Month: June 2024

Gender activist, Dr Lesley Ann Foster, has expressed hope that the government of national unity will provide an opportunity for political parties to collaborate in addressing South Africa’s unemployment, slow economic growth and inequalities.

‘This is a very significant moment. I feel quite emotional about it…We have had so much negativity and so many challenges that we have been facing that this gives us a ray of hope for change that will take us forward as a country,’ Foster told SAnews on Wednesday at the Union Buildings.

Foster who is the founder and executive director of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Masimanyane Women’s Rights International made these remarks ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

‘We are excited about the possibility that this new administration [brings]. The most important thing about the government of national unity is that it is not about a particular party but about national unity. How do we bring all these people together to bring about p
rogress and development? The most critical thing is about what can take the country forward,’ she said.

Foster said the presence of dignitaries at the inauguration signifies that the international community honours and respects South Africa.

‘They are coming to pay their respects to our new President and that is very significant for us that they are here to say we stand with you; we support you.’

With the inauguration representing the beginning of the seventh administration, Foster called for government to address corruption, unemployment and gender inequality.

‘Government needs to deal decisively with corruption. They also need to work on the economic policies and look at how they can create jobs, particularly for the youth and the unemployed of our country; there is so many of them.

‘I work in the gender sector. We have a huge challenge to address gender-based violence in this country. We have had very strong political commitments from President Ramaphosa in his previous administration. We are praying
that it will happen again.’

She added that she was part of a collective of women that have written a statement to all political parties requesting that they address gender equality issues in this administration.

‘We want them to address gender equality. We want the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to be put in place. We want issues on empowerment and our status in society to be addressed

‘South African women still have very low status, even though they has been massive progress, we still have low status. They need to address that because until we are an equal society, poverty is going to be the big issue.

‘We have a big problem around poverty, food insecurity and water insecurity. They have to address those issues very decisively because we are sitting on a smouldering peg and we can have an explosion at any time from the youth because they are dissatisfied,’ Foster said.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

READ |
SA marks Inauguration Day

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) says it is satisfied that all security measures that have been put in place ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony are sufficient and adequate.

NATJOINTS has played a pivotal role in the run-up to this momentous occasion for the country.

this from ensuring that the 2024 National and Provincial Elections took place in a safe and secure environment, where citizens from all walks of life were able to cast their vote, to securing the first sitting of the National Assembly and the nine Provincial Legislatures.

‘This is a clear demonstration of our country’s law enforcements capabilities and competence. The smooth running of these events without any disruptions and with minimal incidents reported throughout the country during this period, bears testament that the security forces of this country are fully equipped, are equal to task and stand ready to prevent, combat and enforce the law,’ NATJOINTS said in a statement.

‘Our
integrated NATJOINTS plan is designed to focus on venue security, route, transport, traffic control, sea, land, airport, border, accommodation security as well as crowd management capabilities.

‘This plan involving various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency is currently being implemented in all corners of the Gauteng province where the Presidential Inauguration is taking place.

‘We have heightened police visibility, where all operational units are on the ground to ensure that we assert the authority of the State,’ NATJOINTS said.

NATJOINTS said it is leaving nothing to chance and has already begun to deal with criminality, with the arrest of a foreign national at the accreditation centre on Monday.

At the time, the Zimbabwean national attempted to obtain accreditation.

‘Our integrated systems immediately detected that this individual was using an identity document of a deceased person. The suspect has b
een charged with fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is in police custody.

‘We have our high, medium and low risk units all deployed to execute their respective mandate within the confines of the law,’ NATJOINTS said.

Traffic officials from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police Departments have been deployed at all key points to direct traffic and execute road safety measures.

They are working closely with members of National Traffic officials who have been communicating on the road closures and alternative routes.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has also deployed its crime prevention officers and Public Order Policing units to police the large crowds that are expected to attend these celebrations.

‘We are patrolling, conducting stop and searches and roadblocks to ensure we tighten security and deal with any criminality,’ NATJOINTS said.

Members of the public wishing to attend the Presidential Inauguration will be able to park their vehicles at the Tshwane Showgrounds
and ride a free bus to the Union Buildings.

There will be no private vehicle access to the union buildings. The park and ride shuttles will commence at 3am to 06:30am this morning.

The public walking in will have access to the Union Buildings South Lawns through a security checkpoint.

All attendees are encouraged to conduct themselves responsibly and in an orderly manner.

The following items are prohibited:

* Dangerous weapons such as firearms and sharp weapons.

* No traditional weapons, including traditional spears and knobkerries will be allowed.

* No alcoholic beverages.

* No cooler boxes.

* No fireworks.

* No glass bottles.

* No drones.

Members of the public are reminded that before entering the South Lawns, they will be searched and anyone found with these items will be turned away.

Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and parents who wish to bring their young children along must ensure strict supervision.

The Department of Social Development has set up a tent to r
eunite children who have separated from their guardians during the event.

The SAPS has also established a Venue Operations Centre (the VOC), where all safety and security responses will be coordinated from.

Emergency medical services also form part of the VOC and are on standby to attend to any medical emergencies.

The area around the Union Buildings has been declared a restricted no-fly zone for 20 nautical miles until Wednesday evening at 16:00pm.

‘Our air support and air space security task teams, which includes the SAPS Airwing, the South African Air Force and the South African National Defence Force are monitoring the airspace to ensure that no unauthorised drones and aircrafts enter the restricted air space.

‘As the NATJOINTS, we stand ready to stamp the authority of the State and to deal with any lawlessness. No disruptions and unbecoming behaviour will be tolerated.

‘We continue to urge members of the public to refrain from sharing unverified information in any form of pictures, audios, or video
s that incite violence and create disunity. Our intelligence communities continue to monitor various platforms for inflammatory messages and statements,’ it said.

NATJOINTS warned that those who are found to be engaging themselves with online mobilisation for unrest and violence will be charged under the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020.

Source: South African Government News Agency

International and local guests who have travelled far and wide for the Presidential inauguration have started to fill the Union Buildings Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre to witness President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa take the oath of office.

The Union Buildings is a hive of activity with ordinary citizens and national and foreign dignitaries, including Heads of State and government.

Top politicians, including party leaders have already arrived, along with former Presidents who are expected to join the proceedings.

The Union Buildings is awash with South African flags for the occasion, as emotions run high for some attendees who are here to observe the ushering in of the seventh administration since the dawn of democracy.

President-elect Ramaphosa was re-elected to serve for the second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections of 29 May where he won 283 votes, against the Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema who received 44 votes.

The Un
ion Buildings, which serve as the official seat of the South African government and houses the offices of the President of South Africa, evokes a sense of excitement and hope.

Diplomatic relations

The United States of America’s Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety described the Presidential inauguration as ‘historic’.

‘It’s a great honour to be here on this historic day for the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and the beginning of the seventh administration,’ he told SAnews on Wednesday.

Brigety stated that the relationship between the United States and South Africa is strong – adding that he hopes to emphasise several things even more this year.

The ambassador expressed anticipation for the ‘Atlanta Phambili’ initiative, aimed at advancing the positive bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.

‘It will take advantage of the rich ecosystem that the US city, Atlanta, brings; to advancing our affirmative agenda at everything from healthcare, trade and investment, job creation
and so on. So, we wish the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nation of the people of South Africa,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador to South Africa, Hakan Juholt, expressed his excitement about attending the President-elect’s swearing-in ceremony.

‘We were together with the people of South Africa fighting for democracy and now we’re together celebrating democracy.’

He believes that the solutions to today’s diverse problems can be found through collaboration between and within nations.

‘This new coalition that we’re looking forward to meeting… This is something that the rest of the world will look into and learn from. This is an exciting day, and we think, from Sweden, an old democracy, that South Africa has shown how mature this young democracy is. We’re very proud to be close friends to the people of South Africa,’ he said in an interview with SAnews.

Measures in place and programme of the day

A stone’s throw away, at the South Lawns, crowds are still pouring
into the capital to welcome their new President.

Some hundreds of law enforcement officers are stationed in Pretoria with roads in the centre of the city locked down.

With the extensive security measures put in place, the ceremony will feature musical performances from the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and a congratulatory praise poem by Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga.

The South Africa National Defence Forces’ Chaplain General, Brigadier Ernest Thabo Masweu, will lead interfaith prayers.

President-elect Ramaphosa is expected to take the stage just after 11 am.

The guests will join in the national anthem followed by the salute flight and 21-round gun salute before the President-elect takes his oath and delivers the much-anticipated inaugural speech.

Source: South African Government News Agency

‘In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President of the Republic of South Africa, I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and will obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic.

‘And I solemnly and sincerely promise that I will always promote all that will advance the Republic and oppose all that may harm it, protect and promote the rights of all South Africans, discharge my duties with all my strength and talents to the best of my knowledge and ability and true to the dictates of my conscience, do justice to all and devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and all its people, so help me God.’

With that solemn oath, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has taken his place in the highest office in the land – the Presidency of South Africa.

This is his second term as President.

The President was inaugurated and took the Oath of Office – administered by
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo – at the Union Buildings on Wednesday.

This signals the official start of the seventh administration of democratic South Africa.

Following the Oath of Office, the President turned to First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, and gave her a peck of acknowledgement.

President Ramaphosa then received a congratulatory praise song by award winning praise singer, Ntombi Ya Mutsonga.

WATCH |

He then acknowledged the National Salute, the national anthem and the 21-gun salute.

The inauguration is being attended by current and former Heads of State and Governments, royalty, high level dignitaries and ordinary South Africans.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Rand Water is expected to embark on extensive infrastructure maintenance from this Saturday, lasting until the end of July.

According to the water utility, this forms part of its maintenance plan for this coming winter.

‘Proactive infrastructure maintenance is important to preserve the quality and integrity of the infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs in the long term and increase the life span of the infrastructure and assets. A maintained water infrastructure ensures uninterrupted water supply for the current and future generation.

‘As an organisation, we have a solid Asset Management Strategy which provides a focused approach to managing technical maintenance, asset lifecycle and maximise the value and advantage of our assets. We conduct two types of infrastructure and asset maintenance, proactive (planned) and unplanned. Our proactive maintenance is scheduled and aimed at preserving the quality, integrity and lifespan of our water infrastructure,’ the Rand Water said.

The maintenance will begin thi
s Saturday with the Eikenhof System in Mogale with customers not expected to be affected.

Full details of the maintenance schedule is available at https://www.randwater.co.za/mediastatements.php.

‘We have engaged with our municipal customers, continue to engage and officially notified them about the upcoming maintenance project to ensure that they have a 21-day period to plan, put appropriate contingency plans in place, manage storage capacity prior and during the maintenance period and inform their customers accordingly.

‘Impacted Municipalities are requested to advise their customers on the extent and impact of water supply and on contingency plans that will be put in place. Rand Water will provide updates throughout the maintenance period,’ the water utility said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all political parties to put their differences aside and work together, as South Africans, through the ballot, have spoken and made clear their needs for the seventh administration.

Ramaphosa was delivering his first speech as President and leader of the seventh administration, following his inauguration at the Union Buildings, in Tshwane, on Wednesday.

President Ramaphosa – to rousing applause – emphasised that South Africans have been unequivocal about what they now seek from leaders and for South Africa.

‘[The] people of South Africa have stressed that they are impatient with political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties. They want us to put their needs and aspirations first and they want us to work together for the sake of our country.

‘Today I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you,’ he said from the amphitheatre at the Union Buildings.

READ | The oath has been taken, President Ramaphosa is inaugur
ated

The President outlined key objectives that South Africans have voiced – including stimulating a growing and transformed economy, tackling crime, housing and infrastructure.

With these in mind, President Ramaphosa pledged that during his time in office, he will be a President for all.

‘Today, I make a solemn commitment to be a President for all South Africans and not just some South Africans; to defend our Constitution and protect our democracy; to work with all those who share the dream of a better life for all; to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to support all those who are in need; and to make our country stronger, more resilient, more equal and united,’ the President affirmed.

South Africa will be led by a Government of National Unity following the National and Provincial Elections held on 29 May 2024 in which no political party received a clear majority.

‘In their multitude, in voices that are many and diverse, the people of South Africa have voted and made known their wishes, their co
ncerns and their expectations.

‘We accept and respect the results of the elections and we once again say the people have spoken. Their will shall be done without any doubt or question,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency