A woman dies after she lost control of her vehicle on the R59

Jaimie-faith Poonah

30 June 2015

An accident this afternoon on the R59 near the Verwoerd offramp in Meyerton left a woman dead.

It is believed the woman in her 40s lost control of her vehicle which caused it to roll down the embankment multiple times coming to a rest on its roof.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said ER24 paramedics were alerted to the incident and upon arrival they found a light motor vehicle lying on its roof.

Meiring said on assessment paramedics found the critically injured patient lying motionless next to her overturned vehicle.

Meiring added that the patient had sustained severe injuries to her head, chest and abdomen.

“We began treatment of the patient to stabilise her vital signs. After 30 minutes of advanced life support treatment, the patient unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.”Meiring said

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

Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry says Eskom must start cutting costs

Jaimie-faith Poonah

30 June 2015

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s decision not to grant Eskom a tariff hike.

The Chambers President Janine Myburgh said Eskom must now cut costs which would include introducing wage freezes and closing executive canteens.

The power utility said it needed the additional 9.5% increase to buy diesel and to try and curb load shedding.

Myburgh said the big problem is that Eskom is paying too much for coal and diesel it is buying, we need to see more transparently on these deals and Eskom will have to do some hard negotiations to get its procurements costs under control.

Myburgh added that the fact that the new power stations are so far behind schedule and over budget as well as the huge maintenance backlogs, is a clear indication that things have become relaxed and insufficient.

“It is wrong to expect your customers to pay for your insufficiency” Myburgh concluded. 

Minister Gigaba says immigrants contribute immensely to the country

Jaimie-faith Poonah

30 June 2015

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba said the engagements the department has had over the past few months on international migration policy have been fruitful.

Minister Gigaba was speaking at the start of the Immigration Policy Colloquium in Pretoria today.

While addressing stakeholders Minister Gigaba said immigrants can contribute even more to the country under an improved and better managed policy framework.

Minister Gigaba said often public in our country focuses on the negative impact of international immigration in our society.

Minister Gigaba added that in the form of a brain drain the pressure of immigrants on social services or in poor areas, the impact of economic immigrants on the job situation the country and even the impact of cross boarder crimes as well as those who commit those crimes, often neglect the positive social and economic impact that both our expatriates as well as immigrants make in our society.

Meanwhile Minister Gigaba said the new policy will advocate the whole of government and society approach to managing international migration.

He added that international migration should not be managed by the Department of Home Affairs alone.

Minister Gigaba said after the colloquium we will digest the contributions you will have made through papers and the discussions over the next two days, and then begin to deliberate on policy issues which we will subsequently take through the cabinet process.

Minister Gigaba added that we will then come back with a draft green paper which you will test with yourselves and many other stakeholders.

59 year old man killed in an accident in Germiston

Loyiso Langeni

30 June 2015

A 59-year-old man died after he was involved in an accident this morning in Germiston.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said they found the lifeless body of a 59 year old man lying on the ground upon the arrival at the scene.

Steinmann added that they immediately started the resuscitation and continued for almost two hours, but sadly the man died due to the extensive injuries he had sustained. The man was declared dead at the scene.

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

Metro Police taking a hard stance on drug-related offences

Loyiso Langeni

30 June 2015

Western Cape Metro Police together with the Gang and Drug task Team conducted several operations over the past week of which 61 arrests were made.

A Mongrel gang member was arrested in Parow and three other suspects were arrested for possession of and dealing in dagga.

Overall 22 additional suspects were arrested for drug-related offences as well as 33 drunk drivers.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the operation led to the arrest of the 34 year old member of Mongrels gang in possession of dagga, tik and heroin. Some of which he had hidden in his rectum hoping that it could not be found.

Smith added that this is unfortunately another example of the gangster who continues to operate in spite of previous arrests and this is always frustrating for our staff to have to re arrest people who have been previously arrested.

“It’s essential that the Criminal Justice system ensures that these people stay locked up so that we don’t have to see them dealing in drugs in our streets continuously.” Smith said.  

HETN condemns neglect of black learners by the SA Mathematics Foundation

Loyiso Langeni

30 June 2015

The Higher Education Transformation Network has raised its concerns regarding the alleged neglect of black learners from underprivileged communities by the South African Mathematics Foundation.

The HETN claims that the foundation only prioritizes white learners who come from affluent schools in suburbs and in the process neglect black learners from townships and rural schools.

HETN Director Henderick Makaneta said the South African Mathematics Foundation must take our call very serious, we want them to start ensuring that black learners are also taken serious.

Makaneta addd that they must go to townships schools because we have noticed that they are pre occupied with only those schools especially former models C schools, which are found in the suburbs.

“We are therefore saying that enough is enough now is the time to not tolerate the acts of racism in this country.” Makaneta said. 

Eskom looking for alternative ways to avoid load shedding

Mbasa Gqokoma
30 June 2015

Power utility Eskom said it will now look at alternative ways to obtain the money needed to buy more diesel to avoid load shedding.

This as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa rejected Eskom’s application for a 25% tariff hike.

Eskom has already had a 12% tariff hike application approved by Nersa a while back.

Eskom Spokesperson Khulu Phaiswe said for us, this simply means going back to the drawing board, we will have to revise our strategy and we will take it from there.

Meanwhile the Congress of South African Trade Union said in a statement that it does not want to see Eskom collapsing, but it wants to see Eskom management and the Board managing the important entity efficiently and effectively.

Cosatu’s Jonas Mosia said, since its inception, Eskom has been able to go back to Nersa to seek for additional tariff increase.

“We have also said that, the economy now doesn’t really need an increase in electricity tariffs because in the first quarter of 2015, the economy grew by only 1.3% and the job crisis is still a problem in South Africa” Mosia added.

DA: Government lied on Al-Bashir’s exit from SA

Loyiso Langeni
30 June 2015

The Democratic Alliance said the ruling by the North Guateng High Court into the matter relating to Sundanese president Omar Al-Bashir, shows that government was simply in contempt of court.

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Darfur.

He violated an interim court order which instructed him to remain in South Africa after he left the African Union Summit unannounced. Government said in a statement that it will review the judgement by the North Guateng High Court.

DA’s James Selfe said they believe that the full bench, which consists of the Judge President, the Deputy Judge, the then Senior Judge were very authentic in the judgement which found that government was in contempt of court by lying President Al-Bashir to leave the country.

‘We fail to understand on what basis it is now going to appeal it we await the affidavit that they will file and we will be advise it accordingly.” Selfe added.   

WC government concerned over the death of 8 people at a tavern in Makaza

Loyiso Langeni

28 June 2015

The Western Cape Liquor Authority has temporarily closed the Osi’s Place in Khayelitsha following an incident whereby eight people died on Sunday.

This is after a metal staircase collapsed at the popular tavern in Makaza leaving six people dead on the scene and ten injured.

The other two died after the ambulance that was transporting them to hospital was involved in an accident.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said the Western Cape Liquor Authority is waiting a report from SAPS designated liquor officer and once they have that report they will be able to take appropriate action. This action can includes sanctions such as revoking the licence

"We have also received reports that under age persons were inside the venue and MEC Winde is extremely concerned by this and it will be investigated in terms of liquor law, Liquor Authority will work very closely with SAPS to get to the bottom of this>  

Meanwhile Western Cape MEC of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo has expressed her shock at the incident. 

She said beating the scourge of substance abuse in the province requires a concerted effort from everybody.

MEC Mbombo said what we need to do now is to see how to roll out our programme related to alcohol abuse.

“We don’t know exactly the details because it’s still under the police determining the causes of death, but we speculate because these young people were at a tavern, we make assumption that it has got to do with alcohol abuse.” Mbombo added.

Elevator plunges three storeys leaving 1 dead and 1 injured

Loyiso Langeni

29 June 2015

An incident in which an elevator plunged three storeys at a business in Hunter Lane in Durban left one person dead and another critically injured.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said ER24 paramedics, along with provincial services, arrived on scene and were ushered into the building were they found a number of people crowded around the entrance of the elevator.

Mering added that on assessment, paramedics found the lifeless body of a male and his critically injured colleague.

He also said that paramedics climbed into the elevator and assessed both patients. Unfortunately, one of the patients had already succumbed to his multiple fatal injuries.

“The second patient, a male, was found in a critical condition. Paramedics and rescue services treated the patient for his injuries and provided him with advanced life support. Once freed from the elevator, he was transported to Addignton Hospital for urgent medical treatment.” Meiring added.

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

SA Jewish Board of Deputies takes Mcebo Dlamini to court

Loyiso Langeni

29 June 2015

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has laid criminal charge against the former Wits SRC President Mcebo Dlamini.

It is alleged that during an interview Dlamini accused the Jewish community of being devils.

SA Jewish Board of Deputies Spokesperson Jeff Katz said we are grateful to live in the Constitutional democracy where such conduct is deemed a criminal offence.

Katz added that SA Jewish Board of Deputies will be utilising the institution including the criminal courts in South Africa to stick corrective order.

34 drunken drivers arrested during weekend roadblocks in the WC

Lusanda Bill

29 June 2015

Western Cape Traffic Authorities conducted 24 roadblocks across the province over the weekend of which 2 288 vehicles were stopped and 1 306 drivers were tested for alcohol.

34 drunken drivers were arrested during the roadblocks.

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said the highest reading recorded was 1.28 milligrams per 1000 millimetres which was in the Worcester region, five times over the legal limit.

Africa said then we also tested the speed of 7 280 vehicles of which we prosecuted 1 092 drivers for exceeding the speed limit.

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

In Somerset West two drivers were arrested for reckless and negligent driving and in Beaufort West three men were arrested for being in possession of dagga worth R80 000.

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said the total amount of fines issued was R389 850 and the highest speed recorded in the Western Cape was in Brackenfell and on the N2 near Swellendam.

“There were three fatalities recorded reported. Friday evening late a driver and a passenger died in a motor vehicle accident just outside Laingsburg. Last night on the Stellenbosch Kliphill road a driver lost control of his vehicle and died” Africa added.

NSRI and Police on the search for a missing 38-year-old man in East London

Mbasa Gqokoma

29 June 2015

The National Sea Rescue Institute in East London is continuing to search for a missing 38-year-old man who went missing at sea after being swept out to sea on Sunday.

The man was fishing with his son in law when the two anglers hit a rock at Cove Rock.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI East London Metro Emergency Services and police responded to the scene.

Lambinon added that, extensive search has been carried out for the search of a 38-year-old man who is missing.

“His son in law tried to rescue him, he was rescued by fellow anglers”

The police dive unit and the K9 unit are on the scene continuing with that search, Lambinon added.

Investigation into the death of eight people in Khayelitsha underway

Lusanda Bill

29 June 2015

Cape Town police are continuing to investigate the cause of the death of eight people in Khayelitsha on Sunday.

It is believed that the eight people died when a metal staircase collapsed at Osis a popular tarven in Makaza.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said six people died on the scene and two people were transported to hospital.

Traut said the vehicle that was transporting the two was involved in an accident and they died. About ten people were treated for injuries on the scene.

“The circumstances are being investigated and a death inquest docket as well as a culpable homicide case has been opened” Traut added.  

Maimane to visit the families of Marikana massacre

Mbasa Gqokoma
29 June 2015

Today, Democratic Alliance leader, Mmusi Maimane will visit Marikana, following the release of the report by the Farlam Commission of inquiry.

The leader will be joined by the DA North West leaders, including provincial leader Joe McGluwa.

Spokesperson to DA leader Mabine Seabe said, Maimane will be articulating the steps that the DA is taking to ensure that justice is on their side. Seabe added that, “we demand compensation to be given to the widows of the miners”.

We want to ensure that the community of Marikana finds closure in this matter, Seabe added.

Western Cape Department of Health promotes Medical Male Circumcision

Loyiso Langeni

28 June 2015

The Western Cape Department of Health believes that elective medical male circumcision programme will help increase the uptake of MMC in the province.

During 2013/4 the Department performed close to 16 600 MMC's and in 2014/15 more than 15 800 males went for the procedure.

The procedure which takes 30 minute reduces the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted illness and improved hygiene amongst other things.

Departmental Spokesperson Sithembiso Magubane said the advantages of having this is because it reduces the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted illnesses, Improved hygiene, reducing the risk of developing penile cancer, Reduces the risk of passing the virus that causes cervical cancer to their female partners.

1 dead, 1 injured in a Pretoria roll-over accident

Loyiso Langeni

28 June 2015

An accident this morning left one person tragically died and another critically injured along Lynnwood Road, Equestria, Pretoria in a roll-over accident.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha when they arrived at the scene they ound a driver tragically died due to the extensive injuries he had sustained, A male passenger was in a very critical condition.

Paramedics worked fervently at the scene to stabilise the injured man before they transported him through to Thembisa hospital for further care

Exact details to the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

9 year old girl dead after being struck by vehicle in KZN

 Loyiso Langeni

27 June 2015

Netcare 911 paramedics this morning respondent to an accident scene after a 9 year old girl was hit by a vehicle along the N2 South Coast in Durban.

It is alleged that the girl and another child were standing alongside the highway, the nine year old tried to run across the road but landed in front of a vehicle that was traveling towards Durban.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha when they arrived at the scene they found that the 9 year old girl lying on the road and tragically died on scene due to the extensive injuries she had sustained.

Exact details to the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

MEC Bredall to clean up various challenges in Oudtshoorn municipality

Loyiso Langeni

27 June 2015

The Oudtshoorn municipality has experienced various challenges over the years including leadership, service delivery and financial struggles.

Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said the continued political instability in the municipality has adversely impacted on the administration of it.

Ministerial Spokesperson James-Brent Styan said Minister Bredall and the Department have been involved in an ongoing legal action.

“At the moment we are still awaiting the finalisation of some legal issues before we can consider further action.” Styan added. 

Several accidents left three dead on KZN roads

Loyiso Langeni

27 June 2015

Three people have died and several injured in various accidents in the Durban area.

Emergency Medical Services Spokesperson Robert McKenzie said in one incident, a man was killed when his vehicle overturned on the N2 near the Umngeni offramp on Friday nigh.

McKenzie added that another person was killed in an accident on the R34 towards Blood River in the early hours of this morning.

"In Newcastle, one person was killed and four others were injured when two vehicles collided," McKenzie added.

In another in incident, a young man was hit by a car on the N2 near the M25 highway at around midnight.

He also said that the patients were stabilised before being transported to hospital for medical care.

Exact details to the cause of these accidents will remain the subject of a police investigation.  

He urged motorists to be extremely cautious on the roads as it is holiday times and there’s an increase in traffic volume. 

DA welcomes President’s intervention into the EC department of Education

Mbasa Gqokoma

27 June 2015

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit into the Eastern Cape department of education.

The investigation will look at serious maladministration, unlawful appropriation of public money or property and intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property, within the department.

DA MP of Basic Education Annette Lovemore said the list of problems are extensive and is a reflection of a deep systemic failure in the department of education in the province.

Lovemore said we have long been calling on President Zuma to show support for minister Motshekga and of the children of the Eastern Cape by getting involved and ensuring that the department is working well.

”We welcome now the Presidents eventual finding an authority for an investigation into the department in the Eastern Cape to go ahead to ensure that all corrupt officials or municipal administrators corruption is uncovered and make sure all those that are guilty of maladministration are brought to book” Lovemore added. 

Police arrested a 40-year-old man I connection with Radovan Krejcir’s murder

Mbasa Gqokoma
27 June 2015

Police have managed to arrest a 40-year-old man linked to Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir.

The man was arrested by a special task team which was setup by National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega to investigate cases linked to Krejcir.

He’s alleged to have conspired with the four accused suspects in the murder of Sam Issa’s murder.

Issa was gunned down in a drive by shooting in Bedfordview in 2013.

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said this conspiracy is alleged to have taken place between himself and some of all the alleged who are facing charges of murder following the murder of Sam Issa in 2013.

”We have arrested this man now, and it doesn’t mean that he is the only one who will be arrested, the other 4 that are in custody for Sam Issa’s murder are also likely to be arrested, depending on the investigation and how it unfolds or progress, we might be making more arrests in particular with this conspiracy” Naidoo added.

Eskom: Stage 2 load shedding implemented as from 16:00

Lusanda Bill

26 June 2015

Power utility Eskom has announced that it will implement stage 2 load shedding as from 4pm this afternoon until 10pm this evening.

In a statement Eskom said customers must be assured that load-shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system.

Eskom Spokesperson Khulu Phaiswe said there are not enough generating capacity at this stage due to a high demand for electricity.

Phaiswe said at the same time some of our generating units are off line because of technical faults so that is why the system is constrained.

Two suspects arrested for the recent murder of a 33-year-old in Long Street

Lusanda Bill

26 June 2015

Cape Town police have managed to arrest two suspects for the murder of a 33-year-old man which took place Long Street two weeks ago.

The man was stabbed and the knife left in his neck at Beerhouse. He was declared dead on the scene.

Colonel Andre Traut said the investigation by police into the murder of Joe Louis Kanyana led to the arrest of the two suspects in two different locations in the CBD.

Traut said the two suspects will make a court appearance on Monday at the Cape Town Magistrate Court.  

An accident leaves two people dead in Pietermaritzburg

Lusanda Bill

26 June 2015

Courtesy of ER24

A light motor vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into house on the corners of College and Alexander in Pietermaritzburg and left two men dead and two others injured.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said on assessment, paramedics found four occupants lying motionless inside the vehicle. Paramedics found that the male driver had already succumbed to his multiple fatal injuries.

Meiring said three other patients in the vehicle had sustained critical injuries in the collision. Paramedics carefully removed to patients, treated them and provided them with advanced life support interventions.

“Once treated, the three patients were transported to Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg and Edendale hospital for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, upon arrival at Mediclinic, one of the critically injured patients succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately no-one from the house sustained any injuries” Meiring added.

A call for Nersa to reject Eskom’s application for a tariff hike

Lusanda Bill

26 June 2015

The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union said the latest application by Eskom for a tariff increase is unaffordable.

The power utility is requesting a 9.58 percent tariff hike for the running of short term power producing projects and the open cycle diesel turbines.

The union is calling on the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to dismiss the request by Eskom.

IMATU Research and Policy Analyst Anja Muller-Deibicht said we are hoping that Nersa will reject the application outright.

Deibicht said Eskom has already been granted a 12.69% tariff increase and a further increase on top of this would not only be unaffordable but virtually impossible for most South Africans to pay.

“Obviously we are also looking at the issue around transparency with the money that has been collected already and we are looking for a sustainable solution going forward” Deibicht added.

President Zuma gives a summary of the Marikana report

Jaimie-faith Poonah

26 June 2015

President Jacob Zuma described the events of August 16^th 2012 as a horrendous tragedy that has no place in a democracy. He made this statement as he addressed the nation last night giving a summary of the Marikana report.

President Zuma said the full report by the Marikana Commission of Inquiry is more than 600 hundred pages long and therefore it will be published in the GCIS and the presidency’s websites and in the government gazette.

President Zuma talks about recommendation made by the commission concerning National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega.

President Zuma said the commission also recommends that all the killings and assaults that took place from the 11 to the15 August 2012, should be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further investigation and to determine whether there is a basis for prosecution.

Zuma added that the commission has also recommended that there must be an inquiry into the fitness to hold office of the National Police Commissioner as well as the North West Provincial Police Commissioner.

Meanwhile the report also found that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was not the cause of the massacre in Marikana. This as the Counsel for Injured and Arrested Persons alleged that Mr Cyril Ramaphosa is the cause of the Marikana massacre and that he must be held accountable for the death of 34 miners.

Spokesperson for the Deputy President Ronnie Mamoepa said Deputy President Ramaphosa will indeed start at the contents of the report and in due cause provide this comment.

Mamoepa added that Deputy President Ramaphosa voluntarily gave evidence to the Farlam Commission with a view to assist in the commission to reach its conclusions.

WC MEC Bredell to launch a Fire Prevention Toolkit

Mbasa Gqokoma
26 June 2015

Today MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, will launch a Fire Prevention Toolkit for Educators aimed at combating fires in informal settlements and other communities across the province.

A demonstration will also be held at the Zolile Malindi Community Centre.

Spokesperson for MEC Bredell, James Brent Styan said, the idea and the plan with this tool kit is to help educators to assist them in training and talking to kids in communities to be able to address fire in the informal settlements.

“Fire in the informal settlements remains as a big concern for the provincial government. We believe by taking preventative steps we can potentially bring down and limit the damage caused by fire in these settlements” Styan added.

NUM welcomes judgement against Aurora directors

Mbasa Gqokoma
25 June 2015

The National Union of Mineworkers has welcomed the judgement against Aurora directors.

The North Guateng High Court this afternoon ruled that the directors of Pamodzi Empowerment Systems were liable for the cost of destruction of mining assets under their control.

The directors of Aurora have been accused of stripping assets of mines of Pamodzi.

NUM’s Livhuwani Mammburu said the judgement today is the light at the end of the tunnel. We have always believed as the NUM that Aurora directors were not credible.

Mammburu added that, they were thieves who came out to steal assets of the company.

These were the group of thieves who stripped all the assets of the company and destroyed its infrastructure, Mammburu added.

Ramaphosa calls on EFF’s Malema to withdraw misleading sentiments

Mbasa Gqokoma
25 June 2015

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Economic Freedom Fighters to withdraw or provide proof of claims the party made in Parliament on Wednesday regarding his relationship with the power utility Eskom.

EFF leader Julius Malema said Ramaphosa was milking the state as he benefited personally from Eskom’s war room.

Deputy President’s Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said firstly it is a public knowledge that, Deputy President Ramaphosa is diverted from Shanduka Group and holds no mining interests.

It is a consequence of a process that he initiated to move the potential for any conflict of interest.

“The Deputy President was assigned by cabinet in December 2015 to lead the Eskom War Room which is focused solely on the implementation of government strike on plan to address the current electricity constraints in the country and does not plan to benefit personally in this process” Mamoepa added.

Western Cape Government Offers Youth Programming during school holidays

Jaime-faith Poonah and Rebecca Gibian
25 June 2015

The Western Cape Education Department will once again offer holiday programmes during the winter school holidays.

The MEC of Education Department, Debbie Schafer, said over the holiday period the WCED’s safe schools directorate arranged increased security at some high risk identified schools.

 

Four hundred and thirteen schools will benefit from holiday security, 56 schools will have 24 hour security while 357 will have 12 hour security and benefit from cluster patrols.

 

MEC Schafer added that the Education Department specifically has safe schools holiday programs in each district, covering topics such as peer pressure, moral values, substance abuse, HIV/Aids and sexual abuse, also truancy, gangsterism and bullying.

 

Schafer explained that there is also a programmed designed for young women called Girls in Motion Life Skills Programme as well as fun activities such hiking, kayaking, board games, arts and crafts as well as drama and dance classes.

 

The Department of Community Safety continues as well with ongoing and targeted youth programmes and interventions across the province.

With R5.8 million spent on benefiting 27 000 children and youth over the past three years already, this year the programme will expand to R8 million for both June and December holidays.

 

MEC of Community Safety, Dan Plato explained that the Department of Community Safety partnered with 119 religious institutions, both mosques and churches to reach out to the youngsters to get them off the streets and into a safe environment.

 

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Social Development plans to host numerous school holiday programmes through the youth programme in the department and via the six regional offices.

 

Some of the programmes will be held in partnership with provincial and local government structures across the province.

 

MEC of Social Development, Albert Fritz said an important point about the holiday programme is that it always forms part of the annual performance plan.

 

He explained that the programme is conceptualized and planned from April 1 right through March, taking into consideration the holiday periods.

 

Fritz also explained that most of the programs are determined by kids, by the youth, and that they have a say in how the programs are run. 

 

A decrease in the number of tourists travelling into the country

Lusanda Bill

25 June 2015

The Department of Home Affairs Director General Mkuseli Apleni said the new immigration's amendments regulations are not impacting on people decisions to travel to South Africa.

This as the number of tourist travelling into the country has decrease.

Apleni said the figures we have shown a 1.3% decrease in tourism numbers, so it’s not as big of a decrease as people have been claiming. However we as a department still to understand what is the root cause of people not travelling to the country.

Meanwhile Mkuseli Apleni said the departments concern has always been on promoting national security, which has a far-reaching impact on tourism as well.

The regulation which requires children travelling in and out of the country to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate came into effect on the 1^st of June 2015.

Apleni said the steps we have taken to improve how we regulate the movement of children are intended also to give effect to the Children’s Act, 2005 which sets out principles relating to the care and protection of children.

“The Children’s Act demands specifically the protection of children from abduction as it prohibits this horrendous act” Apleni added.

SACP concerned about protest action which leads to closure of hospitals

Lusanda Bill

25 June 2015

The South African Communist Party has raised its concern regarding the recent closure of public hospitals due to violent protest action in the Eastern Cape.

In a statement the SACP cautioned protesting communities that any criminal act like closing of hospitals, schools, and burning of public property delegitimizes any genuine demands they may have.

SACP Provincial Spokesperson Siyabonga Mdodi said there is no demand that can justify anyone denying the right to life and health of a person, because some of the people that go to the hospitals are at risk of losing their lives as a result of closure of hospitals.

Mdodi added that public violence and damage to property cannot be a way of expressing anger or a demand.