FOUR PAWS bringing animals to parliament to advocate for their rights and protection

This morning, the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS marched to Parliament in celebration of World Animal Day.

They delivered a memorandum urging the national government to prioritise animal legislation and recognise that animals deserve protection. Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, emphasized the importance of advocating for laws that foster a more compassionate future for all animals.

During the event, attendees heard brief speeches from Fiona and FOUR PAWS Ambassador Kajal Bagwandeen, who unveiled a 1.5-meter tapestry to celebrate the launch of the Animal Welfare Guide for a Friendlier World. The gathering also featured performances and began at 10:00 AM.

Pictures: Stephanie Van Rayen

Campaign officer Celiwe Shivambu spoke about the significance of this initiative,highlighting the critical need for public support to drive real change.

“We are outside Parliament to bring animals to Parliament; we are doing this on World Animal day specifically because there is an urgent need for animal welfare to be recognised and its well-being, being advantageous to be recognise”.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

 

Popular Cape night club deemed unsafe following fire

A fire that broke out at a popular night club has been deemed unsafe by the City of Cape Town’s building inspector.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Firefighters were dispatched to Loop Street, on Friday morning. The City’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson, said the fire broke out just before 09:30

‘’The City’s Fire & Rescue Service was alerted to a fire in Loop Street this morning at 09:28. Three fire engines, a water tanker, one aerial appliance and a rescue vehicle are in attendance on scene, where the roof of a three storey building is alight,’’ said Quinton Leon, City’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson.

‘’The occupants of the building were evacuated… The fire was extinguished at 13:51. It was a night club called the Coco Night Club. The building has been deemed unsafe by the CoCT Building Inspector. No civilian injuries reported,’’ he added.

Authorities are still trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Table Mountain's Cableway turns 95

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) celebrates its 95th anniversary on Friday, marking nearly a century of transporting visitors to the top of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain.

Since opening in 1929, the cableway has welcomed over 31 million passengers, offering breath-taking views, and contributing to the country’s booming tourism industry.

PHOTO: Facebook - Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The Cableway’s history date back to the 1870s, when there were proposals to build a railway along the mountain’s slopes to make it easier for members of the public to reach the summit. Although the initial plan was to build a funicular railway, the development phase of the project was halted by the advent of World War I.  There was little movement until 1926, when Norwegian engineer Trygve Stromsoe proposed the construction of a cableway. This planted the seed for what we now know as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

A host of icons, celebrities and royals are among the millions of people who have used the Cableway over the years. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, musician Sting, actor Famke Janssen, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, and singer Kelly Rowland are just some of the famous names who have taken a ride to the top of the mountain.

“One of the lesser-known fun facts about the Cableway is that mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Everest, took a cable car up Table Mountain soon after his historic expedition,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director for TMACC.

“Hillary is quoted as saying: ‘There is probably no more spectacular place in the world than Cape Town and Table Mountain at the tip of Africa,’’’ she added.

As part of their anniversary celebrations, the company is offering a free return cable car ride if you are celebrating your birthday in October.

‘’The free ticket option is available to South Africans  in the calendar month in which they celebrate their birthday (SA ID required), and all the information you need is available on the various TMACC social media channels,’’ said Hercules.

“As we celebrate a remarkable 95 years of bringing breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to local and international visitors, we are excited to announce a special treat. During October, South Africans can buy a 95th Anniversary Special ticket at the special price of R195 (SA ID required). This special is only available online and must be purchased before the visit as you cannot buy a ticket on the day of your visit,” she added.

The TMACC team is also celebrating the milestone by giving back.

‘’Ninety-five years after the first visitors travelled to the top of Table Mountain in a wooden cable car, the world-famous Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) is still bustling and doing what it does best – providing visitors from near and far with a memory and a lasting experience. On Friday 4 October 2024 we celebrate our 95th anniversary. We cannot wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone that has supported us all these years,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director for TMACC.

“A lot has changed since that first trip in 1929, but the Cableway remains one of Cape Town’s biggest tourist attractions, transporting approximately a million visitors annually and counting,” she added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Minister of Labour and Employment enforces several initiatives for South Africa

 

On Tuesday 01 October the minister of Labour and Employment briefed the media about the upcoming plans, compliance and inspection initiatives.

The minister addressed the nation about the joint compliance, inspection and enforcement initiatives currently underway nationwide, across South Africa. Meth opened up by speaking about the global market and how important it is to be connected with other countries to grow businesses and even networking opportunities. It is a critical component of creating a stable environment that attracts investment, encourages entrepreneurship, and promotes competitiveness in the global market.

With regard to inspections in the various provinces Western Cape led with the highest number of inspections, totalling 809. Gauteng followed with 764 inspections, and KwaZulu-Natal with 535. Inspections were also carried out in the North West (217), Eastern Cape (82), Free State (69), and Mpumalanga (59).

Because people are not aware of their worker right employers often underpay and overwork them. Inspections have revealed instances of non-compliance, including underpayment of wages, unlawful deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures. To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totalling over R10 million, compelling employers to rectify these violations and honour their obligations to their employees.

She expressed her deep concern about high unemployment levels especially in the youth. Currently the unemployment rate is 33.5% among South Africans.

She also revealed that the Department of Labour and Employment have started with a new program called “Operation Yazini” Operation "Yazini" is an initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the functions and services provided by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). This initiative will be launched as part of the Minister’s 100-day programme.

The minister hopes that companies will be fair towards their workers and ensure every worker's rights are protected. Fair labour practices lead to increased morale, productivity, and ultimately, a more robust economy. Together, we can build a society where economic prosperity and social equity reinforce each other.

Meth concluded by saying stakeholders, businesses, labour unions, civil society organisations, and South Africans to join and work together and create a brighter future for all who call South Africa home.

Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Overloaded scholar transport overturns in Mitchell’s Plain; One deceased, driver arrested

The safety of scholar transport has once again come in the spotlight following the arrest of a 25-year-old driver on Friday morning in Mitchell's Plain.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police confirmed that the man has since been arrested. Sadly, a 14-year-old has succumbed to injuries sustained.

‘’Mitchells Plain police registered a culpable homicide, driving without a valid driving license, un-roadworthy vehicle and overloading case for further investigation following an accident this morning at around 06:30 (Friday, 2024-10-04) between Tafelberg Road and Spine Road on Swartklip Road, where a Toyota Quantum i carrying about 29 school children lost control and overturned,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’According to reports the minibus taxi was transporting school children to different schools in Wynberg and Mitchells Plain areas, when it lost control and overturned. A 16-year-old girl was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel due to injuries sustained while the others were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The 25-year-old taxi driver was arrested for the mentioned charges, and will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates court once charged,’’ he added

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service confirmed that the taxi was overloaded.

‘’One passenger was declared deceased on scene. Information indicates 28 other persons were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody at Mitchells Plain SAPS,’’ said Maxine Bezuidenhout, City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service spokesperson.

Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, sent his condolences to those affected.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a vehicle transporting learners this morning, which resulted in the heartbreaking loss of a young life. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish a swift recovery to those who were injured. The safety and well-being of our children are of the utmost importance, and this incident is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life."

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Two men arrested for the murder of community leader

 The two was nabbed nearly a month after the shooting, which led to the death of the 49-year-old father in Clarkes Estate on September 8. Clinton Treu was shot in a suspected attempted hijacking while driving with a friend and one other person.

Investigations around the shooting are underway, the motive behind the killing is still unknown. Wendy Francis Treu’s partner said she was made to understand that Treu and his friend came under attack as they travelled home from a night out with friends.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed the arrest and said: “Be advised that two suspects aged 27 and 29 were arrested on Wednesday for charges of murder"
.

 They are due to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court today. The community will be protesting to show their support for Clinton's family.

Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Bring animals to Parliament event: Advocating for Animal Rights and Welfare

The "Bring Animals to Parliament" event aims to promote a memorandum that acknowledges animals as sentient beings deserving protection.

PICTURE: Facebook - Four Paws

Fiona Miles, the Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, highlights the need for legislative changes and a more compassionate future for all animals.

Attendees can anticipate speeches from Fiona Miles and FOUR PAWS Ambassador Kajal Bagwandeen, as well as the unveiling of a 1.5-meter tapestry celebrating the launch of the Animal Welfare Guide for a Kinder World.

Celiwe Shivamba from FOUR PAWS stressed the importance of animal’s welfare. “Bringing animals to Parliament means recognising their sentence, that animals can feel pain and suffering”

The organizers have confirmed that no live animals will be present at the event to ensure their safety. Additionally, the event will include various performances and is set to begin at 10 a.m.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Western Cape has the lowest HIV prevalence - HSRC

The Western Cape had the lowest HIV prevalence (7.4%) in 2022 and second lowest in 2017 (8.6%).

According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), this translates to 540 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Western Cape, which was a decline from 560 000 PLHIV in 2017.

PICTURE

The information is based on the findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for the Western Cape, which was released by the HSRC. The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African national HIV and Aids, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.

According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was higher among those aged 25 to 49 (10.8%) for both females (14.6%) and males (5.8%).

Meanwhile, HIV prevalence was higher among females (9%) compared to males (5.6%).

“HIV prevalence peaked at 12.9% amongst those aged 35 to 39 in 2022 from 23.4% in 2017 within the same age group. There was a decrease in HIV prevalence in 2022 among all age groups younger than 30 to 34 years compared to 2017, apart from the age groups zero to 14; 15 to 19, and those 50 years and older. The worsening prevalence among those younger than 24 years is deeply concerning, as it shows continued new infections from both horizontal and vertical transmissions,” Zuma said.

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in the Western Cape increased to 76.8% in 2022, from 54.4% in 2017. This translates to an estimated 360 000 PLHIV in the province receiving ART in 2022. In 2022, ART use among all PLHIV in the province was lower among those aged 15 to 49 (76.5%) compared to other age groups. ART use was also lower among males (75.3%) compared to females (77.1%). In addition, ART use was 76.2% amongst respondents who reside in urban areas and 81.4% in the City of Cape Town.

The survey further revealed that in 2022, among all provinces, the Western Cape had the seventh highest proportion of PLHIV with viral load suppression (78.4%), having increased from 2017 (54.6%). Overall, VLS was also lower among males (76%) compared to females (79.7%).  VLS was also lower among those aged 50 and older (69.4%) compared to other age groups.

The professor expressed concern that PLHIV between 25 and 49 years accounted for the majority of PLHIV in the Western Cape, who were unaware of their HIV status (59.1%); aware but not on ART (64.7%), and on ART but not VLS (66.7%).  Adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.5% of all PLHIV.

Regarding the key drivers of the HIV epidemic, Zuma noted that in the Western Cape, there was an increase in the proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24, who reported sex before the age of 15 in 2017 (14%), compared to 2022 (16.3%).

Sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 in 2022 was higher among males (21.5%) than females (11.3%).

The survey revealed that in the Western Cape, 6.7% of people aged 15 and older reported having two or more sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.6% in 2017.

The proportion of people aged 15 and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was two-fold higher among males (8.9%), compared to females (4.4%), and higher among those aged 15 to 24 (19.1%) compared to other age groups.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that 22.1% reported using a condom with their most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 26.6% in 2017, representing a 4.5% decline. Condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people who are 15 years and older was higher among those 15 to 24 years (39.9%) and in the urban areas (22.5%), while it was similar by sex. A higher proportion also reported that they had never or sometimes (81.4%) used a condom with their most recent sexual partner. Only 13.4% reported that they had used condoms almost every time.

Consistency of condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 in the province was higher among youth aged 15 to 24 (24%).

Mpumalanga has the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 (PLHIV) in the province, followed by KwaZulu-Natal. 

 

Done by: Mitchum George

More than 170 inmates to sit for 2024 NSC exams

A total of 173 inmates will sit for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

In a statement, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said it was pleased with the level of preparedness, as inmates have completed the academic syllabus on time and have undergone various assessments throughout the year.

Exams are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024.

‘’Educators from the department's 18 schools remain optimistic, having made significant efforts to ensure that all candidates are thoroughly prepared.  Additionally, the Department ensured that all required textbooks and stationery were delivered to schools in a timely manner,’’ said the department.

Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale has praised the educators for their dedication and hard work in preparing the inmates for this important milestone.

“Education not only empowers offenders with knowledge but also offers them a path to a new life. It remains our commitment to provide growth and development opportunities for every inmate, as we believe in the power of education to transform lives,” he said.

In 2023, DCS schools achieved an impressive 93% overall pass rate, with nine schools attaining a 100% pass rate.

The department attributed the results to the conducive learning environment it fosters within correctional centres, as well as its commitment to providing offenders with education and skills that will help them reintegrate into society after their release.

‘’The department is proud to maintain an incident-free record for NSC examinations, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of the officials, as well as the strict adherence to exam protocols set by the Department of Basic Education. We encourage all matriculants in our schools to seize this opportunity as part of their personal development journey,” Thobakgale concluded.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Two suspects were arrested in connection to drugs and illegal firearms in Parklands

Suspects were arrested in connection to drugs and illegal firearms in Parklands, Table view by Police officials attached to the Maitland Flying Squad.

Members were responding to intelligence regarding drugs and firearm at a residence in the area and a suspect fled the premises upon police presence.

Members went on to search the premises and they seized crystal meth, cocaine and ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of R100 000. They also found an imitation firearm, two magazines and ammunition.

Two suspects, a 42-year-old and a 52-year-old were arrested and put in police custody at the Table View precinct and were charged with dealing in drugs, possession of an imitation firearm and ammunition.

Picture by: SAPS

“The determination by the Western Cape police to get rid of drugs and illegal firearms in our communities which are the sources of criminal activities and to put the perpetrators of the law behind bars has once again paid off when the suspects were arrested,” said Western Cape police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana.

The suspects will soon appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on the mentioned charges.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

World No Alcohol Day puts spotlight on dangers of selling alcohol to minors

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is appealing to all South Africans not to consume alcohol or sell alcohol to children during the month of October.

The call comes as Tolashe will be commemorating World No Alcohol Day on Wednesday in KwaZulu-Natal. The day aims to highlight the effects of alcohol abuse, binge drinking amongst South African youth and the negative effect of selling alcohol to children.

PICTURE: BBP Law Attorney's

World No Alcohol Day was proposed by India during the World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2008, where 193 World Health Organization (WHO) members signed a resolution to reduce alcohol-related harms.

This year’s theme: “Say No to alcohol and selling alcohol to minors is a crime”, seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol misuse and abuse, and the dangers of selling alcohol to minors which can lead to underage and binge drinking.

Sweetwaters was identified as the place to host the event given its high rate of alcohol abuse, crime and teenage pregnancy.  This community also experienced a tragedy last year when 12 young people abusing alcohol and drugs were burned to death. South Africa also witnessed a tragic incident in Scenery Park, in East London, where 21 young lives were lost at the Enyobeni Tavern.

According to the Social Development Department, alcohol is the most misused legal drug in South Africa, and this has a negative impact on the fabric of many communities, especially children and young people.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption globally with alcohol consumption per capita in the country having risen over the last 10 years.  The department further highlighted that alcohol use plays a role in about half of all non-natural deaths. It is involved in 75% of homicide cases; 60% of automobile accidents; and 24% of vehicle deaths and injuries.

Minister Tolashe said alcohol is the third-largest contributor to death and disability after unsafe sex/sexually transmitted infections and interpersonal violence, both of which are themselves influenced by alcohol consumption as alcohol affects sexual and violent behaviour.

“Alcohol use has been recognised as a major contributor to the global burden of disease, with an even greater detrimental effect in low- and middle-income countries and people living in poverty. In total, more than 13 million disability-adjusted life years, or 7% of the total disease burden in South Africa, is attributed to alcohol.”

She said young people aged 15 to 29 have the greatest burden of disease attributable to alcohol use.  Although, men generally use and abuse alcohol more frequently and experience a greater burden of disease than women, a significant proportion of young women in South Africa are also using alcohol.

Women in disadvantaged communities with comparable alcohol use to men are significantly less likely to obtain treatment. Alcohol use in young women is associated with high rates of multiple comorbidities including risky sexual practices, poor adherence to HIV medications, depression, and intimate partner violence (IPV).

Tolashe cautioned that alcohol use among parents/care givers can have long-standing negative effects on their children and their ability to thrive given their homes are often less organised, routines are more chaotic and maternal adherence to health regimens suffer.

“Alcohol use in young women, results in many children in South Africa born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) which could lead to damage to the fetus among pregnant women. It is for this reason that during September, which is known as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) month, the Department of Social Development conducted awareness campaigns in provinces highlighting the dangers of drinking while pregnant,” the Minister said.

Data from the 2016 South African National Demographic and Health Survey has found that at least one in every four young people had consumed alcohol by the ages of 15–19.

“This is the reason the department, towards the commemoration of World No Alcohol Day is having Youth Dialogues to highlight the dangers of binge drinking and that alcohol should not be sold to minors,” the Minister said.

Done by: Mitchum George