Day: June 2, 2022

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Labour Activation Programme (LAP) has enrolled 200 young people from the Rustenburg Local Municipality in different training projects within the hospitality sector.

LAP is a programme within the department and is funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

The purpose of the programme is to skill and upskill the unemployed youth and unemployed UIF beneficiaries in order to gain access into the labour market, and establish their own businesses.

According to the department, during the project leaners will be trained to become assistant chefs, baristas, fast foods cooks, convenience food cooks and table attendant.

These trainings are offered through theoretical training and practical work.

According to the Deputy Director: LAP in North West, Jeffrey Zitha, it is envisaged that at the end of these projects, participants will be able to be integrated into the world of work, and also be able to open their own businesses, thus reducing unemployment and also empowering those around them.

“The aim of these trainings is to ensure that youth and work seekers are equipped with the necessary skills that are needed to close the skills gap and to enable the unemployed youth and unemployed UIF beneficiaries to meet the requirements of the labour market,” Zitha said.

He said as much as they will assist in making sure that they are placed in work places at the end of the programme they encourage youth to also look into starting their own usinesses.

“With the current economic meltdown, the department seeks to encourage the youth and work seekers to look into other opportunities that can create employment for themselves and those around them,” he said.

The training initiatives commenced on Tuesday and are expected to run over a period of three months for baristas, fast food and convenient food cooks, while the chef assistant and table attendant training will run for 10 months.

Upon completion, baristas, fast food and convenient food cooks will receive a NQF level 2 certificate, while chef assistants and table attendant will receive NQF level 4 certificates from an accredited service provider.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate urges residents to be aware of scammers trying to obtain the personal details of customers, their money or access to their premises, by either offering electricity prepaid units at a discounted rate via social media and WhatsApp advertising; or of scammers posing as City employees online on social media wanting to test or read electricity meters. These are scams. Residents are reminded to report suspicious behaviour or requests on social media to us for investigation.

The City has been made aware of a new scam being circulated online. Scammers are sending requests to residents informing them that their electricity meters need to be read or tested. This is a scam and once the person gains entry into the customer’s home, they will most likely steal their personal items.

‘We urge residents to be aware of scammers looking to gain access to their homes by pretending to be City employees or contractors. The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department does not have members of staff or contractors going door to door to check on infrastructure without an appointment and the City does not solicit or arrange general appointments via social media.

‘When the City needs to visit your home, our officials will make the necessary appointment with you. Remember that all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the official identification card as well as verify the work order reference number with the City’s Call Centre, before allowing anyone onto their property.

‘Another typical example of an online scam is where a person claims to be able to provide residents with electricity prepaid tokens at a substantially discounted rate. These should be avoided and reported to the City. Any units bought via this scam will not be accepted by City prepaid electricity meters. We remind residents to always be cautious of these scam attempts and to report suspicious behaviour to us and the South African Police Service,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

Report any suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 323 130 or to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Tips for residents:

• Always verify the official’s City-issued identification card and work order number when an official visits your home

• The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor

• If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089

• Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

• The City does not make home visit arrangements on social media platforms.

Source: City Of Cape Town

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says government will engage with organised labour to ensure that the implementation of the National Rail Policy is responsive to the interests of workers.

“Rail transport in South Africa has a long and colourful history dating back to 1859 with the construction of the first railway line from Cape Town to Wellington, finally completed in 1862,” Mbalula said.

Speaking during an engagement with rail stakeholders, Mbalula said the approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy by Cabinet in March 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter for South Africa’s railway industry.

The White Paper was gazetted on 12th May 2022 for implementation and is accessible to the South African public.

“The White Paper creates policy certainty that introduces radical structural reforms, which enable broader participation and open new avenues for investment and competitiveness,” Mbalula said.

Mbalula said a key element of the White Paper is the opening up of space for private sector investment and effective economic regulation that ensures fair and regulated access to both primary and secondary networks.

“Challenges in the railway sector, over time, weakened the efficiency of the system and limited its contribution to economic growth and effective community connections.

“The De Villiers report of 1986 advocated against new rail investments but rather sweating existing assets and deregulating the road sectors,” Mbalula said.

He said the obsolete state of much of the rail infrastructure and rolling stock, limitations of the narrow gauge and underutilisation of existing network presented a few of the many noted challenges facing the sector.

Mbalula explained that the White Paper on National Rail Policy intends to place rail on a sound footing as the backbone of a seamlessly integrated transport value chain that makes a meaningful contribution to the economy.

“Government’s interventions to achieve railway renaissance, the positioning of rail as a key contributor to economic transformation and the reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions are clearly articulated in the policy document.

“Research conducted shows that these interventions will undoubtedly reposition both passenger and freight rail to achieve inherent competitiveness though exploiting rail’s genetic technologies that will enable the sector to increase axle load, speed and train lengths across the board,” the minister said.

Mbalula said improved rural access, increased mobility, increased job creation in the rail sector through infrastructure construction and contribution to economic development are some of key elements that the policy addresses in relation to passenger rail.

“The White Paper presents a multi-decade vision of how the railway sector would evolve over time through private sector participation and investment.

”Commuter rail is, however, an integral part of our public transport system. The National Rail Policy therefore acknowledges the importance of devolving public transport functions to the lowest levels of government,” the Minister said.

The National Rail Policy, which plays a pivotal role in advancing the rail sector was developed through extensive consultation with key rail experts and stakeholders.

The policy seeks to address the challenges faced by the sector and position rail as the backbone of South Africa’s national land transport.

The White Paper was gazetted on 12th May 2022 for implementation and is accessible to the South African public.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Nine organisations will benefit from a Grants-in-Aid allocation of just under R650 000 by the City’s Arts and Culture Branch for the development of programmes that promote visual and performing arts.

The call for applications was made in October 2021.

Applicants were required to submit proposals for projects that would focus on providing creative and innovative arts and cultural programmes that address environmental, ecological and sustainability concerns including the challenges around climate change.

A range of applications were received, but ultimately, nine organisations were left standing, having met all of the criteria for disbursement of funding.

The recipients are:

The Princess Vlei Forum at Princess Vlei

Amava Oluntu in Muizenberg

Blaqpearl Foundation in Mitchell’s Plain

The Centre for Early Childhood Development in Claremont

Jazzart Dance Theatre in Cape Town

Jungle Theatre Company in Muizenberg

Magnet Training and Youth Upliftment Trust in Observatory

The Sp(i)eel Arts Therapies Collective in Woodstock

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership in Bellville.

‘All of the recipients have projects in various communities, and, with the City’s assistance, they are now able to reach a much wider audience. Having a creative outlet is crucial to anyone, and now, through these projects, hundreds of young people and community members will be part of creative cultural experiences.

‘Participating in structured arts activities enhances cognitive abilities and the social skills that support learning, communication and problem-solving. By supporting the arts, we are encouraging our young people to increase their knowledge and become active citizens. I encourage our youth to participate in the programmes when the opportunities arise,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

All applications for grant-in-aid funding were assessed in accordance with the Grants-in-Aid Policy and conform to the Municipal Financial Management Act, Act 56 of 2003.

Source: City Of Cape Town

Police Minister Bheki Cele has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to maintain law within its borders and actively play a part in combating any form of criminal activities associated with Southern Africa.

The Minister made the remarks during an address at the annual general meeting of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) on Thursday in Pretoria.

The event is attended by SADC safety and security ministers and their police chiefs.

Cele said the active participation of ministers in the SARPCCO agenda created a platform of massive growth in strategic matters of the business of policing, saying this would further yield positive results in the fight against transnational crime.

Working in silos will never produce fundamental change and progress, he said.

“We are encouraged that this fight against transnational organized crime is not ours alone. Equally encouraging is SARPCCO’s ambitions of improving policing relations between police chiefs of member States through the facilitation of investigations and joint cross-border operations.

SARPCCO’s ambition of harmonising legislation and other policing activities contributing to public order security in this region is also encouraging,” said Cele.

The Minister said it is evident that the region needs to walk and speak in unison.

“We, as [SADC], are in this together and we will combat drug and human trafficking syndicates, wildlife poaching and maritime crimes in all their manifestations. We ought to also have our focus firmly set on minimising cross-border vehicle theft, as well as the proliferation of arms that contribute to violence in our communities.

“These are just some of the crimes from a host of cross-border crimes that must and will be dealt with, through this regional partnership.”

South African law enforcement, Cele said, remains committed to its international and regional obligations aimed at combating lawlessness -- whether at sea, land or in the air.

“Criminal gangs are becoming highly sophisticated and dangerous. The cross-border crime trade has increasingly become more diverse and sophisticated. The criminal networks we are trying to take down, enjoy unlimited deep pockets, which allow them to study our collective security vulnerabilities and lack of coordination and partnership.

“They use this information to advance and expand their criminal activities.”

The Minister said SARPCCO must change the game and “let these criminals know that they are now playing by our rules”.

“We can only change the game if we step up our intelligence, as criminals are adopting new and complicated forms of operations. The harmonisation of legislation should influence our counter operations and proactive programmes, if indeed we want to effect change.”

In his address, Cele also called for the expansion of INTERPOL policing capabilities beyond the National Central Bureau.

He said the effective utilisation of the INTERPOL policing capabilities is crucial to disseminate criminal data.

“This kind of information will equip and empower frontline officers at all ports of entry. The usage of INTERPOL databases, which contain [volumes of] information, can be shared amongst law enforcement officials mandated to prevent and combat international crime.

“At the same time, political oversight is crucial to the success of this policing partnership. The security ministers of the 16 [SADC] member countries should monitor the commitments made by our respective police chiefs, derived from the SARPCCO annual general meetings,” he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

How we are helping people off the streets who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The two-year national state of disaster and related economic impact has led to unmatched levels of homelessness in the city – with many people sleeping in public places, including sidewalks, parks, road reserves, and under bridges.

Given this situation, only a unique and unprecedented response will help people off the streets in Cape Town and ensure that public places are available for wider public use.

The City of Cape Town is proactively dealing with this situation by:

• Expanding City-run Safe Spaces beyond the CBD and Belville: A total of R142m is allocated to operate and expand these facilities over the next 3 years. A further R10 million is allocated for this winter to expand shelter beds at NGO-run shelters.

• Stepping up efforts to assess the circumstances of those on the streets, and offer shelter or social assistance: City Social Development & ECD staff are currently busy with a city-wide process of conducting social assessments of those living on the streets. This includes the reasons for homelessness, physical and mental health, living conditions, sources of income. This will result in a referral for social assistance, which can include accommodation at a shelter or City-run safe space.

• Obtaining court orders regarding the unlawful occupation of public places: Due to the termination of the national State of Disaster, the courts are no longer required by regulation to consider suspending

evictions. However, the City’s Streets By-law does not circumvent the need for a court order where a structure is considered a dwelling under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unauthorised Occupation of Land (PIE) Act. In those instances the City will acquire the necessary court order, and ensure alternative accommodation at shelters or safe spaces has been offered, where this is just and equitable.

• Enabling the proper application of the Streets By-law: Where the PIE Act is not applicable, the City will apply the Streets by-law as follows:

• City Social Development & ECD staff conduct a social assessment of a person’s circumstances and offer social assistance / shelter.

• If refused, a joint operation with law enforcement takes place in which shelter is again offered.

• If again refused, a compliance notice is issued, indicating the steps, deadline, and consequences of non-compliance.

• If not complied with, a written notice may be issued to appear in court. Offers of social assistance and shelter remain available at all times.

• If the person fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant of arrest.

It will then be up to the court and prosecutors to determine the way forward. The City would like to see the courts ordering rehabilitation, rather than opting for punitive measures such as fines or imprisonment.

The City will follow these five guiding principles in helping people off the streets:

1. Cape Town must be, first and foremost, a caring city, that always tries first to help people off the streets.

2. No person should live on the streets. This is unsafe, unhealthy, and undignified. Accepting sustainable solutions off the streets is the best choice for dignity, health, and well-being.

3. Our city’s public places serve important social, community and economic purposes, and must be open and available to all. No person has the right to reserve a public space as exclusively theirs, while indefinitely refusing all offers of shelter and social assistance.

4. It is not an offence to sleep on the streets if you do not have a choice. Only after refusing offers of shelter and social assistance, should the law take its course as a necessary last resort deterrent for the sustainable management of public places.

5. The City encourages courts and prosecutors to ensure that rehabilitation is favoured over punitive fines and imprisonment, wherever it is just to do so in matters relating to prohibited conduct in public places.

Read more about the City’s plans to help people off the streets this winter.

Any enquiries and/or complaints relating to persons on the street can be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. This channel is also available for after-hours enquiries about shelter space. The PECC will activate standby teams from the Street People Programme Unit, who will be able to help determine the availability of shelter spaces and related admissions criteria.

Source: City Of Cape Town

eThekwini Municipality has appointed a contractor to rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Works, which was destroyed during the floods that wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal in April.

Briefing the media on Wednesday, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, said the appointment of a contractor is a key milestone in the quest to re-establish regular supply of water to oThongathi.

He said if there are no objections to the procurement process, the successful contractor will be introduced to the community by the end of this week.

“The plan is to ensure that the rebuilding of the plant is completed by the first week of October this year,” said Kaunda.

oThongathi Water Treatment Works was destroyed during the floods, leading to much frustration for residents and businesses in the area.

To alleviate the challenge, Kaunda said an emergency pipeline was installed from the Nyaninga Reservoir to oThongathi South, and the communities supplied from that zone are now getting tap water four hours a day.

In addition, the municipality allocated water tankers to service the area.

“A total of 48 static tanks have also been installed. Furthermore, there are 11 boreholes, as well as a donated package plant to provide non-drinking water to the area.

“Procurement processes are underway to drill more boreholes. The community of oThongathi will be kept updated of progress on the rebuilding of the plant,” Kaunda said.

Source: South African Government News Agency