Day: October 12, 2021

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Law firm appointed to investigate Enoch Mgijima Municipality stadium

A team of investigators has descended on Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to probe the R15 million Lesseyton sport field, Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC Xolile Nqatha has confirmed.

In a statement, Nqatha said a legal firm, supported by Administrator Monwabisi Somana, has been appointed to probe the matter. They are expected provide a preliminary report by the end of October.

“Mr Somana is supporting the municipality to implement its Financial Recovery Plan as part of the Section 139 (5)(a) intervention approved by the Executive Council of the Province.

“The team is composed of legal minds with expertise in forensics, as well as procurement processes,” said Nqatha.

The project gained notoriety on social media platforms last week after the municipality posted pictures of its unveiling, with many questioning the price tag.

Meanwhile, the MEC said the image of a burning building in Enoch Mgijima has nothing to do with the documents pertaining to the controversial R15 million sports field.

“We can assure the public that the information and evidence is secured. Investigators are already hard at work on site. We expect them to leave no stone unturned on the matter,” said Nqatha.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Presiding Officers bid farewell to outgoing Chief Justice

The Presiding Officers of Parliament have paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, as he served his last day on Monday.

Justice Mogoeng, the fourth Chief Justice of South Africa since the advent of democracy, served the country and its people outstandingly and remarkably since taking over from Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo in 2011.

The Presiding Officers, led by National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masondo, commended the Chief Justice for his exceptional contribution made to the country’s constitutional democracy by strengthening the role of the Constitutional Court during his tenure.

“He worked very hard to ensure that the administration of justice was bolstered through the Apex Court (Constitutional Court). He worked tirelessly to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is not compromised and that the doctrine of separation of powers is strengthened.

“We salute him for remaining faithful to this country – both in word and in deed, even under trying circumstances in the evolution of our constitutional democracy and for upholding and protecting the Constitution and the human rights entrenched in it, and for fulfilling his responsibilities without fear, favour or prejudice,” the Presiding Officers said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Presiding Officers said this moment calls on everyone to remind themselves about the critical role of the judiciary, as a pillar of the country’s constitutional order.

“Justice Mogoeng embodies exemplary leadership and we are convinced that he leaves behind a stronger Constitutional Court,” Mapisa-Nqakula and Masondo said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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SAA open to dialogue with protesting cabin crew

South African Airways is open to dialogue with the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) following a picket at the airline’s Kempton Park offices.

According to reports, SACCA is picketing against, amongst others, alleged unfair working conditions, 35% wage cuts to workers and the structure of SAA’s management.

“SAA [interim] CEO, Thomas Kgokolo, spent a lot of time with staffing groups prior to restart and recognises the hard work and dedication that cabin crew members have shown in the time leading to the carrier’s relaunch and thanks staff in this respect. The airline looks forward to positive and strengthening relationship with the SACCA and is always open to constructive dialogue,” the airline said in a statement.

SAA said it also takes note of the union’s grievances.

“While SAA recognises and respects the rights of people to protest, the carrier is not able to revert to prior agreements reached before business rescue. SAA notes the protest action by SACAA on a dispute with regards to terms and conditions of employment.”

The protest action comes at least three weeks after the airline took to the skies after being grounded for 18 months due to a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and going through a business rescue process.

According to SAA, all unions were consulted about the future of the airline during that process.

“During the hiatus SAA consulted widely with all stakeholders including staff associations and unions and is confident that all new agreements reached with parties either in a collective or individual capacity were negotiated fairly and equitably,” SAA said.

The airline has moved to assure customers that flight services will continue as normal.

“SAA assures its customers that business continues unhindered and operational schedules are unaffected by this protest,” it said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Majola lauds progress made at Tshwane Special Economic Zone

Progress made at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is impressive, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Fikile Majola.

Majola and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Parks Tau on Tuesday visited the TASEZ to evaluate progress made so far in the construction. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the project in 2019.

Speaking during a walkabout at the construction site, Majola said he is impressed with the progress made so far.

“What we are seeing here is amazing. Ford told us that what is happening here has not been done elsewhere,” Majola said. The Deputy Minister first visited the site in November 2020 when construction was still at an early stage.

According to Majola, about 70% of work has been done.

The SEZ has to date created numerous jobs and opened up development opportunities for the local community in its construction phase. To date, about 6 000 job opportunities have been created for local communities.

Although construction is still underway, production has started in some areas.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook an oversight visit to the site.

He tracked progress made at the site 14 months after the sod-turning event of the R3.4 billion joint investment by government and Ford Motor Company, which established the first automotive incubation centre adjacent to the special economic xone. The automotive hub is an expansion of the OR Tambo International Airport Special Economic Zone.

The TASEZ fulfils the District Development Model objective of co-ordinated development and economic opportunities in local areas. It also focuses on attracting foreign direct investment and growing exports of value-added commodities.

In line with the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan’s priorities of accelerating economic reforms, reindustrialising the economy and creating jobs through aggressive infrastructure investment, industrial parks and Special Economic Zones are rebuilding the country’s manufacturing capacity.

As a direct result of the President’s investment drive, it unlocked a R15.8 billion investment injection into South Africa from Ford Motor Company with a further R4.3bn investment from automotive components suppliers located in the SEZ.

Upon completion the zone will house a number of component manufacturers and logistics providers that will supply parts and services to Ford.

Source: South African Government News Agency