Day: January 31, 2023

PRETORIA— The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, on Monday, opened the African Regional Seminar on the Universalisation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which is currently underway in Pretoria.

The seminar is co-hosted by the DIRCO, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and includes the participation of 37 African States.

The TPNW, according to the department, is a landmark agreement in the history of nuclear disarmament and represents the desire for Member States of the United Nations (UN) to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

TPNW intends to further stigmatise and delegitimise nuclear weapons based on the adverse and indefensible humanitarian consequences of their use.

The Treaty emphasises the humanitarian consequences of the use of such weapons.

“African States played a critical role during the open-ended working group on nuclear disarmament that culminated in the negotiation and adoption of the TPNW by the vast majority of UN Member States in July 2017.”

This is by the declaration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) as far back as 1964 for the Denuclearisation of Africa, and the establishment of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Pelindaba Treaty, adopted in 1997.

The TPNW and the Pelindaba Treaty express the prohibition of nuclear weapons on the African continent while supporting the continued use of nuclear technologies for peaceful uses that contributes to socio-economic development.

The African Regional Seminar will take stock of the TPNW from a regional perspective and consider the need for further progress towards universalisation of the Treaty on the continent.

“This will entail raising awareness about the TPNW, its importance for the African States, its place in the global and regional peace and security architecture as well as to highlight discussions about the risks posed by nuclear weapons and their catastrophic humanitarian consequences.”

Universalisation of the TPNW maximises the authority of the Treaty, strengthens its core norms and principles and underscores the de-legitimization of nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence.

Deputy Minister Botes stressed that: “For a majority of non-nuclear armed States, especially African States, the risks of the use of nuclear weapons and the scale of the humanitarian consequences that would follow, make nuclear disarmament an urgent priority. South Africa’s own experience has shown that neither the possession nor the pursuit of nuclear weapons can enhance international peace and security”.

According to Botes, the continued retention of nuclear weapons based on the perceived security interests of some States comes at the expense of the rest of humanity.

He said South Africa’s commitment to disarmament is based on the belief that international peace and security cannot be divorced from development.

“South Africa continues to play a leading role in organising the implementation of the Treaty and calls upon African States to sign and ratify the TPNW at the earliest possible opportunity and thus reassert Africa’s leadership in nuclear disarmament and contributing to international peace and security,” he added.

The Executive Director of ICAN, Beatrice Fihn, said: “By coming to Pretoria for this meeting, the States here are reinforcing their commitment to a world without nuclear weapons and providing needed leadership on nuclear disarmament at a time when, for the first time in many years, we are faced with the very real and deeply concerning the possibility of a nuclear weapon being used in conflict.”

Head of Pretoria Delegation of the ICRC, Jules Amoti, defined nuclear weapons as being one of the biggest threats to humanity.

“Their catastrophic humanitarian consequences for all life on our planet are today well-known, and so are the immense risks their continued existence entails. The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is an urgent humanitarian imperative, and for all those States that are party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it is also a legal duty,” he added.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK

With load shedding, water restrictions and the warm weather, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is encouraging consumers to be more vigilant when making food purchases by examining packaging and labels.

This also includes ensuring that basic food hygiene practices are observed when purchasing and preparing food.

The SABS is constantly reviewing and amending national standards to ensure that South Africans’ food sources and production processes meet the minimum requirements of food safety.

“Food and food products spoil faster in warmer and humid conditions, and it is important that everyone be more vigilant regarding food safety,” advises Sadhvir Bissoon, Acting CEO of SABS.

Retailers of food and food products need to ensure that the cold chain from suppliers to stores is in place and maintained until it is sold.

“Consumers can continue the cold chain by transporting food in cooler boxes or having it delivered direct to their homes. With rising temperatures and load shedding, consumers need to be aware of the impact of these elements on the storage of food and the potential of exposure to contamination,” Bissoon said.

Currently, the global standard for food safety is the Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000).

FSSC Certification is a complete food, feed and packaging safety certification scheme for the auditing and management of Food Safety Systems (FSMS). The scheme is offered and managed by the Foundation FSSC, recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

“It is important that the entire supply chain observes and is certified to comply with the requirements of SANS/ISO 22000. The SABS offers certification for companies and offers testing and verification services to food producers.

“In addition, the SABS can certify the refrigeration/cooling units of vehicles that transport food and food products. Our suite of laboratories can identify the nutritional percentage of ingredients, pesticides and chemicals, bacteria, microbes, fungi and any other substance that may be of benefit or harm to consumers,” explains Bissoon.

The SABS offers the following tips:

• If the stores do not have generators or alternative sources of power to ensure that the refrigeration units are functional, rather purchase food that was delivered on the day or ask the store manager for confirmation of ‘fresh’ produce.

• Consumers are encouraged to examine packaging, to ensure that expiry dates are visible, packaging is not damaged and that purchases are made from reputable retailers.

• Do not purchase products that do not contain information about ingredients, nutritional information, storage advice, expiry dates, production dates or manufacturing information. If products should be refrigerated, ensure that the cooling/freezing of the products was not compromised before you purchase them.

• Transport food in cooler boxes that are cold to preserve food for longer periods of time.

• Look for verification, inspection or certification marks on products, as products that are subjected to testing and certification offer better peace of mind that the production processes and product complies to SANS/ISO 22000

• Perishable food should be purchased in smaller quantities and used up as soon as possible

• Practice good food hygiene by washing hands regularly when handling food; wash and sanitise work surfaces and food equipment, and cook food well and for long enough.

• When storing and preparing food at home, keep food separately to avoid cross contamination, especially with fresh and perishable items such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and fresh produce.

• Consumers need to engage their senses when handling food at home. For example, if something looks and smells bad – rather throw it out or return it to the store for a refund if it has not been used.

SABS is a national standards body and does not have the regulatory authority to declare SANS 22000 or any other standard as a mandatory requirement.

“Our product certification scheme, however, addresses a recourse process when material non-compliances to the Standard are identified. SABS works with regulators and other industry bodies to set the requirements or standards for products and processes,” Bissoon said.

Bissoon said regulators such as the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), the National Department of Health (NDOH), and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, have the authority to regulate certain types of food and food products, conduct inspections, and when there is a potential health issue, they have the power to recall products.

SABS has encouraged regulators to actively participate in its technical committees that develop and publish national standards that seek to improve the quality of life of citizens.

SABS is also able to offer testing and certification services regarding food safety. The SABS Training Academy offers training in FSSC 22000 and remains a licensed training partner with Foundation FSSC.

Source: South African Government News Agency

BRITS - The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has commended the swift response by North West police in apprehending four suspects within hours of a Cash-In-Transit Heist that took place on the R556 in Mmaditlhokwa, North West.

On Monday morning (30 January 2023), a group of suspects rammed into and blew up a cash van and thereafter fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. Two security guards were also shot and wounded and taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.

Hot on their heels, an intelligence driven operation led the Brits Trio Task Team and Crime Intelligence Officers to the R511 where they found four suspects travelling in a Hyundai H1. A shootout ensued which led to the arrest of the four suspects who were also found to be in possession of an undisclosed amount of money. All four are under police guard in hospital.

All four face the following charges: attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of stolen property.

Police are in pursuit of more suspects linked to this crime.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT - A 43-year-old police Sergeant is amongst six suspects aged between 24 and 50 years arrested for possession of suspected stolen vehicle and two hijacked truck trailers in Clewer, Emalahleni on Monday 30 January 2023.

According to information, Middleburg Flying Squad members received information about the truck which was hijacked in Elsburg (in the Gauteng Province) this month (January 2023). Members followed the signal which led them to a certain plot in Clewer, Emalahleni. On the police arrival, members noticed a White Toyota Dakar next to two trailers. Upon seeing the police, six people started running to different directions. Police managed to apprehend them, and out of the six people there was a Police Sergeant stationed at Vosman SAPS as well as two Zimbabwean nationals.

Police further discovered that the trailers were still loaded with cooking oil estimated at about R1, 3 million and they were positively identified as the ones belonging to the reportedly hijacked truck. It was also established that the Toyota Dakar was reported stolen in Garsfontein (in Gauteng Province) in September 2017.

The truck was also found abandoned a few kilometres from the plot. Police are currently continuing with the investigation to establish if the suspects are not involved in other similar criminal activities.

Police will further engage the Department of Home Affairs to establish the status of the two foreign nationals in the country.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court tomorrow, 01 February 2023 on charges of hijacking and possession of suspected stolen properties.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela strongly condemned the involvement of the SAPS members in criminal activities and commended dedicated members as well as other stakeholders in the job well done. The General added that internal investigation will also be conducted against the member who tarnished the image of the organisation. As the probe continues, drastic steps against the member may be taken should he be found to be on the wrong side of the law.

Source: South African Police Service

A Zimbabwean man, his wife and girlfriend are among five people who were on Monday arrested by a multidisciplinary team, led by the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team for their alleged involvement in kidnapping.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the suspects were arrested for the involvement in the kidnapping of a Midrand businessman on 18 January 2023.

“Following the businessman’s kidnapping, the suspects demanded ransom payment from the family and business associates of the victim.

“The suspects were arrested at residential properties between Pretoria and Johannesburg,” she said.

She said a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Quantum which were used in the commission of the crime have been seized. Multiple phones and SIM cards have also been seized.

At this year’s National Excellence Awards that were held over the weekend in Limpopo, the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team were awarded the 2021/2022 Crime Intelligence Team of the Year award for their role in preventing, combating, investigating and apprehending those that are behind the kidnappings, especially where ransom demands are being made in the country. To date, more than 124 suspects have been arrested with 81 of them still in police custody.

Source: South African Government News Agency

NELSPRUIT - A man aged 44 was sadly killed after his aircraft crashed to the ground on Monday 30 January 2023 in Nelspruit at about 15:30.

According to the report, the man was flying the aircraft alone on mountainous area next to the Kaapsehoop Road from Steelpoort heading to Nelspruit old Airport when the accident occurred.

After the crash, emergency personnel and other role-players were summoned to the scene. His lifeless and decapitated body was found next to the crashed site and paramedics unfortunately certified him dead.

An inquest case was opened. Preliminary probe has revealed that the man was the owner of the aircraft however details regarding the cause of the crash is still unclear and the South African Civil Aviation Authority will conduct their investigation with regard to the crash. The man has since been identified by his family as Mr Jeff Mkhashane Mabuza.

Source: South African Police Service