Cosatu condemns labour brokers that benefit from Employment Tax Incentive

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Unions opposes the fact that labour brokers are profiting from the recently introduced Employment Tax Incentive.

The Union is speaking out about this after recent reports in the local newspapers.

The Incentive, formerly known as the Youth Wage Subsidy, does not guarantee newly hired young workers a job after the tax rebate expires, which is seen as exploitation by COSATU.

COSATU Spokesperson Patrick Craven said it is very bad to note that young people start at work on a price and this is like selling them

Craven also said the union has been fighting for a total ban of labour brokers because they exploit work and now they are even more exploited.

George Police recovers firearms and arrest two people

Loyiso Langeni

30 July 2014

The George police recovered several firearms after a house robbery in Kleinkrantz. 

Police were informed of a house robbery taking place in the area where the thieves raided the house and stole three pistols and three revolvers before fleeing the scene.

Police arrested two suspects for the robbery.

Captain Malcolm we have arrested an 18 year-old and a 19 year-old and both of them were brought before to court on Tuesday on charges of house breaking and theft.

“We also managed to recover five firearms that was stolen and taken from the safe of the residence that hey broken into last week.” Pojie added.

He also said both suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to make another appearance in court on the 18 of August.

Popcru pleased with arrest of a man who allegedly killed a police officer

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union are pleased with the apprehending of a suspect over the murder of Warrant Officer Thabo Abednigo Mahlaba by the South African Police Service in Gauteng.

Mahlaba’s body was found by a passer-by after his disappearance.

Theto Mahlakoana said a lot of work goes into cracking a case like this so we would like to congratulate the officers who worked on the case and made sure that we have a suspect in custody and hopefully will lead them to more suspects.

“We are very certain that the full might of the law will take place and that justice will be served, ensuring that the family gets closure on this matter” Mahlakoana added.  

41-year-old arrested for shooting a traffic officer in Rocklands

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said he is pleased with the arrest of a man who allegedly shot and injured a City of Cape Traffic Officer. 

The 41-year-old was arrested after he shot the officer outside his home in March in Rocklands, Mitchell’s Plain. 

Smith added that when the man was arrested he was also found to be in possession of a 2.2 pistol. 

“This is one of six officers in the city that have been injured since the beginning of this year. This particular case is the first one where we have had a real breakthrough” Smith added.

Smith empathized that they are working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to achieve a conviction.  If we cannot protect our members in uniform then they cannot protect the public.

Seven people injured in Tokai collision

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

An accident this morning on Tokai Road in the Western Cape has left seven people injured. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring When ER24 paramedics arrived on scene, they found the taxi and truck stationed in the middle of the road.

He explained that one of the injured, a woman in her 40s, was trapped inside the taxi and the seven other occupants of the taxi sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

“Provincial services used jaws-of-life equipment to free the patient in a 30-minute rescue.

He explained that once the patient was freed, all the patients were treated for their injuries and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.” Meiring added.

This is after a taxi collided with a truck.  The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Sentech says strike action will not interfere with service

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Over 300 Sentech workers affiliated to the Communication Workers Union have been on strike since Saturday for better wages. 

Sentech Spokesperson Sithembele Senti said about 20% of the company’s workforce is on strike. 

Senti added that they are concerned about the impact the strike might have on customers and stakeholders. On Monday Sentech management offered CWU a revised offer which they have taken back to their members.

He added that in the regions where our network has got national footprint we have almost about 90% of staff attendance who are not participating in the industrial action

"We have put emergency plans in place even if the 399 employers were to go on strike. We have assured all our customers in respect of maintaining the current service levels of availability of our network, up to Saturday on commencement of the strike until today we have not experienced any disturbances on the network" Senti added.

Missing Adult Alert: Nozuko Mbonambi

Two students drown in Settlers dam while fishing

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

Grahamstown police have confirmed that two Rhodes University students aged 21 and 23-years-old drowned at Settlers dam over the weekend. 

Three students who are Zimbabwean nationals hired a boat and went fishing at Settlers dam on Saturday, however due to strong winds the boat capsized. 

Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula said one student managed to swim to shore and report the incident. 

Police searched for the two students and only found their bodies on Sunday night. 

Mjekula said police divers, search and rescue personnel from East London and Port Elizabeth were mobilized in search of the bodies.

Mjekula said after an extensive search the bodies were found on Sunday afternoon, family members were notified to positively identify the bodies.

“They suffered no physical injuries and therefore a possibility of foul play will be ruled out Mjekula added.

DA welcomes end of Numsa strike

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the end to the 5 week long strike in the metal and engineering sector. 

Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa accepted a 10 percent wage increase on Monday.

DA MP of Labour Ian Ollis said both parties need to seek to ensure stable labour relations within the sector going forward. 

Ollis said we are quite happy that the strike has come to an end as workers are able to go back to work and the industry can go back to normal.

“The economy struggling so much this year due to large scale strikes in the platinum industry however the DA feels it’s time that we review the current state of labor relations in South Africa Ollis added. 

Bawusa disappointed of the injustice of Micheal Daniels murder case

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

The Bawusa Agricultural Workers Union of South Africa said it is disappointed at the outcome of the case of the murder of Michael Daniels. 

It is alleged that Daniels was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer during a strike in Wolseley almost two years ago. 

The court acquitted John Geldenhuys of all charges of the basis of insufficient evidence. 

Bawusa General Secretary Nosey Pieterse said farmworkers cannot rely on the police and the courts for justice.

Pieterse said one can see now what we have been saying all the time has been true that there is no justice for farmworkers and we can’t rely on the courts and police to defend farmworkers.

“We will have to take the defence of farmworkers into our own hands because relying on the system will just bring about more disappointments Pieterse added.

WCED urging parents to register their children for 2015

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 July 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education has appealed to parents to enrol their children early for schooling for 2015. 

The WCED said parents need to enrol their children especially those starting primary or high school in 2015 before the 26^th of September deadline. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Jessica Shelver said the school population in the province is growing rapidly year-by-year. 

Shelver said the parents should try to apply to more one school and ensure that they communicate with the schools in writing there after and the school would also notify them in writing in their children have been accepted.

She added that parents must accept the school that gives them positive results because acceptance is not guaranteed in any of the school due to the overcrowding. 

Six people died in WC road accidents over the weekend

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Western Cape Traffic Authorities conducted 24 roadblocks over the past weekend of which 1 969 vehicles were stopped and checked.

602 drivers were tested for alcohol of which 26 drunken drivers were arrested. 

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said the highest reading recording was reading of 1.09mg/1000 ml and that was on the N2 near Caledon

The total amount of money fines that were issued was R82 300.

The highest speed recorded in the Western Cape in the weekend was 152km/h in a 120km/h zone and that was on the N1 outside Beaufort West

Meanwhile also during the roadblocks one person was arrested for being in possession of false documentation in the Beaufort West area.

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said six fatalities were recorded on the provincial roads over the weekend

“Two drivers died in separate accident in the Metro and another two pedestrian in separate accident died in the Metro area and Saturday evening on the N7 outside Louriesburg a driver lost a control of his vehicle and he lost his life in this accident and near Villiersdorp another driver lost control his vehicle and he also died in this accident.” Africa added.

Metro Rail Protection Service Workers stage protest at Cape Town Station

Oscar Thomas
08 July 2014

Metrorail private security workers alongside Economic Freedom Fighters  members took to The Cape Town station where they staged a protest towards the poor treatment and working conditions of staff members within the Metrorail protection services.

A memorandum stating all the staff’s demands drawn up by Metrorail’s private security workers was handed to Ernest Hendricks and Phindile September the head of Metrorail protection services.

In May 2013 there was an advert at Metrorail that stated that all private security workers working under Metrorail should apply to be part of such learnership.

The workers applied for this but only to find out not even 10 percent of the poor staff members applications were considered instead people from retail industry and from other provinces but those of greener pastures.

Shop steward of IRIS security compnay Luyanda Gosi said we are here to drop a memorandum to the head of protection services Ernest Hendricks.

“We are demanding we get permanent employment as the people who are protecting Metrorail’s assets Gosi added.

Eff regional leader in Western Cape Lephalo X Mohoto said these workers are working under dangerous circumstances.

Mohoto said they are shot on a daily basis because of criminals who won’t stop at nothing to steal railway cables. These workers don't even have bullet proof vests to protect themselves and when there injured the companies don’t pay them out.

“When they die there is no pay out and therefore on behalf of those workers we ask that the head of Metrorail protection services answer these demands put forward by their workers Mohoto added

 

 

Two people died in separate collisions in Kimberley and Bloemfontein

Loyiso Langeni
28 July 2014

An accident late last night in Kimberley left a woman dead and three others injured. 

it is believed that the car she was travelling in lost control and crashed through a wall.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found that a motor vehicle had left the roadway and crashed through a wall.

One person tragically lost a life while three others were injured.

All the injured patients were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care.

In another accident early this morning a pedestrian was killed after she was knocked over by a minibus on Dr Belcher Road in Bloemfontein.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found a woman belived to be in her 50’s tragically lost her life after she was knocked over by a minibus.

The woman was also entrapped underneath the minibus and a few services had to be called inculding the Fire Department to help remove the body from underneath the minibus.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.  

Clothing and Textile Workers threaten strike action

Natalie Malgas
28 July 2014

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union has issued a strike notice to cotton sector employers. This follows last week’s failed wage negotiations in the sector.

Members are demanding a 10% wage increase.  Over 3 000 cotton sector textile workers are currently on strike nationally.

Cotton National Sector’s Christopher Soetsane said wage negotiations commenced in April this year but after three rounds of talks, they had not reached an agreement.

“The Constitution of National Textile Bargaining Council dictates that negotiations must take place within three rounds of discussion and a conclusion must be reached by then. Regrettably, we could not reach an agreement within the stipulated time,” Soetsane added.

Following the three rounds of meetings held with the Union and employers, a further meeting was convened on July, 10 2014 but an agreement was still not reached.

Cape Town police crackdown on wanted criminal suspects

Natalie Malgas
28 July 2014

Cape Town police arrested 95 suspects who were either found in possession of drugs or selling them this past week. 59 houses were also searched for drugs and police found mandrax tablets worth an estimated street value of R32 000, tik valued close to R200 000 and dagga worth R485. 

Captain FC van Wyk said through other operations conducted by police 19 wanted suspects were arrested and five firearms confiscated in the Kuilsrivier Cluster. 

It is understood a further 302 suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault and drunk driving.

Van Wyk added several criminals were kept of the street since the start of the operations with, “69 suspects were jailed overnight. Some were released on fines for charges such as drunk and disorderly conduct in public.” 

Only 40 out of a total of 516 SAPS officers found guilty

Oscar Thomas
28 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance said it is shocked that between 2010 and 2013 only 40 out of a total of 516 SAPS officers have been found guilty of aiding escapees were dismissed. 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said there is clearly a complete lack of accountability in the police service for crimes committed by police men and women. 

Barnard said there is clearly a lack of accountability within our Police service. This only puts them in danger but it also may result in the harm to members of the public when they perform their duties.

“The DA believes that for the police service to be efficient and effective, the government must ensure that they are well resourced and appropriately trained Barnard added.

NPA to hold sexual offences Indaba

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 July 2014

The Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority together with its partners will hold a Sexual Offences Indaba on the 28^th -30^th July.

The indaba will focus on a range of prevention and service delivery topics as the control of a value system in service delivery, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and best practice interventions.

NPA’s Pumeza Mafani said this is the only platform that government has to try to bring people to together to curb the scourge of sexual violence.

Mafana added that this is also trying to come up with the something called 360 degrees against sexual offences because the country can not be termed the capital of sexual violence.

MEC Winde commends Cape Town tech entrepreneur

Loyiso Langeni
28 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde has commended Cape Town technology entrepreneur for launch of cutting edge technology.

Winde said capsule technologies earned international recognition for the Western Cape’s ICT sector with its ground breaking technology.

They planned to expand their operations this year and were committed to only hiring local employees.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said MEC Winde believes that we really have to celebrate our entrepreneurs in the Western Cape and through the intervention Capsule Technologies is a great advertisement for the Western Cape Technology and the ICT sector.

“We know that ICT is one of our focus areas and its our great industry that employs over 30 000 people  and contributes R3 billion to our GDP.” Jooste added.

Bawsi: no wage agreement

Loyiso Langeni
27 July 2014

Over 80 workers from the Douglas Green Bellingham have embarked on a wage strike. 

They are demanding an increase of 10 percent while management is only offering 7 percent. 

BAWSI Agricultural Workers Union of South Africa Nosey Pieterse said it is the view of the union that it is the objective of ruthless capitalist employers to maintain the levels of poverty, hence they continue with inflate rate related increase.

“As a compromise we were prepared to accept 7.5% and after we came to an agreement facilitated by CCMA management then suspended eight workers and send thirty to disciplinary hearing for misconduct during the strike, but they were not prepared to suspend two management who drove through the strikers and knocked two of them down.

At this stage we do not believe as the union that we have an agreement.” Pieterse added.

A Pedestrian knocked over by a vehicle in Mbali

Loyiso Langeni
27 July 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics late last responded to an accident whereby a man was hit by a vehicle along Edendale road in Mbali.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when they arrived at the scene they found that a man lying on the road way with life threatening injuries.

“They tried to resuscitate the man for quite some time, but tragically he was declared dead at the scene.” Botha added.  

Exact details to the cause of the accident and preceding events will remain the subject for police investigation.

Algerian suspect arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearm

Loyiso Langeni
26 July 2014

A 32-year-old Algerian national was arrested in the North West for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Following a tip-off from community members, police searched his room and discovered the firearm which was stolen during March 2011 at Nkaneng Informal Settlement near Wonderkop.

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said so far preliminary investigations have revealed that the firearm was reported stolen during March 2011 at Nkaneng Informal Settlement, near Wonderkop.

Therefore the suspect is expected to appear in Marikana Periodical Court soon.

“We can also say The Platinum Belt Operation was launched on 16 June 2014 with the strategic objective of stabilisation and normalisation of the area as well as enforcing and maintaining the rule of law.

We are also appealing the community is urged to continue to work together with the police in harmony to bring safety and peace to the area.” Mokgwabone added.

WC Community Safety Department to hold Policing Needs and Priorities consultation

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato will today launch the provincial Policing Needs and Priorities consultation process in Robertson.  

MEC Plato said through this project the provincial government is committed to working Better Together to increase the safety of all communities. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Ewald Botha said the MEC has urged communities to attaend these hearing and voice their issues and in that way many of the problems in our communities can be solved.

He added that for the next five months hearings will continue and by the end it should give a clear indication as to what is needed where.

 

A man died after being struck by a car in KZN

Loyiso Langeni
26 July 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics this morning rushed to an accident whereby a man was struck by a vehicle along the Mpumalanga road in Ashdown KwaZulu-Natal.

Paramedics Spokesperson Chris Botha said a man was trying to run across the road when he landed in front of the vehicle.

Botha added that when they arrived at the scene he was still lying in the roadway tragically he had died due to the very extensive injuries he had sustained

Exact details to the cause of the accident and preceding events will remain the subject for police investigation.

Eleven children injured in an accident in Kempton Park

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 July 2014

ER24 paramedics attended to an accident scene this afternoon along CR Swart Road in Kempton Park whereby eleven special needs kids were left injured. 

It is believed that the taxi they were in collided with a bakkie and a truck. 

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said the children age between seven and 12 years-old sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Majija said they were treated on scene before being transported to hospital.

 

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

MEC Madikizela says allocation of houses needs to be done fairly

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Human Settlement Bonginkosi Madikizela said his department will continue to monitor the construction project in Langa. 

MEC Madikizela said it is alleged that there are some illegal activities taking place in the allocation of the houses to the rightful beneficiaries. 

He visited the site on Thursday and stated that the allocation of the houses needs to be done in a fair manner.

About one hundred houses are now ready to be handed over to the right beneficiaries.

MEC Madikizela said there was a concern that was brought forward by some residents in Langa and those allegations are being looked closely.

SACP condemns EFF invasion at the Gauteng legislature

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 July 2014

The C South African Communist Party in Gauteng has condemned the illegal invasion by members of the Economic Freedom Fighters this week at Gauteng legislature.

EFF members led by Julius Malema vandalised property, assaulted people and looted food.

This took place in broad day light at the legislature and parts of the CBD.

SACP Deputy Secretary Mpapa Kanyane said the MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has called for all those members who were there to be disciplined.  

White River accident leaves eight fatalities

Natalie Malgas
25 July 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics attended to an accident scene this morning on the R40 in White River, Mpumalanga. The accident left eight people died and nine others injured.

Santi Steinman, Netcare 911 spokesperson, elaborated on the fatal road accident, “upon arrival on the scene paramedics found an overturned minibus. The accident resulted in 8 fatalities, and one critically injured victim.”

It is understood the critically injured occupant was immediately transported to hospital, while nine other injured patients were treated on scene before receiving hospital care.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Improving service delivery on MEC Grant’s agenda

Natalie Malgas
25 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant, on Thursday delivered his budget vote on the National Public Works Budget Speech at the National Council of Provinces.  MEC Grant said co-operative governance is crucial to achieve better service delivery.

While presenting his speech at the NCOP MEC Grant focused on key issues such as audit outcomes, skills development, infrastructure delivery and management as well as leveraging state assets.

Moreover, in his speech, MEC Grant highlighted some ways in which the Western Cape government has gone above its mandate to ensure all these areas are strengthened.

Grant further noted the Province’s clean audit from the Auditor General and reiterated a “strong focus on effective skills development and transfer.”

Seven people died in an accident in Nelspruit

Lusanda Bill
25 July 2014

A major accident this morning on the R40 near Rockydrift in Nelspruit left seven people dead and one critically injured. 

It is believed that the taxi carrying the passengers lost control and overturned. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene they discovered the wrecked taxi lying in the veld.

Meiring said fifteen people lay around the taxi with seven of the occupants sustaining fatal injuries.  Eight other occupants also sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

“Paramedics had their hands full with the various patients providing them with advance life support.  One of the critically injured patient had to be airlifted to hospital due to the serve injuries she had sustained” Meiring added.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.  

Missing adult alert: Victor Silkfontein

Missing adult alert: Malusi Nkosana

Western Cape reduced mother to children transmission rate of HIV/AIDS

Oscar Thomas
25 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Health Thenus Botha said the province is seen as a laboratory around the world where lessons can be learnt. 

This follows a congress on World Aids which was held in Australia.

MEC Botha said the province has already reduced the mother to children transmission rate to 1.8 percent over the last five years, which is the lowest in the country. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Helene Rossouw said they deliver abstract presentations to the audiences about the development we have done in the Western Cape HIV ARV program.

“These people look up to the Western Cape as a laboratory successes and challenges in their own country Rossouw added.   
 

Missing adult alert: Joseph Koot Grobelaar

Missing adult alert: Mcebisi Ntsendwana

Missing adult alert: Jerome Hendricks

Missing Adult Found Dead: Gideon Stephanus Perold

Government addresses several current issues

Oscar Thomas
25 July 2014

 

Government on Thursday presented to the media, cabinet’s position on several current issues which included Operation Phakisa, the New Development Bank, the violence between Israel and the Palestinian and the hijacking incidents which took place last week in Reiger Park and Bronkhorstspruit. 

Communication Minister Faith Muthambi said cabinet has approved the 2014-2019 Medium-Term Strategic Framework which will serve as the first five-year plan building block towards the 2030 vision in the National Development Plan.

Muthambi said during the 2014-2019 administration the number of outcomes has been increased to 14, with the addition of two new outcomes.Social protection,social cohesion and nation building.All in all,these 14 outcomes cover all the chapters of the NDP.

Meanwhile Women’s Month will be launched at the Union Buildings at the end of this month by President Jacob Zuma. 

The theme will be 60^th anniversary of the Women’s Charter as part of the 20-years of Freedom, Moving Women’s Agenda Forward.

Communication Minister Faith Muthambi said these key events mark achievements by exceptional local women and the gains made by all South African women.The details of these event will be announced in due course.

 

 

DA wants stats of police officers with criminal offences

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 July 2014

 

The Democratic Alliance said a reply to its question to the Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko regarding the number of police members who have been convicted or has criminal offences in the last year has revealed a serious problem within the SAPS.

 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said Minister Nhleko does not know how many cops have been convicted in the last year as the figures are not readily available. 

 

Barnard said the country can not afford to have police officers that are criminals and the Minister himself does not know anything about this and this needs to be investigated.

 

She added that the DA will be writing to Parliament and this needs to be finalsed sooner.

Eleven suspects arrested for theft and possession of stolen property

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 July 2014

Lwandle police over the weekend arrested eleven suspects for stolen property in the area. 

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said police conducted an operation with the aim of recovering stolen geysers at a hostel in Lwandle. 

Gcume added that seven geysers were discovered during the search. 

She added that the suspects appeared at the Strand Magistrate court.