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Articles by Khomotso Mabelane
#BRICSSummit2023: SA to yield economic benefits from the summit - Ramaphosa
Chinese President Xi Jinping was a no-show on day 1 of the 2023 BRICS Summit. The Chinese president who was meant to deliver a keynote address at the Sandton Convention Centre did not appear following a
Ramaphosa failed to act against State Capture to save his position
The Zondo Commission report has found fault with President Cyril Ramaphosa for his failure to act against state capture. The commission found that Ramaphosa, as the deputy president (in Former President Jacob Zuma’s administration) did not respond to clear signs of state capture out of fear of being fired. Ramaphosa told the commission that he chose to be quiet about what was taking place because he feared former president Jacob Zuma would remove him from his position.
Zondo calls for a commission of inquiry into the state of Prasa
The Zondo Commission has called for a fresh commission of inquiry into the state of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. This is despite months of testimony into Prasa at the commission of inquiry into state capture. Evidence heard included the irregular awarding of a locomotives tender to Swifambo Rails and a security tender to Siyangena Technologies.
Presidency to receive the final instalment of the State Capture Inquiry report
Following several delays, the final instalment of the State Capture Inquiry report will be released today. There have been several changes in dates, times and locations for an official handover ceremony. In a statement this morning the presidency said the report will be handed over at the Union Buildings, and not Cape Town as previously planned.
Final state capture report delayed
The much-anticipated release of the final state capture report has once again been delayed. State capture report: Presidency receives Part 4 The report will no longer be released on monda as previously stated by the commission’s secretary professor Itumeleng Mosala. The report was due to be handed over to the presidency. The state capture commission of inquiry was given until last week Wednesday to finish its work. Power News Reporter Khomotšo Mabelane has more on this story.
Mbalula releases Tshwane bus-truck accident report
Preliminary investigations into last week’s horrific crash which claimed the lives of fifteen people have revealed that the accident was caused by an error on the side of the truck driver. The accident occurred on the M17 in Garankua in Tshwane between a truck and a bus carrying 56 passengers Transport minister Fikile Mbalula says the truck driver who was a foreign national allowed his vehicle to veer off its lane.
SA in negotiation with UAE to extradite Gupta brothers
Minister in the presidency Mondli Gungubele says negotiations are underway to extradite the Gupta family to South Africa to face the alleged crimes that they have committed. ActionSA appoints lawyers to monitor proceedings of Guptas arrest Cabinet welcomed the arrest of Rajesh and Atul Gupta by Dubai police. Gungubele was briefing the media about the outcomes of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He says several other arrests of former government officials were also discussed.
Gauteng Hawks: High demand, good prices fuel cable theft
The Gauteng Hawks head general Ebrahim Kadwa said criminal syndicates were responsible for the endless theft of critical energy infrastructure on Tuesday. He added that high demand and favourable copper prices were enabling factors. Kadwa ventilated this on the second day of the Johannesburg Energy Indaba at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Disgruntled Nehawu workers to picket Sars offices, National Treasury
The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) will take to the streets to demonstrate their unhappiness with the South African Revenue Service’s decision to not increase workers’ salaries. Nehawu as well as the Public Service Association of South Africa have decided to embark on a full-blown strike. Two sentenced to almost 30 years imprisonment for cable theft This followed a stalemate in negotiations on proposed wage increases. Nehawu is asking for a 12% salary increase.
Stage 4 load shedding highly likely: Eskom
There is a high possibility that Stage 4 load shedding could be implemented this week. This is according to the chief operating officer Jan Oberholzer on Monday. Eskom’s management team provided an update on the current system challenges. Senzo Meyiwa: sudden death of senior cop will not affect the case – Gerrie Nel Furthermore, the power utility will implement Stage 3 load shedding between 17:00 and 22:00. This – too – may change, and Eskom could implement load shedding throughout the day.
South Africa, Germany agree Russia-Ukraine war should stop
Despite South Africa publicly sitting on the fence about who it supports in the Russia-Ukraine war, it has come to light that it favours Ukraine. This is according to ambassador Jens Plötner who is the foreign policy advisor to Germany’s Chancellor He revealed this on Thursday as Germany and South Africa held bilateral talks. SA can’t be directed how to vote in UN General Assembly – Pandor Plötner said he was comforted that South Africa agreed that the war must stop.
Charlotte Maxeke hospital unveils new fire detection system
The Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital has begun the implementation of a new fire control system as part of its repair work. This after a fire gutted sections of the facility in April 2021 – resulting in damage worth millions of rands. Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital reopens accident and emergency unit Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla said the estimated completion of the project was November 2023.
Malema and Ndlozi assault trial postponed to 3 June for judgement
The assault trial against Economic Freedom Fighter’s (EFF) Julius Malema and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has been postponed. Malema accuses ‘incompetent’ NPA of protracting common assault case for four years The pair have been charged with common assault after an alleged scuffle between them and police officer Johannes Jacobus Venter at the funeral of struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela Mandela in 2018.
Mkhwebane lays criminal charges against Ismail Abramjee
Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane laid criminal charges against Ismail Abramjee at the Brooklyn Police Station on Thursday. She accused Abramjee and two other people – whose identities are yet to be determined – of violating the dignity of the Constitutional Court. This after it emerged that Abramjee allegedly leaked information – which resulted in the apex court postponing Mkhwebane’s interdict application against Parliament and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Eskom expects three generating units to return to service
Power utility Eskom said it expected three electricity generating units to return to service on Wednesday. This after eight units tripped on Monday – resulting in the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding. Eskom executives briefed the media on electricity supply and the generation problems facing the utility. Eskom implements Stage 2 load shedding from 17:00 Eskom’s chief operations officer Jan Oberholzer said the power utility’s system had been running in the red for the last fifteen years.
Health department worried about a spike in Covid019 infections
The health department has raised concerns about the low number of people taking up Covid-19 vaccines in the country. The department has called on South Africans to be vigilant and not let their guards down. Less than 50% of the population has been vaccinated. Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN are recording a higher positivity rate compared to other provinces. The department says it is still monitoring the trend of infections before it can announce whether the country has entered the fifth wave or not.
Implementation of SA's National Development Plan remains 'weak'
According to the National Planning Commission (NPC), the country’s development plan has suffered setbacks – which have led to delays in its implementation. This year – 2022 – marks 10 years since the adoption of the National Development Plan – whose goals include eliminating poverty, inequality and unemployment 2030.
Finance minister proposes R1.50 reduction in general fuel levy
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has proposed a temporary reduction of the general fuel levy between 16 April and 31 May this year. “I hereby table the following proposal: a temporary reduction of the general fuel levy by R1.50 per litre for the period 16 April to 31May 2022. “This will reduce the levy for petrol from from R3.85 per litre to R2.35 per litre,” said Godongwana.
Intention to suspend Public Protector put on ice
The deadline for Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane relating to her response on why should not be suspended has been put on ice pending legal proceedings. This is the word from Mkhwebane during a media briefing on Wednesday. She says she is heading to court over her possible suspension and other matters and that court papers should be filed tomorrow. President Cyril Ramaphosa initially gave Mkhwebane ten days to respond to why she should not be suspended.
SA's unemployment rate rises to 35.3% Q4 of 2021
South Africa’s unemployment rate has yet again increased in the fourth quarter of 2021. The latest unemployment rate as announced by Statistics South Africa stands at 35,3%. ANC dismisses reports of owing SARS over R102 million This is an increase of 0.4% from the third quarter’s 39.4%. Stats SA says this is the highest unemployment rate since the start of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey in 2008. Job losses have been recorded in the Transport, Construction and Manufacturing industries.
Gauteng police launch intelligence-led unit to fight crime in Jhb
Exasperated residents of Thulisa Park, in the south of Johannesburg, have taken it upon themselves to deal with crime in the area. They have been living in fear for years adding that abandoned properties had served as hideouts for criminal activity. SA moves to restore economy through reliable supply of electricity Moreover, the residents want such properties to be razed to the ground.
Bosasa Corruption: R1.8bn fraud case involving Correctional Services continuing in court
The R1.8 billion fraud and corruption cases involving Bosasa and the Department of Correctional Services is continuing in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate wants the matter to be transferred to the High Court. The accused in this matter face charges of corruption and fraud in relation to the awarding of four tenders by the department to Bosasa between 2004 and 2007.
World Water Day: Using groundwater is ‘critical’ for SA – Mchunu
The struggle to access clean drinking water is a widespread phenomenon in South African communities. In this regard, the Department of Water and Sanitation is exploring ways to use ground water to address the water supply challenges in the country. WHO detects combination of Covid-19 Delta and Omicron variants in patients Minister Senzo Mchunu says a strategy – which is yet to be implemented – has been developed. He briefed the media on World Water Day on Tuesday.
Govt to impose penalties on those polluting the country's water systems
The Department of Water and Sanitation says it will be imposing penalties on those who are polluting the country’s water systems. Minister Senzo Mchunu says the department will be stepping up efforts to ensure compliance through the Anti-Pollution Task Team. Mchunu held a press briefing today as the globe marks World Water Day with South Africa struggling to provide good quality water.
Mandatory vaccination is a human rights violation: ACDP
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has accused the government of violating the rights of people want to remain unvaccinated against Covid-19. It also blames the government of conducting an experiment on children with the vaccine. At the same time, ACDP wants an end to the National State of Disaster – which has been extended until 15 April. ACDP members marched to the Union Buildings to deliver a memorandum of demands against mandatory vaccinations on Monday.
The era of cheap electricity is coming: Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the age of cheap electricity prices is coming and renewable energy will see this come to fruition. But he bemoaned the alarming rate at which electricity tariffs were hiked. This follows the National Energy Regulator’s (Nersa) approval a 9.61% electricity hike in February. However, Eskom had initially applied for a more than 20% hike from the regulator.
Ramaphosa reaffirms removing Khehla Sitole from office
According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, his decision to prematurely release former national police commissioner Khehla Sithole from his duties was not connected to the national crime statistics of the last three months of 2021. During the said period, South Africa saw an 8.9% increase in murder – among other statistics.
Covid-19: Vaccination remains critical before possible fifth wave infections surge - NICD
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) recommends the ramping up of Covid-19 vaccination ahead of the fifth wave of infections – expected during the winter months in South Africa. This as the institute predicts infections to skyrocket during the said period. SA’s infrastructure investment plan seeks to boost construction industry, job creation Nevertheless, Covid-19 hospitalisation and fatalities have been on the decline after the country officially exited the fourth wave.
Lawyers seek explanation after CoJ rescinded permanent employment of over 130 staff
Lawyers representing over 130 employees in the City of Joburg await a response from the council on the processes they followed in deciding to rescind the permanent employment of about 130 workers. This after the City of Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse said the decision was justified earlier in March. In 2021, the then Mayoral Committee led by the ruling African National Congress at the time took a decision to convert fixed-term contracts into permanent positions.
SIU wants R172 million PPE tender awarded to Hamilton Ndlovu to be set aside
The Special Investigating Unit has accused alleged fraudster Hamilton Ndlovu of showing disregard to the crisis caused by Covid-19 when he spent millions on luxury vehicles and homes on money that was meant to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The SIU has argued before the Special Tribunal on why the R172 million tender awarded to Ndlovu and his companies by the National Health Laboratory Service should be set aside.
Bathabile Dlamini found guilty of perjury
The former minister of the department of social development Bathabile Dlamini has been found guilty of perjury. Former minister Bathabile Dlamini to be prosecuted for perjury She allegedly created a parallel reporting structure when the South African Social Security Agency work streams reported to her directly instead of reporting to the SASSA executive committee.
Health department ready to present new Covid-19 regulations to NCCC
The Health Department has revised its Covid-19 regulations which may come into effect when the National State of Disaster is lifted. WHO approves oral antiviral tablet to treat Covid-19 President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the state of the nation address that the country will soon exit the National State of Disaster. Minister Joe Phaahla says these new regulations will be presented to the National Coronavirus Command Council in the coming days.
Lamola pins July unrest on detention of Zuma, poverty
The July unrest that rocked both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 was triggered by the arrest of former statesman Jacob Zuma and the socio-economic issues. This is the position of justice and correctional services minister Ronald Lamola. Mantashe to take state capture report implicating him under judicial review He testified at the South African Human Rights Commission’s investigative hearings into the events that unfolded.
Police were unprepared for July unrest: Soweto community leaders
The South African Human Rights Commission has heard evidence that the police were overwhelmed and unprepared for the July unrest. This despite warnings from community members days before violence occurred. National Treasury gives SOEs ‘tough love’ Community leaders testifying at the Gauteng leg of the investigative hearings say the looting of shops has deepened unemployment in the area. The unrest has further compounded the plight of the disenfranchised in Soweto.
Bheki Cele denies receiving any intelligence of July riots and looting
Police minister Bheki Cele says he did not receive any intelligence regarding the July unrest that occurred in parts of Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal last year. He is testifying at the South African Human Rights Commission which is looking into whether there were human rights violations during the events that took place.
Cause of Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital fire still unknown
Ten months later and there is still no report on what caused the fire that broke out at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in April 2021. This is according to the Gauteng provincial government during a media briefing on Thursday. It also does not know who should be held accountable for the blaze that caused damage to parts of the hospital affecting operations and resulting in the evacuation of patients.
Ramaphosa: Private sector creates more jobs in SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to call on the private sector to assist in creating jobs. He was replying to questions raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) about the State of the Nation Address he delivered last Thursday. MPs deliberated on Ramaphosa’s speech during a two-day debate.
SA's economy still suffers impact of apartheid: Ramaphosa
South Africa’s is still suffering from the impact of apartheid. So says President Cyril Ramaphosa from the Cape Town City Hall on Wednesday. Ramaphosa said this during his opening remarks during his reply session on questions from Members of Parliament on his State of the Nation Address. He says fixing the economy is government’s biggest priority but this does not mean government will focus less on other aspects of people’s lives.
SONA2022: Businesses hopes Ramaphosa’s SONA will address its challenges
South Africa’s economy is at its knees with the business fraternity waiting to hear more about interventions strategies from President Cyril Ramaphosa tonight. Ramaphosa is delivering his sixth State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall this evening. Last year, he spoke about rebuilding the economy, which was already on a declining curve.
SA's SOEs compromised ahead of Sona2022
Corruption, fraud, poor decision-making, and poor leadership have crumbled some of what should be the most profitable state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The extent of wrongdoing at entities like Denel, Transnet, South African Airways and its subsidiaries were detailed in then the two-part state capture report.
SAHPRA approves two new Covid-19 vaccines
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has approved two new Covid-19 vaccines for use in South Africa. Covid-19 fifth wave to hit SA during the winter months They are the Pfizer produced Cominarty vaccine and the Sinopharm vaccine developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products.
‘Patrick Shai was our pillar of strength’: Brother
The memorial service in honour of the late veteran actor Patrick Shai is currently underway at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. Family, friends and artists are paying tribute to the late actor. He died on Saturday, 22 January 2022 at his home in Dobsonville, Soweto. His brother Solly Shai says the late actor was pillar of strength to his family. Solly says they always looked up to him for guidance in life.
Phomolong Secondary: Motshekga relieved to know that learner could be falsely accused
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has expressed shock at speculation that a learner who failed matric may have shot a deputy principal in Tembisa. Investigative team assembled to probe the murder of Tembisa deputy principal Motshekga visited the Phomolong Secondary school where Thembisile Ngendane who was also a geography teacher was fatally shot.
Wattville Community Learning Centre lecturer accuses management of fund looting
A lecturer at the Wattville Community Learning Centre has accused management of misappropriation of funds allocated towards the running of the centre. 10 suspects linked to Malamulele police station robbery arrested The centre is one of 47 falling under the Gauteng Community Education and Training College. Lecturer, Dennis Molefe who has been placed on precautionary suspension claims the acting Centre Manager Christopher Lebopa is misusing funds to the tune of two million rand per annum.
Umalusi approves the 2021 matric results
Quality assurance body, Umalusi has approved the release of the matric examinations written between November and December 2021. 896 794 learners sat for the exams which were 170 000 more than those who wrote the 2020 examination. A total of 67 subjects were written by learners. Court rules that matric results must be published on all media platforms The council says it has not identified systemic irregularities that have compromised the integrity of the exams.
LISTEN: Infuriated parents await the placement of their children in Gauteng schools
Some Gauteng parents have presented education officials with a number of reasons why their children have not been placed in schools Some parents have relocated, others have not received responses and some are not happy with the schools chosen by the provincial education department for their children. Lesufi commits to place 700 learners in schools before January ends Many of them made their way to the Ekurhuleni South District Office in Alberton with hopes of being assisted on Wednesday.
Almost 400 000 learners yet to be placed in SA schools
Close to 400 000 learners have not yet been placed in schools in all grades in South Africa. This is according to the Department of Basic Education – which briefed the media on the readiness of 2022 school year on Tuesday. 30% not a pass mark in SA’s basic education: Motshekga Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal are amongst provinces with a hefty number of learners who have not been placed in schools. This comes as schools reopen on Wednesday.
Health department lacks capacity to roll out Covid-19 vaccination in schools
Basic education minister Angie Motshekga says the department has not taken a decision to vaccinate school learners at the moment. 30% not a pass mark in SA’s basic education: Motshekga Motshekga was briefing the media on the readiness of schools ahead of them opening on Tuesday – a day before the commencement of the 2022 academic year. She says both the health and education departments do not have sufficient resources for such a project.
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