COPE asks WC govt to assist homeless after fire

Melon Radebe

30 November 2015

The Congress of the People says it has continuously asked all three levels of government to provide planning services for informal settlements.

This after thousands were left homeless in the Western Cape due to fires.

“The Congress of the People are calling upon government especially in the Western Cape on Mayor Patricia de Lille to really assist and make a plan for the people that are homeless (sic).” COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem said.

Scottsdene school infrastructure handed over to community

Rentse Khiba

30 November 2015

The Western Cape government has handed over a state of the art sporting facility in Scottsdene.

Totalling just over R28 million, the project provides a range of equipment across many sporting codes. 

Spokesperson for MEC Anroux Marais, Stacey Mclean said, that five schools in crime ravaged areas will benefit from the project and it will offer an alternative to the youngsters in the community.

“It boasts amongst others a race track, a hockey astro turf, and an indoor soccer field.” Mclean concluded.

19 left dead after taxi and truck collided

Rentse Khiba

29 November 2015

ER24 paramedics are currently on scene and further resources have been dispatched to a collision on the R28 towards Vereeniging.

It is understood that there are multiple people dead and a number of others critically injured.

The ER24 medical helicopter has also been activated.

“ER24 paramedics are attending to patients on scene. It is understood that at least 19 people have died.” Bodasing said.

It has been reported that a truck and taxi is involved and that the taxi caught alight.

Patients were also ejected from the vehicles there are some Patients that are injured, some critically and are being treated.

Further details will be communicated as soon as available, Bodasing concluded.

COPE calls for ministerial handbook to be revised by assembly

Rentse Khiba

29 November 2015

The Congress Of the People has released a statement calling for the revised ministerial handbook to follow the presidential handbook into the public domain.

Bloem said that COPE believes that the National Assembly has the primary and final responsibility has the primary including that which is incurred through the ministerial handbook.

“Now that everyone has sight of the presidential handbook, it is indeed time. To compel the executive to release the revised Ministerial Handbook to the public also. We need transparency.” Bloem added.

COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem said that COPE wants the mistrial handbook to come to the national assembly for revision. 

Gordans Bay beach Search continues for missing fisherman

Rentse Khiba

29 November 2015

A Police helicopter, NSRI Gordons Bay, NSRI Simonstown, NSRI Strandfontein, a Police Dive Unit, The Wilderness Search and Rescue, the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services dive unit and local Police and Law Enforcements are continuing an ongoing search between the Wolfgat Nature Reserve and Gordons Bay for a fisherman who went missing last night after their boat capsized off-shore of Harbour island, Gordons Bay.

National sea and rescue spokesperson Craig Lambinon reported that NSRI Gordans Bay were activated following reports of red distress flares fired in the vicinity off shore of Gordans Bay.

The crew located a capsized snoek fishing boat with three men clinging onto the upturned hull and they were holding onto the body of a fourth man.

“The body of the deceased man and the three fishermen were recovered onto the search rescue craft and brought to shore. Paramedics treated the three survivors and the body of the deceased fisherman was taken into the care of Police and the department of Health Forensics Pathology Services.” Lambinon said

The survivors confirmed that a 5^th fisherman, wearing a life jacket, had drifted away from the upturned boat in the strong winds.

Searches are continuing today, Lambinon concluded.

SA lottery commends swift police action

Rentse Khiba

29 November 2015

14 Chinese nationals were arrested when police uncovered the centre of an operation of an illegal lottery in Bramley, Johannesburg.

National lotteries commission Communications officer Makosazana Lindhorst reported that the police confiscated a number of items including materials used in the playing of Fahfee which is one of the biggest illegal lotteries in the country.

“11 armoured cars, money, purses and checklists were all confiscated, the money still needs to be counted, and hopefully we will know the amount by this afternoon.” Lindhorst said

The suspects will appear in the Alexandra Magistrates Court on Monday the 30th on contravening Section 57 of the lotteries Act No. 57 of 1997.

Democratic Alliance condemns ANC’s sexist comments

Rentse Khiba

28 November 2015

The Democratic Alliance strongly condemned the ANC’s appalling display of sexism in Parliament on Thursday, exposing a total disregard and lack of respect for women.

The DA’s Pumza Marubelela went on to say “when it comes to reducing the inequality in our country, we need to do the right things every day, otherwise campaigns like 16 Days of Activism are meaningless.”

The DA says these Slurs are not only disrespectful but show the contempt the ANC has for women who challenge or disagree with its views, Marubelela concluded.

Three Injured in Wynberg collision

Rentse Khiba

28 November 2015

Three woman were injured when the vehicle they were in rolled on Wetton Road, in Wynberg, Cape Town in the early hours of this morning.

ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing reported ER24 and healthcare paramedics as well as Metro Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene and found that one woman was trapped in the vehicle that was lying on its side.

Metro Rescue extricated the woman from the vehicle.

“She as well as the two other woman, one believed to be about six months pregnant, were assessed and found to have sustained moderate injuries.”  Bodasing.

 They were treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown however local authorities were on scene for further investigations Bodasing concluded.

Motsoeneng appointment set aside in Court

Mbasa Gqokoma

28 November 2015

The Democratic Alliance is pleased with the Western Cape High Court’s setting aside the appointment of SABC Chief Operating Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the Court found the appointment was irrational and unlawful.

 This comes after Judge Dennis Davis of the Western Cape High Court considered the DA’s review application seeking to have the very appointment of Motsoeneng by the Minister of Communication Faith Muthambi, set aside on the grounds that it was irrational and therefore unlawful from the outset.

Chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive James Selfe added that “We believe it has less to do with Mr Motsoeneng and more do to with the rule of law, and are please the appointment has been set aside.”

Mayor Patricia de Lille donates to the senior citizens

Mbasa Gqokoma

27 November 2015

The City of Cape Town Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille visited the Oakheaven Place Senior Citizen’s home in Heideveld to donate commodes and crutches to residents.

In a statement issued, de Lille says, as a caring city, the City of Cape Town places a special focus on vulnerable groupS, including senior citizens.

“We are forever grateful for the contribution that senior citizens have made to our city and our country.” Spokesperson for Executive Mayor Zara Nicholson said. 

4 people injured in a collision between 2 vehicles

Mbasa Gqokoma

27 November 2015

4 people were injured this morning in a collision between 2 vehicles on Kloof Road, outside Fochville. ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing says,

“ER24 paramedics and other services arrived on scene and found 1 vehicle in the veld on the side of the road and another still on the road.

Two children believed to be aged 5 and 9, and a man were treated for minor to moderate injuries.

A man believed to be in his 50’s was trapped in the vehicle found in the veld.

Fire and Rescue services from Fochville used the Jaws of Life to extricate the man.

Upon assessment, paramedics found that he sustained moderate injuries. Following treatment on scene, all patients were transported to hospital.

The exact cause of the collision is unknown, however, authorities were on scene for investigation

Girl, 13, knocked over by taxi driver

Jason Murphy

27 November 2015

 A 13-year-old girl has died in Bishop Lavis after she was knocked over by a taxi early today.

The girl was believed to be on her way to school when she was knocked over.

Cape Town Traffic Services’ spokesperson Richard Coleman added that “At proximately 07h00 this morning on 35^th street in Lavis drive in Bishop Lavis we had a taxi that knocked down a 13-year-old little girl and was deceased on the scene (sic). The driver has been arrested and taken to the police station.”  

City of Cape Town awards struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada

Melon Radebe

27 November 2015

The City of Cape Town awarded struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, Freedom of the City yesterday.

City of Cape Town Mayor, Patricia de Lille says, it is an honour and privilege to bestow upon Kathrada the Freedom of City of Cape Town, on behalf of a grateful people and a humble society.

“The most powerful legacies don’t live in the things we can see or touch. They live in the way people think or understand. This is Uncle Kathy’s legacy to us.” De Lille said.

             

Western Cape Provincial cabinet requests provincial disaster classification

Melon Radebe

27 November 2015

The Western Cape Provincial cabinet requested its national counterparts to make a provincial disaster classification for the Western Cape.

MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape Anton Bredel, says the cabinet’s decision was taken on Wednesday.

“We are especially concerned about two areas in the province which would be the West Coast and the Central Karoo district." Spokesperson for Anton Bredell, James Brent Styan said.

"And we just call on people to work with us and to use water sparingly. Especially over the coming summer season which is particularly dry and hot.” He added. 

City of Cape Town to support the annual DSTV Mitchells Plain Festival

Melon Radebe

27 November 2015

The City of Cape Town will support the annual DSTV Mitchells Plain Festival which will celebrate its seventh anniversary.

The annual festival is a firm favourite on the City’s events calendar and is billed as the biggest event of its kind on the Cape Flats, attracting more than 35 000 people.

The First Mitchells Plain festival was held in 2009 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the community, with an estimated population of 700 thousand residents.

“A number of people will be participating. Round about people from 36 000 people from Cape Town and even outside who we are expecting.” Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development Councillor Gareth Bloor said. 

Langa house beneficiaries continue to move in

Melon Radebe

27 November 2015

The first beneficiaries of the City’s projects in Langa, which is designated as a special redress project, started moving into their new rental units in September.

So far, 321 households have taken occupation of their new apartments, a further 142 beneficiaries will be moved over the coming weeks if all goes according to plan.

It has been agreed that beneficiaries would be moved into their units as they were completed and not have to wait for the completion of the entire project.

“This is a great milestone as more than half the intended beneficiaries have now moved into their flats in Langa.”  Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Councillor Benedicta Van Minnen said 

Four men arrested for stolen car

Asanda Xongo

26 November 2015

Four men were apprehended this morning driving a suspected stolen motor vehicle. Two unlicensed firearms were recovered in the vehicle in Dyokoni Street, Phase Six in Browns Farm.

Members of the Flying squad were on petrol when they noticed a Ford laser driving in front of them with four suspicious looking occupants.

The members tested the vehicle registration number, and it came out as positively stolen in Nyanga during November 2015.

Captain FC Van Wyk added that “The vehicle was stopped and the occupants and vehicle was searched and a fire arm was found on the back seat.”

DA requests Chair of Transport committee to be summoned

Mbasa Gqokoma

26 November 2015

Democratic Alliance communications officer, Samkelo Mgobozi says in a statement he has written to Chairperson of Standing on Public Accounts, Themba Godi, to request that the Chairperson of Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Transport, Dikeledi Magadsi, to be summoned to appear before SCOPA.

He says, Magadsi has given vague reason for postponing Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s hearings regarding its financial misconduct. Mgobozi explains……

“The excuse given by Chairperson Magadsi was that there was not enough time due to the agenda of the Transport Portfolio Committee being full.

He adds that “This is completely untrue given that both the DA Shadow Ministers of Transport attended the SCOPA meeting as well as other MP’s. It is obvious that Ms Magadsi is refusing to appear before SCOPA to show accountability.”

Matric students urged to act responsibly during matric rage parties

Asanda Xongo

26 Nov 2015

Today candidates in the 2015 National Senior Certificate examinations wrote the last of their major examination, History Paper 2.

Exams are scheduled to end tomorrow, but many candidates today will head to the annual Matric rage parties in towns across the province.

Provincial and Municipal traffic services are on hire alert over this period and ready for any eventuality. A non-nonsense approach will again be adopted to any transgressions during this time.

Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and public Works, Donald Grant, Siphesihle Dube added that “ Minister Grant and Minister Schafer have appealed to all matric candidate to drink responsibly as they attend the matric rage parties, both ministers say they should not go behind the wheel drunk and should obey speed limit.”

Three women knocked down in Newlands

Melon Radebe

26 November 2015

Three women were left injured on after they were knocked down by a car on the corner of Long and Gordon roads in Newlands early today.

“ER24 paramedics arrived on scene and found the women lying on the pavement. The car, which had knocked another vehicle, was found a few metres away from the pedestrians against a traffic light pole.” ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing said.

Bodasing added that the women, believed to be between 20 and 40, had moderate injuries.

They were treated and transported to hospital.

Authorities were present to investigate. 

Violence in Khayelitsha condemned by Public Transport Voice

Melon Radebe

26 November 2015

The Public Transport Voice says it condemns the violence that occurred in Khayelitsha, due to Metrorail temporarily terminating its services.

On Wednesday roads had to be closed leaving taxi drivers to Site B having to use the Govan Mbeki road as tires were burned by angry residents of the affected areas.

PTV added that they could not accept these acts to be treated as mere vandalism anymore and is asking police to arrest those who lead protests and they will be opposing bail.

“On the last weekend we had a meeting with Metrorail where we discussed similar issues. Issues of train delays, issues of accountability, and we resolved that Metrorail will try its best in terms of improving the services.” Spokesperson for Public Transport Voice Zingisani Nkanjeni said.

“And we are so disappointed when we saw and when we heard and when experienced what happened in Khayelitsha and we believe that this will come to an end.” Nkanjeni added. 

Lesotho receives special permit

Mellon Radebe

26 November 2015

In October 2015 Minister Malusi Gigaba along with his cabinet approved the implementation of the Lesotho Special Permit.

The Intention of the Lesotho Dispensation is to regularize the stay of Lesotho nationals currently residing illegally in South Africa.

It will assist greatly in ensuring that all persons in South Africa are here on a lawful basis, with correct documentation. The Special dispensation is for Lesotho nationals who are working and studying in SA without appropriate documentation.

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba added that “The Basotho in the country will enjoy protection from unlaw labour practices, fraud and corruption. This we owe to the people of the SADC region and our neighbor, Lesotho which historically enjoys close kinship ties with South Africa and its people.”

60 year injured in Helicopter crash in Alberton

Rentse Khiba

25 November 2015

A man in his 60’s sustained moderate injuries this morning after a helicopter crashed in a field off Klipriver Road in Alberton.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring reported that ER24 paramedics along with other services, arrived on scene to find the helicopter in the middle of the field.

Two occupants were found seated next to the helicopter.

“On assessment, paramedics found that one man had sustained moderate injuries in the incident. The second occupant a man unfortunately escaped without injuries.” Meiring said.

Paramedics treated the patient before he was airlifted by a private medical helicopter to a private hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the incident is unknown, however local authorities were on scene for further investigation. Meiring concluded.

11% increase in Cape Town international tourists

Rentse Khiba

25 November 2015

The Western Cape is set to receive a boost in tourism numbers.

Figures published for October show there were 69,000 international arrivals at Cape Town airport this represents an increase of 10,000 from October of last year.

Bronwynne Jooste who is the spokesperson for the MEC of Economic Opportunities in Western Cape explains, that an average 11% increase has been seen in the numbers of international arrivals.

“MEC Winde said this is good because for every 12 tourists to come to our country one job is created” Jooste said.

Parliament to be petitioned by DA

Asanda Xongo

25 November 2015

The events at the Marikana in August 2012 left a scar on South Africa that will take a decade to heal, the tragic loss of life was borne by devastated families.

Most of whom lost their sole breadwinners and caregivers, three years later they are still seeking justice, accountability and compensation from the ANC.

The Democratic Alliance has therefore launched a petition to be tabled before parliament when it reconvenes next year.

Spokesperson to the DA leader Mabine Seabe added that “The DA has established a compensation fund for the victims of the 2012 Marikana massacre and believe as the DA that some sort of justice should be served.”

DA propose 26 amendments to the budget

Asanda Xongo

25 November 2015

Today the Democratic Alliance proposed 26 amendments to the adjusted budget, to make available R904 million to fund the shortfall resulting from the 0% student fees increase in the 2015/16 Financial Year.

The Standing Committee on Appropriations met this morning to consider the adjustments Appropriation Bill in ahead tomorrow’s debate on the adjusted budget in the National Assemmbly.

The DA’s Graham Charters added that “The Department of Higher Education is seemingly looking towards disadvantage universities to get fees within the current budget.”

MEC Fritz disappointed at little remorse shown by SASSA 5

Rentse Khiba

25 November 2015

The western Cape MEC of Social Development, Albert Fritz is disappointed at the manner in disregard shown by the five convicted former SASSA employees for the seriousness of their crime, during their sentencing trial.

This comes after the five dubbed the SASSA 5 appeared in the Belville Commercial Crimes Court yesterday for the start of their sentencing procedures after they were found guilty of social grant fraud.

MEC Fritz said, “This was unacceptable and speaks to the culture of disdain and entitlement some SASSA officials are accused of by poor residents of the province.”

The MEC said the department of Social Development continues to call on SASSA to clean up its act.

The case has been postponed to the 9^th December 2015.

Stellenbosch Municipality to enter partnerships to protect rivers

Jason Murphy

24^th November 2015

Stellenbosch Municipality is entering into an innovative and exemplary partnership with the local business fraternity and communities to enhance the long-term health of rivers in the area.

A number of private companies and wine estates have indicated their commitment to joining and serving as active members of the River Stewardship Action initiated by the municipality. Schalk van der Merwe explains:

“This is a voluntary initiative which will build on the goodwill of the people and the institutions involved. Each member adopts or assumes stewardship of a defined section and undertakes to rehabilitate that section in accordance with best practice methodology”   

MEC Plato to launch 16 Days of Activism Campaign

Rentse Khiba

24 November 2015

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety, Dan Plato, will launch the Western Cape Government’s 2015 16 days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children in Freedom Park, Mitchell’s Plain today.

MEC spokesperson Ewald Botha, says through meaningful partnerships, like the partnership between SAPS, the Department of Community Safety in the Western Cape and the public, are taking a united stand.

Botha explained that the 2015 campaign was started to encourage everybody in the communities to take a stand against abuse behind the provincial theme: “Safety starts in your family.”

“We challenge every person in the province to ensure that safety starts in your family and observe 16 days of activism for no Violence Against Women and Children towards 365 days of action to eradicate violence from our communities, Better Together.” said Botha.

WCED programme to focus on public schools

Melon Radebe

24 November 2015

The Western Cape Education Department has decided to launch a programme that will provide quality public schooling for all children.

The department says one of their greatest educational challenge is to ensure that learners in poorer communities are able to access the same quality of education as those who can afford to pay more for additional resources.

“Through our new Collaboration Schools pilot, we will test a new and exciting model of schooling that brings additional education management skills and innovation into the public school system.” Ministerial spokesperson Jessica Shelver said.

                                                                          

The pilot will continue for a period of five years, subject to the performance of the partners and the schools. 

Western Cape appoints very first Independent Health Committee

Asanda Xongo

24 November 2015

Yesterday Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo introduced the very first independent Health Complaints Committee.

This committee is a direct response to the commitment to the provision of person centred health care in South Africa.

The three member committee has been appointed in accordance with the Western Cape Independent Health Complaints Committee Act.  

Spokesperson to the Minister Colleen Smart added that “The committee showcases the provincial government commitment to health, which is Minister Mbombo’s main priorit. We are confident they will promote accountability of complaints.”

Missing Adult Alert: Ncumisa Cynthia Zantshi

Missing Adult Alert: Jaylin Fortune

Missing Child Alert: Monique Sisipho Menze

Missing Child Alert: Mary-Ann Celine Attwell

NSRI rescues 6 Crew members off Mykonos coastline

Rentse Khiba

23 November 2015

On Sunday evening the National Sea and Rescue Institute Mykonos duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority following a request for urgent assistance from the 48 foot yacht Clifton with 6 crew on board reporting to be taking water approximately 1 Nautical mile off-shore of Jutten Island, 5 nautical miles from our sea rescue base in Mykonos

“We launched our sea rescue craft Spirit of Freemasonry and on arrival on scene all 6 crew were taken off their yacht onto our sea rescue craft.” Craig Lambinon said.

The crew all men aged between 50 and 60 year olds, two from London, United Kingdom and the remaining crew from Cape Town were not injured.

“They were brought to our sea rescue base and had made arrangements from there.” Lambinon concluded.

The yacht was listing and partly submerged. It is unknown what caused the yacht to take water.

EC police begin murder investigation

Jason Murphy

23^rd November 2015

Eastern Cape police are investigating the death of a Buffalo City Municipality worker. The man was killed, allegedly by a superior, last Friday during a protest.

The deceased was part of a group of about 100 employees who were protesting outside the municipality's premises. It's alleged a manager then rammed his bakkie into a gate and knocked down some of the demonstrators.

Driving arrests and road fatalities this past weekend

Jason Murphy

November 23^rd

This past weekend in the Western Cape province, yet another round of roadblocks were held. Western Cape traffic Chief Kenny reported that 24 took place across the province. 1700 vehicles were stopped and 1260 drivers were tested for alcohol. Kenny Africa explains:

“We arrested 18 drunk drivers, the highest reading was nearly 5 times over the legal limit. We also arrested one taxi driver and impounded his vehicle”

Mean while four people have been killed on Cape Town Roads this weekend. 

DA calls out President’s Zuma alleged relations with WC gangsters

23 November 2015

Melon Radebe

The Democratic Alliance says President Jacob Zuma’s alleged cosy relations with Western Cape gangsters in order to influence elections, underscores the moral bankruptcy to his leadership and his lack of care for communities who suffer from gangsterism and drug related crimes.

DA leader spokesperson, Mabine Seabe says this is a new low for a broken President who regards South Africa and its safety as a secondary priority in his bid to cling the power.

“The DA will therefore be taking the following actions to ensure that the truth comes to light and the President is held to account.” Seabe said, 

“Thousands of innocent South Africans are killed by gangs and gang violence every year, yet President Zuma would rather cosy up to gangsters than deal decisively with the scourge of gangsterism”, Seabe concluded.

Entrepreneurs get multi-million rand funding in Western Cape

Mbasa Gqokoma

23 November 2015

The latest round of the Western Cape Funding Fair will be launched in Green Point, offering multi-million rand cash injections for the province’s entrepreneurs today.

The Funding Fair which is now in its second year will be officially launched by Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde and Deloitte’s Western Cape leader Marius Albert.

 Entrepreneurs and investors who participate in the inaugural Funding Fair will attend the launch and will get an opportunity to pitch to their potential funders.

Minister of Economic Opportunities Spokesperson Browynne Jooste added that “Through the funding they hope to collect investors and entrepreneurs so they are able to secure the funding they need to grow their businesses.”

ANC accuses DA for being cry babies

Mbasa Gqokoma

22 November 2015

The ANC in the Western Cape says the DA led provincial government’s behaviour is unbecoming.

This after the province complains that other provinces get more money than they get.

The DA rejected the 338 million allocated for salaries in the adjustment budget, but on Friday it welcomed and thanked government for this money.

Pierre Hys explains…..

“We are concerned that service delivery will not be rendered as necessary, we looking at our schools, we looking at Health care facilities and therefore we say it is wrong for them to lower the money just before local government elections, where they will then go to the communities and dish out the money that they are not utilising now. The money must be used for the services it was budget for now, not wait to use the money as a election ploy.

Minister Plato hosts final consultation workshop

Mbasa Gqokoma

22 November 2015

Yesterday, MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato hosted the final cluster policing Needs and Priorities consultation workshop for 2015-2016.

The cluster will workshop a practical and implementable safety plan as part of the newly structured 2day PNP consultation process.

The safety plan serves as a safety blueprint for communities which provide a shared ownership, responsibility and accountability to safety.

Spokesperson for Minister Dan Plato Ewald Botha added that “The final cluster consultation process will see a possible practical on a safety plan being drafted for the entire cluster of the Vredendal community as well as to implement to all agencies involved.”

EC Samwu workers protesting against clocking system

Mbasa Gqokoma

21 November 2015

In the statement issued, the South African Municipal Workers Union says, workers at the Buffalo City Municipality are currently protesting against the municipal management which has unilaterally changed the clocking system without any consultation with workers or unions.

SAMWU regional secretary Zolani Ndlela explains……

“The issue is coming from a clocking system. Workers at Buffalo City are saying they want the manual clocking system and we are still engaging management about that issue as leadership of SAMWU”

Min Gigaba opened new Home Affairs office in Somerset West

Mbasa Gqokoma

21 November 2015

The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba on Thursday opened the new home affairs office in Somerset West, Western Cape.

The new office replaces the old and dilapidated structure that previously served as a service point and forms part of the Mordenisation Programme of the department of Home Affairs.

Minister Gigaba explains…….

“Government as a whole will have access to up to date data of South Africans and Foreign Nationals for economic development, security, governance and administration, as well as for service delivery which will enable government to plan better for the services it seeks that it seeks to provide to know who are the people that are in our country and to be able to plague onto those platforms.”

COPE urges 100% support for NDP from SACP & COSATU

Mbasa Gqokoma

21 November 2015

The Congress of the People says in a statement issued, the South African Communist Party and the Congress of the South African Trade Union must support the National Development Plan 100% or leave government.

“ We are calling upon President Zuma and the SACP and Cosatu to seat around the table and endorse NDP 100%. They can’t eat with the other hand there, and the other hand there. They are the cause of the trouble, now President Zuma must not be scared of them because it his alliance and give them an ultimatum whether they support the NDP or not. If they don’t support the NDP they must go, COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem said.

Bloem added that “The economy is continuing to shed jobs and young people face a bleak future because of the increasing scarcity of opportunity.”

WC Government launches first Health Complaints Committee in the country

Melon Radebe

21 November 2015

The Western Cape government have appointed the first Independent Health Complaints Committee in the country.

Western Cape MEC of Health Nomafrench Mbombo will announce the committee on Monday.

“This three member committee has been appointed in accordance with the Western Cape Independent Health Complaints Committee ACT, No 2 of 2014.” Ministerial spokesperson Colleen Smart said.

“This Act was promulgated to provide for the establishment of a system for the referral of complaints to a committee for consideration.”

DJs trained in HIV prevention

Melon Radebe

20 November 2015

The Cape Winelands HAST team, trained 35 djs from across the district on the prevention of HIV, TB and STI prevention and safe sexual practices.

“We know from experience that wherever there is music and fun, youngest will go. And we have also identified that these are places where our youngsters are at risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviour.” Cape Winelands District Spokesperson Jo-Anne Otto said.

Missing Child Alert : Ayabonga Dick

ANC prepares to march in Cape Town

Jason Murphy

19^th November

The ANC is preparing to lead the biggest service delivery march of 2015.

The march planned for tomorrow, Friday November 20^th,  is intended to send what it says is a clear message to the Mayor of Cape Town and the Provincial government over services such as water, infrastructure and the ongoing battle against gangsterism, drugs and violent crime. Khaya Khozi is ANC spokeperson:

“The majority of people will be from disadvantaged and poor communities to the civic centre to hand over a memordaum about lack of service delivery”

Masiphumelele mobile Police Station to open

Jason Murphy

19^th November

The community of Masiphumelele will tomorrow have the new police station it’s residents have sought. SAPS have confirmed that a mobile police station will open tomorrow Friday the 20^th of November.

The community of Masiphumelele has experienced protests and civil unrest in the last number of months as tensions were raised due to the high levels of crime in the area resulting in incidents of mob justice. Brigadier Novela of SAPS spoke to Bush Radio News:

“This mobile station is essentially a Police Station on wheels. It will enable the community to report crime, given statements and will also have the facility to hold prisoners”. 

The DA call on SAA chairperson to be suspended

Melon Radebe

19 November 2015

The Democratic Alliance says that the Treasury should not give a R5 million bailout to the South African Airways.

The DA says the request is “ludicrous” given the financial constraints [the] country is currently facing”.

“This request is being made due to very very made decisions made by chairperson of the board Dudu Myeni. We feel that Ms Myeni has lost complete control of her board and as well as of the ailrine.” Da Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises Natasha Mazzone said.

NEHAWU suspends strike

Melon Radebe

18 November 2015

Workers affiliated to the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union in Parliament have agreed to suspend their strike action which has taken seven days.

The decision to suspend the protest action, according to the workers representatives, is based on the agreement reached between Nehawu and management during today’s meeting in Parliament.

“The performance bonus will be based on the annual salary just as we have been arguing the agreement that we signed in March.” Nehawu Parliament Branch Chairperson Sthembiso Tembe said. 

WC ANC Youth League celebrates Anton Fransch

18 November 2015

Rentse Khiba

The ANC youth league marked the anniversary of the death of Anton Fransch.

The young Cape Town resident was just 20 years old when he was murdered by the Apartheid police forces following a seven hour gun battle in Athlone on this day in 1989.

 A commemoration was held at the Corner of Kroomboom Road and Church Street in Athlone.

The ANC’s youth league Tom Simbulele explained that the youth league had a brief wreath laying ceremony in front of the Athlone home where our hero had fallen.

“We listened to the recollections and words of wisdom from former MK combatants and activists who interacted with Anton.”  Simbulele said.

Following a seven hour gun battle with the apartheid forces on 17 November 1989, Anton, 20, was killed when a hand grenade lobbed into a room in which he sought refuge in Church Street, Athlone, exploded.