Friday, September 13, 2024

Consumers urged to exercise caution when purchasing food items

The National Consumer Commission(NCC) has urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods, particularly food items, following recent inspections in the Western Cape, specifically in the Cape metro.

The NCC said it visited 38 suppliers of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in the city centre, Ottery, Mitchell’s Plain, Durbanville/Kraaifontein and Milnerton area, and found a number of violations of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

PICTURE: Pixabay


These include the failure to display prices, suppliers not issuing sales records or invoices (or issuing non-compliant ones) and suppliers refusal to provide refunds or returns on goods. It also uncovered that there was an absence of trade descriptions on certain products (“on bullfrogs and worms’ meat”) and that expired products were being sold.

NCC Acting Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, reminds consumers to always keep an eye out on expiry dates and ensure that products meet quality standards.

‘’Consumers are reminded that their health comes first. Date markings are a primary indicator of the quality of foods and consumers are urged to exercise caution as these items have the potential of causing harm and may compromise their health.’’

“The Consumer Protection Act expressly safeguards the rights of consumers to safe and good quality goods. As we continue with these joint inspections, we call upon consumers to be aware of the potential impact of consuming foods where manufacturers’ guarantee of optimal quality is no longer in place. These foods have the potential to cause harm to the health of vulnerable consumers,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Most parts of controversial BELA Bill signed

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Friday officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.

COURTESY: X - @GovernmentZA


Delivering remarks during the signing ceremony held at the Union Buildings, President Ramaphosa emphasised that the Bill seeks to address these challenges and is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable.

The Bill follows an extensive consultation process that sought to take account of views and suggestions from across society.

“Consultation, engagement and debate are defining features of our democracy. They enrich the policies that are adopted and the laws that are passed. The law that we are signing today further opens the doors of learning.

“It lays a firm foundation for learning from an early age. Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, will now be compulsory. This will enhance our focus on Early Childhood Development. It will ensure young children are better prepared for formal schooling,” the President said.

He added that the law requires schools to apply the same standards for the admission of learners. The Bill contains provisions for improving school admissions policies, particularly with respect to vulnerable learners, like children of undocumented migrants.

The legislation promotes greater accountability with respect to the role of parents and caregivers in ensuring children attend school consistently. Home schooling will now be subject to more effective regulation and oversight.

In light of the different views expressed about the Bill, President Ramaphosa said he had decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months.

“In the last few days, the parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) have expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the Bill that deal with issues of admission and language. In the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I have decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said this will give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the different views may be accommodated.

“Should the parties not be able to agree on an approach, then we will proceed with the implementation of these parts of the Bill,” he said.

He said all agree on the need for a common framework for collaboration as government, as school governing bodies and as parents. “For our education system to work for all, we have to work better, smarter and in a more cooperative manner,” the President said.

He called on everyone to work together to ensure that all children receive good quality education, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.

COURTESY: X - @GovernmentZA


The ceremony was attended by Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, Mpumalanga MEC for Education Cathy Dlamini, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka and Limpopo MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, among others.

The DA warned that it would continue to prepare for legal action against the adoption of the BELA Bill. DA leader John Steenhuisen said the party would continue to oppose the BELA Act through all available legal avenues.

"We note President Ramaphosa’s statement at the signing ceremony of the BELA Bill today that the implementation date of its most controversial clauses will be postponed for three months for further discussions on the current impasse relating to Sections 4 and 5 of the bill. However, the DA also note the president’s comment that “should the parties not be able to agree on an approach, then we will proceed with the implementation of these parts of the Bill”.

"This means that if there is no agreement, the ANC will proceed with implementing the clauses that empower provincial departments to over-ride school governing bodies on the issue of the language policy of schools.”

Meanwhile, ActionSA's Lerato Ngobeni said the bill does not address the structural deficiencies in the education sector.

“It proposes relatively cosmetic and poorly-costed changes and additions to a system that frankly requires a near-complete overhaul to ensure access to quality education. We are particularly disheartened by the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube's failure to persuade the president otherwise, despite widespread concerns raised by parents, educators, civil society, and her own vociferous opposition, which she has seemingly abandoned.”

The Freedom Front Plus welcomed the president's decision to delay the signing of the bill’s contentious clauses.

"During the upcoming talks, the FF Plus will do everything in its power to restrict the implementation of the objectionable parts of the law. The FF Plus will, as in this case, continue to leverage its position in the GNU to fight for all South Africans' rights.”

 

Done by: Mitchum George

DA terminates membership of Renaldo Gouws

The Democratic Alliance has terminated the membership of Renaldo Gouws following an investigations into racist statements.

Gouws is one of the DA MPs who were sworn in during the first sitting of the National Assembly following the general election in May.

COURTESY: X - @NgamlaGouws


However, videos emerged where he was seen making racist remarks. The party subsequently suspended Gouws.

In a statement released on Friday, the DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said it remains committed to uphold values of accountability,non-racialism, and respect for all South Africans.

"The Democratic Alliance can confirm that the party’s Federal Executive has unanimously resolved to terminate Mr Renaldo Gouws’ membership. Mr Gouws has been formally informed of this decision. He therefore forfeits his Democratic Alliance seat in Parliament.

"This decision follows a thorough investigation conducted by the DA's Federal Legal Commission into the allegations against Mr Gouws.The FLC found Mr Gouws guilty of contravening several sections of the DA's constitution," said Aucamp.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Four suspects arrested in Schaapkraal for R1.4m worth of illegal abalone

Western Cape police arrested four suspects in Schaapkraal on Thursday, for illegally possessing of about R1. 4million’s worth of abalone.

COURTESY: SAPS


The police’s FC van Wyk said officers a premises in Schaap Road, Schaapkraal, was searched and 3 281 units of dry abalone and 1359 units of wet abalone were confiscated.

‘’A crime intelligence driven operation by Maitland Flying Squad in conjunction with members attached to Provincial Crime Intelligence, Stock Theft Unit and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in the Philippi area led to the arrest of four suspects aged between 19 and 33 for the illegal possession of abalone,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’Members also seized equipment that were used to dry the abalone, on the premises.  Three vehicles were also handed in as part of the operation,’’ he added.

COURTESY: SAPS


The suspects were detained at Philippi SAPS, and are due to appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court, once they have been charged.

COURTESY: SAPS


Earlier this week, two abalone peddlers were arrested in separate incidents on the N1 national road near Worcester, for being in possession of the shellfish worth more than R2.5 million.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

'Shoplifters' caught with R25k stolen items near Paarl

Western Cape police arrested three suspects on the N1 near Paarl in the early hours of Friday, for being in possession of presumed stolen goods.

The police’s FC van Wyk said officers were busy with duties on the N1 when they were stopped by the occupants of a government ambulance informing them of a Ford Figo vehicle that was driving reckless from Worcester to Paarl.

‘’The members spotted the vehicle which was stopped and upon searching they found clothes, stationery, toiletries, branded clothing with tags from different retail stores and many more items worth about R25 000,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

‘’The suspects did not have a reasonable explanation nor did they have proof of payments for the clothes. Further investigation was done and it was discovered that the passengers are known for shoplifting due to previous records with a history of theft all over the district,’’ he added.

COURTESY: SAPS


The three suspects aged between 29 and 41 were arrested and detained at Paarl SAPS for possession of possible stolen goods.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

New Woodlands fire claims two lives; leaves 9 displaced

A fire that broke out at a residence in New Woodlands, Mitchell’s Plain has claimed two lives.

SCREENSHOT


The City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services spokesperson, Edward Bosch says when firefighters arrived at Hans Aschenborn Road, they found two formal dwellings alight.

‘’The City’s Fire Service received the call  just after 05:00 of a house alight in New Woodlands, Mitchells Plain. Upon arrival officers found two formal dwellings alight,’’ said Edward Bosch, spokesperson for City of Cape town Fire & Rescue Service.

‘’One formal dwelling and one wendy house were completely destroyed, while a second formal dwelling was partially damaged. Two adults sustained fatal burn wounds as a result of the fire. A total of nine persons were displaced,’’ he added.

Bosch says the cause of the fire is unknown and the scene was handed over to the South African Police Service. 

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Political parties debate WCED decision to cut more than 2 400 teaching posts in the province

Various political parties criticised the decision of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to cut more than 2 400 teaching posts in the province.

A special debate was held at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on Thursday. The debate of ‘public importance’ was brought on by GOOD party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron

PICTURE SUPPLIED


The WCED is preparing to lay off around 2 407 teachers. Education authorities says a budget shortfall is to blame. The department says the budget cuts will not only impact the educators but programmes and infrastructure projects as well.

The ANC in the Western Cape legislature says the cut will have a devastating impact on education especially for under resourced schools and overcrowded classrooms.

‘’This crisis did not rise overnight. The Western Cape’s underfunding of education has been consistent for years… The impact will be especially devastating for under-resourced schools where students need more attention, not less. Class sizes will balloon, individual support will diminish, and the strain on educators will be unbearable,’’ said Khalid Sayed, ANC leader in the Western Cape legislature.

‘’Let me be clear: while we understand the need to try and balance the books, this cannot come at the expense of our children, our economy and South Africa’s future,’’ he added.

The GOOD Party believes that minor adjustments should be made to accommodate educators.

‘’ It is said that the choices governments make in compiling budgets reflect their values and aspirations. It is the Western Cape Government’s choice to cull thousands of teachers posts because it would rather spend money dabbling in crime prevention,’’ said Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament.

‘’It can’t admit that teachers’ jobs must pay for the theatre of its provincial security force, so it falsely blames unanticipated public sector wage increases for its shortage of money.

‘’The disconnect between provincial budgets catering for wage increases, only for the Department to announce it is being forced to shed more than 2400 teacher jobs because it doesn’t have funds to cover wage increases, requires explanation.

‘’Did the government deliberately table inaccurate budgets before the elections to mislead voters ahead of the election, or do our political leaders not understand their own budgets? Whichever it is, what is undeniable is that this government has made unbelievably uneducated choices with its funding allocations. With better choices no teachers posts need be lost,’’ concluded Herron.

The Patrotic Alliance says the real impact on education will be seen in the years to come.

‘’The Patriotic Alliance believe that we must act swiftly to address the crisis and propose that a multi-party committee be appointed to engage with national government; resources be reallocated to disadvantaged communities; implement strategies for dropouts; mitigate the teacher shortages. Act now to prevent education quality from decreasing,’’ said Bazil Petrus, Patriotic Alliance MPP.

Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier said:

‘’The impact of losing posts will be significant. We must understand that the national government did not fully fund the 2023 multi-year public wage agreement, receiving 64% of funds. Despite implementing drastic budget cuts, we still face a budget shortfall over the next 3 years. We had to take drastic action to cover the massive budget shortfall. Daily operations will be hugely affected. The national treasury knew exactly what their decision would mean in our country.’’

A number of teachers and learners from various schools across the Western Cape protested outside their respective learning institutions on Friday, as they are against the announcement from the Western Cape Education Department that more than 2 400 teaching posts will be cut by the end of this year.



Many held placards with the words ‘’More teachers, less police’’; ‘’Value teachers, Value education’’.

 

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Done By: Mitchum George

7 Family Members Found Dead In Their Home in KwaZulu Natal

The minister of police Senzo Mchunu is shocked by the horrific murder of 7 family members including 3 children in KwaZulu Natal on Monday evening.



Upon arrival police discovered the bodies all lying in a pool of blood consisting of three women between the ages of 30-60 years old, one male aged 48 and three children between the ages of 5-12 years old. Investigations surrounding the murder are ongoing.

The minister of police said the murders are inhumane, senseless and left the community reeling, the minister is committed to putting an end to the killings and aims to restore safety in communities. He expressed his condolences to the family members.

 

Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Tributes are pouring in for former public enterprises minister, Pravin Gordhan

Tributes are pouring in for former public enterprises minister, Pravin GordhanGordhan died in the early hours of Friday after battling with cancer. He was 75.

PICTURED: Pravin Gordhan


President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness following the passing

"The President’s thoughts are with former Minister Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations with whom he established relationships as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and Member of the National Executive", says Vincent Magwenya, Presidency spokesperson.

“We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet. Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.’’

“In the latter years of this service to the nation, and as a beacon of our fight against corruption, Pravin Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

GOOD party leader, Patricia De Lille, says South Africa has lost a leader whose deep loyalty to the country’s Constitution will never be forgotten. 

‘’Gordon spent most of his life fighting against injustice, toward a free and better South Africa for all. His leadership during the transition to democracy and later in the public sector reflected unwavering integrity and dedication to his country. As South Africans, we are grateful for his service and, in particular, his commitment and resilience in fighting corruption.’’

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said Gordhan worked with integrity, purpose and dedication.

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Mr Gordhan when I served as the Western Cape Minister of Finance. He was always willing to engage our government constructively, despite our differences on policy. Mr Gordhan will be sorely missed.”

“In his numerous positions, whether it was in national government or as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, Mr Gordhan worked with integrity, purpose and dedication. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,’’ he added.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Gordhan dedicated his life to building a better South Africa for all.

‘’Minister Gordhan’s commitment to protecting our democratic institutions, especially during his time as Minister of Finance, will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy. His bravery in the face of immense pressure, as he stood firm to safeguard the nation’s future, is an inspiration to all of us who strive for good governance and integrity,’’ said Ashor Sarupen, Deputy Chairperson of the DA Federal Council.

‘’His life was one of service, and in the spirit of our Government of National Unity, his legacy reminds us of the duty we share across political divides to protect and nurture our democracy, our institutions and our constitution,’’ he added.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said Gordhan has served the nation and the mass democratic movement with distinction.

‘’We remain in debt to comrade PG and the Gordhan family for his selfless sacrifices…. He showed nerves of steel that few of today’s peace time heroes could imagine, including surviving brutal torture in detention,’’ said Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator.

‘’History will judge Cde. PG as a hero who played his role.  He was not infallible or perfect, like all of us.  But he was there when times were dark, and he made his mark,’’ added Parks.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Killer Caught in Richards Bay

 Police in Richards Bay arrested a 19 year old who was wanted for the murder of 21 year old Khanya Mthembu. Mthembu was stabbed to death after having an altercation with the suspect on Sunday.



On Wednesday, the Richards Bay Crime Prevention Police Officers with the help of intelligence gathered as the suspect was hitchhiking and wanted to escape. The operation was successful when a police officer who was driving an unmarked police vehicle offered the suspect a lift leading to the arrest.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Richards Bay court on Friday.


Done by: Shaneca Cupido

Former minister Pravin Gordhan passes away

Former minister Pravin Gordhan passed away in the early hours of Friday following a short battle with cancer.  He was 75.

PICTURED: Pravin Gordhan


The family confirmed his passing in a statement.

"Mr Gordhan passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family, closest friends and his lifelong Comrades in the liberation struggle in the early hours of this morning."

Pravin Gordhan was best known as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March this year when he announced his retirement from active politics after this year’s general election to spend time with his family.

He started his life in government politics in March 1999 as the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), a position he held for a decade.

He has been lauded for transforming the SARS into a tax and customs administration which was the best in the world

In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the Durban-Westville hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue and was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

His family says Gordhan understood that participation in government was not merely a technical or technocratic role.

"Rather, it was to advance the high public duty that the Constitution bestows on all of us: to uplift the poor, eliminate inequalities, fight racism, greed and corruption, and create a society where social justice and economic emancipation occur within a far-reaching transformation of our society. He did this with integrity, fearless courage and resilience."

“Bidding those closest to him farewell, Minister Gordhan was emphatic: ‘I have no regrets, no regrets… We have made our contribution,’” adds the statement.

He is survived by his wife Vanitha and his daughters Anisha and Priyesha.

Funeral arrangements and the details of a media briefing by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, on behalf of the Gordhan family, will be announced in due course.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Consumers urged to exercise caution when purchasing food items

The National Consumer Commission(NCC) has urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods, particularly food items, following recent in...