Day: August 21, 2024

The Department of Water and Sanitation has assured residents of Riverlands in the Swartlands Local Municipality that the situation has normalised requiring no need for evacuation.

The department said water started flowing quicker than expected on Saturday through the spillway created to minimize the risk of failure of the fourth dam that was on the verge of failure.

This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.

‘The department mobilised its personnel located in the Clanwilliam Dam project to open up the spillway on the fourth dam further and allow the water level in the dam to drop by at least 1 m per day.”

On Tuesday morning water started flowing quicker than expected.

“As a result there was understandably concern from community members. The department would like to assure community members that
the fourth dam is almost empty and water levels in the river should begin to subside. Should there be any further heavy rainfall, the dam would not store water to threaten the stability of the partially failed wall,’ the department said in a statement

Source: South African Government News Agency

If you think of worms, you might imagine slimy tiny creatures but for Snenhlanhla Maduna who has been dubbed ‘worm mom’, her face lights up at the sight of these creepy-crawlies.

‘They are harmless, the tickling sensation they create when hand-held made me overcome my initial aversion,’ Maduna said.

The 21-year-old from Hilton, Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, is the co-founder of SñP Organic Products, which specialises in vermicomposting, this is a process whereby earthworms convert natural waste into compost.

‘We transform organic waste into nutrient-rich worm compost, which enhances soil health and fosters plant growth.’

The idea for SñP Organic Products stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for gardening and sustainable living.

‘After the COVID-19 lockdown and the July unrest, we realised the impact of growing our own food. My father, Phumani Zondi and I decided to co-found SñP Organic Products.”

After extensive research and training, the father and daughter duo started experimenting with different
organic waste materials to turn waste into valuable compost from their backyard,

This is how SñP Organic Products was born.

The entrepreneurs target local gardeners and environmentally conscious consumers who value organic products.

‘We currently sell our compost to gardening enthusiasts who appreciate the benefits of nutrient-rich, chemical-free compost.

‘We [also] provide worm bait for people who enjoy fishing. Dreaming big, we see ourselves eventually selling to farmers, golf courses and places that use compost to maintain their fields,’ Maduna said.

SñP Organic comfrey balm

Apart from producing compost, SñP Organic Products has a comfrey balm product that offers natural therapeutic benefits. The product is made from comfrey plants grown from their home.

Comfrey is renowned for its healing properties, particularly in treating sore muscles, backaches, painful joints, and inflammation.

“Our plantain balm is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for treating ac
ne, rash, eczema, and irritated skin.”

SñP Organic Products currently employs one dedicated worker, who visits twice a week to assist with the operations.

‘As we grow, we aim to expand our workforce, particularly targeting young, ambitious individuals aged 18 to 50 who are eager to learn and start their own ventures. Creating job opportunities for these individuals is a core part of our mission.”

Maduna said she is hopeful for future collaborations with government that can support the business’s mission.

‘Government funding and support would enable us to expand our operations, educate more people, and create job opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Our vision is to establish a large-scale worm farm, producing compost and training individuals in vermiculture and vermicomposting.”

Maduna is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Education degree with Stadio Higher Education.

She said the course will equip her with the skills to effectively communicate and teach others about sustainable practices
.

‘Our journey in vermicomposting and organic product development is a testament to the potential of small efforts making a significant impact. With the right support and education, we aim to transform the agricultural landscape in South Africa, one worm at a time,’ she concluded.

Maduna can be reached at [email protected].

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Source: South African Government News Agency

Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Lydia Sebokedi says it is imperative to use the month of August to condemn all acts of violence against women.

‘We need to unite as a nation to fight gender-based violence in our society,’ Sebokedi said.

Speaking at the 18th Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, Sebokedi said there will be no freedom for any woman in this country until the scourge of gender-based violence against women is decisively dealt with permanently.

‘As we all know, in our country, August is a month dedicated to us, women. We look back with immense pride and sincere reverence, to those women and matriarchs of our nation who led a march in the 50s against the unsavoury laws that were in place then thus shaping our destiny as a country,’ Sebokedi said.

Many of those women never lived long enough to experience freedom.

‘At the same time, lest we forget, we are in a society which has practically declared a cruel war against its women, wh
ere gender-based violence and femicide have reached a pandemic status.

‘Let us all take a stand and say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls,’ Sebokedi said.

She called on the conference delegates to engage on ways to integrate innovation and innovative thinking in order to improve public services.

‘Let us also use this platform to network and forge working partnerships for innovation,’ she said.

Sebokedi told the delegates that the CPSI has been sustaining various innovation platforms and initiatives to capacitate government institutions to improve service delivery to citizens.

‘This work was deeply rooted in our belief as an institution, that innovation is a pivotal catalyst that enables us to meet the needs of our citizens.’

She said there was a need to find innovative solutions and approaches to deliver services better.

‘There is a call for strong inter-governmental relations and the denouncement of silo mentality within government departments.’

Sebokedi said there was also a need to forge cro
ss-sectorial partnerships with business, academia, civil society, particularly the youth, to allow for mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in innovation.

‘We come together to explore new and innovative solutions to service delivery, this time using mission-oriented innovation.

The CPSI reports to the Minister of Public Service and Administration and was established with a mandate of nurturing innovation in the public sector. It was established in 2001 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration as a Section 21 company. In 2008, the CPSI became the first Government Component listed in the Public Service Act.

Source: South African Government News Agency

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has advocated for gender equality in the aviation sector.

Addressing the National Aviation Gender Summit in Durban, Hlengwa said gender equality in the aviation sector can only be accomplished through strategic planning and a commitment to achieving these objectives.

‘It is important that we remain accountable to ensure that we achieve our long-term vision for gender equality in aviation. Empowering women has a significant ripple effect, not only within our organisations, which are key drivers of economic growth and critical components of international trade and tourism, but also at the grassroots level, impacting the very fabric of our society,’ the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.

He said gender parity needs new innovative ways to bring women into formal employment.

‘In South Africa, out of the 25 830 licensed personnel at the end of July 2024, only 5 067 are female. This includes pilots, engineers, air traffi
c officers and cabin crew. Of course, we must celebrate this improvement, [with] almost 20% of women occupying technical roles in the industry but we have a challenge here.

‘In a country greatly affected by unemployment and its affects being continuously higher amongst women, especially the youth, the aviation sector is presented with a unique opportunity to empower young women from all walks of life who wish to be a part of this sector.

‘We truly can make a difference as decision makers and as citizens in our immediate environments, at home, at work and everyday interactions. South African women are strong, capable and dedicated,’ Hlengwa said.

Over 60% of women in Africa are currently working in the informal sector. That’s more than half of our continent’s talent pool.

‘At the current rate of progress, it will take 102 years to close the gender gap in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a statistic that should awaken our fires to act I think that we often find acting a mammoth task, but it begins with all of u
s implementing change in our immediate environments, every day wasted is a day added to 102 years,’ he said.

Skills development

The Deputy Minister said he is encouraged by the ongoing bursaries, mentorship and skills development programs that have been initiated by all the aviation entities to encourage a new generation of professionals, especially in previously disadvantaged communities.

‘We acknowledge the efforts from entities such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), who have dedicated funds and personnel in creating initiatives such as the career awareness programmes, where there has been a concerted effort to drive and promote female participation in this industry.

‘Proactive measures are crucial in reshaping a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men. The dedication to creating opportunities and fostering a more inclusive environment is commendable and marks a significant step forward.

‘Across the broader transport sector, encompassing taxis, railways, and bus opera
tions – aviation stands out amongst the leading modes of transport in its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion,’ the Deputy Minister said.

He said transformation in the aviation sector is crucial not only for industry to grow, but the economy to grow.

‘It is crucial that we move from having exemplary laws on paper to realising tangible results on the ground. To this end, we will work tirelessly to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that our aviation sector not only meets but exceeds expectations in all areas and set mandates. Even on matters of diversity and inclusion, I pledge my support in every way that matters,’ the Deputy Minister said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

By Khanyisile Rasmeni and Sinovuyo Mfiki

Tshibiso Morao of Makwane village in Qwa Qwa, Free State, has seen the positive impact of democracy in his community.

‘We observed changes resulting in our children attending school for free. The children of our community are also provided with breakfast and lunch at school daily,” he said.

He added that after three decades of democracy, there was improvement in the delivery of low cost housing, benefiting those who struggled to access dignified housing.

Moroa spoke recently to the Vuk’uzenzele team which was aboard the Democracy Bus.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, recently launched the Democracy Bus, which travels around the country to drum up citizen participation in celebration of the country’s 30 years of democracy.

In the Free State, the Democracy Bus visited Namahadi and Makwane villages and brought government services closer to people.

For Ephraim Mojsoane, who was
14 years old in 1994, democracy means being able to have basic human rights.

‘Democracy has greatly benefited South Africa, we now have human rights and the Bill of Rights,’ he said.

Mojsoane testified that during the 30 years of freedom and democracy, there has been progress in workplaces, business and the economy.

He added that the government still needed to work hard to better the lives of South Africans.

Magauta Mohobeleli, originally from Bloemfontein, but currently residing in Kgotsong, said she currently has land thanks to the principles of democracy.

‘Democracy has brought numerous positive changes, we can easily access all government services. Our children have access to scholarships, and efforts are being made to combat gender-based violence,’ she said.

Sibongile Makubo from Namahadi village, expressed gratitude for the positive effects of democracy over the past 30 years.

‘Democracy has led to significant changes such as improved access to government services without the need for transport
ation, and the provision of housing and land,’ she concluded.

The Democracy Bus travels to different parts of South Africa and promotes dialogues with communities. The initiative is part of the country’s milestones of the 30 years of democracy.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Source: South African Government News Agency

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has vowed that the recommendations that Chief Justice Raymond Zondo made following the State Capture Commission will be implemented and justice will be served to the people of South Africa.

The Minister was delivering remarks during a Special Ceremonial Sitting of the Constitutional Court in honour of the outgoing Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Zondo was the chairperson of the commission which exposed corruption, malfeasance and the looting of public funds.

‘As we bid farewell to Chief Justice Zondo, we make a solemn commitment that the recommendations from the commission that took so much of his time and public resources will never have been in vain.

‘The recommendations of the Zondo Commission will be implemented without fear or favour. Justice will be done even if it means heavens must fall,’ the Minister vowed.

Simelane said that the course of South African history was changed forever by the State Capture Commission, the revelations
that were made during its life and its aftermath.

‘We know what the pre-Zondo Commission… was a chapter that was defined by colleagues who had no accountability and it had impunity. It is a chapter that had no consequences for the looting of state resources. But the second chapter…it is built on the findings and the recommendations from the Zondo Commission.

‘This is a chapter we must commit today and beyond, that we must keep open to learn from everyday of what should never be repeated. Most importantly, this is a chapter that should…be a toolkit on how to deal with corruption, malfeasance and related tendencies,’ she said.

The Minister thanked the Chief Justice for his unwavering commitment to the judiciary in a career which spanned some 27 years on the bench.

‘Chief Justice Zondo, the South African nation owes you a huge debt of gratitude for your unquestionable fidelity to our constitution and our democracy. We applaud you Chief Justice for your selfless dedication to the people of South Africa.

‘As
you bow out, we wish you the very best and I know you are looking forward to spending quality time with them. Once again, we will never let your sacrifices to have been in vain. When we see you somewhere outside the courtroom, we will point and say, ‘there is a man who did his job well, he served his nation with distinction and he was not vainglorious’,’ Simelane concluded.

The tenure of Chief Justice Zondo at the helm of the Constitutional Court comes to an end on August 31st and a historical era will begin in September when Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya becomes the first woman to head up South Africa’s apex court.

Source: South African Government News Agency