Month: June 2022

NORTHERN CAPE – The police in Jan Kempdorp are searching for three-year-old boy, Botlhale Lyolo Gedene who went missing on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 at about 14:00.

The toddler also responds to the name Buti and was last seen playing with his three-year-old niece in front of their house in Valspan, Jan Kempdorp.

The incident was reported at Jan Kempdorp SAPS on Wednesday, 29 June 2022 and police, the local community and other relevant role players are currently searching for the boy.

He was last seen wearing a black and grey jacket with a hoody, maroon T-shirt, blue jeans and was barefoot.

The Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are investigating.

Anyone with information can call Detective Captain Mogadile at 078 032 5291. The investigation continues.

Source: South African Police Service

1. The 7th Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) was held on Thursday, 30th June 2022, in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana.

2. His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana chaired the Summit, which was attended by His Excellency Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; the Right Honourable Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho; the Right Honourable Senator Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini; and Honourable Iipumbu Shiimi, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Namibia on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.

3. The Summit reflected on the current global developments including the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. In relation to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), the Summit noted that important deals critical to the region were concluded. These include: (i) an agreement that enables the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the patent holders’ authorisation; (ii) the discipline on Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing that will protect the territorial waters of the SACU countries; (iii) food security measures to mitigate against increase in food prices and food shortages; (iv) the E-commerce Work Programme aimed at setting a deadline for the moratorium on customs duties to secure support for digital industrialisation for SACU and other African countries; and (v) the WTO reforms that provide an opportunity to put forward additional policy space to promote African industrialisation. The Summit therefore applauded the African Ministers for the decisive role they played to ensure that the WTO reaches a historical deal in particular, on the TRIPS waiver that would enable Africa to manufacture its own vaccines.

4. The Summit also reflected on the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, which if not resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiation, can further affect the region. This will result in inflation surges especially on food and fuel prices and thus dimming the growth prospects of the already fragile economies. In light of these global developments, and the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions in the region and globally, the Summit undertook to remain resolute to implementing recovery programmes that assist in rebuilding economic resilience; building on work already being done on analysing the impact of COVID-19 to bring SACU economies back on a sustainable economic growth trajectory, including by prioritising investments in edible oils and other agricultural value chain development as a matter of urgency.

5. The Summit therefore agreed that SACU should maximise the opportunity being presented by the emerging global developments and accelerate the implementation of the SACU industrialisation programme which will result in increased productive capacity to reduce the reliance on imports especially on food and fertiliser. The Summit further agreed on the need to build greater internal reliance in industrial development and public financing to support growth.

6. The Summit noted the SACU Vision on Industrialisation which seeks “to build a diversified, competitive, sustainable and equitable industrial base that supports structural transformation and the economic integration of the SACU region”.

7. The Summit endorsed the Work Programme and Priorities as follows: (i) Industrialisation through the development of regional value chains, investment attraction and export promotion; (ii) Regional Financing Mechanism; (iii) Trade Facilitation and Logistics as well as the (iv) implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

8. The Summit considered a Progress Report from the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the SACU Work Programme, which the Council of Ministers adopted at their 4th Ministerial Retreat held on the 21st September 2020.

9. Furthermore, the Summit endorsed the priority sectors as Agro-processing specifically Leather and Leather Products, Meat and Meat Products, and Fruits and Vegetables; Textiles and Clothing, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Essential Oils, Automotives and Mineral beneficiation. The Summit further directed the Council to prioritise fertilizers, agro-chemicals and seed production as part of the ongoing work on Agro-processing to deal with the existential challenges the region is faced with regard to food security.

10. The Summit noted that a regional SACU Investment Roundtable was convened on 12-13 April 2022, in Gaborone, Botswana. The Investment Roundtable showcased investment opportunities in the agreed priority sectors across the SACU region in each Member State by the respective national Investment Promotion Agencies, featuring 36 investment projects. Additionally, the Roundtable featured Business-to- Business engagements with the promoters of investment projects.

11. The Summit also noted the SACU Trade Facilitation and Logistics Programme as a framework for collaboration in SACU, and that an Operational Plan is being developed to facilitate its implementation. This will include a detailed outline of projects, initiatives, and programmes to be implemented. The Programme is underpinned by the following six pillars:

(a) Customs Cooperation;

(b) Border Coordination;

(c) Behind the Border Measures;

(d) Transport and Logistics;

(e) Support to negotiations and the implementation of Trade Agreements; and

(f) Cross-cutting policy imperatives.

12. The Summit reaffirmed SACU’s commitment to the AfCFTA and the importance of concluding SACU’s tariff offer to the AfCFTA. The Summit further emphasised the imperative of advancing industrialisation in SACU and to fast-track work on the development of regional value chains to take advantage of the African market and beyond. This requires a systematic approach and practical steps to deepen the region’s industrial base.

13. The Summit commended the Council and the Secretariat for the development of the five-year SACU Strategic Plan (2022 – 2027) that was approved by the SACU Council of Ministers on the 2nd June 2022.

14. The Summit noted that the Kingdom of Eswatini will assume the Chair of SACU, effective from the 15th July 2022 to the 14th July 2023, taking over from the Republic of Botswana.

15. The Summit further noted that the term of office for the Executive Secretary of SACU, Ms. Paulina M. Elago will end in October 2022. The Heads of States or Government applauded and commended Ms. Elago for her leadership and achievements while at the helm of the Secretariat since April 2014 and wished her success in her future endeavours.

16. The Summit commended His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, for the able leadership and guidance rendered during his term as the Chair of SACU. In the same vein, the Summit congratulated His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini, on assuming the Chair of SACU, from the 15th July 2022.

Source: Government of South Africa

UPINGTON – The Northern Cape Department Transport Safety and Liaison held the Community Police Forum Capacity building workshop in the ZF Mgcawu District on Monday, 27 June 2022. The programme was attended by members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) from different stations, including the deployed representatives from the Provincial CPF board, station commanders and coordinators.

The duties were outlined and guidelines were given on what the CPF entails, the roles and responsibilities of the members of the Community Police Forum.

The Acting District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu, Colonel Peet Coetzee welcomed the CPF members and encouraged them to take up their roles, in the fight against crime. He said the community plays a big role in crime combating and crime prevention, therefore the police will continue to nourish the relationships with those who contribute to the fight against crime.

Source: South African Police Service

South African Local Government Association (SALGA) launches Asisho National Campaign to educate members of the local community about their civic obligation in strengthining local government

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) successfully launched a nationwide civic responsibility campaign, Asisho! Let’s Say It! in Mamelodi, City of Tshwane, as well as in Seshego in Polokwane on Wednesday, 29 June 2022.

Asisho! Let’s Say It! aims to educate members of local communities about their duties and obligations towards the social and economic upliftment of their local areas by paying for municipal services rendered.

Other provinces are expected to follow with their respective launches, which will take place at selected venues across the nine provinces, where the campaign will be revealed at outdoor sites.

The launch in Pretoria was attended by, among others, the President of SALGA Cllr Bheke Stofile, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance Thembi Nkadimeng, members of the SALGA Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), Local Councillors, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) representatives, community members and leaders from local, provincial, and national government.

The Limpopo launch of the campaign was led by SALGA Provincial Chairperson, Cllr John Mpe and supported by Polokwane Member Mayoral Committee representative, Tshepo Nkwe, the Municipal Chief Financial Officer, Mr Naazim Essa and the Department of Treasury’s Director for Municipal Finance, Ms Patience Ntuli.

Revealing the Mural Wall, Chairperson John Mpe said he will personally act as an Asisho campaign champion in his sphere of influence. Mpe said he sees Asisho as a rapid response tool, which will assist not only Polokwane Municipality but other municipalities to meet their budget expectations. John Mpe says of the R13.6 billion debt owed to the municipality, R7 billion is owned by state organs and R3 billion by residents.

The Asisho! Let’s Say It campaign gives impetus to the organisation’s vision for the 5th Term of Democratic Local Government, which focuses on advancing a People-Centred Democratic Local Government. The campaign flows from the organisation’s 2022 National Conference and 2022-2027 strategic plan to strengthen the role of local government in championing the social, economic, and material needs of their communities.

Speaking during the panel discussion at the launch, President of SALGA, Cllr Bheke Stofile said to the audience: “What we need to understand was that Local government is a three-legged pot and comprises of the Council, the Administration and the Community. Over the last years, local government has not done much to mobilize the third leg – which is the community”.

Cllr Bheke Stofile said one of the challenges facing local government was the growing gap between local government and the communities it serves.

“This can be seen in violent protests where residents destroy community assets and property. Asisho! Let’s Say It is meant to close that gap,” he said.

CoGTA Deputy Minister Thembi Nkadimeng emphasized the importance of strengthening local government and community collaboration on matters that promote the wellbeing of local areas. She spoke of how it was important for local communities to have a sense of ownership and civic responsibility, and paying for municipal services was one of the ways where citizens can participate in local governance beyond the ballot box.

Local Ward Councillor Mmina-Tau Marishane shared his experiences about community challenges in Mamelodi, including water challenges and municipal underspending, and he called on SALGA to help close the gap between the City of Tshwane and its communities.

The SALGA National Executive Committee (NEC) will provide further details on the campaign and encourage active participation from citizens and members of local communities across the length and breadth of the country.

“Asisho! Let’s Say It..,’’ will open-up the conversation:

• For Citizens, encourage active citizenry in their role in paying for services to enable effective delivery by local government.

For Local government, promote a capable and agile local government with citizens at the center of service delivery

Source: Government of South Africa

Parktown: The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has reiterated the province’s zero tolerance to corruption and commitment to rooting out any corruption within the SAPS ranks. This, after an administration clerk from Jabulani Police Station tried to bribe a recruitment officer based at the Provincial Head Office to favour her children’s applications for the new trainees recruitment drive.

On 30 June 2022 which is the closing date for submissions for the Basic Development Learnership Programme recruitment, the administration clerk walked into the recruitment offices and handed over an envelope of applications to the recruitment officer. The officer then opened the envelope wherein there was another envelope containing a sum of R10 000 was found.

The recruitment officer reported the matter to her commanders and the administration clerk was placed under arrest. She will be charged with bribery and appear before the Hillbrow Magistrates’ Court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner has also acknowledged that the province is starting to see positive results from the internal implementation of anti-corruption strategy. “It is disheartening that one of our own has tried to bribe a recruitment officer. However, I am also pleased that our efforts to fight corruption within our ranks is paying off,” said Lt Gen Mawela.

We are appealing to the public and potential recruits that have knowledge of recruitment corruption to come forward with any information.

No payment is required to be eligible for employment in the SAPS.

Tip-offs may be reported to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service

Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture and Labour to conduct oversight visits in North West

The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour will from tomorrow embark on a three-day oversight visit to farms in North West.

This joint oversight follows the National Assembly’s resolution, adopted on 10 November 2020, for the two committees to assess the impact of legislation and explore opportunities for legislative review. Furthermore, the resolution instructs the committees to jointly focus on the following:

• Comprehensive oversight on executive action in implementation of legislation aimed at improving the living and working conditions of farm workers, farm dwellers and farmers;

• Government’s commitments toward improved living and working conditions in the farming communities, including work done by stakeholders in the agricultural sector; and

• Impact assessment of legislation affecting farm workers and make recommendations for legislative amendments.

Details of the North West delegation’s programme are as follows:

Day 1 – Friday, 1 July 2022

Provincial stakeholder meeting with government departments, civil society organisations, organised labour, agriculture NGOs and CBOs etc.

Time: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue: Rio Hotel, Klerksdorp

Day 2 – Saturday, 2 July 2022

Site visit 1 – Farm dwellers’/labour tenants’ access to land and living conditions

Time: 9:00 – 12:30

Farm visit: Haartebeespoortfontein Farm, City of Matlosana Local Municipality

Site visit 2 – Consultation and engagement on conditions and dynamics of employment and labour on farms

Time: 14:00 – 16:00

Farm visit: Bona Bona Game Farm, City of Matlosana Local Municipality

Day 3 – Sunday, 3 July 2022

Site visit 3 – Conditions and dynamics of employment and labour on farms

Time: 9:00 – 11:00

Farm visit: JF Cronje, Herbenia Farm in Lichtenberg, Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Site visit 4 – Farm dwellers/labour tenants access to land and the living conditions

Time: 11:00 – 12:00

Farm visit: Potion 0 of Herbenia Farm (Lichtenburg), Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Followed by a meeting with farmworkers/farm dwellers/labour tenants

Time: 13:00 – 16:00

Venue: Potion 0 of Herbenia Farm (Lichtenburg), Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentences that were handed down by the High Court in Polokwane yesterday, Wednesday 29 June 2022 against the accused sentenced to direct imprisonment for killing Thoriso Themane in Polokwane in February 2019 and an educator, Precious Magabane in Burgersfort in December 2018.

The accused named, Ashan Fraz Cheema aged 28 at the time of his arrest, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Precious Magabane in December of 2018. At the time of her murder, the deceased was an educator at one of the schools at Mashamothane village outside Burgersfort. Cheema’s co-accused was later turned into a state witness.

The four teenagers who were convicted of killing Thoriso Themane were given a sentence of 10 years imprisonment each and the two adults convicted of assaulting Thoriso with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, were each sentenced to R20 000.00 fine or five years imprisonment.

“The two cases were broadly reported through various platforms of the media which have caused even more grief to the respective families. These sentences should therefore bring some solace and closure to the two families”, said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Lieutenant General Hadebe concluded by thanking the investigators who spent sleepless nights probing the two murders and their efforts had ensured that the accused were given sentences befitting their horrendous deeds.

Source: South African Police Service