Boy’s fingers partially amputated at athletics event

Loyiso Langeni
07 March 2014

A 10-year-old boy lost portions of three fingers when a concrete slab fell on him at a school athletics event in Durban this afternoon.

ER24 Paramedics Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said theywere on standby at Kings Park Athletics Stadium when the boy was playing on the 1-meter high concrete wall.

“While he was playing, a slab broke off the wall and fell on his right hand severing his fingers.” Majija added.

Paramedics said the boy was stable and calm as they treated and transported him to Addington Hospital for further medical care. 

Community Safety MEC condemns police brutality

Loyiso Langeni
07 March 2014

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato has condemned the act of police brutality which took place on Thursday at Cape Town CBD.

MEC Plato said he has taken the matter up with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate requesting a full investigation. 

A video which has gone viral shows two police officers and two security guards kicking a naked man before arresting him. 

“I believe there were so many security and safety people around the person. They could have easily pinned them man down, put handcuffs around his arms and take him into custody. It did not happen.

I am asking the provincial police commissioner for investigation and also for disciplinary action to be taken against the policemen involved, also the CDI security personal operating in the City of Cape Town,” Plato added.

Denosa concerned about rural hospitals during loading shedding

Mluleki Mrwebi
07 March 2014

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said it is concerned about the unpreparedness of hospital when it comes to load shedding.

Denosa Spokesperson Sibongiseni Delihlazo said in the past hospitals are not taking the necessary measures to ensure that they are prepared for blackouts including servicing generators.

Delihlazo said hospitals in the rural areas will be the hardest hit in all of this and government need to look at the closely because patients are affected.

He added that the managers of hospitals need to ensure that they equipped with all necessary tools because that is their job.

A case of police brutality being investigated

Lusanda Bill
07 March 2014

Post by Adrian Louw.

Western Cape police are currently investigating a case of police brutality which took place at Cape Town CDB. 

This is after a video showing police officers kicking a naked man on the street with his hands tied was posted on social media by a bystander. 

Police Spokesperson Thembinkosi Kinana said any acts of police brutality will not be tolerated in any form and those responsible will face the full might of the law. 

Kinana said the police management is currently viewing the video in question and an investigation into the matter is underway, and once finished we will make sure that a decisive action is taken.

“At this stage we would like to ask the public to exercise some restraint and patients to allow the process of the investigation to take place” Kinana added.

A possible strike looming for Sadtu

Lusanda Bill
07 March 2014

The South African Democratic Teachers Union in Gauteng says it is ready to go on strike over the 0.5 percent disparity on pay progression and all outstanding issues that have been ignored by the Department of Basic Education. 

Sadtu Spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said a balloting process needs to take place to determine whether the strike will go ahead or not.

Cembi said it is important for people to note that the issue here is about narrowing the gap in salary notches and the department is not taking the matter seriously. 

“Teachers are the only ones receiving a 1% pay progression while other public servants are receiving 1.5%, this is a cause for concern” Cembi added.  

City of Cape Town concerned about the situation at iSiqalo Informal Settlement

Loyiso Langeni
07 March 2014

City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said they are concerned about the levels of hostility and violence that is brewing by the residents of Calorodo Park and Siqalo Informal Settlement, which has been a subject of a land grab last year. 

The protest action that have engaged have angered the community members and prevented being get to work and we have seen an incredible spike in crime in that road.

The city was called in Mayoral Committee and the mayor to face the community in Colorado Park.

Smith says the land where the Siqalo Informal Settlement is occupied is private land which means they are occupying the land illegally. 

Smith added that the problem is that the residents are now demanding services from the city which is not possible. 

Smith explains some of the interventions the city has come up with in this regard. We will put crush stones along the side of the road to prevent the vehicles entering and exiting the road illegally just causing a huge traffic exit as well as putting law enforcement program on that road on 24 hours a day basis to ensure that we are able to respond to crime.  We are also considering installing CCTV cameras in the area.

DA: Load shedding from Eskom will hurt the economy

Loyiso Langeni
06 March 2014

The Democratic Alliance has called for an urgent debate of public importance on Eskom power crisis. 

DA MP of Public Enterprise Natasha Michael said the heart of the problem is the construction of the Medupi power station which Michael says this project has delayed and is over budget. 

Michael said this load shedding from Eskom will have a major impact on our economy and will inevitable result to job losses.

“With our economy already moving along so slowly and facing many internal and external pressures this announcement has to be treated as a national crisis” Michael added.

Young people encouraged to study Agriculture

Loyiso Langeni
06 March 2014

Western Cape MEC of Agriculture and rural Development Gerrit van Rensburg this week handed over around R98 000 food garden to the Boniface Primary School. 

MEC van Rensburg said this is important because we need more young people to study agricultural disciplines as food security is becoming a very important issue for mankind.

Ministerial Spokesperson Wouter Kriel said the garden has been finished it consist of two vegetable tunnels.

“The principal was grateful and she said this would help in the community with food security and minister van Rensburg said he hoped that the project will strengthen and install love for the soil in the students who will be helping in the garden.” Kriel added.

A call by the ACDP to criminalise gangs

Lusanda Bill
06 March 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party in The Western Cape has called for the criminalisation of gangs. 

ACDP Provincial Leader Ferlon Christians said something needs to be done to deter learners of becoming gang members. 

The ACDP has also called for schools to expand after school programmes that keep youth active and challenged. 

Christians said one of the ways to reduce the violence in the township is to criminalise gangs.  Police also need to increase patrols at the five Manenberg schools which have been affected by gang violence.  

Traffic police officer shot and wounded in Mitchell's Plain

Lusanda Bill
06 March 2014

Cape Town police are investigating a shooting incident whereby a 40-year-old traffic officer was shot and wounded in Rockland's, Mitchell’s Plain on Wednesday. 

Police Spokesperson Thembinkosi Kinana said the officer was shot after leaving his house on his patrol vehicle.

Kinana said it is alleged that when the victim left his home he noticed two unidentified suspects standing next to his house.  One of the suspects fired shots at him wounding him on his leg which then the victim returned fire and the suspects fled the scene.

“The motive for this incident is unknown at this stage and no arrests have been made as yet, however the police have opened a case of attempted murder” Kinana added.

Three people injured in an accident in Centurion

Mluleki Mrwebi
06 March 2014

Three people were left injured late last night after they were involved in a collision at the intersection of Rooihuiskraal and Raslouw Street in Centurion.   

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said when paramedics arrived at the scene they two vehicles were involved and three people were injured.

She said two of the patients were children and all three people were treated on before they were transported to hospital for further car.

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

George police searching for suspects involved in several robberies

Mluleki Mrwebi
06 March 2014

The George Organised Crime Investigation Unit is searching for suspects who are wanted for business breakings in the George and Mossel Bay area. 

The latest breaking happened on Tuesday at a local chain store in Great Brak River whereby they fled with an undisclosed amount of money. 

Police have linked the suspects to other robberies in the area. 

Southern Cape Police Spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said they climbed to the roof top and switched off the alarm and they fled with cell phones.

Cosatu calls for calm in Mitchell’s Plain

Loyiso Langeni
06 March 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the Western Cape said it is concerned by the tensions in Mitchell’s Plain which are taking on a racial characteristic. 

Cosatu’s Tony Ehrenreich has blamed the Mayor of Cape Town Patricia de Lille of not providing leadership and fueling racial tensions. 

Cosatu calls on a solution to Mitchell’s Plain that brings together the communities that address the issues of service delivery as well as the security concerned that people have around criminal activities in all area of our city and not in any where related to any community.

We feel we must find solution to bring our closer together that doesn’t fan the flames of racial mistrust and tensions.  

WC 2014 Budget delivered

 

Mluleki Mrwebi
05 March 2014

Western Cape MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde today delivered the Western Cape budget which stands at R150 billion. 

MEC Winde said this budget seeks to protect and support the most poor, most vulnerable, the elderly and people with disabilities. 

The province’s core focus area are to promote economic growth, increase employment, improve the quality of public education and healthcare and to reduce poverty, crime and social ills.

MEC WInde has allocated R153. 826 billion, for the services in the province. The Department of Community Safety and the police have been allocated about R R702 million. The Department of Basic Education allocated R52.121 billion, Health R54.730 billion.

MEC Winde said the province has started to see a turn around in the education system and an improvement in the health system.  He said both the education and health systems faces challenges in offering quality of service which the province is aiming to provide.

In terms of crime seven murders are committed on average in the province and MEC Winde said this figure is part driven by substance addiction, as well as by gangsters who have little or no value for human life. 

Concerning employment the Western Cape government said it will intensify efforts to rise the number of percentage of employed people in the province. 

MEC Winde said over the next three years they plan to invest over R300 million into skills development programmes to help young people improve their chances in life.

MEC Winde also emphasised the importance of the broadband and partnerships. He said some of the partnerships that have been achieved, they have shown positive results, partnerships like the IDZ.

 

Cape Chamber of Commerce questions Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill

Loyiso Langeni
05 March 2014

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the passing of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill has asked the question of the purpose of public participation.

The Chamber says it wants to work with Government to ensure legislation that is good, practical and effective. 

Chamber Spokesperson Freddy Jacobs said one of the dangers of this is that one tends to regulate and this is very dangerous.  There is already legislation in place in terms of employment equity and companies and businesses are asked to determine what target they are going to achieve in terms of women empowerment and gender equality.

“It is very difficult for us in business to understand why we have another law.  The concern is that over regulation in every aspect destroys innovation and the more you regulate the more difficult it becomes from an economic empowerment viewpoint”. Jacobs added.

Road rage cyclists out on bail

Loyiso Langeni
05 March 2014

The case against two cyclists who attacked a taxi driver in Sea Point over the weekend has been postponed in the Cape Town Magistrate Court until the 9^th of May.  

It is believed that three cyclists were involved in the incident.

The cyclists attacked the taxi driver with pepper spray and beat him with a bicycle wheel after the driver allegedly double parked. 

Atlantic Sea Board Counsellor Beverley Schafer said the police are still investigating the third person and they believe that they will be questioning him prior to the Cape Argus Cycle Tour on Sunday.

“So far the case will continue and SAPS is very happy that this case is postponed for them to be able to collect all the necessary evidence and witnesses’ statements” Schafer added.

A man left seriously injured in an accident in Carltonville

Lusanda Bill
05 March 2014

A 58-year-old man was left seriously injured when he was involved in a single vehicle collision in Carltonville late last night. 

When paramedics arrived on the scene they had to use the jaws of life to free the man who was trapped in the vehicle. 

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said the man had a few broken ribs and suspected internal injuries.  The other two men who he was travelling in sustained moderate injuries.

Majija said through evidence from the vehicle it appears that because of the wet road the man lost control and it overturned several times.

16-year-old shot dead in Athlone

Lusanda Bill
05 March 2014

A 16-year-old boy was on Tuesday murdered in what police suspect was a gang-related incident. 

The shooting happened in Athlone and a 31-year-old man was also injured. 

Police Spokesperson Thembinkosi Kinana said an investigation is underway to arrest whoever was responsible for the shooting. 

Kinana said according to information we received the teenager was coming from school when he was caught in a crossfire between the people who were fighting.

“The police have opened a murder and an attempted murder case for investigation and no arrests have been made as yet” Kinana added. 

An accident leaves seven people injured

Lusanda Bill
05 March 2014

Seven people where this morning injured when the bakkie they were travelling in overturned at the King Shaka International Airport. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when paramdeics arrived on the scene they found seven people who were injured.

Botha said all the seven people were treated on the scene and then transported to nearby hospital for further medical care that they required.

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

 

R71 million programme for unemployed graduates launched

Lusanda Bill
05 March 2014

Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies on Tuesday launched the 71 million-Rand internship Programme for unemployed graduates. 

Davies said skills development and creating opportunities for youth and graduates will go a long way in reducing the levels of poverty and unemployment in South Africa.

The programme will be implemented in three waves of intakes in the next two years. 

Departmental Spokesperson Sidwell Medupe said this programme “Itukise” is one initative that will address the question of youth unemplyment, which has been a focus of government for a long time. 

Medupe said the programme will address the challenges of providing internship in the manufacturing industry which is a main focus of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Mixed views over the Gender Equality Bill

Mluleki Mrwebi
05 March 2014

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the decision by the National Assembly not to pass the Women and Gender Equality Bill. 

DA Deputy Chief Whip Sandy Kalyan said the Bill did little to ensure real empowerment of women. 

Kalyan said the bill is a bad piece of legislation and in rolling it just before the election and making promises to women is unacceptable.

She added that there are so many pieces of legislations that can do the same job as this bill. 

On the other hand the African Christian Democratic Party said it still questions whether South Africa really needs additional equity legislation or a greater commitment to implementing existing laws. 

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said the original draft of the bill would most likely attract a constitutional challenge. 

Dudley said the ACDP on behalf of all the organisations would like to commend the committee for amending the bill, because much of the harm has been minimised. 

MEC Carlisle condemns attack of motorist by cyclists in Sea Point

Loyiso Langeni
05 March 2014

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Robin Carlisle has condemned the attack of a motorist by a group of cyclists which was caught on camera. 

The cyclists are shown in the video punching and attacking the motorist with a bicycle wheel in Sea Point over the weekend.

MEC Carlisle said the video shows a serious lack of consideration for other occupying the shared space that is our roads. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Sipheshile Dube said what is apparent from the recording is that the cyclists were riding in contravention of the law.  The law specifically states outside of a cycling event, cyclists must ride in single file on the open roads.

“We will be keeping a close eye on this investigation and hope we are confident that the perpetrators will be brought to justice” Dube added.

A body of a Canoeist found in a dam in Potchefstroom

Loyiso Langeni
04 March 2014

A man believed to be in his forties was found dead outside Potchefstroom this morning. 

Paramedics said the man went missing during a canoe trip on Saturday and his family alerted emergency services about his disappearance on the same day.

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija an emergency diving squad search operation was activated after the deceased’s family alerted the fire department about his disappearance on Saturday.

Majija said the squad searched the dam since then and found the man dead this morning.  It is still unclear how the man drowned but an investigation is underway.

 

Over 300 farmworkers evicted illegally at Molenrivier farm

Loyiso Langeni
04 March 2014

The Food and Allied Workers Union today said about 300 farm workers have been evicted illegally from Molenrivier farm near Ceres. 

Fawu’s Sandile Keni said no notice was issued by the owners of the farm regarding this and they are not willing to pay the workers the minimum wage of R105.00 per day.

Keni said another big issue for the workers is that there are some safety concerns on the farms.

“Therefore we will be sitting down with management to discuss all this issues and to find a solution because these workers have no where else to go” Keni added.

Missing Adult Alert: Willie Swartz

Missing Person Found: Katleho Lehana

Body of a fisherman recovered in Bantry Bay

Loyiso Langeni
04 March 2014

The body of a fisherman who went missing last week has been found in Bantry Bay. 

The fisherman who is 29-years-old went missing after he went spear fishing in the area.

National Sea Rescue Institute Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the search for the man last week was unsuccessful.

“He had gone spear fishing at Bantry Bay when eye witnesses noticed that he had disappeared under water a report was sent out to NSRI,” Lambinon added.

Lambinon said an extensive search on Saturday afternoon revealed no sign of him but during a dire search on Sunday the police located and recovered his body.

He concluded by saying that the family are being assisted by the police and an inquest docket has been opened by police.

An accident leaves two people critically injured

Lusanda Bill
04 March 2014

A man was this morning involved in an accident on the N14 in Muldersdrift west of Johannesburg which left him critically injured. 

The man was knocked over by a vehicle while he was trying to cross the road.

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said the man suffered serious head trauma.  He was stabilised on the scene and taken to hospital for further treatment.

Majija added that the driver of the vehcile suffered moderate injuries.

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

Media called to respect the law during Oscar Pistorius trial

Lusanda Bill
04 March 2014

The Sonke Gender Justice has urged the media to report responsibly when reporting on the Oscar Pistorius trial. 

Sonke Gender Justice Spokesperson Patrick Godana said it is important that the law and general ethical guidelines be maintained and respected. 

Pistorius is standing trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentines Day last year. 

Godana said it is important for the media not to infringe on the rights of witnesses and also the officials of the state who dealing on this case. 

"We need this trial to happen fairly so that justice can be severed for both parties” Godana added.

Siqalo Protest Action Inquiry held in Mitchell's Plain

Danielle Buise
04 March 2014

The Siqalo Protest Action Inquiry was held at the Colorado Community Hall in Mitchells Plain on March 3^rd 2014. Attendees included Mayor Patricia De Lille accompanied by a panel of representatives from the City of Cape Town, members of the Colorado Park and Ronde Vlei communities, as well as small contingent representing the community of Siqalo.

Mayor Patricia de Lille opened the meeting with an introduction outlining key points on the agenda and commented on the City’s role, stating that ‘there are 204 informal settlements the City must deal with on a daily basis’.

The first speaker Mayoral Committee Member for transport Brett Herron stated that the city would construct barriers along Vanguard Drive in the next three weeks to cordon off access from the informal settlement.

The second point of discussion was presented by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, he explained that the City does not have bottomless resources and cannot solve problems that are meant to be solved by someone “with bigger pockets”. He also outlined steps that the City has taken to address complaints presented by the civic association; these included the issuing of fines for various traffic violations and the pending construction of Camera’s in the area.

The third point of discussion presented by Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg was services delivery, he explained that residents of Siqalo were concerned about water and waste disposal, in response 100 toilets were constructed on the periphery of the informal settlement, as well as an additional 200 flush toilets. The speaker added that property, including electric infrastructure, has since been vandalised and will be replaced only when it is safe to do so.

The Mayor Patricia de Lille then stated that the land under discussion is private property and that court proceedings are scheduled for the 12^th of May. With regards to protest action, she says “we have started, to go to court to get an interdict to stop people who block Vanguard Drive and prevent people from going to work” and explained that SAPS does not take instructions from The City, they take instruction from national government.

De lille added that the City is helping the people of Mitchells Plain. The land invasion was planned says Patricia de Lille “they sold land to innocent people and as a result people paid for plots and they were promised houses. The inquiry was met with mixed response by members of the community with one community member saying “People are sick and tired but what are doing to help ourselves? We cannot fight fire with fire” said a member of The Rate Payers Association.

Another member of the community took the floor and explained “we are not here to infringe on anyone else’s rights but to defend our own rights”. Community members also called on The City to take responsibility and to ensure that the situation does not escalate into racial warfare, by “playing communities against each other” and using a social situation to further political aspirations.

WCED to start 2015 enrolment process soon

Mluleki Mrwebi
04 March 2014

Western Cape Department of Education says the main hindrance in placing learners in schools is late enrolment. 

Now the WCED will in the coming weeks be opening enrolment process and the department has urged parents to take this opportunity to enrol their children on time to avoid difficulties next year.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh Casey said the department is planning a number of initiatives to ensure that a large number of learners are enrolled in school for 2015.

Casey said even with measures in place but the main responsibility is with the parents to register their kids in time. 

ACDP concerned of increase protest in CPT

Loyiso Langeni
04 March 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party in the Western Cape on Monday said the only way to prevent illegal marchers is to take action against ringleaders. 

ACDP Provincial Leader Ferlon Christians said it is very concerning that there has been an increase in protest action in the city. 

Christians said we are calling on Mayor Patricia De Lille and Premier Helen Zille to speak to these protesters that we had last week Thursday.” Christians said. Christians added that they believe that the City must take action against ringleaders as they have rightfully said.

 

Eight people arrested in drag racing sting operation

Loyiso Langeni
03 March 2014

This weekend Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Robin Carlisle joined the City of Cape Town’s Ghost Squad in a sting operation targeting drag racing. 

During the operation which took place in Mitchell’s Plain, Athlone and Ottery eight people were arrested for drag racing. 

MEC Carlisle said vehicles need to be impounded if caught drag racing illegally. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Sipheshile Dube said MEC Carlisle is very pleased that this operation will continue as drag racing has been a threat to safety for many years now..

Dube added that as a department they will continue to try and clamp down on this very dangerous practice.

Two missing divers found alive

Loyiso Langeni
03 March 2014

Two missing divers were on Sunday found alive by the National Sea Rescue Institute in Durban. 

Two divers’ instructors both in their twenties got lost in the seas and at the time of their disappearance they were both busy with their Advanced Diver Course. 

NSRI Durban Station Commander Clifford Ireland said they responded with two of their rescue boats and started searching for the two divers.

“The people were found about three hours later in the ocean and alive and everybody returned to base safely,” Ireland added.

WCED still finding placement for learners in Mitchell’s Plain

Loyiso Langeni
03 March 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education today said progress is being made in trying to place learners in schools in Mitchell’s Plain. 

The WCED said the majority of learners requiring assistance to get places in school that have applied late or have arrived late in the province. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh said in Mitchell’s Plain there are around 90 learners that are in our system and need placement, however 28 of these are untraceable.

“We can only assume they have already found places in schools and therefore we are looking for around 60 learners in Mitchell’s Plain and the last two weeks we have placed over 1 000 learners in Mitchell’s Plain alone. Just evidence, that progress has been made,” Casey added.