Day: December 7, 2022

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries using the Postbank-issued gold cards have been requested to withdraw their benefits from retail merchants this month.

This as the withdrawal of funds at ATMs has been suspended for the month of December.

The suspension of the service comes after the Postbank uncovered a series of network attacks by criminal elements on its system.

SASSA beneficiaries using the Postbank-issued SASSA gold cards are requested to withdraw their social grant monies at any retail outlets nationwide that provide the cashback functionality. These include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay and Boxer.

These SASSA grant recipients can also use the SASSA gold cards to make purchases at any place that accepts bank card transactions as the SASSA gold cards function fully within the national payments system similarly to any other bank card.

“In the recent months, Postbank has been experiencing a number of technical glitches that disrupted the smooth withdrawal of social assistance benefits.

“Following extensive investigations, we have now uncovered a series of network attacks by criminal elements determined to commit systematic ATM card fraud related crimes on Postbank payments using sophisticated modus operandi, which require further investigation.

“As a mitigating exercise, and in consultation with our partners following the resurgence of these criminal activities at the inception of the December payments, it has become necessary that Postbank suspends SASSA grant withdrawals at ATMs for those clients using the PostBank issued SASSA gold cards,” the Postbank said on Tuesday.

The Postbank has assured customers that a dedicated team of professionals, assisted by experienced external experts as well as law enforcement agencies, have been assigned to deal with this challenge.

Great progress has been made to close down all avenues used by these criminals.

“Postbank is aware of the impact that this change in payment channels will have on the social grant beneficiaries and other stakeholders, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

“Social Grant beneficiaries are also assured that the Postbank-issued SASSA gold cards are still valid and have not expired. Therefore, beneficiaries should not be misled into changing the cards unless if they wish to do so on their own accord,” the Postbank said.

Postbank will notify social grant beneficiaries when ATM transactions via the SASSA gold cards are available again.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The City’s Office of the Ombudsman satellite offices will be closed from 13 December 2022 until 17 January 2023. The office will continue to assist with all last resort municipal-related complaints via telephone, SMS, online options and walk-in enquiries during this period.

The Office of the City Ombudsman will be closed from Tuesday, 13 December 2022 and will re-open on Tuesday, 17 January 2023 at the following offices:

Omniforum Building, Kuils River

Durbanville Walk-in Centre, Oxford Street, Durbanville

Stocks and Stocks Building, Khayelitsha

Liberty Promenade Mall, Mitchells Plain

The office will, however, continue to assist City staff and members of the public for all last resort municipal-related complaints via the telephone, SMS, online option and walk-in enquiries during this time, as below:

SMS: 44781 (Standard Rates Apply)

Tel: 021 400 5487/1944

Fax: 021 4005952

Email: ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za

Website: http://www.capetown.gov.za/ombudscomplaints

Walk-in queries:

Third Floor, Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town

08:00 – 15:30, Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays)

(Wheelchair access via the security access, Tower Block lift, Second floor)

Nature of complaints

If a member of the public has lodged an enquiry or complaint about service delivery with a City department and an insufficient or no response has been received, the City Ombud may be contacted to investigate the matter.

It is required that one must first approach the relevant City department and provide proof of the exchange before approaching the Ombudsman.

Please always describe the complaint in detail, including the name/s of the official/s involved, what happened and any relevant dates and times. Please always include any relevant documentation or evidence. The Ombudsman’s Office will assess the complaint, to determine whether the office can assist or whether to direct the complainant to the appropriate department or institution.

The office follows the Ombudsman By-law (2015). It functions with independence, credibility and impartiality. It is against the law and South African Constitution to interfere in the business, powers and functions of this office.

There are many City complaint channels available to members of the public, depending on the nature of the complaint.

The Ombudsman does not investigate the following complaints, as there are other complaint channels for these:

Any legislative or executive decisions by the Council, any of its portfolio committees or subcouncils;

Any matter involving an allegation of fraud, corruption or corporate crime as referred to in the City’s Fraud Prevention Policy;

Any matter or dispute which must be dealt with or settled within the field of labour law;

Any allegation relating to financial irregularities;

Any cases where the complainant has not reported the matter to the line department as a first port of call;

Any alleged irregular conduct of a councillor;

Any complaint which is vexatious or frivolous;

Any tender-related matter; and

Administrative appeals.

Source: City Of Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa shone a spotlight on how science can play a role in improving people’s lives and addressing the challenges facing the world including disease, climate change and food insecurity.

The President was delivering his keynote address on Tuesday at the opening session of the World Science Forum (WSF) in Cape Town.

“We need to ensure that this forum will not only be a platform for vibrant discussion but will also lead to concrete actions harnessing science as an instrument for social justice.”

He called on the forum to not only be a platform for vibrant discussion but also lead to concrete actions harnessing science as an instrument for social justice.

“The theme for the forum – Science for Social Justice – should guide our deliberations. This theme expresses our conviction that inequality within and between countries is neither just nor sustainable.

“This event will inspire concerted global action for science to challenge and address inequality, injustice, poverty, environmental destruction and marginalisation.”

By hosting this event, the President said South Africa is demonstrating its strong commitment to international cooperation in science.

“Science progresses when nations work together,” he told the guests.

He said he hoped that the first WSF to take place in Africa will contribute to advancing the continent’s agenda for science, affirming the crucial contributions Africa has to make in enriching global science.

“We have all the ingredients required for success.”

The President challenged researchers to consider the role science should play in protecting and enhancing human dignity and in fighting poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“For example, the inequality in access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a gross violation of human rights and contributed to further loss of life.

“The global scientific community demonstrated the value of cooperation in responding with unprecedented urgency to produce COVID-19 vaccines.”

Meanwhile, he called on the scientists to look at Just Climate Transition, minimising the social and economic impact, and securing the livelihoods of those most vulnerable to climate change.

“Innovation and green technologies must be at the forefront of our response to this challenge and must enable developing economies to exploit new growth opportunities,” he said.

“This is part of the motivation for South Africa’s significant investment in developing a hydrogen economy, which will be presented at this forum.”

He asked how the forum could ensure that contribution of African science is recognised as a global resource that is part of the global responses to global challenges.

“It is fitting that the World Science Forum coincides with a special ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the global Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope hosted in South Africa,” he said, adding that the SKA is one example of African-led science excellence on the global stage.

He also questioned how science could reinforce multilateralism and global solidarity, which is under threat in the face of rising geopolitical tension and making science more reflective of the society the world desires.

The President thanked the WSF partners for entrusting South Africa with this responsibility.

He also congratulated Minister Blade Nzimande and Professor Tamás Freund on the Steering Committee’s success in compiling a relevant and thought-provoking programme.

“What matters is not the fact that we have participated in the World Science Forum here in Cape Town, but rather what we will do as a consequence to improve the lives of others, making our world a more just one.”

Source: South African Government News Agency

The City’s indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive has visited areas throughout the metro since September this year and thus far, approved more than 700 applications for benefits and relief, including assistance for pensioners

The indigent benefits and rates relief campaign drive will continue in the New Year and the City encourages all qualifying residents to visit an event when it reaches their area and to speak to a City official about available assistance.

‘The campaign has done very well over recent months. We have approved more than 709 applications and more than 557 are in process. The officials have assisted a high number of residents older than 60 years and we urge more residents to make use of this opportunity for assistance in 2023.

‘The City thanks all the officials for their work in assisting residents with their unique matters and applications. When the campaign kicks off again in the New Year, we will once again help residents with the registration processes, forms and required documentation, and ensure that information is captured accurately.

‘Residents are reminded that rebates of up to 100% on municipal rates and refuse removal can be granted, depending on their unique circumstances. We once again urge residents to make use of this opportunity. Our officials are ready to assist you,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

Remember

Whether residents qualify for indigent support or indigent rates relief depends on monthly household income. If the total household income is R7 500 or less per month, residents could qualify for a discount on water, sewerage, electricity, waste collection and property rates.

The cost of the City’s social package for the 2022/23 financial year amounts to R4,7 billion, and includes R2,3 billion for indigent relief and R1,45 billion for rates relief. Those who have qualified for indigent benefits in the past must remember that they need to apply yearly for the benefit, except pensioners who may apply to renew their benefit every three years.

Residents may qualify for indigent support if they:

• are a homeowner

• earn R7 500 or less per month

• own only one property

• are the full-time occupant of the home

• use the home mainly for residential purposes

• are a child who lives in the home of a parent who has passed away

• received the house in a divorce settlement

• depend on a pension or a social grant for their livelihood

Applicants will need:

• proof of identification (ID book/card or passport)

• a bank statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bank account

• a bond statement for the last three months or a sworn affidavit stating that they do not have a bond account

• a copy of the estate documents if the applicant has inherited his or her house

If residents are employed, they must also include:

• latest salary/wage pay slip or a letter from an employer stating their income

• a sworn affidavit if they are self-employed stating how much is earned per month

• proof if a disability grant, maintenance grant or pension is received

If residents are unemployed, they must include the following in the application:

• a sworn affidavit stating that they are unemployed

• a sworn affidavit stating that they have no other source of income

Useful contacts and information:

For rates or services relief

Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-indigent-rates-relief or a City customer office.

Email: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za

Pensioner rates relief

Pensioners 60 years or older and people who receive social grants amounting to no more than R17 500 may qualify for a rates rebate of between 10% and 100%. They are invited to go to the nearest City customer care office or send an email to rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za

For more information on how to apply for pensioner support: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Financial-relief-and-rebates/Individuals/Apply-for-senior-citizen-support

For payment arrangements

Visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/arrange-a-payment-plan-for-debt-collection

Email: Payment.arrangements@capetown.gov.za

For a list of the City’s Cash Offices and Walk-in Centres, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres

Source: City Of Cape Town

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has recognised young professionals within its scope of work by hosting the 2022 Engineering Services Design Expo Awards in Kempton Park on Tuesday.

The in-house awards, aimed at acknowledging and celebrating young engineers, had 17 categories, where various skills and expertise were recognised.

In light of the country’s shortage of scarce skills, the department, through the awards, highlights its efforts to address the need for technical skills in government.

The awards further aim to expose and increase the number of built environment professionals from previously disadvantaged communities to represent the demographics of the country, and ensure transformation of the built environment industry.

Director: Capacity Building in the department, Thandeka Msibi, told SAnews that the aim of the awards is also to encourage learners at high school level to study Maths and Science.

“The department creates opportunities for learners who received bursaries from the department through internships. They are given opportunities to gain practical experience in the various department’s projects,” Msibi said.

Msibi said the awards also promote innovation from young people and recognise excellence.

The awards ceremony consisted of candidates who have obtained experience through various career paths such as architecture, landscape architecture and quantity surveying.

The nominees were beneficiaries of the department’s Bursary Project, as part of the Skills Development Pipeline Project to award bursaries to pupils from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to obtain tertiary qualifications in the built environment fields of study.

The project aims to highlight the department’s commitment to enhance and capacitate young professionals and enable them to obtain professional registration in the built environment industry.

The programme also serves as a feeder to the department’s Internship and Young Professionals Programme, which forms a sizeable pool of qualified built environment professionals to serve the department in the delivery of infrastructure projects.

Nominee Babalwa Lekganyane won the Most Dedicated National Public Works Engineering/Architectural Candidate of the Year 2022. She is an In-house Engineer at the department. With the dedication she put into her work, Lekganyane managed to get nominated. She worked with her colleagues on the renovation and expansion of the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court.

Lekganyane said she was thrilled that her hard work is finally being recognised.

“I’d like to thank the Engineering Services of the DPWI [Department of Public Works and Infrastructure] for this opportunity and for showcasing what I’m capable of. Through these opportunities, we get to eradicate the idea that when you’re in the public sector, you can’t do much,” she said.

Another nominee, Shane Palackal, won the Best National/Provincial Candidate Supervisor’s Award. He worked on multiple projects but his standout work was the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court project. Palackal shared words of encouragement with aspiring young professionals, saying that “the world is your oyster”.

“Keep on trying. Opportunities are everywhere but you need to look in the right direction,“ he said.

Strengthening capacity

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Director-General, Batho Mokhutho, said there is a need to bolster project management capacity within government.

“We have an increase in disruptions and unlawful activities by certain communities and informal business forums.

“We have engaged the CIDB [Construction Industry Development Board] to elevate the performance of contractors in their planning… We have engaged the CBE [Council for the Built Environment] to elevate the performance of consultants/professional service providers in their planning,” Mokhothu said, adding that this will go a long way in improving the time it takes to complete the department’s projects.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The City of Cape Town and SANParks Table Mountain National Park hosted a volunteer appreciation event at the Smart Living Education Centre in Green Point on Monday, 5 December 2022 to give recognition to the many enthusiastic volunteers who serve their local communities.

Volunteers from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Biodiversity Management Department and the SANParks Table Mountain National Park received certificates in recognition of their dedicated service at our nature reserves across Cape Town.

‘Volunteering means that I am able to give back to my community without the expectation of being rewarded or getting paid. The best reward for me is to see the appreciation of the people that I help,’ said Johan October, local adventure guide and SANParks volunteer.

‘Volunteering takes you on a journey of unintended consequences, but with each step you are making a difference. For me, volunteering gives purpose and meaning,’ said Louise Matschke, a volunteer from Nature Connect.

Collectively, our volunteers contribute towards environmental education in the community and assist with tasks including alien vegetation clearing, general maintenance, plant nursery work, flora and fauna surveys, guided hikes, office administration as well as litter clean-ups. The City and SANParks are truly grateful for the assistance we receive in keeping Cape Town’s nature reserves pristine and making it accessible to all residents.

‘We extend our thanks to our volunteers who come from all walks and who give of their time so freely to ensure a better environment for our residents and visitors to Cape Town. As a City, we are committed to protecting, restoring and managing our natural areas and to improving the health of our environment to the benefit of all. In the battle against climate change, even small contributions make a difference, and through environmental education we can effect change through raising awareness. Our volunteers go a long way towards making this effort a reality,’ said Alderman Eddie Andrews, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment.

‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the volunteers who willingly offer their time to assist in econservation efforts carried out across Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), and the City of Cape Town metropole. We are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication you bring to your roles as volunteers as you help us accomplish our goal of preserving our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all and we look forward to teaming up with you again and continuing to make a difference together,’ said Frans van Rooyen, Table Mountain National Park Manager, SANParks.

Source: City Of Cape Town

WESTERN CAPE –A suspected drug trafficker was on Tuesday, 06 December 2022, arrested on R60 road between Robertson and Worcester after being found in possession of drugs worth R2.8 million.

The 37-year-old suspect was nabbed following a multidisciplinary operation led by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau team based in Bellville together with Western Cape Crime Intelligence’s Counter Narcotics and Gangs as well as K9 unit from Breederivier.

The team acted on intelligence information of a suspect who was travelling from Gauteng to Cape Town with a vehicle loaded with mandrax tablets.

The Hawks’ team spotted the vehicle matching the description and with the assistance of K9 it was stopped and the joint police team requested a search.

Upon conducting the search, mandrax tablets were found hidden in a false compartment inside the vehicle. The suspect was immediately arrested and the drugs were seized for further investigation.

The suspect will appear in the Worcester Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 08 December 2022 facing a charge of dealing in drugs.

Source: South African Police Service