocation of land.

The IMC emphasised its commitment during a meeting chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza on Friday.

“Youth and women constitute the majority of our population, and together with people with disabilities, have long been economically marginalised. Therefore, measures adopted by our government in allocating land must place these categories of people at the forefront,” said Mabuza.

At the meeting, the Deputy President called for humane yet decisive action by authorities and other land custodians in responding to the recent spate of illegal land invasions.

The meeting considered progress on the State Land Allocation plan, challenges including land invasions, as well as the Beneficiary Selection and Allocation Policy. The Inter-Ministerial Committee also considered two bills, namely the Land Court Bill and Expropriation Bill, for processing to Cabinet and finally Parliament.

Reflecting on land invasions, the meeting mandated the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to consider setting up an internal conflict resolution mechanism to allow government to amicably address land disputes, especially those related to land invasions.

The Land Court Bill — whose purpose is to enhance and promote access to land on an equitable basis, promote land reform as a means of redressing the effects of past discrimination and facilitate land justice in the country — was also discussed.

The meeting noted progress made and supported the submission of the Expropriation Bill to Parliament.

The meeting also reflected on farm murders, which affects farmers, farm workers, farm dwellers and the rural communities alike. The meeting called on the police to take a preventative stance on farm murders by addressing underlying issues that lead to violence in farming communities.

The meeting also noted that the issue of farm murders discourages aspirant farmers from entering the agricultural sector, thus threatening its sustainability and contribution to the economy.

The IMC will discuss this matter further at its next meeting.

Leaders in government, Parliamentarians and independent analysts will this week discuss measures that can be put in place to improve the state of local government.

These discussions will take place as part of the Local Government Week programme, hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), in partnership with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

The NCOP’s 8th annual Local Government Week is aimed at mapping out interventions to change the status quo so that local government can become capable and financially sound to advance the fundamental tenets of a developmental State.

The programme, which will be virtually hosted and broadcast on Parliamentary TV (DsTV channel 408), will run from Tuesday until Friday under the theme, ‘Ensuring Capable and Financially Sound Municipalities’.

Local Government Week comes at a time when the country’s municipal finances took a heavy knock due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in shrinking revenues, while on the other hand, municipal services had to be widened and extended.

On Tuesday, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers include SALGA President Thembi Nkandimeng, who will give an address on building a coherent approach to addressing the interlinked and interdependent challenges facing local government in South Africa.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni will speak on interventions to change the current state of local government.

Amongst others, this year’s sessions will include improving the state of local government revenue and expenditure.

The sessions will also discuss the role of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in overseeing a district-wide framework to enhance the functioning and financial sustainability of municipalities, as well as plans to improve service delivery.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on COVID-19 procurement has noted several reports on the sanity of the information released by various departments.

In a brief statement on Sunday, the IMC said its very purpose is to ensure that there is transparency around the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“It is therefore encouraging that everyone is able to inspect this information and point out discrepancies where they arise,” the Committee said.

The IMC through Treasury will verify all transactions at the departments in question against the BAS system.

“The value of transparency is that it allows us to all highlight discrepancies, and ensure we take corrective action immediately. In the event where we identify elements of misconduct or criminality such information will be referred to law enforcement agencies,” said Chairperson of the IMC, Minister Ronald Lamola.

Cabinet established the ministerial team in August 2020 to compile and collate a comprehensive report of the details of all tenders and contracts awarded by national departments, provincial governments and other public entities as part of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Last week President Cyril Ramaphosa told Parliament that 95% of all provincial and national government departments had submitted their COVID-19 procurement reports.

Eskom is currently implementing load shedding as the power utility battles with power supply constraints.

Stage 1 load shedding got underway at 8am on Monday and will continue until 4pm. Thereafter, load shedding will be escalated to Stage 2 until 10pm.

“This pattern will repeat on Tuesday, with a high likelihood for Wednesday as well,” Eskom warned.

The utility said it would continue to communicate timeously should there be any changes as the system remains unreliable and vulnerable.

Eskom had to implement load shedding over the weekend to replenish the emergency generation reserves, which were depleted over the past week.

“Eskom expects several generation units to return to service during the next few days which will help ease the supply constraints.”

According to Eskom, unplanned breakdowns amount to 9 272MW of capacity, adding to the 6 314MW currently out on planned maintenance.

“Eskom teams are working around the clock to return as many of these generation units to service as possible.”

The utility has urged the people of South Africa to continue using electricity sparingly.

South Africa recorded 1 633 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday compared to 1 806 on Saturday.

According to the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, there are now 638 517 cumulative confirmed cases since the country recorded its first case in March 2020.

Meanwhile, 110 more people succumbed to the novel Coronavirus which brings the death toll to 14 889.

Of the additional fatalities, 38 are in Mpumalanga, 31 in KwaZulu-Natal, 24 in Gauteng, nine in the Free State, seven in the Eastern Cape and one in the Western Cape.

Also, 563 891 patients have recuperated, while 3 800 190 have been tested of which 16 367 were performed in the last 24 hours.

Gauteng remains the hardest-hit province with 212 898 cases followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 114 824, Western Cape 107 187 and the Eastern Cape with 86 849 cases.

The least affected provinces are the Free State with 39 781 cases, North West 26 245, Mpumalanga 25 076, Limpopo 13 734 and the Northern Cape with 11 923 cases.

World ranking

The Minister said government is encouraged to see some key indicators showing improvement in the state of the pandemic in the country.

“In the world ranking of a total number of cases per country, we have dropped from the fifth position to seventh position,” Mkhize wrote on Friday.

Decline in active cases, unnatural deaths

In addition, the number of active cases is steadily declining, while there is a high recovery rate stands at 88%.

“The testing positivity rate continues to decline as well, now at 11% nationally on the 12th  of July, corresponding more or less with the peak of our pandemic, we recorded the highest positivity rate at 30%.”

Despite South Africa ranked seventh in terms of the number of positive cases, the country has the 13th highest death toll in the world.

Meanwhile, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) reported that unnatural deaths continue to drop although this decline has slowed down.

“On the other hand, it would be remiss of me not to inform the public that the same report indicated that unnatural deaths have increased following the easing of alcohol restrictions – unnatural deaths now exceed the SAMRC predicted number,” he added.

Social distancing

Mkhize said government is “very concerned” to see videos on social media of people hosting large parties and going to shebeens, taverns and bars and violating the curfew.

The Minister is pleading with citizens to continue observing health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of masks, sanitising and washing of hands.

“We also caution against sharing of drinks, cigarettes, cigars, shisha pipes or ‘hubbly bubbly’ and so on. Be aware that if you do this you have directly put yourself at risk,” he added.

Mkhize has also warned that the threat of a second wave remains “very real”.

“We wish to plead with South Africans to adhere to the curfew and not to drink excessively and irresponsibly.”

Globally, there have been 26 763 217 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including 876 616 deaths reported to the World Health Organisation.